محمد الحمدان.. بصمة الصحافة والثقافة

The Saudi writer, critic, and literati Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Hamdan contributed to shaping the early features of institutional journalism and cultural work in the Kingdom, through a career that spanned decades, during which he combined journalism, critical writing, and an interest in cultural documentation, leaving a significant impact on the Saudi literary and media scene.

Al-Hamdan was born in 1357 AH/1938 AD in the village of Al-Bir in the Al-Mahmal region, northwest of Riyadh. He received his early education in traditional schools, then at Al-Tamir Primary School, before joining the Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, where he graduated in 1383 AH/1963 AD. He also attended several courses in management and English language, and this diverse background contributed to shaping his professional and cultural personality.

Throughout his professional life, Al-Hamdan moved between several official positions, including the Administration of Colleges and Institutes, the Royal Diwan, the Ministry of Labor, and the Riyadh Region Emirate, before requesting early retirement in 1400 AH/1980 AD, to dedicate himself to writing and cultural work.

He was present in the literary scene early on, participating in the first conference of Saudi writers in 1394 AH/1974 AD, and contributing to the Janadriyah festivals, alongside participating in several literary seminars and conferences. He was also among the names that contributed to the establishment of Al-Jazeera Press Foundation and was an early member of the Board of Directors of the Literary Club in Riyadh, during a time when institutional cultural work was in the process of formation.

Al-Hamdan's interest extended to collecting old books and newspapers, a passion that turned into a cultural project when he expanded his private library and opened it to the public under the name "Qais Library," which included rare books and newspapers. Despite the difficulties he faced in acquiring these materials and the circumstances that later forced him to part with some of his collection, he remained loyal to the idea of preserving knowledge and safeguarding cultural memory, later establishing Qais Publishing and Distribution House, in addition to the Qais Museum for Folklore.

Documentary Works and Publications

In terms of cultural production, Al-Hamdan presented the Arabic library with multiple publications and documentary works, including "Banu Al-Athir... The Three Knights," and "The Youth of Najd in Poetry and Prose," which documented the works of hundreds of poets and prose writers from Najd, alongside "Dictionary of Printed Collections of Old Popular Poetry," "Diwan Al-Samri and Al-Hijini," and "Diwan Hamidan Al-Shuwair." Throughout his long career, he collected surveys and articles published over four decades in documentary volumes, and he completed an index of topics in the Holy Quran, in works that reflect the breadth of his interests and the depth of his cultural project.

Al-Hamdan published many articles and research papers in Saudi newspapers and magazines, including Al-Yamamah, Al-Qassim, Al-Jazeera, Al-Riyadh, Al-Da'wah, and Al-Majallah Al-Arabiyyah. His writings were characterized by critiquing social behaviors in a clear and smooth style, with attention to returning to heritage sources and old books in addressing topics.

The literati Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Hamdan passed away on Monday, 2 Rajab 1447 AH, corresponding to December 22, 2025 AD, at the age of nearly 90, leaving behind a cultural and media legacy that deserves reflection and the revival of his biography as one of the generation that believed that building culture begins with a commitment to the word, quiet work, and loyalty to the idea.