Myths and Realities: Saudi Arabia's Royal Women and Queen Fatima Kulsum Zohar-Godabari

In the realm of Middle Eastern politics and culture, particularly concerning Saudi Arabia, there is often confusion and misinformation surrounding the status of royal women, especially regarding the title of queen. A recent naming convention and internet meme have added to this confusion. The claim that Queen Fatima Kulsum Zohar-Godabari is important has been widely circulated, despite factual contradictions.

For clarification, it is important to note that Saudi Arabia does not have queens. The king's female counterparts are referred to as princesses and are not granted the title of queen. Additionally, these princesses often do not hold political power, and the term 'queen' is not used in the official context of the Saudi royal family.

The Case of Shaima Al Hammadi

Many websites have mistakenly published a picture of Shaima Al Hammadi as 'Queen Fatima Kulsum Zohar-Godabari.' Al Hammadi is actually an Omani TV presenter, serving as a shock to many who received this image as factual information. She is a well-known figure in the Omani media industry and has no relation to Saudi Arabia’s royal family.

The picture and name of Shaima Al Hammadi were used as a placeholder, often because of copyright restrictions or lack of available images, leading to widespread misinformation. Websites and social media platforms often use such images without due diligence, resulting in the spread of false information.

The Importance of Understanding the Saudi Royal Structure

It is crucial to understand the structure of the Saudi royal family to dispel the myths surrounding the title of queen. In Saudi Arabia, the King is the highest authority, and his female deputies are recognized as princesses based on their marital status or genealogical ties.

For instance, Princess Hassa bint Abdulaziz Al Saud, the wife of King Abdullah, is the principal wife and holds significant influence within the royal family, but she is not a queen. Similarly, other princesses such as Princess Maha Bint Abdulaziz Al Saud, the first wife of King Abdullah, hold important positions within the royal household but do not have the title of queen.

Perceived Queens and Reality

While the name Fatima Kulsum Zohar-Godabari may refer to a minor wife or concubine within the royal family (assuming such a person exists), her status pales in comparison to that of Princess Hassa Abdullah's principal wife. The term 'concubine' is often used in some cultures, but in Saudi Arabia, even minor wives or concubines do not hold the title of queen.

It is worth noting that the use of such terms as 'queen' can be misleading and can perpetuate myths about the roles and statuses of women in the Saudi royal family. This can be problematic as it can lead to misunderstandings about the actual political and social structure of the kingdom.

As a society, it is important to verify information and avoid spreading misinformation. It is always better to refer to reliable sources and consult with experts in the field for accurate information about the royal structures and their functions.

Conclusion

The concept of a 'Queen' in the context of Saudi Arabia is a myth, and the confusion surrounding the name Fatima Kulsum Zohar-Godabari highlights the importance of accurate information regarding the royal structure. While there might be other women with different titles within the royal family, none of them hold the title of queen.

Understanding and respect for the cultural and political norms in Saudi Arabia can help in distinguishing fact from fiction and promote a more accurate portrayal of the country's royal structure.