360Imam Turki bin Abdullah founds the Second Saudi State
In 1824, Imam Turki bin Abdullah founded the Second Saudi State and made Riyadh its capital. He restored stability to central Arabia and renewed the legacy of the First Saudi State. Riyadh's choice as capital shaped the future, and the city is today the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In 1824, corresponding to 1240 AH, Imam Turki bin Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Saud, a grandson of Imam Muhammad bin Saud, restored Saudi rule in central Arabia and founded the Second Saudi State.
Instead of Diriyah, he chose nearby Riyadh as his capital. He built up the city, strengthened its walls and made it the centre of government, trade and learning in the region.
Imam Turki worked to restore security on the roads, encourage trade and agriculture, and unite the towns and tribes of the region. His son, Imam Faisal bin Turki, later continued and expanded his work.
The Second Saudi State lasted until 1891. Its legacy endured: in 1902, Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, a descendant of Imam Turki, recovered Riyadh and began the unification that created the modern Kingdom. Riyadh has remained the Saudi capital ever since and is today one of the largest cities in the Middle East.
- 1824
- Imam Turki bin Abdullah founds the Second Saudi State
- 1824
- Riyadh becomes the capital
- 1891
- The Second Saudi State ends
- 1902
- Abdulaziz recovers Riyadh
Sources: Saudipedia · Darah (King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives) · Britannica.