In the mountain valleys of Jazan, a centuries-old herding tradition known as tarwi'at al-ra'i continues to echo across grazing lands. This traditional oral call is used by shepherds to guide sheep and other livestock, forming part of the region's living pastoral heritage.
The practice is found in the Balghazi mountain valleys of Al-Aidabi Governorate, where herders rely on distinct vocal signals to communicate with their animals. Different calls carry different meanings: some direct livestock toward grazing areas, others call them to gather, while others signal the return home at the end of the day.
More than a simple means of communication, tarwi'at al-ra'i reflects a deep body of inherited knowledge passed down through generations. It embodies the close relationship between herders, their livestock, and the grazing land that sustains them.
Traditions like this form an important thread in the cultural fabric of rural Saudi communities. As daily life continues to modernize, oral practices rooted in the land offer a reminder of the skills and customs that shaped mountain and pastoral life in regions such as Jazan — and remain a source of identity and pride for the communities that keep them alive.
Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.
Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:
- Instagram - @saudiliving
- X - @saudiliving
- Facebook - @saudiliving
- YouTube - @saudiliving
Don't Miss Similar Listings
Be the first to know when new stories on this topic are published.
