Riyadh

Riyadh ({{lang-ar|الرياض}} ar-Riyāḍ) is the capital of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, located in the Najd region. It is situated in the centre of the Arabian peninsula on a large plateau and is home to over 4,087,152 people (18% of the nation's population). Riyadh covers more than 600 square miles (1,554 km²).

History

In pre-Islamic times, the settlement at the site was called Hajar. The site is at the confluence of several rivers (now wadis) and much underground water is accessible at the site. The settlement was historically famous for its dates and orchards. Its name derives from the plural of the Arabic rowdhah (place of gardens). The modern name was first applied to only certain parts of the settlement where orchards predominated. Gradually the name was used for the entire settlement.

Related Topics:
Wadi - Date - Orchard - Arabic

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By the end of the 18th century, Riyadh was part of the First Saudi State, with the capital at Diriyah. After the destruction of Diriyah in 1818 by the Turks, the capital moved to Riyadh. Portions of Diriyah, a city made of mud bricks, still exisits.

Related Topics:
18th century - First Saudi State - Diriyah - 1818 - Turks

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The city was seized in 1902 by Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud. He went on to established the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, with Riyadh the capital of the nation. The diplomatic capital did not move until 1982 (from Jeddah). Recently the city has experienced very high rates of population growth, which is indicated by the poor quality of development since the 1970s.

Related Topics:
1902 - Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud - Saudi Arabia - 1932 - 1982 - Jeddah - 1970s

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