Saudi Arabia’s first king was King Abdulaziz al-Saud. He solidified his dominance over his ancestral domains and became the ruler of practically all of central Arabia after being born as the son of Abdul Rahman bin Faisal Al Saud, the last monarch of the Second Saudi State. In 1932, he merged his kingdoms to become the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he became the country’s first monarch. Despite the fact that his family, the House of Saud, had ruled central Arabia for well over a century before he became king, what he accomplished by capturing more dominions and uniting the territories was truly astounding. Abdulaziz ibn Abdul Rahman ibn Faisal ibn Turki ibn Abdullah ibn Muhammad Al Saud was born as Abdulaziz ibn Abdul Rahman ibn Faisal ibn Turki ibn Abdullah ibn Muhammad Al Saud, but was known as Abdulaziz within the Arab world and Ibn Saud outside. He began revealing evidence of his grandeur at a young age, having been raised by his stern father. He was bright, clever, brave, and well-versed in military tactics. He grew up to be a wise leader who, once in power, proved himself to be a capable monarch. His death in 1953 signaled the end of an important period in Arab history.
Childhood and Adolescence
Abdulaziz al-Saud, the son of Abdul Rahman bin Faisal and Sarah Al Sudairi, was born on January 15, 1876, in Riyadh, Emirate of Nejd. His father was the final monarch of the Saudi state known as the Second Saudi State. For nearly a century, his family, the House of Saud, had been a prominent authority in central Arabia.
From a young age, his father ensured that he received suitable training. He was initially trained by his father, who then entrusted him to Sheikh Gadi Abdullah Al Kharji. He learned the Holy Qur’an under the supervision of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Museibih in addition to his basic schooling.
Sheikh Abdullah Bin Abdu Latif Al al-sheik taught him Islamic theology and law.
In 1890, the Al Rashidi, the House of Saud’s long-time regional rivals, captured Riyadh, forcing Abdulaziz al-family Saud’s to depart their homeland.
Before migrating to Bahrain, his family sought safety with a Bedouin tribe in Arabia’s southern desert. Their time in Bahrain was also brief. Finally, they traveled to Kuwait, where they spent nearly a decade in exile.
Abdulaziz al-Saud grew up to be a passionate young man, anxious to reunite his family’s ancient lands. He was fearless and courageous, and he possessed exceptional leadership abilities. As a result, he promised to reclaim all of the lands that had previously belonged to the House of Saud.
Reign & Accession
Abdulaziz al-Saud began making plans to reclaim his kingdom, assembling a small army made up of his brother and relatives. In 1901, he embarked on a raiding expedition into the Najd.
As his army grew in size, he resolved to assault Riyadh and recover it from his Al Rashidi adversary. In January 1902, he led his forces over the city’s walls and reclaimed it.
Over the next few years, he progressed from success to victory, and by 1912, he had conquered Najd and Arabia’s eastern coast. He created the Ikhwan, a military-religious brotherhood that aided him in his later conquests, during this time.
Following World War I, he gained significant British help, allowing him to undertake a full-fledged war against the Al Rashidi in 1920. He overcame his competitor in two years and nearly increased the extent of Saudi Arabia’s land.
He continued to receive support from the British government, and with international assistance, he unified his dominions into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on September 23, 1932, he was crowned king of the country.
He moved his court from Masmak Fort to Murabba Palace in 1938 after ruling for a few years. For the rest of his life, he lived in this house.
In order for his government to work properly, he constructed the necessary administrative and organizational processes and established many ministries as an advanced administrative structure. He also put a lot of emphasis on education and infrastructure development.
Achievements & Awards
In 1935, King Abdulaziz al-Saud received the Order of the Bath.
In 1947, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, and in 1952, he was awarded the Order of Military Merit (with White Decoration).
Personal History and Legacy
He had multiple wives and many concubines in accordance with Arab traditions and customs. Sarah bint Abdullah Al al-sheik, Lulua bint Salih Al Dakhil, Al Jawhara bint Musaed Al Jiluwi, Lajah bint Khalid bin Hithlayn, Jawhara bint Saad bin Abdul Muhsin Al Sudairi, and Hassa Al Sudairi were the most well-known of his wives.
He fathered a large number of offspring, almost a hundred in all, including 45 boys. Prince Turki of Najd, King Saud, King Faisal, Crown Prince Muhammad, King Khalid, Prince Nasser, and Prince Sa’ad are some of his renowned sons.
During his later years, he suffered from heart difficulties and became gravely ill in October 1953. At the age of 76, King Abdulaziz al-Saud died of a heart attack on November 9, 1953. He was laid to rest in the Al Oud cemetery.
Estimated Net worth
Ibn is one of the wealthiest and most beloved kings. Ibn Saud’s net worth is estimated to be $1.4 trillion.