Born: 1916 (Constantinople, Turkey)
Died: 2000
Biography:
Iffat bint Mohammad Al Thunayan, also known as Queen Iffat or Princess Iffat, was a Turkish-born education activist and Saudi princess who played a significant role in the improvement of Saudi education. She was the most prominent wife of King Faisal of Saudi Arabia and made remarkable contributions to society throughout her life.
Born in Constantinople in 1916, Iffat belonged to the Al Thunayan cadet branch of the Al Saud. Her grandfather, Abdullah bin Abdullah bin Thunayan Al Saud, was born in 1843 and was named after his father, Abdullah bin Thunayan, Emir of Nejd, who had passed away on the day of his birth. Abdullah bin Abdullah later moved to Constantinople and married Tazeruh Hanm, a Circassian-origin Turkish woman. Together, they had four children, including Iffat’s father, Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Thunayan.
Tragically, Iffat’s father, a physician in the Ottoman army, was killed while fighting in the Balkan War. Following his death, Iffat lived with her aunt Jawhara and received her education in Constantinople. She attended both Ottoman schools and modern schools established after the Republic of Turkey was established. After years of dedicated study, Iffat attained a teaching degree.
In 1931, Iffat first met Prince Faisal while undertaking a pilgrimage to Makkah with her aunt. At the time, Prince Faisal served as the viceroy of the Hijaz and was captivated by Iffat’s intellect and charm. He brought Iffat back to Turkey with her aunt, and the couple started their journey together. There is another account of their meeting, stating that they first encountered each other in Constantinople in 1932 when Prince Faisal visited the city after an official visit to the Soviet Union. Following this incident, they traveled to Jeddah together and eventually married in 1932.
Despite the language barrier between them, as neither spoke the other’s language, Iffat and Prince Faisal taught each other and developed a deep understanding. They settled in Mecca and went on to have nine children – five sons and four daughters.
Iffat’s true dedication to education became evident throughout her life. She founded the Taif model school, which aimed to provide quality education to boys and girls, and established the first girl’s college in Saudi Arabia. Through her tireless efforts, Iffat helped shape the educational landscape of the country and played a significant role in empowering women through education.
In addition to her contributions to education, Iffat also had an influential role as the wife of King Faisal. She supported her husband in his leadership and played a vital part in his decision-making processes. Her intelligence, grace, and commitment to the betterment of society made her an invaluable asset to the royal family and to the nation as a whole.
Iffat bint Mohammad Al Thunayan passed away on February 17, 2000, leaving behind a legacy of educational reform and empowerment. Her dedication to improving the education system and her unwavering support for her husband’s leadership make her an inspiring figure in Saudi Arabia’s history.