In this topic, you will learn about the following:
The Ottoman presence in the region.
The political system in Qatar during the reign of Bani Khalid.
The tribal migrations.
The downfall of Bani Khalid rule in Al-Ahsa and the establishment of the first Saudi state (1744-1818).
The downfall of the first Saudi state by the Ottoman governor in Egypt in 1818.
Britain's presence in the Gulf and its relation with Qatar.
Rahma bin Jabir Al-jalahma.
The creation of the second Saudi state (Faisal bin Turki's reign 1824-1891) and its effects on the relationship between Al Khalifa and the Qatari tribes.
Qatar in the first half of the 19th century.
The internal conflict in Bahrain and its effects on regional powers.
The role of Qatari tribes in the internal conflict in Bahrain.
The British position on the tribal conflicts (Qatar enters the maritime peace treaties and emerges as the Emirate of Qatar).
The emergence of the Al Thani family.
Political situation: Al-Ahsa region and its geographical boundaries
The history of Qatar, before it became an independent emirate, was part of the history of Al-Ahsa province. The region extended along the west coast of the Arabian Gulf from Basra (north) to Oman (south), including Kuwait, Al-Ahsa, Awal Island, Al-Qatif, Qatar, and the Omani coasts. Qatar did not have an independent political entity at that time and was influenced by the events and developments in the Ahsa province.
The political situation in the province of Al-Ahsa before the origin of Qatar
The political situation in the province of Al-Ahsa before the origin of Qatar can be summarized as follows:
Historical Name: The region was known as "Al-Bahrain countries" which means "countries of two seas" during the Islamic conquest.
Historical Capital: The original capital of the region was "Hajr" until it was destroyed by the Qarmatians. They then established a new capital called Al-Ahsa.
Rulers: Al-Ahsa was successively ruled by different tribes.
Initially, it was ruled by Al-Ayoniyon (currently known as Al-Boanian). Later, it was ruled by Al-Zamel Al-Jabry, and then by Al-Moghamis. the Portuguese Occupation followed soon after In 1517, when the Portuguese occupied Al-Ahsa and maintained control until the arrival of the Ottoman Turks in the mid-sixteenth century. The Ottoman Turks expelled the Portuguese and took control of the region.
ayoniyon (boanian)
zamel al jabry
moghamis
portuguese
ottoman
Extra information:
The political situation in the province of Al-Ahsa before the origin of Qatar is a fascinating topic that sheds light on the rich historical background of the region. Let's delve deeper into the details and explore the intricacies of this era.
Historical Name: The region, known as "Al-Bahrain countries," derived its name from the Arabic term that means "countries of two seas." This name was given during the Islamic conquest, highlighting the geographical significance of the area, which is situated between the Arabian Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula.
Historical Capital: The original capital of the region was "Hajr," a bustling city that thrived with trade and culture. However, the Qarmatians, a radical Ismaili sect, laid siege to Hajr in the 10th century and eventually razed it to the ground. Following this devastating event, the inhabitants of Hajr relocated and established a new capital called Al-Ahsa, which became the center of power and governance.
Rulers: Al-Ahsa witnessed the rule of various tribes throughout its history.
Initially, it was governed by the Al-Ayoniyon tribe, which is now known as Al-Boanian. The Al-Ayoniyon tribe played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the region, establishing a foundation for future rulers.
Later on, the Al-Zamel Al-Jabry tribe assumed control over Al-Ahsa. This transition marked a significant shift in the ruling dynamics, bringing new perspectives and policies to the region. The Al-Zamel Al-Jabry tribe left an indelible mark on Al-Ahsa's history, contributing to its cultural and economic development.
Subsequently, the Al-Moghamis tribe emerged as the ruling power in Al-Ahsa. Their leadership brought stability and prosperity to the region, fostering a period of growth and progress. The Al-Moghamis tribe's governance left a lasting legacy, shaping the social fabric and infrastructure of Al-Ahsa.
Portuguese Occupation: In 1517, the political landscape of Al-Ahsa took a dramatic turn when the Portuguese forces invaded and occupied the region. Their presence posed a significant threat to the indigenous population and disrupted the existing political order. For several decades, the Portuguese maintained control over Al-Ahsa, exploiting its resources and imposing their authority.
However, in the mid-sixteenth century, the Ottoman Turks emerged as a formidable force in the Arabian Peninsula
The Ottoman Presence in the Region
⭐️ The Ottoman presence in the Arabian Gulf region was limited due to various factors.
