Abdul Aziz Al Saud - Founder of Modern Saudi Arabia

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Abd-ul-Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud (commonly known as Ibn-e-Saud) was the founder and first king of Modern Saudi Arabia, the Third Saudi State. He re-conquered Riyadh (the home city of his family) in 1902 from the Al Rashid family. This event laid the foundation for the formation of modern Saudi Arabia, which completed later in 1932.

Early Life

Abdul Aziz was born in Riyadh on 15th January 1876. His father, Abdul Rahman bin Faisal, was the last ruler of the Second Saudi State (1818-1891). The Al Rashid family (the opponents of the Al Saud family in Najd) captured Riyadh in 1890 and forced the Saudis to take refuge in the southern desert of Arabia. Later, Abdul Aziz and his family stayed in Qatar and Bahrain for some time. In the end, they settled in Kuwait and remained for around a decade. At the start of their exile, Ibn-e-Saud was just 15 years old. 

Conquest of Najd

In January 1902, Ibn Saud captured Riyadh from Al Rashid with a force of just 40 men. This event started the unification process of Saudi Arabia.

From 1903 to 1907, the Saudi-Rashidi War took place to control the Qassim region (north of Riyadh). Rashidis were an ally of the Ottoman Empire and received assistance from them during this war. However, the Saudis defeated the Rashidis in this war. Ottoman forces decisively lost against the Saudis during the Battle of Rawdat Muhanna (1906). Later, the Saudis conquered the entire Qassim region after defeating Al Rashid in the Battle of Tarafiyah (1907).

Al Saud captured Hail (northern Nejd) from the Al Rashid dynasty in 1921. It marked the end of their rule, and Ibn Saud became the ruler of the entire Najd region.

Conquest of Hejaz

Abdul Aziz Al Saud captured the areas of Najd and the eastern coast of Arabia by 1912. He then founded the religiously motivated tribal force of Ikhwan (brotherhood) with the help of Salafi religious scholars. This force helped him in later conquests, including the 1913 conquest of al Hasa (eastern oasis region) from the Ottomans.

In 1915, Ibn Saud signed an agreement (Treaty of Darin) with the British. Under this agreement, he assured them his support for British protectorate areas except the Hejaz region, also a British protectorate area under Sharif of Makkah (Hussain bin Ali). In exchange, the British provided him with weapons and other support.

In 1925, Ibn Saud captured Makkah from the Hashemites. This victory ended the centuries-long rule of the Hashemite dynasty from Hejaz, and Ibn Saud became the ruler of the holiest site.

Third Saudi State

The British recognized the rule of Ibn Saud over Hejaz through the Treaty of Jeddah (1927), and Abdul Aziz accepted not to enter the British Protectorate areas. But Ikhwan refused to accept this condition and rebelled against the Saudis. Their rebellion ended in 1929 after the Battle of Sabilla. The Saudis executed their leaders and merged the remaining soldiers into the regular Saudi army.

In 1932, Ibn Saud established the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the current and Third Saudi State. Soon, he became the first king of the new state.

As King of Saudi Arabia

Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud, first Saudi monarch
Ibn-e-Saud ruled Saudi Arabia for over two decades

Abdul Aziz ibn Saud remained the king of Saudi Arabia till his death in 1953. During that time, the monetary position of the state improved due to the discovery of petroleum, which helped to eliminate the nomadic lifestyle of the Arab tribes.

He introduced and enforced the Salafi ideology of Islam in the entire region, which is the ideological base of the Saudi state. It assisted in eliminating social crimes in the state.

During World War 2 (1939-45), Saudi Arabia remained neutral. However, the state participated in the 1948 Arab-Israel War as a member of the Arab League. He established good relations with the USA, particularly after World War 2.

Death and Achievements

Abdul Aziz ibn Saud died on 9th November 1953 in Taif and was buried in his birthplace, Riyadh.

King Abdul Aziz (Ibn-e-Saud) was one of the most influential figures in Muslim and international politics of the 20th Century. His bravery and intellect played a vital role in the formation of modern Saudi Arabia, which looked to be an impossible task after the exile of the Al Saud tribe. His guidance to his family ensured political stability and a smooth succession of power in the Saudi state. 

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