In the corner of time, where the sands meet their secrets and where glory is etched upon the face of the desert, the Saudi Founding Day emerges as an epic of pride, steeped in the aroma of Arabic coffee and the gleam of swords dancing in the sky of heroism. It was not merely the announcement of a state but the birth of an era of dignity and grandeur, inscribed in the pages of history with the ink of gold and honor.

Yet, behind this glowing glory lie amusing tales and strange anecdotes that reflect the spirit of the ancestors who built this legacy with astonishment and natural wit. Let us embark together on a journey through some of these stories, where history intertwines with wonder, and the past offers its lessons.

“The Guest First… Even If he Is an Opponent!”

It is said that a warrior from the forces of the First Saudi State was about to head into battle when he spotted, at the edge of the desert, a warrior from the opposing side, exhausted by thirst and collapsing from his horse. Without hesitation, the Saudi warrior approached him, offered him water, and handed him a handful of dates, saying, “Drink and eat until you regain your strength… Then we shall see if you still wish to fight!”

For them, honor and hospitality came before conflict, and generosity was held sacred even in times of war. Battles were not mere contests for victory but tests of chivalry and virtue, even with adversaries!

A French Coin in the Heart of Diriyah?!

In the bustling streets of Diriyah, filled with markets and lively conversations, merchants exchanged goods using the “Maria Theresa Thaler,” a heavy silver coin bearing the face of the Austrian Empress!

Imagine the scene: an Arab man in traditional attire, with a sword hanging at his waist, handing over a coin bearing the image of a European woman to buy a camel, a dagger, or even a sack of dates! It may seem strange, but it was a reality—the most trusted and widely used currency of the time, symbolizing economic stability regardless of its foreign engravings!

When Dates Became a Weapon in Wars!

In battles, dates were not just food but a strategic weapon!

It is said that some warriors would keep date pits in their mouths for hours, extracting their moisture to trick their hunger until the actual mealtime. And when war intensified, they would hide handfuls of dates under their clothing in places the enemy would never suspect, as if they were emergency rations! If they were ever besieged and found no food, they would retrieve their hidden dates, continuing the fight as if hunger had no hold on them!

Messages on Sheep Skins!

In an era when paper was not as readily available as today, official letters and correspondences were written on tanned sheep skins or even palm fronds! One story tells of a messenger carrying a secret letter from Diriyah to a distant region, fearing that it might fall into enemy hands. His solution? He tore the letter from the palm frond and ate it piece by piece, erasing all trace of it!

Imagine now how communication worked in an age without emails or text messages—where leather and palm fronds bore witness to history!

Coffee: A Declaration of War and Peace!

In the First Saudi State, coffee was more than just a beverage; it was a symbol with profound meanings. It is said that if a man entered a gathering and was not offered coffee by the host, it meant there was resentment or a dispute between them. On the other hand, if he drank his cup, then turned it upside down and placed it on the ground, it was a declaration that he was ready for a challenge or war—an irreversible decision!

Thus, coffee gatherings were not mere social events but arenas where disputes were resolved and alliances were forged.

The Saudi Ardah… When the Sword Dances Before Battle!

Today, we see it in celebrations, but in the past, the Saudi Ardah was a war dance. Warriors would gather before battle, raise their swords to the sky, stomp the ground with their feet, and chant verses that filled hearts with enthusiasm. It was not mere spectacle but a psychological message to their enemies: these men were coming to fight, and fear had no place among them!

Imagine the enemy watching warriors dancing with swords, wondering, “Who are these people who rejoice before battle as if attending a wedding?!”

The Flag That Never Bows:

In all the nations of the world, flags are lowered as a sign of mourning in times of tragedy or the death of a leader. But there is one flag in this world that refuses to bow…

It is the Saudi flag, bearing the words “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” In one international meeting, all nations were requested to lower their flags according to protocol, but the Saudi delegation stood firm and declared, “Our flag does not bow, and it never will, for it bears the declaration of faith.”

The scene was awe-inspiring, and the Kingdom’s stance became a legendary lesson in sovereignty and pride in identity.

Conclusion: Glory Etched in the Sands:

Founding Day is not just a date to remember; it is a story to be told, a pulse that continues to echo in the hearts of Saudis. It is the day that proved the ancestors’ glory was not born by chance but was forged with patience, intelligence, and honor. It is a day that carries the laughter of warriors in coffee gatherings, the sound of their footsteps on the battle sands, the whispers of the wind carrying their messages on sheep skins, and the echoes of their chants as their swords danced in unison.

Every year, Saudi Arabia stands tall—never bowing, never lowering its flag, and knowing only glory!