Aseer History
The term Aseer was not known to the early historians and geographers, similar to other names like: Yemen, Hijaz, Al-Yamamah and Bahrain, which belonged to the Caliphate House in Medina, followed by Damascus and Baghdad. Back in the early and middle Islamic ages, Aseer was not known as a geographical and administrative unit. However, it enjoyed administrative independence, unlike other regions of the Arabian Peninsula due to its rugged terrain. Hence, it was not a region dearly coveted by rulers of the neighboring emirates. In fact, any attempt in this direction failed due to the severity of its people, their disobedience and their refusal to submit to outside forces.
The name ‘Aseer’ appeared as a political and geographical term at the end of the twelfth century and the beginning of the thirteenth century for travelers, especially among Western writers, although it was limited in its geography to Abha and the mountains and hills that surrounded it. Some of them added other areas extending north to Al-Laith and Ghamid And Zahran and Bisha, and from the south to Dhahran al-Janoub, Najran and Jazan. This discrepancy resulted from the political and military events occuring in the region.
This region was forgotten in most books of Islamic heritage, as it lived in isolation from the rest of the world. People began writing about it and highlighting its political and cultural importance much later.
Aseer: History and Politics:
Since the early years of the 19th century, Aseer and its tribes were ruled by local tribal chiefs. When Sheikh Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab announced the call for reform, it reverberated in Aseer with the emergence of some reformers, including Muhammad and Abdul Wahhab. The children of Amer Abi Nuqat Al-Muthami, who spread the principles of da’wah among the people of Aseer, worked hard to rule the Aseer country under the first Saudi state and armies of the Ottomans. When the first Saudi state fell, followed by the Ottomans’ control of Aseer, the region saw several battles with the Turkish garrison in Abha led by Prince Saeed bin Muslat who kept Aseer independent from the Ottomans for more than half a century , until the Radeef Pasha campaign came in 1288 AH / 1871 AD. This campaign ended the Emirate of Prince Muhammad bin Ayedh, and subjected the region to his rule, as it was taken over by an Ottoman governor residing in Abha, and this continued until the year 1337 AH / 1919 AD.
In fact, authority of the Turks was scarce, as the region’s loyalty to them did not extend beyond military centers, barracks and some cities. The real power was always held by tribal elders. In 1338 AH, Aseer entered the modern Saudi era, and Abha remained its capital. During this period, Al-Idrisi succeeded in carving out parts of the Aseer region, and almost besieged Abha, trying to bring it under his influence. However, he failed and returned to Sabya. In 1338 AH, Aseer entered the modern Saudi era, and Abha remained its capital.
Aseer: The reign of its founders
The Ottomans left the Arabian Peninsula, and King Abdul Aziz appeared in Najd, determined to unite the outskirts of the Arabian Peninsula autonomously. For a period of 8 years, he issued regulations which were initially followed only by Hijaz alone. After seeing the impact of his reign on Hijaz, Najd followed suit.
Aseer, which is part of the modern Saudi state, was not far from this impact as its susceptibility to modern systems was greater than that of Najd, given the previous Ottoman rule. This was due to its merger with Hijaz, where some of the legislation was retained to control the system of government in the modern Saudi country.
The first indication related to the administrative organization of the Emirate of Aseer was in the noble Royal Decree No. 2/4/4 dated 5/6/1358 AH, which is the decision regarding some special arrangements for the country of Aseer, labelling it as an organized administrative entity defined by many centers and annexes. Clear administration and legislation continued during the reign of the founding King.
His sons followed their father’s approach in building and ruling, taking the Book of God and the Sunnah of His Prophet as a way of life and a constitution for their country and people. With this method of ruling, they were able to raise this blessed country to the ranks of developed nations in all aspects.
Aseer continues to be a canvas of learning and contemplation, especially as it enters a new renaissance era with a strategy that takes it towards global standards with the determination of its King, Prince, and the ambition of a vibrant society.