“The Darah (as the organization is known in Arabic) was been established as a center for scientific study of the Saudi Arabian history and culture. It has rightly been named after the founder of the Kingdom, King Abdul Aziz, in recognition of his historic accomplishment through the unification of Arabia in order to set up a modern state that has turned into an oasis of stability, security and development,” said Prince Salman, who is also the chairman of the board of directors of the foundation, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the foundation.
After its founding in 1972 in Riyadh, Darah has been continually expanded with government support.
It has been gathering sources of the country’s history and documenting and preserving them. It has also been providing reference materials for students, researchers and historians inside and outside the Kingdom.
“The younger generations are inspired by the struggles and achievements of their forefathers to carry on the march of the country,” the governor said.
The prince said the support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Deputy Premier Prince Sultan, minister of defense and aviation, and Second Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Prince Naif in addition to the efforts of local and international scholars have been vital in the growth and expansion of the foundation over the past 40 years.
The Darah was established as an official source of heritage and historical sources. A turning point in Darah’s growth occurred with constituting of its first board of directors with Prince Salman as its head. Minister of Higher Education Khaled Al-Anqari serves as its deputy chairman.
