Wadi al-Qura (Arabic: وادي القرى, lit. "Valley of the Villages" or "Valley of the Towns") is a historical valley located in the northern Hejaz region of present-day Saudi Arabia, situated north of Medina. It stretches for a considerable distance, encompassing several oases and fertile agricultural lands.
Historically, Wadi al-Qura was a vital area in pre-Islamic and early Islamic Arabia, renowned for its abundant date palms, springs, and cultivated fields. It served as a significant stop along ancient caravan routes connecting the Levant (Syria) to Yemen, facilitating trade and cultural exchange. Due to its strategic location and agricultural wealth, it became home to various communities, including a notable Jewish population, particularly in settlements such as Khaybar, Fadak, and Tayma, which were often associated with or considered part of the broader region of Wadi al-Qura.
During the early Islamic period, Wadi al-Qura played a crucial role in the expansion of the nascent Muslim state. Following the Battle of Khaybar in 628 CE (7 AH), many of the Jewish communities in the valley, including those in Khaybar and Fadak, came under Muslim rule. The region's agricultural productivity, especially its date harvests, contributed significantly to the economic resources of the early caliphate. Its name "Valley of the Villages" reflects the numerous settlements and agricultural centers that dotted its landscape, making it a prosperous and well-inhabited area throughout antiquity.