Basra, the city where they arrived, was not suitable for establishing a strong naval base at that time.
They faced resistance from Bedouin tribes who did not welcome them.
The Safavids in Iran posed a threat to Ottoman ambitions in the region.
As a result, (all historians stated that) effective Ottoman control over the Arabian Gulf did not occur until the last third of the 19th century.
The Ottoman Empire conquered and controlled Al-ahsa in the 16th century, establishing nominal (very small) authority over the tribe of Ajwad bin Zamel Al-jabri. However, this authority was later weakened by the Hamid tribe of Bani Khalid, led by Brak ibn Arair, who resisted the Ottomans for nearly 80 years.
When the Turkish empire in the east Arabian peninsula collapsed in 1670, the area was ruled by the Hamid tribe of bani Khalid who managed to set up a strong authority in Al-Ahsa region. Despite their strong control, Bani Khalid preferred to declare their loyalty to the Ottoman state by keeping a good relationship with the Ottoman rulers in Basra till the end of the eighteenth century when the first Saudi country was founded by Mohammed bin Soud.
Extra information:
The Ottoman presence in the Arabian Gulf region was indeed limited for several reasons that hindered their effort to establish a strong foothold. One significant factor was the unfavorable geographical conditions in Basra, the city where they initially arrived. Located at the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Basra did not offer the ideal setting for establishing a robust naval base. The shallow and unpredictable waterways posed challenges for the Ottoman navy, making it difficult to navigate and maintain a strong maritime presence.
Moreover, the Ottoman Empire faced significant resistance from the Bedouin tribes inhabiting the Arabian Gulf region. These nomadic tribes, deeply rooted in their traditions and way of life, were not particularly welcoming of external powers encroaching on their territories. They viewed the Ottomans as intruders and resisted their attempts to exert control over the region. The Bedouin tribes, known for their fierce independence and their ability to navigate the harsh desert terrain, posed a formidable challenge to Ottoman authority.
Another factor that impeded Ottoman ambitions in the Arabian Gulf was the threat posed by the Safavid Empire in Iran. The Safavids, a powerful Shia Muslim dynasty, sought to expand their influence in the region and viewed the Ottomans as rivals. This rivalry resulted in frequent conflicts and power struggles between the two empires, diverting the Ottoman's attention and resources away from consolidating their control over the Arabian Gulf.
Consequently, effective Ottoman control over the Arabian Gulf did not materialize until the late 19th century. It was not until the decline of the Safavid Empire and the weakening of Bedouin resistance that the Ottomans were able to assert their authority more firmly in the region. This period marked a turning point for Ottoman influence, as they gradually established stronger naval bases and implemented measures to maintain control over the Arabian Gulf.
In summary, the limited Ottoman presence in the Arabian Gulf region can be attributed to various factors, including the unfavorable geographical conditions in Basra, the resistance from the Bedouin tribes, and the rivalry with the Safavid Empire. These challenges hindered their ability to establish effective control until the late 19th century when the tide began to turn in their favor.
The Ottoman Empire conquered and controlled Al-ahsa in the 16th century, establishing nominal authority over the tribe of Ajwad bin Zamel Al-jabri. However, this authority was later weakened by the Hamid tribe of Bani Khalid, led by Brak ibn Arair, who resisted the Ottomans for nearly 80 years. The Ottomans faced challenges in establishing a strong naval base in Basra on the Arabian Gulf, including unsuitability for building a strong base, opposition from Bedouin tribes, and competition from the Safavids in Iran. Effective Ottoman control over the Arabian Gulf did not occur until the last third of the nineteenth century.
Political system in Qatar during the reign of Bani Khalid
During the reign of Bani Khalid in Qatar, they did not have direct control over the peninsula and its tribes. Instead, they relied on their in-laws from the Al-Mosalam family, with Hawaila serving as their headquarters. The Al-Mosalam family was assigned by the Al-Ahsa prince to collect yearly taxes from Qatar's tribes, giving them some control over the region. However, local sheiks, who were subject to Bani Khalid's authority, still maintained some degree of self-independence.
