There’s no shortage of historical forts in Saudi Arabia, but there’s one in particular that’s holds great significance to the people and marks a turning point in the country’s history. Situated in the old quarter, amid the tall, glittering skyscrapers, colourful souks and luxury serviced apartments in Riyadh, is the Masmak Fort. The historic fort looks like something out of a Hollywood movie, a clay and mud-brick fort, with four watchtowers and thick walls, standing tall against the assaults of rival tribes; And it did, to all but one.
The fortress was constructed around 1865, during the reign of the Rasheed clan, the rulers of Ha’il, who had previously seized control of the city from the Al Saud clan. As the legendary story goes, in January 1902, the young Amir Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman bin Faisal Al Saud, who was at the time living as an exile in Kuwait, succeeded in a daring raid, capturing the Masmak fortress from its Rashid garrison. The capture of Masmak, restored the rule of the Al Saud clan over Riyadh, and eventually, the control and unification of the warring tribes under one king, creating modern day Saudi Arabia.
If you’re staying in a bnearby accommodation, like the Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh, which is a short drive from the fort, then the best time to visit this historical fort is during the evening, when the outer walls are lit with soft lights and a comfortable cool breeze blows through.
The Fort was used by King Abdulaziz between 1902 and 1938, until he moved his court to the much grander Murabba Palace. It is now used as a museum, dedicated to the Saud family and its history. There’s plenty of information on the raid of the fortress, highlights include displays of old maps and photographs of Saudi, dating from 1912 to 1937.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.