The 1979 Grand Mosque Siege: Uncovering the Roots of Extremism (Part 2)

The Makkah Siege was a turning point that reshaped Saudi society. In November 1979, an incident shook the heart of Saudi Arabia and left an indelible mark on its society. The siege of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, led by Juhayman al-Otaybi and his followers, was not just an act of militant extremism—it became a turning point that shaped Saudi cultural and societal norms for decades to come.

The Rise of Conservatism: A New Chapter in Saudi Society

The Saudi society of the 1970s bore a relatively relaxed outlook on lifestyle and traditions. Women in urban centers like Jeddah and Dammam had the choice to forgo the abaya and hijab, and shared spaces, such as mixed swimming pools in hotels, were not uncommon. This cultural openness reflected a diverse Saudi lifestyle, especially in coastal cities where international influences were more pronounced.

However, the aftermath of the 1979 siege ushered in an era of heightened conservatism. The religious police, also known as the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, gained significant authority. By the early 1980s, modesty codes became stricter, mandating the abaya and hijab for both Saudi and foreign women. Social spaces that once encouraged interaction between men and women were rapidly segregated.

Shifting Norms: From Tradition to Regulation

Before the siege, Saudi traditions were shaped more by societal expectations than formal regulations. But after 1979, these traditions hardened into rules. This shift was evident not only in personal lifestyle choices but also in how societal interactions were governed. Public gatherings, such as funerals and mosque sermons, became conduits for spreading more conservative ideologies, often propagated by extremists.

While central cities like Riyadh had long upheld conservative values, coastal cities like Jeddah struggled to reconcile this shift. For generations raised in the 1970s, the changes represented a stark departure from the norm, leading to tension between older and younger generations about what defined Saudi identity.

Generational Shifts: A New Saudi Identity

The siege not only redefined societal norms but also planted the seeds for a generational divide. While older generations adapted to the conservative wave, younger Saudis, especially today’s Gen Z, are forging a more balanced identity. They value modernity but often seek to preserve elements of tradition, creating a nuanced blend of cultural pride and global awareness.

This generational shift is evident in the way Saudi youth engage with their heritage. From reviving traditional arts to embracing contemporary fashion that subtly incorporates cultural motifs, younger Saudis are reinterpreting their identity in ways that resonate with their values while honoring their past.

Long Shadows: The Legacy of the Siege

Though rarely discussed openly, the Makkah Siege remains a somber memory within Saudi Arabia. Beyond the immediate shock and loss, it set into motion decades of societal transformation, leaving a legacy of both challenges and resilience.

For many Saudis today, these changes have become a lens through which they explore their identity, navigating the balance between preserving traditions and embracing progress. The modern Saudi lifestyle reflects this journey—a tapestry woven with threads of history, culture, and innovation.

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