Madinah, 12 Shawwal 1447 AH (31 March 2026)

The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) has presented the stages of preparing and launching its major scientific project, the "Historical Atlas of the Prophet's Biography", at an introductory session held within the Historical Sites Forum in Madinah accompanying the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum, hosted by Madinah at the King Salman International Conference Center.

A Scientific Project Documenting the Sites of the Prophet's Life

Dr. Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Damegh, Professor of Islamic History and former director of the atlas project, reviewed the scientific stages the project passed through before its official launch, explaining that the atlas consists of four main sections comprising 32 scientific topics prepared by specialized researchers from nine universities, as well as a number of independent researchers.

He said the project underwent rigorous scientific review and comprehensive academic refereeing, with the research totaling around 2,230 scientific pages, making it one of the largest specialized research projects documenting the sites of the Prophet's biography.

Scientific and Field Methodologies for Locating Sites

The session, titled "The Experience of National Institutions in Verifying the Sites of the Prophet's Biography", addressed the main scientific and field methodologies the project adopted in identifying the locations of historical events tied to the Sirah.

These efforts included 12 specialized workshops in Makkah, Madinah and Taif, along with field studies and the tracing of historical routes linked to the events of the Sirah.

A Digital Database and Modern Technology

The atlas is a comprehensive scientific reference and an integrated digital database on the sites and landmarks of the Prophet's biography, built on modern documentation and analysis technology, most notably 3D modeling, augmented reality, terrain cross-sections and geographic information systems.

Dr. Al Damegh said the project is the largest digital database on the sites of the Prophet's biography in the world, and aims to document them scientifically and make them available to researchers and enthusiasts through modern means.

Fifty Years of Scientific Expertise

The session also reviewed Darah's experience in producing historical atlases and documenting sites and events over a scientific journey of more than fifty years, beginning with the Historical Atlas of the Saudi State in 1398 AH (1978), through the Historical Atlas of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1419 AH (1999) built on geographic information systems, to the launch of the Historical Atlas of the Prophet's Biography in 1447 AH (2026).

A Forum Advancing Services for Pilgrims

The Umrah and Ziyarah Forum is organized by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in cooperation with the Pilgrim Experience Program, with wide participation from government bodies, the private sector, non-profit organizations and startups.

The forum aims to present the latest solutions, innovations and modern technology that help develop the services provided to Umrah performers, Hajj pilgrims and visitors, enhancing the quality of the religious and cultural experience in the Kingdom.

At a Glance

  • Location: Madinah
  • Project: Historical Atlas of the Prophet's Biography
  • Session organizer: King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah)
  • Scale: more than 2,230 scientific pages
  • Occasion: Umrah and Ziyarah Forum