'Our History is a Story' Initiative

"Our History is a Story" Initiative is an initiative focused on the presence of history in literature. It encourages writers to engage in historical writing and to utilize events, characters, and diverse narratives in literary works that, in turn, combine creativity and history.

The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) contributed to organizing this initiative following a meeting held between the foundation and literary clubs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on October 1, 2021. The meeting aimed to discuss supporting the "Our History is a Story" Initiative.

The meeting between the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) and literary clubs in the Kingdom aimed to achieve mutual cooperation based on several key pathways. These included initiatives and measures that stimulate historical creative works, contributing to the connection of the Kingdom's history with its cultural, social, and developmental transformations, and popular heritage through creativity and art. Additionally, the meeting aimed to enhance the efficiency of creatives, support them, and focus on nurturing talents by implementing joint programs between the foundation and literary institutions. It also sought to raise awareness about the importance of the historical context in creative writing and diversify programs to include narrative writing, dialogue, and scriptwriting.

The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) has launched several programs, forums, and workshops under the "Our History is a Story" Initiative. These include the first scientific program to support national historical narratives in collaboration with the Literary Club in Riyadh. The foundation also held a scientific meeting on "Memory and History in Literary Narratives" via Zoom, featuring a group of academics and specialists from the Kingdom and abroad. Additionally, one of the initiative's offerings was presented at the Jazan Historical Forum, titled "Historical Narratives: Reliance on Written and Oral Sources," which included various sessions, seminars, workshops, and cultural segments.