How the People of Madinah Celebrated King Saud’s Visit in 1374 AH
By the historical researcher: Fouad Al‑Mughamsi
The people of Al‑Madinah Al‑Munawwarah have always had their own distinctive way of welcoming any guest who enters their city. One traveler who arrived with a caravan once described them by saying: “They are people of overflowing emotions.” With these emotions—along with generosity, hospitality, and affection—the people of Taybah receive their visitors.
On 23 Safar 1374 AH, King Saud—may God have mercy on him—visited Al‑Madinah Al‑Munawwarah. It was only natural that the residents would welcome their King, who loved the city deeply, at the place of his arrival. They were well aware of the development projects underway at the time—projects known then as initiatives of progress and construction. As reported by Umm Al‑Qura newspaper, the people of Madinah greeted King Saud along the entire route with the slogan:
“Protector of the Two Holy Mosques, guardian of reform and progress, and the man of great national projects.”
This reflected their joy at the arrival of their guest, the master of the house, King Saud. At that time, Madinah had remained largely unchanged for centuries, with only minor developments. Thus, any new project was considered the first of its kind, and any subsequent project was viewed as an advancement of the previous one—an attribute that distinguished King Saud and justified the people’s praise for him.
The city began celebrating its beloved guest, as any city would when visited by its King. Yet what was remarkable—both from the people of Madinah and from King Saud himself—is what follows.
As soon as he arrived, delegations began pouring in from the outskirts of Madinah, nearby towns, provinces, and villages to greet him. After performing prayers in the Prophet’s Mosque, the King proceeded from the Royal Palace—located opposite Bab Al‑Nisa’—to the Al‑Khuraiji residence in Al‑Manakhah. The royal procession moved slowly, frequently stopping at King Saud’s request so he could listen to the people of Madinah and speak with them. Upon his arrival at the palace entrance, a ceremonial pavilion had been erected, where a military salute was performed and delegations warmly received him.
The next day, King Saud began inspecting the development projects underway at the time. The people of Madinah were fully prepared to celebrate Saud the Fortunate—Protector of the Two Holy Mosques and the man of progress, construction, and national projects. They expressed their joy through a series of celebrations, including:
- A tea reception at the home of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zahim in the Khayf Al‑Aghawat district, where the young Ibrahim Al‑Zahim delivered a speech, followed by a poetic recitation by the child Ahmad Al‑Sayyid Habib.
- The King then proceeded to Sultana to inspect projects and celebrate with workers.
- The royal procession moved to Al‑‘Anbariyyah, where the King sat in a pavilion and joined the public celebration.
- He then visited pavilions in Al‑Tajouri, the Princes’ Pavilion, Al‑Tayyar, Manakhat Diro, Shari‘ Al‑Sahah, Harat Al‑Aghawat, Bab Al‑Majidi, and Al‑Nakhawlah.
Each neighborhood prepared in advance for the arrival of the royal procession. Children lined the streets, and women watched from the wooden rawasheen balconies as the King approached. King Saud addressed every neighborhood with the same heartfelt words:
“You are of me, and I am of you. Your elders are my parents, your young are my children, and all of you are my brothers.”
For those unfamiliar with the locations he visited, most of these neighborhoods now lie within the central area surrounding the Prophet’s Mosque. A single large celebration could have been held for all residents, but King Saud insisted on visiting every district, neighborhood, and quarter personally, sharing in their joy.
The people of Madinah showcased their traditional arts during the celebrations:
- In Al‑Manakhah Square, the ‘Ardah dance was performed.
- Near Bab Al‑Shami, a military salute was presented under the command of Sergeant Amir Musa.
- In Bab Al‑Majidi, the King’s procession was welcomed with the mizmar dance.
- In Harat Al‑Nakhawlah, swords were drawn and traditional duels were performed.
These celebrations left a deep impression on everyone. Although the King was scheduled to depart for Jeddah the next day, the people of Madinah earnestly pleaded with him to extend his stay. King Saud promised them:
“I will stay among you for a month or two once my palace in Sultana is completed next year.”
To this day, the elders of Madinah vividly recall that visit, recounting it as though it happened only yesterday.
Such are the people of Madinah, and such was King Saud—may God have mercy on him.