History Dates Back to 3 Centuries... Saudi Arabia Marks Founding Day Tomorrow

Doha, February 21 (QNA) - The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will commemorate on Tuesday the "Founding Day" under the slogan "The Day We Began". On this day, the first Saudi state was established three centuries ago, by Imam Muhammad bin Saud, with Diriyah as its capital. To celebrate this anniversary, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued last January a royal order to consider February 22nd of every year as the Founding Day. This occasion comes for the first time amid celebrations and events throughout the Kingdom, emphasizing the historical roots of the country. The celebration of this day carries many meanings in the hearts of the Saudis, as it is an affirmation of the connection of its citizens with its leaders since the era of Imam Muhammad bin Saud, and the beginning of his founding of the Saudi state in the middle of the year 1139 AH corresponding to 1727 AD that lasted until the year 1233 AH corresponding to 1818 AD with its capital Diriyah, and the Unity and security it established in the Arabian Peninsula, after centuries of fragmentation, division and instability. February 22nd is worth a recall of its details by the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as it expresses the history of their state that dates back to more than 3 centuries. Historians views this date based on the number of historic events that occurred during that period before and after Imam Muhammad bin Saud assumed power in Diriyah. The historic junctures that the Saudi state has gone through highlighted the extent of deep relations between the people of the Kingdom and their brothers in the GCC countries that spanned for many centuries and took root over the years. The Founding Day represents a dear national occasion that demonstrates the extent of the firmness and stability of the institution of governance, and the state system in Saudi Arabia throughout those years, as since the establishment of the first Saudi state during the era of Imam Muhammad bin Saud, it was based on the correct principles of Islam, as well as the consolidation of its position locally, regionally and globally. Serving the two Qiblas and the guests of Rahman was a top priority for the imams of the Saudi state and it has been passed down from a king to another until today. Achievements continued during the era of the first Saudi state, topped by spreading stability in the state, not being subject to any influence in the region or outside, and Support neighboring towns to enhance stability, such as: helping the Emir of Riyadh to consolidate his rule and establish security. During the reign of Imam Muhammad bin Saud and the imams who came after him, the city of Diriyah became the capital of a sprawling state, and a source of economic, social, intellectual and cultural attraction. On its soil there were ancient archaeological landmarks such as: the historic Ghasaiba neighborhood, Samhan district, and "Al-Turaif neighborhood", which was described as one of the largest mud-made neighborhoods in the world and was designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site, as well as the Bujairi area and the Diriyah market, in addition to the state's financial system described as one of the distinguished systems in terms of balancing resources and expenditures. Many scholars migrated to Diriyah in order to receive the education and authorship that was prevalent at that time, which led to the emergence of a new school in calligraphy and copying. Many scholars migrated to Diriyah in order to receive the education and authorship that was prevalent at that time, which led to the emergence of a new school in calligraphy and copying. After the fall of the first Saudi state, Imam Turki bin Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Saud was able to recapture Riyadh in 1240 AH / 1824 AD after seven years of work and struggle, and the people gathered around him and the royal family again. Imam Turki was able to unify most of the parts of the Arabian Peninsula in a short period, continuing the approach on which the first Saudi state was established, which is to maintain security, education and justice and eliminate division and rivalry, and the state continued to rule the region until 1309 AH 1891 AD. After a political vacuum and chaos in the center of the Arabian Peninsula, which lasted for nearly ten years, King Abdulaziz Al Saud was able on the 5th of Shawwal 1319 AH January 15, 1902 AD to re-establish the Saudi state after he recovered the city of Riyadh, opening a new chapter in the Saudi history and laying the foundation stone of unity, stability and growth. On the 17th of Jumada al-Awwal 1351 AH corresponding to September 23, 1932 AD, King Abdulaziz announced the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after historic events that lasted 30 years. The Saudis celebrate the country's National Day on September 23 of each year to commemorate the unification of King Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom in 1932. The Founding Day is not a substitute for the Saudi National Day that the Kingdom celebrates every year, but Saudi Arabia wants through the new royal order to celebrate the Founding Day, to affirm its pride in the solid roots of this three-century-old country The Founding day is linked to a pivotal figure in Saudi history; Imam Muhammad bin Saud, the founder and first ruler of the first Saudi state. It is the day when he took over the reins of power in Diriyah. The actions and achievements of the imam played a prominent role in the march and continuity of the Saudi state. Imam Muhammad bin Saud bin Muhammad bin Muqrin ruled Diriyah in the midst of political chaos in the Arabian Peninsula, in which every town and region fell into a relatively independent rule, in a way that did not meet the minimum requirements for the establishment of any civilization, prosperity or culture, and those countries and regions were constantly at war with each other, and divisions were their slogan, and some forces had influence over them Imam Muhammad bin Saud was an exceptional personality and a genius when he decided to break free from the circle of division. Adopting the slogan of unity, he began with his city Diriyah to unite its two parts, and make it under one rule, after the rule was divided between two centers. He worked on its internal affairs, strengthening its society, and unifying Its members, with keenness on regulating its economic resources. He was also keen on paying attention to the urban appearance of the state, so he ordered the construction of a new neighborhood; the "Terfaiya" neighborhood, and moved to it after the Ghasaiba neighborhood was the center of the governance for a long time. This is a clear indication of the beginning of a new era that he saw with his insight. The city that overlooked Wadi Hanifa witnessed great stability and prosperity in various fields, achieving complete political independence from any external force, as history recorded his keenness on stability in its region. The celebration of this day has a clear indication of the keenness of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to highlight the national identity of the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by linking them cognitively to the personality who laid the first building block for its historical and civilizational depth, whose fruits of influence have emerged today. (QNA)