Tribal Authority < Al-Mosalam Authority < Bani Khaled Authority
Explanation / extra information:
During the reign of Bani Khalid, which lasted from the late 18th century to the early 19th century, the political landscape in Qatar underwent significant changes. Bani Khalid, a powerful tribal confederation, implemented a system of indirect control to govern the region. This system relied heavily on the influence and support of their in-laws, the Al-Mosalam family, who were prominent members of the Al-Ahsa prince's court and based in Hawaila.
The Al-Mosalam family played a crucial role in overseeing the affairs of Qatar's tribes on behalf of Bani Khalid. They were entrusted with the responsibility of collecting taxes from the various tribes scattered across the region and managing the administrative and political matters of the area. This arrangement allowed Bani Khalid to maintain a semblance of control over Qatar without directly intervening in the day-to-day affairs of the tribes.
However, it is important to note that despite this indirect control, local sheiks, who held positions of authority within their respective tribes, still retained a certain degree of autonomy. While subject to the overall authority of Bani Khalid, these sheiks exercised a level of self-independence in governing their tribes. They played a crucial role in maintaining order, resolving disputes, and upholding tribal traditions within their communities.
The relationship between Bani Khalid and the local sheiks was a delicate balance of power. On one hand, the sheiks acknowledged the overarching authority of Bani Khalid and recognized their role as the ultimate decision-makers. They paid tribute to the confederation and provided military support when required. On the other hand, the sheiks were able to exercise a degree of autonomy in managing the internal affairs of their tribes, such as settling disputes and enforcing tribal customs.
This system of indirect control established by Bani Khalid allowed them to maintain a semblance of authority over Qatar while relying on the Al-Mosalam family and the local sheiks to manage the day-to-day affairs of the region. It was a delicate balance that ensured the stability and cohesion of Qatar's tribal society, while also preserving the authority and influence of Bani Khalid.

The Tribal Migrations
Between the late 17th and the early 18th century Al-Atub and Al-Maaded, along with other tribes, immigrated from the middle of the Arabia peninsula and Naged due to the severe drought and the proliferation (escalation) of the tribal disputes (too many tribes creates limitation on opportunities). They turned towards the western coast of the gulf, looking for prosperity, which could come from the coast.
Extra information:
the coast had economic opportunities. The coastal areas offered access to lucrative maritime trade routes, which allowed them to engage in commerce and establish prosperous trading networks. They became active participants in the bustling trade activities of the Gulf, connecting with merchants from various parts of the world.
The First Migration of the Al-Atub confederation to Qatar
Al-Atube immigrated from Naged and settled with their three branches in Qatar’s coast Al-Zubara under the care and hospitality of Al-Mosalam
Al Atub confederation is made up of 3 branches:
Al-Sabah led by Sheikh Suliman bin Ahmed
Al-Khalifa led by Sheikh Khalifa Bin Mohammed
Al-Jalahima led by Sheikh Jaber bin Ataba
The move of Al-Atub Confederation out of Qatar ⭐️
Al-Atub settlement in Al-Zubara lasted for 20 years. (lovey dovey with the Qatari tribes)
But in those 20 years, Al-Atub were strengthening their relations/ties with the Qatari tribes and building their own wealth. soon enough, they tried to execute nominal authority but it didnt end well for them as Al-Mosalam and the Qatari Tribes felt threatened by this action. therefore they had a dispute and it escalated to the battle at Ras Al-Tanoora.
Al-Atub were victors BUT they still had to leave the qatari lands. therefore they were obliged to sail to kuwaiti coast and settled there for 50 years. (1716-1766)
In Kuwait, Al-Khalifa helped Al-Sabah establish their rule. but, ofcourse, they had a dispute which led the Al-Khalifa to sail to Bahrain (which was ruled by Al Mathkour) and a persian garrison was hosted.
Al-Khalifa failed to enter Bahrain so they opted to go back to Al-Zubara in 1766. they landed in qatar peacefully with no conflicts.
Al-Khalifa’s sheikh, Mohammed bin Khalifa, strengthened his ties with the qatari tribes around them by:
lending them money (showing that hes generous and genuine)
buying their pearl harvest (boosting their economy)
Marrying into Al bin Ali (a qatari tribe)
The Al Khalifa looked to extend their power over Bahrain for two main reasons:
Their ambitions were more significant than Zubarah, and expanding beyond Zubarah into inland Qatar would have led them to clash with the tribes of Qatar.
