2007/02/01 by Thomas Hegghammer, Stéphane Lacroix · 120 citations
Social Sciences · #Socioeconomic Development in MENA #Middle East and Rwanda Conflicts #Islamic Studies and History #History #Ancient history #Event (particle physics) #Middle East #Media studies #Sociology #Archaeology
paper · pdf · doi:10.1017/s0020743807002553
published in International Journal Middle East Studies 39(1), 103-122 (Cambridge University Press)
openalex publication_date 2007/02/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/27
The storming of the Mecca mosque by Juhayman al-ʿUtaybi and his fellow rebels in November 1979 represents one of the most spectacular events in the modern history of Saudi Arabia. Yet, it is one of the least understood. Even decades after the event, many important questions remain unanswered. Who were the rebels, and what did they want? Why and how did Juhayman's group come into existence? What happened with the rebels and their ideas after the Mecca events? This article seeks to shed light on the story and legacy of Juhayman al-ʿUtaybi with new information gathered from extensive fieldwork in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere.