About the Society
In the early 1990s AH, a society dedicated to history and archaeology was established at Riyadh University, now King Saud University, under the name “Historical Archaeological Society.” A few months later, its name was changed to the “Historical and Archaeological Society.” The Society laid the foundation for the Department’s work in archaeological exploration and visits to archaeological sites across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, beginning with Al-Faw, where a delegation of Society members, including professors and department staff, visited the archaeological site.
Travel to that region was difficult and arduous, with limited access via established roads. During this trip, the Society gained its first practical experience in archaeological exploration in Saudi Arabia. His Excellency Professor Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Khuwaiter, then Vice President of the University and a member of the Council of Ministers, visited the Society’s delegation at Al-Faw. His visit had a positive impact on the delegation and provided the department’s students with a practical introduction to archaeological fieldwork, inspiring lasting interest in the field.
The Society continued its efforts to survive as the Department’s Archaeology Division became an independent department under the name Department of Archaeology and Museums. This division created challenges for members of the Historical and Archaeological Society. The Department of History subsequently began establishing a new society in 1404 AH. Members of the Department of History Council at King Saud University submitted a proposed set of new bylaws, which was approved by the University’s Scientific Council in 1405/1406 AH.
The Saudi Historical Society brings together researchers and specialists in historical and cultural studies from history and archaeology departments at universities across the Kingdom. It also includes members from departments closely related to history. The Society seeks to attract influential national figures by inviting prominent leaders from administrative, academic, and intellectual fields to join its honorary membership.
Vision
Excellence in research on the history of Saudi Arabia, the Arabian Peninsula, and Islamic and world history.
Mission
To document and study the history of Saudi Arabia, the Arabian Peninsula, and Islamic and world history; strengthen scholarly connections among those interested in historical and cultural studies; and develop and advance scientific thought within the Society’s fields of specialization.
Society Objectives
To focus on the history of Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsula in particular, and Islamic history in general, through study, documentation, and critical examination, including academic conferences and the publication of various works.
To strengthen connections among researchers in historical and cultural studies across the Kingdom by organizing academic conferences and seminars.
To promote the application of rigorous scientific methodology in historical writing.
To facilitate the exchange of scholarly work and ideas among relevant organizations and institutions inside and outside the Kingdom.
To provide scholarly advice and conduct the studies needed to improve performance in areas related to the Society’s interests across various institutions and organizations.
To provide opportunities for professionals working in the Society’s fields of interest to contribute to scientific progress in these areas.
Society Activities
Scientific Meetings and Gatherings
The Saudi Historical Society’s academic activities have been characterized by regular meetings and annual gatherings. By 1415 AH (1994–1995 AD), the Society had held five annual meetings featuring various academic activities. Regional meetings have also been organized.
Publications
The Society has issued the following publications:
A — Historical Research:
The Scientific Council of King Saud University approved the publication of a peer-reviewed academic series featuring research submitted by Society members for its scientific meetings. The decision was made at the Council’s seventeenth meeting of the 1408–1409 AH academic year (1987–1989 AD). The publication was titled “Historical Research,” and its first issue was released.
B — Historical Research Series:
The Society publishes a periodic research series in which each issue contains one or more studies on a single topic by one author. The series is titled “Historical Research.” Three issues had been published at the time of the original description, with new issues scheduled every three months.
C — Saudi Historical Society Journal:
A peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to historical and cultural studies, welcoming contributions from those interested in history across its various branches. It is published twice a year.
D — Newsletter:
The newsletter includes news about the Society and universities, academic institutions, and registered or defended university theses related to the Society’s fields of specialization.
E — Membership Directory:
The Society publishes a directory of its members containing detailed information about their specializations and research interests. The information is updated every two years.
F — Society Bylaws and Activities Guide:
A booklet presenting the Saudi Historical Society and tracing its development from the approval of its bylaws by King Saud University’s Scientific Council to the present.
Academic Field Trips
The Society seeks to create suitable conditions for organizing field visits to various landmarks and sites inside and outside the Kingdom.
Information Database Project
This project aims to compile, classify, and digitize research papers and articles published in peer-reviewed Saudi journals, while retaining a copy of each published article. In its second phase, the project will cover articles published in peer-reviewed Arabic periodicals. The goal is to serve researchers and postgraduate students by helping them identify relevant articles and research and facilitating access to these materials by email.
Other Society Activities
• Publishing university theses.
• Organizing academic field trips for Society members.
• Publishing a directory of university theses and updating its information.
• Developing a database of historical research published in peer-reviewed academic journals.
• Organizing local academic meetings.
• Arranging lectures on various topics and hosting speakers from within and outside the Society.
• Publishing a directory of faculty members and equivalent academic staff at Saudi universities.
• Publishing a directory of Saudi historians.
Saudi Historical Society
An academic journey dedicated to history and historical and cultural studies, supporting scholarly research and serving researchers and those interested in the field.