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Abdel AzizFounder and first king of Saudi Arabia
Date of Birth: 26.11.1880
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Abdulaziz ibn Saud: The Founder and First King of Saudi Arabia
- Early Life and Rise to Power
- Wars and Unification
- Domestic and International Relations
- Oil Discovery and International Relations
- Later Years and Legacy
Abdulaziz ibn Saud: The Founder and First King of Saudi Arabia
Abdulaziz ibn Saud, also known as Ibn Saud, was born on November 26, 1880, in Riyadh, a territory that was part of the Islamic State of Saudi Arabia. He was the son of Abdul Rahman, the Emir of Najd, and Sarah, the daughter of Ahmad al-Sudairi. As a child, Ibn Saud was more interested in playing with swords and rifles than religious exercises. He only learned to read the Quran when he was 11 years old. His dream was to restore the honor, glory, and wealth of the Saudi dynasty.
Early Life and Rise to Power
When the Rashidis took control of Riyadh, Ibn Saud and his family were exiled to Kuwait, where he spent his childhood. In 1901, he started gathering his own forces to reclaim Riyadh. On the night of January 15, 1902, Ibn Saud and his 60 men captured Riyadh, defeating the Rashidi governor. In 1912, he expanded his control to the entire Najd region and embraced "pure Islam." As advised by religious scholars, he began to settle the Bedouin tribes, founding the military-religious brotherhood known as the Ikhwan. Those who refused to join the Ikhwan and recognize Ibn Saud as their leader were considered enemies of Najd.
Wars and Unification
With the outbreak of World War I, Ibn Saud allied with the British Empire. In 1920, with British support, he finally defeated the Rashidis. By the time the Ottoman Empire collapsed, the Arabian Peninsula had five independent states: Hijaz, Najd, Jebel Shammar, Asir, and Yemen. Ibn Saud attempted to annex Jebel Shammar in April-May 1921 and succeeded in capturing their capital, Hail, in August. In November of the same year, Jebel Shammar ceased to exist. His main opponent became Hussein bin Ali, the Sherif of Mecca and King of Hijaz. In 1922, Ibn Saud peacefully took control of southern Asir, and in July 1924, he called for jihad against the heretics of Hijaz. The Ikhwan armies invaded the resort city of Taif, massacring mainly innocent people. The elites of Hijaz, fearing the events in Taif, turned against Hussein, and he was forced to abdicate in favor of his son Ali. The new king lacked the strength to defend Mecca and sought refuge in Jeddah. In mid-October, the Ikhwan entered the Holy City, and in January 1925, the siege of Jeddah began. On December 6, Medina fell, and on December 22, Ali evacuated Jeddah, allowing Najd troops to enter the city. In the same year, Ibn Saud captured Mecca, ending the 700-year rule of the Hashemites. On January 10, 1926, Abdulaziz ibn Saud was proclaimed the King of Hijaz, and the Kingdom of Najd and Hijaz was established. Over the years, Ibn Saud managed to annex almost the entire Arabian Peninsula.
Domestic and International Relations
Ibn Saud had a deep understanding of Western civilization and appreciated the importance of telephone, radio, automobile, and airplane technologies. He gradually limited the influence of the Ikhwan. In 1929, the Ikhwan rebelled against him, but Ibn Saud defeated them in the Battle of Sabila. The defeated Ikhwan resorted to guerrilla warfare, and Ibn Saud used some European methods to suppress them. In late 1929, the Ikhwan were expelled to Kuwait, where they were disarmed by the British. The movement, which played a significant role in strengthening Ibn Saud's power, was completely defeated. Ibn Saud assumed the title of King of Hijaz, Najd, and the annexed territories. On September 23, 1932, Najd and Hijaz were united into one state called Saudi Arabia, and Abdulaziz ibn Saud became its king. This not only strengthened the unity of the kingdom and put an end to Hijazi separatism but also emphasized the central role of the Saudi royal family in creating a centralized Arabian state.
Oil Discovery and International Relations
In 1933, Abdulaziz ibn Saud granted oil concessions to American companies, leading to the discovery of vast oil reserves in Saudi Arabia. The main rights for oil development were given to the company known as "Aramco." The majority of the oil was sold to the United States, and the revenue greatly enriched the royal family and the state. Saudi Arabia quickly became the wealthiest country in the Middle East. During World War II, Ibn Saud maintained neutrality but led the Arab struggle against the creation of a Jewish state and became one of the leaders of the Arab League. After the war, American influence in Saudi Arabia increased. In 1943, Saudi Arabia established diplomatic relations with the United States and signed the Lend-Lease Agreement. The Americans also began constructing a trans-Arabian oil pipeline from Dhahran to the Lebanese port of Sidon. Additionally, a large American airbase was built in Dhahran to support the war against Japan.
Later Years and Legacy
Abdulaziz ibn Saud ruled Saudi Arabia until his death. He left behind 45 legitimate sons and numerous wives. After his death, his sons succeeded him as kings of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi royal family, the descendants of Ibn Saud, has become so numerous that its members have permeated all aspects of the country's governmental and economic life. They hold power, determine the direction of the country, and manage the state's oil-based economy. Though Ibn Saud passed away, his legacy remains, and his vision of a united and prosperous Saudi Arabia continues to shape the nation.