Musa ibn Nusayr Fort
Musa ibn Nusayr Fort, also referred to as AlUla Fort, was a fort and prison located in central Al-Ula, north of the Masjid Al'Itham mosque. In the 860s, it was controlled by 'Abis, the apparent leader of the robbers active in the valley.
History[edit | edit source]
Named after the Arab general and governor of the same name, Musa ibn Nusayr Fort occupied the top of an outcrop about fifty meters high, a position that offered a view of the town below, as well as the valley surrounding it, allowing for better observation and defense of both.[1]
In the 860s, Basim ibn Ishaq traveled to Al-Ula in search of his father, Ishaq ibn Khalid, and learned of the threat posed by the robbers in the region. While following one of them out of the market, he pickpocketed a note that detailed hidden spots where the thieves kept their weapons, with even one such cache being inside the fort. Continuing his tailing of the robber led Basim to an ambush in an alley and he was taken to the fort while unconscious.[2]
The atmosphere at the prison was oppresive, both for the prisoners, who were used by 'Abis as test subjects for the poisons he concocted in his laboratory within the complex, and for those who worked there, who were subject to ruthless captains. During his stay there, Basim spoke with the prisoner in the neighboring cell, learning about the prison as well as where his father lived, though he was unable to help the man before 'Abis experiments killed him.[3]
With the aid of Enkidu and the prison's cook, Basim managed to escape his cell and make his way to 'Abis' laboratory, freeing other captives during the breakout. Basim fatally stabbed 'Abis, but was hit with a poisoned blade before the man passed. Suffering from the effects of the poison, Basim fled the fort, attempting to reach Dervis.[3]
While Basim healed, Dervis infiltrated the complex, retrieving Basim's items that had been confiscated, as well as the poisoned dagger that had injured him.[3]
Behind the scenes[edit | edit source]
At the time of the release of the Valley of Memory update (1.1.0) in 18 November 2025, this landmark was named "Musa ibn Nusayr Fort" and was renamed into "AlUla Fort" in update 1.1.1, released a month later. However, its original name is kept both during the memory "Wares and Shadows" and in the respective database entry.
Appearances[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]