Ṭā'if and Music

206Ṭā’if, an important mountain municipality and market town, is a subunit of Makkah Province. It is located near the summit of the steep escarpment of the Hijaz mountain range at a point where routes from the south intersect those from the east and west (Fig. 11.1). According to conventional wisdom, in the Qur’an “the two cities” (al-qariyyatain) paired together are Makkah and Ṭā’if (Holy Quran, Sura 43:31), which is understandable since they have long had a reciprocal existence. Because of the attractive landscapes, cool temperatures, and rose gardens, Ṭā’if has served as the leading haven for those escaping the heat and crowds of the Holy City, especially during the summer months when Ṭā’if’s population often doubles. The visitors boost the Ṭā’ifi economy as does the Makkawi dependence on Ṭā’if produce and food supplies. Because of this close relationship, most any traditional art that flourishes in Ṭā’if is also found in Makkah, and vice versa. Consequently, throughout history some of the most distinguished Makkah and Medinah musicians have been from Ṭā’if, and Ṭā’if music and poetry is among the most respected in the northwest.