The Islamic University celebrates Saudi Founding Day with heritage events
The Islamic University of Madinah is celebrating National Day with a series of cultural and heritage events and programs that highlight the Kingdom's rich history and civilization. These celebrations, which continue until February 26, aim to instill pride in the deep-rooted heritage of the Saudi state and strengthen national identity among the university's faculty, staff, and students from around the world.
Historical background of the founding day
National Day on February 22nd each year , commemorating the founding of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727 CE in its capital, Diriyah. This date marks a pivotal turning point in the history of the Arabian Peninsula, as Imam Muhammad bin Saud established the foundations of a centralized state based on the principles of unity and stability. A royal decree issued in 2022 declared this day an official holiday, affirming the immense importance of this foundational stage in the three-century-long journey of building the Saudi state.
Diverse activities reflecting Saudi heritage
The Islamic University's celebrations include a rich array of activities reflecting the Kingdom's authentic cultural heritage. The "Saudi Tent" is the centerpiece of these events, hosting a variety of interactive displays, most notably:
- Handicrafts Corner: Displays examples of traditional industries for which different regions of the Kingdom are famous.
- The “We Eat the Day We Started” corner offers visitors the opportunity to taste popular dishes that represent a part of the identity of Saudi cuisine.
- The “Our Dress Since the Beginning” corner showcases traditional men’s and women’s clothing that reflects the cultural and geographical diversity of the Kingdom.
- The Storyteller and Arabic Calligraphy Corner: Highlights the importance of oral and written heritage in Saudi culture.
Accompanying cultural and sports programs
In addition to the heritage tent, the university organizes extra programs and activities aimed at engaging students and the wider university community. These activities include student competitions such as the "Founding Cup," sporting events like the "Our Founding Day Marathon," and cultural programs such as "Poems of Our Founding Day" and "Our Values in the Founding." The "Languages of the World Celebrate Founding Day" event, in which international students participate, also stands out, reflecting the university's global reach and its role in building bridges of cultural understanding. The university's main gate is adorned with visual displays and lighting that celebrate the identity and logo of Founding Day.
Importance and impact
These celebrations are particularly significant as they take place at a world-class academic institution like the Islamic University. They not only instill a sense of national history in Saudi students but also serve as a platform to introduce international students, representing over 170 nationalities, to the Kingdom's rich history and culture. This contributes to presenting a comprehensive picture of Saudi Arabia that blends the authenticity of the past with the aspirations of the future, and reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leading cultural and academic destination on the international stage.
