Al Kharj Volleyball Visit - Feb. 1961
As pointed out previously, Al Kharj is located about 50-55 miles southeast of Riyadh. There was
located a Saudi military detachment and a very small component of our US Army training mission. Being considered an "oasis," as underground
water was available there, it became the site of the King's experimental farm
and other agricultural pursuits. According to information found on the
Internet, Al Kharj has grown immensely in military importance as it is now the
site of the huge Prince Sultan Air
Base. It also has expanded as a major agricultural region
for the country.
In the winter of 1961 our
Riyadh Army Element group traveled down to Al Kharj for the day of sightseeing
and a friendly volleyball tournament. These are photos from that
day. Some photos of the drive to and from Al Kharj this day are included
in the previous "Road to Al Kharj" album.
|
|
|
|
| Some sort of compound or
encampment near Al Kharj. |
|
|
|
|
| Plenty of Saudi military
vehicles here. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| We see more vegetation as
we near the town. |
|
|
|
|
| And more importantly, we
see plentiful water here compared to other parts of this region. |
|
|
|
|
| An older classical style
building with large military truck nearby. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Many local tan building
blend in to the color of the soil. |
|
|
|
|
| This is most likely the
main gate of the military training compound. |
|
|
|
|
| Here the volleyball game
gets underway. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Our group took volleyball
pretty serious. |
|
|
|
|
| and one final view of the
game. |
|
|
|
|
| Then it was time to visit
downtown Al Kharj. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| These black & white
shots of Al Kharj were taken on another day ... |
|
|
|
|
| ... but included here to
show some candid shots from this town. |
|
|
|
|
| A view of the souk which
was not open at this time. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| A great candid shot taken
from a moving vehicle. |
|
|
|
|
| Another "Main
Street" view. |
|
|
|
|
| And this a view of a side
street. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Someplace in Al Kharj -
maybe the entrance to the King's farm..? |
|
|
|
|
| A source of underground
water. |
|
|
|
|
| Water being pumped in to
the irrigation ditch. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Not sure but probably a
pumping station. (Is that an oil spill..?) |
|
|
|
|
|
| Probably more of the
King's farm complex..? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Another view of this
complex. |
|
|
|
|
| And back to an older part
of town. |
|
|
|
|
| This area had seen better
days, &/or was due for demolition..? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| One last view of Al Kharj. |
|
|
|
|
| More waterworks as we
head out of town. |
|
|
|
|
| Back on the road towards
Riyadh. |
|
|
Return to Old Military Photo Album Index
