Alexander Woodman, London

On December 20, 2019, “A Life at the Heart of the Twentieth Century” exhibition opened in the Nash Room at 116 Pall Mall, London. The exhibition is celebrating the centenary of life-changing five-month visit of King Faisal Abdul Aziz Al Saud to Britain, Ireland, and France in 1919. This historical journey is credited with the start of cordial relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.

Then Prince Faisal, who was only thirteen years of age, became the first member of the Saudi Royal family to visit England, which was considered as one of the most controversial political visits. However, meetings with the world’s most influential nations became for young Prince Faisal the first experience on international affairs. Forty-five years passed since this visit before he became the King of Saudi Arabia and one of the most eminent world leaders of the 20th century. During his last state visit to the United Kingdom in 1967, King Faisal was honored by 21-gun salute, a parade in Hyde park. Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II met him as a sign of appreciation for his unique dignity and devotion to cordial ties with the United Kingdom.

The exhibition “A Life at the Heart of the Twentieth Century” presents an overview of King Faisal's path, with a demonstration of his journey, the places he has visited, and the leaders he has met along the way. The exhibition will last for three weeks and will display many of his personal amenities, manuscripts, telegrams, letters, paintings, maps, photographs, and articles. Additionally, the visitors will have the opportunity to observe the press coverage that documented his significant visit to Great Britain. The beginning of this exceptional path as a future King began with an invitation from King George V to visit London. This invite from one of the most influential and admired leaders in the world was quite an honor. To receive this invitation as a child during this first overseas trip became a distinctive part of his character and shaped his behavior in the future.

The “A Life at the Heart of the Twentieth Century” consists of seven sections. It begins with “Najed,” the story of the early life of the King; “India,” which documents the first overseas visit of the young Prince and his first meeting with those in the outside world. “London,” is about the first city visited on the groundbreaking trip in 1919. The section on "England, Wales and Ireland" pays tribute to his additional tours of Britain and Ireland. “On the battlefields,” focuses a spotlight on King Faisal's visit to the killing fields of Europe, one year after the end of World War I. The “Paris” exhibit is about his visit to the French capital and how he met the allies at the Peace Conference in Paris; this section is dedicated to the First World War. “Heritage” concentrated on the discovery of the constructive and prolific outcomes and legacy of his historic trip. The visitors of the exhibition will witness and understand the importance of his visit to Europe, particularly for Saudi Arabia and how it affected its future.

Reflecting on the message and symbolism of a hundred-years journey, His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud said, “This exhibition shows the start of the career of young Prince Faisal as representative of his father King Abdulaziz throughout his life. Since the first overseas trip of Faisal had been started in England 100 years ago, the place to launch these series of exhibitions was obviously London.”

Further, HRH Prince Turki shared his feelings as a citizen of Saudi Arabia and, as a son of a great leader: “This is very emotional to be both an observer and son of King Faisal. I look back to the origins, and how he paved his path as a king and as a leader. This exhibition brings me back to those days when he enthusiastically and passionately led and developed all segments and resources of the country to make Saudi Arabia a prosperous realm for coming generations.”

“This exhibition celebrates the length and depth of Saudi-British solid and stable ties. King Faisal was not just a great King in Saudi history, but he became one of the greatest kings and leaders of the world. Remarkably, we repeat his history nowadays, through the transformations, that once were initiated by King Faisal. He led the country despite international pressure, changing times, and regional instability,” said Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom, HRH Prince Khaled bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud discussing the legacy and inheritance, left by King Faisal.

His Excellency, Ambassador Khaled bin Bandar, encouraged the young population around the world to visit and witness the achievements of Saudi Arabia. “They will gain profound knowledge about this exceptional personality and his character. He was one who created international diplomacy for Saudi Arabia.”

“A life at the Heart of the Twentieth Century” exhibition has been organized in collaboration with the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, King Faisal Foundation, and the Kingdom's Embassy in the United Kingdom. This exhibition will become one of the series of expositions in Europe to present and introduce King Faisal, his admired character, vision, undying will, and greater contribution to the world.

In 2020, “A life at the Heart of the Twentieth Century” exhibition will be launched in Paris simultaneously with the Peace Conference.

• Alexander Woodman is an author based in the Gulf. His research interests include global health, international health policy development, transnational and transcultural health politics, ethics, as well as international diplomacy alexwoodman.ucla@gmail.com. Instagram @thelandofadat