Ever wondered where modern Saudi Arabia began? Here in Ad Diriyah, the Al Saud family settled in the early 1700s. By 1727, the first Saudi state was established right here.
Ad Diriyah served as the capital of the Emirate of Diriyah from 1727 to 1818. The town is the seat of the Diriyah Governorate. It includes villages like Uyayna and Jubayla.
Now, look around at the mud brick structures. Most of Ad Diriyah was constructed using this method. The early residents took pride in cultivating crops. They also herded animals. The mud bricks mirrored the land. They used them to build their homes.
Once, Ad Diriyah welcomed intellectuals and pilgrims. It was a cultural hub. Aromatics, gold, and spices were traded here. They came from Southern Arabia and the Mediterranean.
Notice the narrow valley called Wadi Hanifa. The ruins of old Ad Diriyah lie on either side. They consist of mud brick structures. The ruins are divided into three districts. These are Ghussaibah, Al-Mulaybeed, and Turaif. Turaif is the highest.
In 2010, the Turaif district became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can study the city’s layout in the National Museum of Saudi Arabia. There is a large scale model on display there.
Muhammad ibn Saud became the emir of Ad Diriyah in the 18th century. In 1744, he took in religious scholar Muhammad ibn Abd al Wahhab. They agreed to implement al Wahhabi religious views. The First Saudi State was born with its capital at Ad Diriyah.
Ibn Saud and his descendants conquered Nejd and other regions. Ad Diriyah grew in size and wealth. It became the largest town in Nejd.
The Saudis’ conquest of Mecca and Medina angered the Ottoman Empire. This led to the Ottoman Saudi War. Egyptian forces invaded Arabia. They brought the Saudi state to an end in 1818. Ibrahim Pasha ordered the destruction of Ad Diriyah. He set fire to what was left.
When the Saudis revived their fortunes, they made Riyadh their capital. The original inhabitants left Ad Diriyah after 1818.
Today, Ad Diriyah is undergoing restoration. The Saudi government is overseeing the preservation. The Diriyah Gate Development Authority is in charge.
Among the rebuilt structures is the Salwa Palace. It was the residence of the Saudi Amirs. It is the largest palace on the site. The Guest House and At Turaif Bath House have also been rebuilt.
The Imam Mohammad bin Saud Mosque was rebuilt as part of the UNESCO heritage program.
Ad Diriyah is being turned into a major tourist attraction. It will soon be known as the Beverly Hills of Riyadh. Four new museums are planned. These will be museums of war, horses, social life, and commerce. A traditional market will also be added.
Ad Diriyah stands as a reminder of the frontiers of the possible. It is a symbol of strength and resilience. As you leave, remember that you have walked through the birthplace of a kingdom. You have witnessed history being conserved and rediscovered. Ad Diriyah’s story will resonate across the world.