Saudi Arabia Research Tips and Strategies
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Purpose of Research Tips and Strategies Wiki Page |
Saudi Arabia Research Strategies
- Getting Started
- Online Learning - Video classes
- Record Finder
- Finding Town of Origin
- Beginning Your Middle East Family Tree - FamilySearch Blog
Saudi Arabia Research Tips
Understand Important Historical Events
- Over the past 500 years, Saudi Arabia has transitioned from fragmented tribal regions to a unified kingdom under the Al Saud dynasty, marked by significant political and social reforms.
- Initially, records were maintained through oral traditions and handwritten documents, particularly during the early Saudi states.
- With the unification of Saudi Arabia in 1932, the need for systematic record-keeping became more pronounced, leading to the establishment of formal archives.
- The National Center for Archives and Records, founded in 1989, marked a significant advancement in preserving and classifying records.
- The King Abdul Aziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) has played a crucial role in documenting and preserving oral histories
- See also Saudi Arabia History.
Where to Start Finding Records
- Saudi Arabia Tribes and Clans - Online books about tribes in Saudi Arabia and the surrounding areas, including family histories and some genealogies.
- Saudi Arabia Newspapers - Some newspapers are available online and can be searched for obituaries or business advertisements
- Saudi Arabia Census - Several censuses were conducted by the Ottoman Empire which are likely held by the President's Archive in Istanbul, Turkey.
- U.S. State Department Reciprocity and Civil Documents - (Saudi Arabia) Contains information about record-keeping practices in Saudi Arabia and offices to contact
Connect with Societies
- Saudi Arabia Societies - Organizations and societies focused on genealogical research relevant to Saudi Arabia. Connecting with societies and genealogy research groups can be extremely helpful for asking questions, exchanging ideas, and learning new strategies.
- Arab Genealogy Community - Online research forum for Arab genealogy.