On January 15, 1902, a defining chapter in Arabian history began when King Abdulaziz al-Saud reclaimed Riyadh, setting the stage for the unification of the Arabian peninsula and the birth of modern Saudi Arabia. This historic event, marking his return from exile in Kuwait, not only cemented his leadership but also reshaped the region’s political and cultural landscape.
Over a century later,on January 15 of this year,the king Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh hosted a grand celebration to mark the 123rd anniversary of this pivotal moment. The event also honored the centennial of amin rihani’s iconic book, Kings of Arabia. Published in 1925, the book captures Rihani’s travels across the Arabian Peninsula and his profound encounters with its leaders, including King Abdulaziz.
Amin Rihani,a Lebanese-American writer and political activist,was deeply inspired by his meeting with King Abdulaziz,then known as the Sultan of Najd. Reflecting on their encounter, Rihani wrote, “Now that I have met all the Arab leaders. None of them (is) greater than this man.” He continued, “I am not hastily judging nor am I exaggerating. As he is truly great. Great in his handshake and smile.Great in his words and his gaze.”
Rihani’s admiration for the late monarch went beyond his charisma. He observed, “Great at stomping the Earth with his staff. He speaks his mind in the first meeting fearing no man. He reveals his secret and what a great secret it is. A man who knows his worth and believes only in Allah and himself. The man in him is greater than the Sultan.And he earned his people’s leadership with merits, not titles.”
Describing the profound impact of their meeting, Rihani added, “I came to Ibn Saud with a heart that carries neither love nor hate as I told him. Neither the British’s nor the Hejaz’s opinions, neither the praises nor the condemnations had affected me, and the heart was filled with love in the first meeting between us. Even though this love might not be a result of admiration.I am delighted to have visited Ibn Saud after having visited them all. Truly,he is the crowning jewel.”
The centennial celebration was jointly organized by the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives and the Amin Rihani Institution. Prince Faisal bin Salman, special advisor to King Salman and chairman of the foundation’s board of directors, delivered a keynote address. He emphasized how Rihani’s journey challenged the misconceptions of the time, stating, “At that time, the Arabian Peninsula and its neighboring countries were wary of the other, and looked at it with suspicion.”
Celebrating a Century of “Kings of Arabia”: A Legacy of Unity and Progress
Table of Contents
- 1. Celebrating a Century of “Kings of Arabia”: A Legacy of Unity and Progress
- 2. Celebrating a Century of Kings of Arabia: A Journey Through History and Unity
- 3. Why Amin Rihani’s “Kings of arabia” Still Resonates in Modern Saudi arabia
- 4. How did Ameen Rihani’s book “Kings of Arabia” contribute to bridging cultural and past gaps between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia?
The King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh recently hosted a grand celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the iconic book, Kings of Arabia. This milestone event not only paid tribute to the literary masterpiece but also highlighted the enduring legacy of King Abdulaziz and his successors, who have transformed Saudi Arabia into a global symbol of progress and innovation.
During his address, Prince Faisal emphasized the continuity of King Abdulaziz’s vision. “The success established by King Abdulaziz was continued in his sons, the kings after him, arriving at Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman,” he stated. He further added, “They too walk on the same path of preserving the Islamic principles and authentic Arab values of Abdulaziz, the spirit of growth and opening up to the world, which made the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today one of the most vital models globally in advancement, progress, and innovation.”
the event also featured a remote speech by Amin Albert Rihani, president of the Amin Rihani Association and a professor at Notre Dame University in Lebanon. Reflecting on the book’s significance, he remarked, “Those interested in Middle Eastern studies around the world will find it tough to understand the developments and current events in the Middle East at the beginning of the 21st century unless they read the book Kings of arabia.”
prince Faisal also highlighted King Abdulaziz’s visionary approach, stating, “King Abdulaziz in his wisdom adopted an open and welcoming dialect for all, believing that living authentic Islamic and arab values such as faith, trust in Allah, generosity, courage, and chivalry would change understanding and break barriers and distances.”
He reflected on the Kingdom’s remarkable progress since the establishment of the First Saudi State in 1932, noting how Rihani’s book captured the essence of a nation striving to balance tradition and modernity. “This scene pictured by Rihani in his book conveyed the building of a contemporary state that combines authenticity, modernity, and enterprising fruits for the future,” Prince Faisal remarked.
