The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) has released the second issue of its peer-reviewed scientific journal “Al-Darah” for the year 2026, continuing its mission to publish specialized research in history, documents, and heritage. The new issue, volume 52, was announced on August 16, 2026, via the Saudi Press Agency, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to scholarly excellence and the preservation of its rich historical legacy.
Context and Background
Al-Darah journal, first published by Darah, serves as a cornerstone for historical and cultural studies in Saudi Arabia. It aims to foster scientific research, support historians, and enhance knowledge about the Kingdom’s heritage. The journal is a vital platform for academics and researchers, both within Saudi Arabia and internationally, facilitating the exchange of ideas and promoting a deeper understanding of the region’s history.
Key Details
The current issue features four scholarly contributions, including three peer-reviewed research papers and a critical review. One study, titled “The Care of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for History: Vision and Documentation,” by Dr. Bandar bin Mutlaq Al-Osaimi and Dr. Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Anqari, explores King Salman’s historical vision and his support for historical documentation and historians. Another paper by Dr. Muhammad bin Abdullah Al-Sari analyzes a rare letter, “A letter from Muhammad bin Atiq to Ibn al-Mubarrad (d. 909 AH/15th century CE): A case study of personal communication between Najdis and Levantines in the late ninth century AH,” shedding light on scholarly and social ties during that era. Additionally, Dr. Saleh Ahmed Al-Faqih presents a study titled “Traditional Architecture in Yemeni Folk Proverbs: A Semantic Study of Oral Heritage,” which categorizes over a hundred proverbs to illustrate their role in preserving construction knowledge and cultural traditions. The issue also includes a scientific review by Dr. Awad bin Abdullah bin Nahi, offering a critical perspective on pre-Islamic religious environments and their historical evidence.
Implications and Impact
The release of this issue highlights Saudi Arabia’s ongoing investment in cultural and academic pursuits, aligning with global trends in preserving historical heritage. By publishing peer-reviewed research, the journal supports the academic community and encourages international collaboration. The studies on traditional architecture and historical communication offer valuable insights for scholars worldwide, fostering a greater appreciation of the Arab and Islamic heritage and its relevance to contemporary discussions on identity and cultural preservation.
Vision 2030 Alignment
This publication directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly its goal of enriching the cultural and entertainment landscape and promoting national heritage. By strengthening research and documentation efforts, Darah contributes to building a knowledge-based society and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global cultural standing, ensuring that its history is meticulously preserved for future generations.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the journal “Al-Darah”?
A1. Al-Darah is a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) in Saudi Arabia. It focuses on historical, documentary, and heritage studies, aiming to promote rigorous scholarly output.
Q2. Who publishes Al-Darah journal?
A2. The journal is published by Darah, also known as the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, a major institution dedicated to preserving Saudi heritage and supporting historical research.
Q3. When was the second issue of the 2026 volume released?
A3. The second issue of volume 52 for 2026 was released on August 16, 2026, according to the Saudi Press Agency announcement.
Q4. How many research papers are in this issue?
A4. The issue includes three peer-reviewed research papers and one scientific review, covering topics in national and Islamic history, folk heritage, and critical studies.
Q5. What is the topic of the first research paper?
A5. The first paper, written by Dr. Bandar bin Mutlaq Al-Osaimi and Dr. Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Anqari, discusses the care of King Salman for history, focusing on his vision and efforts in documenting the Kingdom’s heritage.
Q6. Who are the authors of the study on King Salman’s historical care?
A6. The study was authored by Dr. Bandar bin Mutlaq Al-Osaimi and Dr. Hamad bin Abdullah Al-Anqari, both respected researchers in historical studies.
Q7. What does the second research paper analyze?
A7. Dr. Muhammad bin Abdullah Al-Sari analyzes a rare historical letter, exploring personal communication between Najdis and Levantines in the late 15th century, revealing scholarly and social ties.
Q8. What is the significance of the letter studied by Dr. Al-Sari?
A8. The letter is significant as it provides insights into scientific, commercial, and personal relationships between regions, and reflects the written culture of that historical period.
Q9. What is the title of the third research paper?
A9. The third paper is titled “Traditional Architecture in Yemeni Folk Proverbs: A Semantic Study in Oral Heritage” by Dr. Saleh Ahmed Al-Faqih.
Q10. What does the paper on Yemeni proverbs conclude?
A10. It concludes that folk proverbs preserve construction knowledge and techniques, emphasizing the role of oral heritage in maintaining architectural traditions and environmental customs.
Q11. How many proverbs were classified in that study?
A11. The study classified over one hundred folk proverbs into specialized semantic axes, demonstrating the richness of oral heritage.
Q12. What is the purpose of the scientific review in the issue?
A12. The review, by Dr. Awad bin Abdullah bin Nahi, critiques pre-Islamic religious environments and their historical evidence, evaluating them in light of Islamic sources and modern academic research.
Q13. Why is Darah important for Saudi heritage?
A13. Darah plays a crucial role in preserving Saudi heritage by publishing research, maintaining archives, and supporting historians, thus safeguarding the Kingdom’s historical memory.
Q14. How does Al-Darah journal contribute to academic research?
A14. It publishes peer-reviewed research and reviews, supporting researchers both inside and outside Saudi Arabia, and advancing the field of historical studies.
Q15. What types of topics does the journal cover?
A15. The journal covers topics in history, documents, heritage, folk culture, architecture, and critical reviews, reflecting a broad scope of historical and cultural interests.
Q16. How does this publication align with Vision 2030?
A16. It aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting cultural enrichment, preserving heritage, and building a knowledge-based society, in line with the Kingdom’s strategic goals.
Q17. What is the role of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in the journal?
A17. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, has shown great care and support for history, which is highlighted in the first paper, reflecting his commitment to heritage.
Q18. Who is the target audience for this journal?
A18. The journal targets academics, historians, and researchers, both in Saudi Arabia and internationally, who are interested in historical and cultural studies.
Q19. Where was the announcement made public?
A19. The announcement was made via the Saudi Press Agency, the official news source in the Kingdom, ensuring accurate dissemination.
Q20. What is the broader impact of such publications?
A20. Publications like Al-Darah enhance Saudi Arabia’s cultural standing, promote international dialogue, and ensure the preservation of historical knowledge for future generations.
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