Before the establishment of Saudi Arabia, the region was home to various ancient civilizations and tribes. The area consisted of four distinct historical regions: Hejaz, Najd, parts of Eastern Arabia (Al-Ahsa), and Southern Arabia (‘Asir).
Key Facts
- Pre-Islamic Arabia: The territory that constitutes modern Saudi Arabia was home to several ancient cultures and civilizations. It was inhabited by various tribes and kingdoms, including the Dilmun civilization, Thamud, Kinda, and Al-Magar civilization.
- Hejaz, Najd, and Eastern Arabia: The area of modern-day Saudi Arabia consisted of mainly four distinct historical regions: Hejaz, Najd, parts of Eastern Arabia (Al-Ahsa), and Southern Arabia (‘Asir).
- Kingdom of Hejaz: From 1916 to 1925, the western part of present-day Saudi Arabia was known as the Kingdom of Hejaz. It was ruled by Sharif Hussein bin Ali, who declared himself king and led the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I.
- Emirate of Nejd: The central region of present-day Saudi Arabia was known as the Emirate of Nejd. It was ruled by the Al Saud dynasty, led by Abdulaziz bin Saud, who captured Riyadh in 1902 and gradually expanded his control over the region.
- Unification and Name Change: On September 23, 1932, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established through the amalgamation of the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd. The new state was named al-Mamlaka al-ʿArabiyya as-Suʿūdiyya (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) by royal decree.
Hejaz and Nejd
In 1916, the western part of present-day Saudi Arabia became known as the Kingdom of Hejaz, ruled by Sharif Hussein bin Ali. Simultaneously, the central region was known as the Emirate of Nejd, led by Abdulaziz bin Saud of the Al Saud dynasty.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established on September 23, 1932, through the unification of the Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd. King Abdulaziz bin Saud became the first king of the newly formed state, which was named al-Mamlaka al-ʿArabiyya as-Suʿūdiyya (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) by royal decree.
Conclusion
The name Saudi Arabia was adopted in 1932 to reflect the unification of the various regions under the rule of the Al Saud dynasty. The country’s name is derived from the ruling family, the House of Saud, and the Arabian Peninsula, where it is located.
References
- Wikipedia contributors. (2023, June 19). Saudi Arabia. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 04:21, June 20, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Saudi_Arabia&oldid=1161923786
- Wikipedia contributors. (2023, June 19). History of Saudi Arabia. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 04:21, June 20, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Saudi_Arabia&oldid=1161886001
- Saudi Arabia – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved June 20, 2023, from https://www.britannica.com/place/Saudi-Arabia/The-Kingdom-of-Saudi-Arabia
FAQs
What was the name of the region before Saudi Arabia was established?
The region that constitutes modern Saudi Arabia was known as Hejaz, Najd, Eastern Arabia, and Southern Arabia.
What was the name of the kingdom in the western part of present-day Saudi Arabia from 1916 to 1925?
Kingdom of Hejaz
Who ruled the Kingdom of Hejaz?
Sharif Hussein bin Ali
What was the name of the emirate in the central region of present-day Saudi Arabia?
Emirate of Nejd
Who ruled the Emirate of Nejd?
Abdulaziz bin Saud of the Al Saud dynasty
When was the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia established?
September 23, 1932
How was the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia formed?
Through the unification of the Kingdom of Hejaz and the Emirate of Nejd
What is the meaning of the name Saudi Arabia?
The name Saudi Arabia is derived from the ruling family, the House of Saud, and the Arabian Peninsula, where it is located.