In 1902, King Abdulaziz’s successful capture of Riyadh stood as a pivotal moment in the formation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This landmark event marked the inception of a new chapter in which King Abdulaziz dedicated himself to safeguarding the borders of his state from formidable powers that encircled it from all directions. The founding king dealt with these powers with strength and wisdom, capitalizing on events and circumstances to benefit his homeland.
Sykes-Picot Agreement, also called Asia Minor Agreement, (May 1916), secret convention made during World War I between Great Britain and France, with the assent of imperial Russia, for the dismemberment of the Ottoman Empire. The agreement led to the division of Turkish-held Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine into various French- and British-administered areas. Negotiations were begun in November 1915, and the final agreement took its name from the chief negotiators from Britain and France, Sir Mark Sykes and François Georges-Picot. Sergey Dimitriyevich Sazonov was also present to represent Russia, the third member of the Triple Entente. In the midst of