List of Historians and Travelers Who Documented the History of the First Saudi State

Historians from within the state and travelers who visited its regions documented the history of the First Saudi State and the eras of its Imams, contributing to the preservation of the history, civilization, and culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The historians’ documentation was akin to historical records, as they mentioned events and occurrences according to the years. As for the Orientalists and travelers, they visited the regions of the First Saudi State and shared their observations and images of its society, documenting them in books and memoirs. Among them were:

– Abdullah Bin Ahmed Bin Udayb, a judge from Unaizah, whose historical work mainly focused on Unaizah and its surroundings. His work spanned from 1649 – 1740. Despite the limited amount he documented, he is considered one of the early attempts to record the history of Najd.

– Hussein Bin Ghannam, a scholar and literary figure from al-Mubarraz, came to Diriyah at the invitation of Imam Saud Bin Abdulaziz Bin Mohammad. He began documenting the history of the First Saudi State and dedicated a book titled Rawdat al-Afkar wal-Afham li-Murtad Hal al-Imam (The Garden of Thoughts and Understandings for the Visitors of the Imam’s State). He followed it with another book, which he made a record of the events carried out by the Al Saud family to unify the First Saudi State, titled Kitab al-Ghazawat al-Bayaniyah wal-Futuhat al-Rabbaniyah (The Book of Illuminating Campaigns and Divine Conquests).

– Mohammad Bin Omar Al-Fakhri, from the town of al-Tuwim, wrote some brief historical records from the year 1446 until his death in 1860.

– Hamad Bin Laboun, authored a book called Tarikh Ibn Laboun (The History of Ibn Laboun). He was in charge of the treasury in Sudair during the time of Imam Saud Bin Abdulaziz and Imam Abdullah Bin Saud. He passed away in 1839).

– Othman Bin Abdullah Bin Bishr, from the town of Jalajil, documented the history of Najd from the establishment of the First Saudi State and wrote a book titled Unwan al-Majd fi Tarikh Najd (The Title of Glory in the History of Najd). In it, he compiled the events and news of the Al Saud family, organized chronologically by years.

– Carsten Niebuhr, who visited the Arabian Peninsula in 1763-1764, is considered one of the travelers who left a scientific legacy about the Arabian Peninsula. He spoke about its geographical nature and described it, as well as discussing trade and its prosperity in the city of Jeddah, describing it as a port and a station for caravan transit carrying goods.

– Louis Alexander de Courcy, wrote about the Saudi state during his time in its northern regions, publishing his book in 1809. In it, he provided a description of Diriyah, discussing its geographical nature, architecture, and commercial activities.

– John Lewis Renaud, visited the lands of the First Saudi State at the end of the 18th century, and recorded his observations about Saudi society and social life.

– Domingo Badía (Ali Bey al-Abbasi), visited the regions of the First Saudi State in 1807 CE, and wrote about it, covering the history, geography, and culture of Saudi society. He spoke about the courage and valor of the Saudi people in defending their land and nation.

– Giovanni Finati, an Italian traveler, visited the regions of the First Saudi State in 1811, and recorded what he saw and experienced during that period. He noted the generosity and morals of Saudi society, and also spoke about the personality of Ghalia al-Baqmiya, describing her as a strong and courageous figure. He talked about the strength and determination of the Saudis in defending their land.

– John Lewis Burckhardt, spoke extensively about the First Saudi State, having visited it during the reign of Imam Saud Bin Abdulaziz in 1814. He described the cities he visited, including Makkah al-Mukarramah, al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, Jeddah, Taif, and Yanbu, discussing the social and urban conditions, ways of life, livelihoods, customs, and traditions, as well as the Hajj and the two holy mosques. He also provided a summary of the history of the establishment of the First Saudi State and its founder, Imam Muhammad Bin Saud. Additionally, he spoke about Imam Saud, his family, his palace and gatherings, his relationship with his people and horses, and his personality, highlighting his care and devotion to his people."