Yamama

Yamama, also written Yamamah or al-Yamama, is a historical region in central Arabia. In traditional geography it encompassed much of the central Najd, roughly corresponding to parts of present-day Riyadh Province in Saudi Arabia. The exact borders varied over time, but it was recognized as a distinct political and cultural zone in classical and medieval Arab sources.

Historically, Yamama was inhabited by several Bedouin and settled communities. The best known tribe associated with the region is the Banu Hanifa, which maintained a major presence in the area during pre-Islamic and early Islamic periods. The region rose to wider historical prominence in the 7th century, when the Battle of Yamama (632 CE) became a decisive engagement in the Ridda Wars, fought between the forces of the Rashidun Caliphate and factions led by Musaylimah, who claimed prophethood. The Muslim victory resulted in the suppression of apostate movements and contributed to the early standardization of the Qur’an after many memorisers were killed in battle.

In later centuries, Yamama remained a core part of the central Arabian heartland and later became part of the modern state of Saudi Arabia. The area around Riyadh, the kingdom’s capital, lies within the traditional Yamama region. In contemporary usage, Yamama is primarily a historical geographic term, appearing in historical maps, literature, and discussions of Najd and early Islam. Linguistically, the region is associated with Central Arabian dialects of Arabic.