Founding Day: Commemorating the Establishment of the First Saudi State
Founding Day: Commemorating the Establishment of the First Saudi State
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia witnessed nationwide celebrations on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, marking Founding Day, which coincides with the anniversary of Imam Mohammed bin Saud’s declaration establishing the First Saudi State in 1727 CE. On this occasion, King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued a royal decree on January 27, 2022, designating February 22 of each year as an official holiday commemorating the founding of the Saudi state, to be known as “Founding Day.”
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed his pride in the blessed anniversary of the First Saudi State’s establishment by Imam Mohammed bin Saud nearly three centuries ago, considering it a dear occasion for all citizens. He emphasized that Founding Day represents the beginning of a bright page in the history of the Arabian Peninsula, where the First Saudi State succeeded in unifying the tribes and regions of Najd under one banner and establishing the foundations of security and stability in the region.
The Founding Day celebrations featured numerous events and activities across various regions of the Kingdom, with streets and squares decorated with national flags and ornaments, military parades and folk festivals held, and schools and institutions organizing national programs to introduce the history and heritage of the Kingdom.
In this context, Dr. Abdullah Al-Maghlouth, Professor of History at King Saud University, stated that Founding Day represents a valuable opportunity to learn about the deep roots of the Saudi state, which extended for approximately 300 years through three successive Saudi states. He added that the establishment of the First Saudi State by Imam Mohammed bin Saud was a historical turning point in the Arabian Peninsula, where it succeeded in unifying the tribes of the Najd region and establishing the foundations of stability and prosperity.
Al-Maghlouth noted that the First Saudi State continued until 1818 CE, when it fell to the Egyptian army led by Ibrahim Pasha, before the Second Saudi State was established in 1824 CE by Imam Turki bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Saud, which lasted until 1891 CE. Then the Third Saudi State was founded by King Abdulaziz Al Saud in 1902 CE, which evolved into the present Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Dr. Fahd Al-Samari, President of the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue, affirmed that Founding Day is a precious national occasion for Saudis, as they recall in it the sacrifices of fathers and grandfathers in building national unity. He added that this occasion comes within a series of national occasions that the Kingdom is keen to commemorate, such as National Day and the Allegiance Day for the Crown Prince, in order to enhance national belonging and pride in Saudi identity.
The celebration of Founding Day comes within the framework of the Kingdom’s interest in documenting its ancient national history and enhancing awareness among new generations about the roots of the Saudi state and its stages of development throughout the ages. It also aims to highlight the values and principles upon which the Saudi state was founded since its establishment, including justice, equality, and the spread of knowledge and learning.
In conclusion, Founding Day represents a dear national occasion for Saudis, as they recall in it the memory of the establishment of the First Saudi State by Imam Mohammed bin Saud nearly three centuries ago, and what followed it of stages in establishing the second and third Saudi states, until it reached its current state of progress and prosperity under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and his faithful Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
صحيفة عكاظ اليوم ، موقع إخباري شامل يهتم بتقديم خدمة صحفية متميزة للقارئ، وهدفنا أن نصل لقرائنا الأعزاء بالخبر الأدق والأسرع والحصري بما يليق بقواعد وقيم الأسرة السعودية، لذلك نقدم لكم مجموعة كبيرة من الأخبار المتنوعة داخل الأقسام التالية، الأخبار العالمية و المحلية، الاقتصاد، تكنولوجيا ، فن، أخبار الرياضة، منوعات و سياحة.