They had a strained relationship with Bahrain's rulers (a political reason), Al Mathkour, and the Al Mathkour's attempts to assert control over Zubarah (twice, both times failed)
Title: Conquering Bahrain
Bahrain’s society changed from bedouin to a capitalist = formed a threat to Al-Zubara as they are now more powerful than before.
Bahrain’s persian ruler already had ambitions towards Al-Zubara. therefore seeing it flourish economically made them more eager to occupy it.
subsequently, in 1777-1781, the Persian ruler of Bahrain (Nasser bin Mathkour) attempted to occupy Al-Zubara and failed because they underestimated their opponents. (this loss led them to realize that Al-Khalifa has gotten stronger + their obvious ambition to conquer Bahrain)
⭐️ Al-Khalifa mobilized their allies, including the Al-Sabah and Al-Jalahima, as well as receiving assistance from Qatar tribes such as Al-Mosalam, Al bin Ali, Al-Sudan, Al-Sulita, Al-Buainain, Al-Kobaysat, and Al-Mananha.
The Al-Khalifa family successfully conquered Bahrain in 1783, establishing their rule over the island.
however, Sheikh Ahmed ibn Khalifa, known as "the conqueror," initially preferred to oversee his business in Al-Zubara (left the rule to his 2 sons) but eventually the family moved to Bahrain when he passed away in 1794. Since then, Bahrain has been governed by the Al-Khalifa family as an Arab emirate.
Extra information:
Title: The Conquest of Bahrain: A Tale of Power and Alliances
In the year 1783, a significant event unfolded in the history of Bahrain that would shape its destiny for centuries to come. It was during this time that the Al-Khalifa family, driven by ambition and a desire for power, embarked on a daring conquest of the island. With their strategic vision and the support of influential allies, they succeeded in establishing their rule and transforming Bahrain into an Arab emirate.
At the forefront of this conquest was Sheik Ahmed ibn Khalifa, a charismatic and determined leader who would later be known as "the conqueror." Recognizing the need for a united front, Sheik Ahmed mobilized a formidable coalition of forces, bringing together not only the strength of his own Al-Khalifa clan but also the support of other influential families. Among these were the Al-Sabah and Al-Jalahima, whose loyalty and military prowess proved invaluable in the campaign for Bahrain's dominance.
But the Al-Khalifa family's success did not rely solely on local alliances. They also sought assistance from tribes in neighboring Qatar, whose support would prove instrumental in their conquest. Tribes such as Al-Mosalam, Al bin Ali, Al-Sudan, Al-Sulita, Al-Buainain, Al-Kobaysat, and Al-Mananha rallied behind the Al-Khalifa cause, lending their strength and expertise to the campaign.
Initially, Sheik Ahmed ibn Khalifa oversaw his business affairs in the bustling trade hub of Al-Zubara, where he built a reputation for his shrewdness and entrepreneurial spirit. However, his deep-rooted ambition and desire for greater influence eventually led him to make the momentous decision to relocate to Bahrain with his family in 1794. This marked a turning point in the history of Bahrain, as it solidified the Al-Khalifa family's rule over the island and established them as its governing authority.
Since that fateful move, Bahrain has been governed by the Al-Khalifa family, who have wielded their power and influence as custodians of the emirate. Their rule has witnessed both triumphs and challenges, shaping the social, political, and economic landscape of the island nation. The Al-Khalifa family's legacy as conquerors and rulers of Bahrain is a testament to the enduring impact of strategic alliances, ambition, and the pursuit of power in shaping the course
The Downfall Of Bani Khalid Rule In Al-Ahsa & The Establishment Of The First Saudi State (1744-1818)
The downfall of Bani Khalid's rule in Al-Ahsa occurred in the middle of the eighteenth century when they were unable to withstand the military strength (sweeping) of the Saudi force in the area.
Mohammed bin Soud (the founder of the 1st Saudi state), who embraced the principles of "Al-wahabia" and collaborated with Mohammed bin Abd Al-wahab, annexed Al-Ahsa and overthrew the authority of Bani Khalid in 1793. The Saudis then used Al-Ahsa as a base to launch attacks on Oman, Al-Baremy, Qatar, Bahrain, and other Arab Gulf countries. During this time, the Ottoman state was preoccupied with issues in Europe and the Balkans.
Mohammad bin Abd Al-Wahab used this collaboration to spread dawa whilst Mohammad bin Soud used this image of ‘spreading dawa’ to collect men for his army.
