The Transformation of ‘Unayza: Where is the “Paris of Najd” today?

摘要

‘Unayza was a prominent urban center in Arabia at the height of the oil boom, at times even referred to as the “Paris of Najd”. As a combined result of the consolidation of the Saudi central state in the 1930’s, increased oil revenues in the 1970’s and the recent nationalization of Saudi identity, ‘Unayza has lost much of its former glory and reputation. Although a sizable city with all necessary services, it has been turned into a city lacking in attractiveness, and devoid of real economic decision?making power or political weight at the national level. ‘Unayza’s significance is dwindling and the city no longer stands out from other Saudi Arabian cities. The article analyzes the reasons for the fall?off and argues that this relative decline stems from overwhelming state control over the city`s administration and resources, the collusion of the elites and a rapid transformation of social and economic standards.