Riyadh is one of the oldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula and was built on the ruins of the historic city of Hijr, and dates back many centuries. Although there are insufficient details on the origin and reason for settlement of Hijr, it is no different from that of other documented urbanized populated areas all of which tended to be located in viable and stable places.

The city of Riyadh has witnessed several consecutive milestones and historic events. However, this book focuses on the period of King Abdulaziz’s reign, specifically from 1335 AH/1916 when social and economic conditions stabilized and the city began to grow and prosper.

The book describes the ancient city of Riyadh, its walls, gates, districts, streets, mosques, old schools, highlights of its prominent urban features, palaces, markets, and most important occupations. It also reviews the books of some of prominent travelers who visited Riyadh between 1278 AH (1862) and 1349 AH (1930), such as William Belgrave, Abdullah Philby and Mohamed Asad.