The Fall of Diriyah: A Tale of Defeat and Betrayal
In April 1818, the forces of Ibrahim Pasha, led by the eldest son of Muhammad Ali Pasha, laid siege to Diriyah, marking the end of the First Saudi State after a seven-year campaign.
The Saudis resisted for six months before their leader, Abdullah bin Saud Al-Saud, surrendered and requested the spared of Diriyah. However, the city was destroyed, and Abdullah was sent to Constantinople where he met his victorious foe, Muhammad Ali Pasha, for the first and only time.
Historian Michael Crawford’s recent book, “The Imam, the Pasha and the Englishman,” draws on the previously unpublished account by John Bowes Wright, who witnessed the meeting between the two rivals in Cairo.
Engraving of Abdullah bin Saud by Louis Haghe published in 1834. (Supplied)
A Glimpse into History: The Meeting of Two Rivals
Bowes Wright’s letter to his friend describes Abdullah bin Saud with a mix of melancholy, firmness, and dignity that left a lasting impression. The account sheds light on the courage and composure of the defeated leader, contrasting with other historical narratives.
Central to the meeting was the question of treasures taken from the Prophet Muhammad’s tomb in Madinah, highlighting the tensions between the Ottomans and the Saudis over ownership and religious significance.
Early 20th century photograph of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (Supplied)
Unveiling the Lesser-Known History of the Kingdom
Author Michael Crawford aims to shed light on the lesser-known period of the Kingdom’s history, emphasizing the role of Abdullah bin Saud and the factors that led to the fall of the First Saudi State.
Could the outcome have been different? Crawford speculates on the possibility of survival if Abdullah had managed to keep major tribes on his side and outmaneuver the Ottoman forces.
The Al-Saud Palace in Diriyah – photo taken in 1937. (Supplied)
Legacy and Lessons from the Past
Crawford’s book serves as a call for a deeper understanding of the Kingdom’s history, challenging the notion that the Arabian Peninsula lacked historical significance compared to other regions in the Middle East.
Through his research and writing, Crawford hopes to bring alive the rich history of Saudi Arabia and the complexities of its past for a broader audience to appreciate.