The Jaḥiliyya Revaluation in Saudi Arabia:  A Matter of Identity

Although Saudi Arabia is usually associated with Islam and Wahhabism, a change in the national narrative has been noticed in the last decades. Since King Abdullah’s realm until the contemporary Muhammad bin Salman, a more secularist component has been introduced to Saudi Arabian identity. This phenomenon becomes more evident when it comes to studying Ǧaḥiliyya. This historical period has always been considered the opposite of Islam, but nowadays it is an important part of Saudi Arabian identity. This thesis will shed light on this phenomenon, starting with the following research questions: What are the main reasons for reshaping Saudi national Identity? How is the revival of the Pre-Islamic period forming a new national identity? A multidisciplinary approach will demonstrate that this shift is the direct consequence of historical events that happened from the 1980s to the 2000s and that the revaluation of Ǧaḥiliyya is a way to develop this new identity. The comparison between the...Show moreAlthough Saudi Arabia is usually associated with Islam and Wahhabism, a change in the national narrative has been noticed in the last decades. Since King Abdullah’s realm until the contemporary Muhammad bin Salman, a more secularist component has been introduced to Saudi Arabian identity. This phenomenon becomes more evident when it comes to studying Ǧaḥiliyya. This historical period has always been considered the opposite of Islam, but nowadays it is an important part of Saudi Arabian identity. This thesis will shed light on this phenomenon, starting with the following research questions: What are the main reasons for reshaping Saudi national Identity? How is the revival of the Pre-Islamic period forming a new national identity? A multidisciplinary approach will demonstrate that this shift is the direct consequence of historical events that happened from the 1980s to the 2000s and that the revaluation of Ǧaḥiliyya is a way to develop this new identity. The comparison between the traditional Wahhabi idea of Ǧaḥiliyya and its narration within museums, archaeological sites and festivals will demonstrate that Ǧaḥiliyya is not associated anymore with cultural ignorance, but it is exalted for its cultural flourishment, especially with poetry. The case study of Nabaṭī poetry in the national TV program Ŝāʿir al-Rāya will show that poets are the carriers of the Saudi pre-Islamic tradition, and the Saudi State becomes the protector of this important collective memory.Show less

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The Jaḥiliyya Revaluation in Saudi Arabia: A Matter of Identity