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Women in the Al Saud family played a pivotal role in many fields, such as folk medicine, leadership, charitable work and community service. Princess Al-Jawhara bint Imam Faisal bin Turki bin Abdullah Al Saud is considered one of the most prominent female figures in the history of the Second Saudi State; she belongs to the generation that witnessed the peak of the state's power. Al-Jawhara gained her status from combining noble lineage with piety and interest in knowledge, in addition to her patronage of scholars and students of knowledge; she was known for her generous support of scholarly circles, her eagerness to host scholars, and her encouragement of education in her family and social environment. Furthermore, she took care of collecting books and making them an endowment for students of knowledge, reflecting her awareness of the value of knowledge and the importance of preserving scholarly sources and making them available to future generations. She also paid great attention to other endowments as a means of continuous benefit and community service, including the Bride's Adornment Endowment, the Water Endowment, and others. Due to the respect and esteem she enjoyed within the Al Saud family, she was called 'Al-Ammah' (the Aunt). Her status was not only derived from lineage but also from her personality, known for wisdom and intelligence, which made her an advisor to King Abdulaziz and an influence in his life. He said of her: 'Her words have remained and still remain in my heart forever.'

She advised him to marry Princess Sarah bint Imam Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki Al Saud. Additionally, she played a role in encouraging him to retake Riyadh and restore the rule of his forefathers, revealing women's presence in decision-making through opinion and wisdom. She told King Abdulaziz: 'You must revive the glory of the House of Saud.' King Abdulaziz relied on her to educate and teach the women of the Al Saud family in his palace, and he listened to her advice and consultation in most of his affairs. As a result of the high status she attained within the family and society, and her place in King Abdulaziz's heart, he made sure to visit her daily despite his busy schedule.

Her impact did not stop at her own era, but extended to those after her. The daughter of her brother Imam Abdullah bin Faisal, Princess Sarah bint Imam Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki, continued this approach in serving knowledge and scholars, endowing a number of books, manuscripts, lands, and others. She also inherited the title of Al-Ammah.

In summary, Princess Al-Jawhara bint Imam Faisal bin Turki was not merely a witness to an important historical period, but was part of the living memory of the transformations that Saudi history has undergone. Her life extended to witness the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Her presence was also linked to King Abdulaziz's life since his childhood, as she would embrace him and talk to him about his future status and the great things he must achieve when he grows up, reflecting an early image of her role in instilling confidence and ambition in him. Those words were not just casual talk, but became in memory a symbol of the relationship that united them.

From 'Okaz'

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