Roya News
The 73rd anniversary of the assassination of the founding King Abdullah bin Al-Hussein was marked on Saturday. The king was martyred on July 20, 1951, at the entrance of Al-Aqsa Mosque while preparing for Friday prayers.
The king played a pivotal role in the Arab liberation movement in the early 20th century, striving for a brighter future for the Arab nation. King Abdullah II continues this legacy, promoting Arab unity and democratic principles established by the founding king since 1920.
King Abdullah's political vision was rooted in the principles of the Great Arab Revolt, aiming to achieve a cohesive Arab renaissance recognized by major world powers post-World War II. His diplomatic efforts were focused on securing recognition for the Arab nationalist project, blending Islamic and Arab heritage.
The founding king authored several works compiled in "The Complete Works of King Abdullah bin Al-Hussein," which includes five parts: "Political Dictations," "Memoirs," "Addendum," "An Arab Speaks About Arabs," and "Between Prose and Poetry."
The king's contributions were instrumental in protecting Jordan's Arab identity and freedom, convincing major powers, especially Britain, of the country's sovereignty.
As the first advocate of democracy and political pluralism, he witnessed the establishment of Jordan's first political party, the Arab Independence Party. He engaged with writers, poets, and thinkers on issues concerning the nation and its people.
King Abdullah's foresight helped the Arab nation face future challenges. During the Arab-Israeli War, the Jordanian Arab Army played a leading role, fighting to maintain the Arab identity of Jerusalem, with many soldiers sacrificing their lives.
Prince Abdullah's fight for independence culminated in the signing of the independence document at Raghadan Palace on May 25, 1946, proclaiming Jordan a fully independent, hereditary monarchy. The second constitution was issued in 1947.
The king established strong relations with neighboring Arab countries based on mutual respect and shared interests, especially with Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. He supported pan-Arab projects like Greater Syria and the Fertile Crescent, signed the Arab League Charter in 1945, and attended the Anshas Conference in Egypt in 1946. His leadership ensured Jerusalem's Arab identity during the 1948 war, and in his reign, the unification of the East and West Banks was declared on April 24, 1950.