The capital of Saudi Arabia is Riyadh

The capital of Saudi Arabia, the city of Riyadh, plays an important role in the modern world. If you look at the historical data, you can see that on this place were crossed land trade routes and caravan routes. A handicraft settlement was formed at this intersection. From this village grew Riyadh. In 1233 the city was destroyed by the Egyptians. But already in 1240 it was restored and surrounded by a fortress, in which there were a mosque and a palace of the ruler.

In the second half of the 16th century, after Abulaziz's capture of bin Abdulrehman Al Faisal, the city became the capital of the state, which the Arabs are trying to create, taking advantage of Turkey's weak political influence.

In 1744 the first Sudov state was created, which 73 years later was destroyed by the Ottoman Empire. In 1824, the Saud dynasty established the second Saudi state with its capital in Riyadh. In 65 years the country was conquered by the Rashid dynasty. In 1902, the Saud dynasty began to attempt to regain power in Arabia with the help of Turkey and Britain. In 1920, the Rashid dynasty was overthrown.

Since the XIX century, there has been an active political movement for the unification of the tribes inhabiting the country, and for the liberation from power of Turkey, and the capital of Saudi Arabia becomes its center. The purpose of this movement was the creation of a single state with centralized power. As a result, in 1932 the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established, whose capital remained in the city of Riyadh.

Riyadh remained a typical Arab city until the 1950s. XX century. The main building was the palace of the emir. On narrow winding streets there were mud houses with patios. At this time in Saudi Arabia are found the largest oil fields. The country is turning into one of the richest. In the capital, mud houses are demolished. The city is practically rebuilt. Skyscrapers are under construction. In the wide streets there are schools, hotels, shopping centers, mosques, private villas. All ministries and major state institutions are transferred to the capital.

But the capital of Saudi Arabia has preserved the historical sights of antiquity - the Royal Palace of Murabba and the Palace of the Emirs. One of the modern attractions of Riyadh is the royal stables, and the jumps of thoroughbred Arabian horses attract not only residents of the city, but also its guests. The most ancient and preserved its original sight is the Fort Masmak, built in 1865.

To date, the capital of Saudi Arabia occupies an area of about 1600 square kilometers and has more than 4.5 million people. Despite the fact that Riyadh is located in the center of the country and is the hottest city in the state, millions of tourists visit it every year. All of them are attracted by the wealth and luxury of the city, which grew in a short time on "black gold", and its historical sights.

From Riyadh, the road to the holy city of Muslims - Mecca is laid. According to the laws and traditions of Saudi Arabia, whose inhabitants profess Islam, it is necessary to make an annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Residents of the country strictly respect this law of the Koran.

There is also the second capital of the capital of Saudi Arabia - diplomatic - the city of Jeddah. It is located on the shore of the Red Sea, built-up with modern buildings. In the seaside part of the city there are all consulates and embassies.