The naming of a main street in Al-Ahsa Governorate after the critic Dr. Saad Al-Bazai has sparked a wide-ranging cultural debate about the mechanisms and criteria governing the honoring of intellectual and literary figures in Saudi Arabia. This initiative, which has been widely welcomed, has reignited a long-standing debate: Should the selection of names be based on the intellectual's merit and influence, or should it remain subject to the regulations and controls set by municipalities and local authorities?

Historical background and national context

The practice of naming streets and squares after prominent figures is a global tradition aimed at preserving national memory and connecting generations to their history. In the Kingdom, this practice has historically focused on the names of kings, leaders, prominent historical and religious figures, or classic public names. However, recent years have witnessed a notable shift towards honoring contemporary cultural, artistic, and literary figures—a trend that aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which places culture and national identity at the heart of its priorities and seeks to celebrate the creative individuals who have contributed to shaping societal awareness.

The importance of the initiative and its expected impact

The significance of these initiatives transcends mere symbolic tribute; they carry profound cultural and social dimensions. Locally, these namings foster a sense of belonging and pride among city dwellers, connecting them to their recent cultural history. Critic Dr. Mohammed Al-Dabisi views this act as “a conscious cultural practice closely linked to identity and memory,” functioning as a “silent educational tool” that evokes the lives and contributions of these prominent figures in the minds of passersby, thus enriching the cultural heritage of new generations and imbuing public spaces with a distinctive character.

Intellectuals' opinions: between appreciation and demands for clarity

Intellectuals agree that this initiative represents “the ultimate prize,” as described by historian Mohammed Rabie Al-Ghamdi, who recounted his personal experience with the street named after the poet Mutlaq Al-Dhiyabi in Jeddah, considering it a lasting honor that surpasses the value of any material award. Dr. Ahmed Al-Humaid affirms that naming a street after a literary figure during their lifetime is a source of pride, and after their death, it is an honor for their family and a recognition of their legacy. For his part, Dr. Saad Al-Rifai suggests developing this initiative by adding a QR code to street signs that leads to the individual's biography, thus transforming it into a tool for enriching knowledge.

However, intellectuals are calling for clear and transparent selection criteria. Dr. Al-Dubaisi criticizes what he describes as the “fluidity” of criteria in some areas, advocating for the adoption of scientific principles based on the actual impact of the individual in the fields of education, thought, and journalism, to avoid favoritism or arbitrary selections. Writer Ali Magawi agrees, arguing that commemorating influential figures should be an “official responsibility” to ensure the selection of the most suitable positions and the most deserving individuals.

Official vision: Specific procedures and controls

In contrast, official sources emphasize that the process is subject to strict controls. The municipalities of Madinah, Asir, and Al-Ahsa clarified that street naming is carried out according to instructions and standards approved by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing. The Secretary of Al-Ahsa Governorate, Engineer Essam Al-Mulla, indicated that the process begins with nominations from specialized entities, then proceeds through a dedicated committee, which selects the most suitable street before final approval is obtained from the regional or provincial authorities. This regulatory framework aims to ensure that the selections are well-considered and meet specific criteria, such as the importance and significance of the street, while also taking into account initiatives to honor certain groups, such as martyrs of duty or writers and intellectuals.

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