By Esraa Jamaladdin
KUWAIT, Nov 5 (KUNA) -- Known since olden days for being an abundant oasis, Jahra governorate, northwest of Kuwait city, is also renowned for being the historical location for the Red Palace, the main stage where the battle of Jahra took place.
Jahra began as a small oasis village characterized by the availability of underground water, fertile soil, and moderate climate.
Home for the red palace, Al-Jahra city was the ground for the battle between the people of Kuwait and the Ikhwan (the brothers) tribe.
The red palace was built between 1914-15 during the era of the seventh ruler of Kuwait Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah or Mubarak Al-Kabeer (the great). It was named after the red mud which formed the main material in its construction.
In the 1920s, Al-Jahra was attacked by Ikhwan army of 4,000 men. Led by the then Amir Sheikh Salem Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, 1,500 Kuwaitis fought against the invaders. The battle ended in a victory for the Kuwaitis against their foes.
Following the battle, a wall was constructed to protect the area from invaders. The wall was demolished in 1957 and while the remnant of the structure was left as a famous landmark immortalizing the Kuwaiti people's patriotism and sacrifice. (end) aja.ass.ss