Origins and history
Diriyah was founded in 850 AH/1446 CE by Mani al-Muraydi and later became the capital of the First Saudi State, founded by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1139 AH/1727 CE; it is the ancestral home of the Al Saud. [1]
Historians link the name to the Duru' clan of Mani al-Muraydi. It was once called Al-Awja, a reference to its winding position on Wadi Hanifah. [1]
Related people
Location and landscape
Diriyah lies on Wadi Hanifah about 20 km north-west of central Riyadh, with Al-Jubaylah and Al-Uyaynah upstream to the north. Wadi Hanifah runs for more than 120 km from west of Al-Uyaynah towards the south-east. [1]
At-Turaif
Historic sites and museums
Development
The Diriyah Gate Development Authority, established by royal order in 1438 AH/2017 CE, is responsible for Diriyah's urban, economic and cultural development and for managing its environment and public facilities. [1]
Tourism and nature
Related topics
- Urban historyHistory of DiriyahDiriyah developed beside Wadi Hanifah and became the First Saudi State's capital. At-Turaif preserves evidence of its political history and Najdi architecture.
- Saudi statesThe First Saudi StateA state centred on Diriyah under Imam Muhammad bin Saud, officially dated in Saudi chronology to 1727. It expanded across Najd and other regions before its capital fell in 1818.