The Remnants of Hisn Yakka in Murcia

Yakka, or Madina Yakka, is the name given to an ancient fortress and settlement, predecessors of the current city of Yecla in Murcia. It was inhabited between the 11th and 13th centuries, becoming abandoned starting in 1266. In the sources, it appears as ḥiṣn Yakka (fortress of Yakka) in the lands of the cora of Tudmir. The name Yakka likely does not have an Arabic origin and may stem from the pre-Roman root Iko or Ika.

The site was built in the late 11th century during the Almoravid period. By the 12th century, the settlement appeared on the sunny side of the hill, protected from northern winds. At this time, the Almohads undertook a major remodeling of the fortress to meet new defensive needs and a growing population. Houses were built on terraces to accommodate the slope, with walls acting as buttresses for neighboring structures. These homes typically featured two floors, with living quarters on the lower level connected to a central courtyard that served as the heart of the home.

The urban layout consisted of narrow, winding streets with small side streets. The slope of the streets aided water drainage, supported by a rudimentary sewage system and blind wells, while drinking water was stored in cisterns called aljibes. Construction materials primarily included stone, mud, and gypsum, with brick used to a lesser extent. The complex was protected by a wall or fence. The settlement's southern orientation allowed it to capture maximum sunlight during harsh winters. A cemetery, known as a maqbara, was located a few meters away from the settlement but outside the walls.

During the early 13th century, Yakka experienced a period of prosperity. The population increased not only in the settlement but also in surrounding hamlets near water sources. This turned Yakka into the center of a rural district. The area was eventually abandoned, and it is possible the residents hoped to return, as evidence of domestic items, metals, glass, and leather was found in a small silo. The Christian repopulators settled on the north side, leaving the original settlement abandoned.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons