Qanat Valley

Qanat Valley is one of the important elements of Medina's geographical fabric. The word "Qanat" means canal or waterway, indicating that the valley once functioned as a canal supplying Medina's water needs. In the context of the Battle of Uhud (3 AH/625 CE), Qanat Valley holds critical importance: the Quraysh army, moving from Mecca, used the route of Qanat Valley as they approached Mount Uhud. The valley forms the passage line between Mount Uhud and Medina. The Sebha Plain is also located near this valley and is mentioned in sources as the place where the Quraysh army set up their headquarters before the battle. Qanat Valley also served as a basin that collected water flows from the south of Medina and nourished agricultural lands. The water sources of this valley played a decisive role in Medina's early agricultural economy. [Source: Waqidi, al-Maghazi, I, 210; "Battle of Uhud", TDV Islamic Encyclopedia, https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/uhud-gazvesi]