4 facts about the founding day of Saudi Arabia

We know that Feb 22 is a national holiday in Saudi Arabia but many people do not know why do Saudis celebrate the founding day. What are the differences between the Founding day (Feb 22) and Saudi National Day (Sep 23)?

The First Saudi State: Feb 22, 1727

The first Saudi state was founded Imam Muhammad bin Saud Al-Muqrin on Feb 22 in 1727 with the name Diriyah. Saudi Arabia’s founding day is to celebrate and commemorate the first Saudi State founded 300 years ago by Ibn Saud.

The Second Saudi State: 1824-1891

Later, Diriyah’s neighboring tribe, Najd caused unsettlement in Diriyah.  The second Saudi state was founded by Imam Turki bin Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Saud in 1824 in Najd. His rule began when he liberated the entirety of Najd from the armies of Mohammad Ali Pasha.

The Third Saudi State: 1902

In 1891 Muhammad Al Rashid took over Riyadh which was governed by King Abdulaziz’s father, Emir Abdulrahman bin Faisal Al Saud.

In 1902, the 21 years old Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, recaptured Riyadh. He then in the following years captured and gained control of surrounding areas.

Saudi National Day: Sep 23, 1932

23^rd September marks the national day of Saudi Arabia when all the regions of Saudi Arabia were unified under the Kingship of Abdulaziz in 1932.

While the founding day is to commemorate the deep historical roots of the country from 1727 when the First Saudi State was founded.

Source: Saudi Gazette