The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), in partnership with the Rihani Organization, held yesterday the sessions of the "Kings of the Arabs Centennial" symposium, which shed light on the legacy of the Lebanese writer and thinker Ameen Rihani and his book "Kings of the Arabs," considered one of the most important literary and historical documents examining the state of the Arab world a century ago. The sessions were held at the King Abdulaziz Lecture Hall at the King Abdulaziz Center, with a group of researchers and thinkers from various Arab and international countries taking part.

First Session: King Abdulaziz in "Kings of the Arabs"

The first session examined the historical relationship between King Abdulaziz and the writer Ameen Rihani, and explored Rihani's view of Saudi Arabia as presented in his book. Notable participants included:

  • Dr. Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Semmari, advisor at the Royal Court and board member of the Darah:
    Presented a paper titled "Rihani's Literary Style in Kings of the Arabs and the Social and Political Issues in the Correspondence Between King Abdulaziz and Rihani," examining the literary and political dimensions reflected in Rihani's correspondence with King Abdulaziz.
  • Dr. Abdullatif bin Mohammed Al-Humaid, professor of history at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University:
    Spoke on "Saudi Arabia as Seen by Rihani in Kings of the Arabs."
  • Dr. Zahida Darwish, professor of French literature at the Lebanese University:
    Presented a paper titled "King Abdulaziz in Kings of the Arabs," examining Rihani's view of King Abdulaziz's wise leadership.
  • The Lebanese writer and thinker Hazem Saghieh:
    Discussed "Kings of the Arabs at Its Centennial: Our Contemporary Ameen Rihani," pointing to the extent of Rihani's influence on modern Arab thought.

Second Session: History and Literature in "Kings of the Arabs"

The second session focused on Rihani's blending of literature and history in his book, with participation from prominent academics, including:

  • Dr. Geoffrey Nash, academic at the University of London:
    Spoke on "Ameen Rihani: Emigrant, Traveler, Arabist," examining Rihani as a figure bridging Western and Arab thought.
  • Dr. Ibrahim Al-Saafin, academic at the University of Jordan:
    Presented a paper titled "Philosophical Modernity and the Future of Arabs According to Rihani," pointing to Rihani's ambitious ideas for developing Arab societies.
  • Dr. Nathan C. Funk, academic at Conrad Grebel University College:
    Addressed "Among the Kings of the Arabs: Ameen Rihani as a Champion of Peaceful Change."
  • Dr. Najma Hajjar, academic at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies:
    Focused her paper on "Kings of the Arabs Between Politics and Poetry."
  • Dr. Nawfal Daw, executive director of the Board of Trustees of Arabism Vision:
    Closed the session with a paper titled "Rihani and Globalized Arabism."

Goals of the Symposium

  • Advancing historical knowledge: presenting Ameen Rihani's historical view of the Arab world.
  • Highlighting historical ties: celebrating the close relationship between Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Lebanon.
  • Documenting cultural heritage: shedding light on the literary and intellectual legacy of one of modern Arabic literature's leading figures.
  • Cultural exchange: fostering intellectual dialogue among researchers and thinkers from different countries.