The celebration not only honored Rihani’s literary legacy but also underscored the enduring importance of King Abdulaziz’s leadership in shaping Saudi Arabia’s identity. By bridging the past and present, the event served as a reminder of the Kingdom’s rich heritage and its ongoing journey toward progress and unity.
Celebrating a Century of Kings of Arabia: A Journey Through History and Unity
Marking a meaningful milestone in the annals of Arab history, the centennial celebration of kings of Arabia recently took place at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh. This seminal work, ofen regarded as a cornerstone of Near Eastern and Arab history, offers a profound exploration of the region’s past and serves as a gateway to understanding contemporary Arab identity.
the event not only honored the book’s enduring legacy but also highlighted the deep historical ties between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. Ameen Rihani, a pivotal figure in the book’s narrative, eloquently described these ties as a “bridge of affection, love, and appreciation.” Reflecting on Rihani’s contributions, one speaker posed a thought-provoking question: “How did (Rihani’s) historical journey build, at the last of its stations, the first bridge of affection between the first two newly emerging Arab countries, between Lebanon, which was officially established in 1920, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose unification was announced in 1932?”
Rihani’s words resonated deeply, as he concluded, “It is indeed the first bridge between the small homeland with the big heart and the large homeland with the vast and wide vision, ready to keep up with the times and keep up with the model that is to be emulated in every poverty and victory.”
the celebration was graced by the presence of Rihani’s family, who attended as guests of honor. The evening featured engaging panel discussions that delved into the prominence of King Abdulaziz in Kings of arabia and the book’s historical significance. A highlight of the event was the screening of a documentary film that chronicled Rihani’s journey and his pivotal role in the birth of modern Saudi Arabia.
More than just a tribute to a literary masterpiece, the centennial celebration served as a testament to the enduring values and vision that have shaped Saudi Arabia’s journey. By honoring the past, the event also looked forward to a future rooted in unity, progress, and a shared commitment to preserving the rich heritage of the Arab world.
Why Amin Rihani’s “Kings of arabia” Still Resonates in Modern Saudi arabia
The 100th anniversary of Amin Rihani’s Kings of Arabia was more than just a celebration of a literary masterpiece. It was a powerful reminder of Saudi Arabia’s rich history and its ongoing journey toward progress.The event underscored the Kingdom’s dedication to honoring its cultural roots while forging ahead with innovation and modernization.
Rihani’s work, which delves into the leadership and legacy of King Abdulaziz, remains a cornerstone for understanding the region’s past and its evolution. As Saudi Arabia continues to navigate its future, the themes explored in Kings of Arabia—leadership, unity, and transformation—are as pertinent today as they were a century ago.
The centennial celebration was a heartfelt homage to both Rihani’s literary genius and King Abdulaziz’s visionary leadership. It highlighted how the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing change continues to shape its identity. “The lessons from Kings of Arabia are timeless,” remarked one attendee, capturing the essence of the event.
As Saudi Arabia strides forward, the wisdom embedded in Rihani’s work serves as a guiding light. The celebration was not just a look back at history but a reaffirmation of the Kingdom’s resolve to honor its past while building a future rooted in unity, progress, and innovation.
How did Ameen Rihani’s book “Kings of Arabia” contribute to bridging cultural and past gaps between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia?
E in bridging the cultural and historical gaps between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. The film showcased rare archival footage and interviews, offering attendees a deeper understanding of Rihani’s contributions to Arab literature and his role in fostering unity between the two nations.
Prince Faisal bin Salman, in his closing remarks, emphasized the importance of preserving such historical works for future generations. “Kings of Arabia is not just a book; it is a testament to the resilience, vision, and unity of the Arab world. It reminds us of our shared heritage and the values that bind us together,” he said. He also praised the collaborative efforts of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives and the Amin Rihani Institution in organizing the event,calling it a “celebration of our collective history and a beacon for our future.”
The centennial celebration concluded with a cultural performance that blended traditional Saudi and Lebanese music, symbolizing the enduring bond between the two nations. Attendees left with a renewed gratitude for the rich tapestry of Arab history and the pivotal role of literature in shaping cultural identity.
As the event came to a close,it was clear that Kings of Arabia remains a vital piece of Arab literature,offering timeless insights into the region’s past and inspiring future generations to continue the journey of unity and progress. The celebration served as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and honoring our shared heritage, ensuring that the legacy of King abdulaziz and Ameen Rihani continues to inspire for centuries to come.
