Asir’s Grain Silos: A Living Tradition of Cooperation, Bismillah
As-salamu alaykum - In the mountains and plains of Asir, farming was more than a seasonal job; it became a way of life rooted in cooperation and mutual help, according to local reports. For generations, people developed clever ways to keep wheat, corn and barley safe from the region’s harsh climate so food would last longer.
Villagers built silos to protect grain from heat, humidity and pests, and they secured them with several locks that only opened when all appointed trustees were present, protecting the community’s shared stores. Researcher Ghithan Jrais noted that each family gave a small portion of their harvest - a kind of tithe - which was kept for the village’s needs and stored in these carefully made silos, much like a communal pantry.
Those stored contributions were used for social and cooperative purposes: helping neighbours in hardship, settling debts, and hosting guests - real examples of the spirit of brotherhood and charity. In heritage villages such as Al‑Yanfa near Abha, the tradition is still visible. Long ago, people dug underground silos more than two meters deep to create natural cellars that could keep grain for years, helping the village be self‑sufficient and prepared for emergencies.
One community house there has a large chamber under the main meeting room with seven major silos, all managed openly by the villagers to meet local needs, especially during droughts. In Tihama and on Ahad Tharban mountain the silos took different forms: small stone structures built on solid rock to store corn, barley and sesame, with tight sealed doors and no windows to keep things dry for long periods.
These old methods show rich cultural heritage and human resourcefulness. Whether carved into the ground or built on mountaintops, the silos were more than storage - they symbolized social solidarity, sustainable food security, and the communal care that Islam encourages.
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