There was also a northern pilgrimage route for those travelling to Mecca from Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran. Both contingents then proceeded to the vicinity of ancient 'Aylat (today the village of er-Rumeil) and from there to Jedda and
Medina. Many Muslim rulers helped to maintain the route, among them Sayyida Zubayda, the wife of
Caliph Harun al-Rashid; whose section, which she also provided with excellent facilities, was known as 'Zubayda's Way'.