Al-Awjam

Al-Awjam
Al-Awjam
Coordinates: 26°33′30″N 49°57′1″E / 26.55833°N 49.95028°E / 26.55833; 49.95028Coordinates: 26°33′30″N 49°57′1″E / 26.55833°N 49.95028°E / 26.55833; 49.95028
Country  Saudi Arabia
Province Eastern Province
Population
 • Total 11,460

Al-Awjam (also written Al Awjām, Al Ājām, or Ajam al Qatif) is a small city located in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the Persian Gulf. The village lies in far north-eastern corner of the Eastern Province, in a petroleum-rich region near the Ghawar and Qatif oilfields. It has a population of 11,460.[1]

Al-Awjam is located near Qatif, and, like most cities in the region, it is home to a large Shia Muslim population. This contrasts with the majority of Saudis, who are Sunni. As a result, sectarian tensions exist, especially during the Shia holy day of Ashoura.[2] Conflict has reportedly eased since 2005.[3]

References

  1. ↑ "Al Awjām". worldcities.us. World Cities. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  2. ↑ Lacey, Robert (2009). Inside the Kingdom. New York: Penguin Group. p. 404. ISBN 978-0-14-311827-5.
  3. ↑ "Denied Dignity". HRW - Publications. Human Rights Watch. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
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