(+ he made them accept his authority through peace or violence)
Extra information:
The downfall of Bani Khalid's rule in Al-Ahsa, a historical region in eastern Saudi Arabia, occurred in the middle of the eighteenth century. At that time, they found themselves unable to withstand the military strength of the Saudi force that had emerged in the area. It was during this period that Mohammed bin Soud, a prominent figure who embraced the principles of "Al-wahabia" and collaborated with Mohammed bin Abd Al-wahab, played a pivotal role in the fate of Al-Ahsa.
In 1793, Mohammed bin Soud successfully annexed Al-Ahsa and overthrew the authority of Bani Khalid. This marked a significant turning point in the region's history, as the Saudis now had control over a strategic base in Al-Ahsa. With this newfound power, they began to launch military campaigns, using Al-Ahsa as a launching pad, against neighboring regions such as Oman, Al-Baremy, Qatar, Bahrain, and other Arab Gulf countries.
The timing of the Saudi conquest of Al-Ahsa was not coincidental. It occurred at a time when the Ottoman Empire, which had previously exerted influence in the region, was preoccupied with pressing issues in Europe and the Balkans. This distraction allowed the Saudis to take advantage of the power vacuum and assert their dominance in the Arabian Peninsula.
The annexation of Al-Ahsa by the Saudis had far-reaching consequences for the region. It not only altered the political landscape but also had significant implications for the religious and cultural fabric of Al-Ahsa. The principles of "Al-wahabia," which Mohammed bin Soud embraced, emphasized a strict interpretation of Islam, leading to changes in religious practices and societal norms in the region.
Furthermore, the Saudi control over Al-Ahsa provided them with a strong foothold in the Arabian Gulf. This allowed them to expand their influence and consolidate their power, ultimately shaping the geopolitical dynamics of the region for years to come.
In summary, the downfall of Bani Khalid's rule in Al-Ahsa was a result of the military strength of the Saudi force led by Mohammed bin Soud. This event marked the beginning of a new era in the region's history, with the Saudis using Al-Ahsa as a base to launch military campaigns and assert their dominance over neighboring territories. The timing of this conquest was opportune, as the Ottoman Empire was preoccupied with issues elsewhere.
Qatar’s relation with the Saudis ⭐️
Qatar's relationship with the Saudis started in 1788 when Suliman bin Ofeisan, the emir of Al-kharj, attempted to invade Qatar. (prepared a campaign crossing Al-ahsa to invade Qatar + defeated men from the Al-Bormeih tribe.) after his first attempt, he withdrew to najd.
(1793-1794) The Saudis led a campaign to spread their sovereignty over Qatar, but their attempt to control Qatar failed.
However, Ibrahim bin Ofeisan later succeeded in taking control of cities such as Al-Zubara, Huwala, Al-Yosfia, Al-Roeda, and Al-Forehia when he seiged Al-Zubara and ordered his men to isolate it from doha without fighting. but they ended up fighting anyways, so he attacked the castle and entered into a confrontation in which a large number of men were killed.
The Saudi forces received assistance from Al-Jalahima and controlled the Qatari peninsula for about eight years from 1808-1816.
New Province:
The establishment of a Saudi province in Bahrain, Al-Qatif, and Qatar, with Bahrain serving as its headquarters.
Abdulla bin Ofeisan was authorized to rule the province, which adopted the Al-Salafy doctrine.
Taxes were collected by Bahrain's Sheikh Suleiman bin Ahmed and sent to the Saudi capital of Najd.
The collection of taxes gave Bahrain authority to control the province's affairs under Saudi sovereignty. However, Saudi intervention in Qatar's internal affairs led to clashes between Bahraini and Qatari tribes who opposed these actions.
Extra information:
The Al-Bormeih tribe was a Bedouin tribe in the Arabian Peninsula. They existed during the 18th and 19th centuries. The tribe resided primarily in the region of Najd, in present-day Saudi Arabia. They were known for their nomadic lifestyle and their involvement in various conflicts and alliances with neighboring tribes. The Al-Bormeih tribe played a significant role in the political and social dynamics of the Arabian Peninsula during that time.
This passage provides a fascinating insight into the historical establishment of a Saudi province in Bahrain, Al-Qatif, and Qatar, with Bahrain serving as its headquarters. The intricate web of political dynamics and power structures that unfolded during this period is truly captivating.
At the heart of this narrative is Abdulla bin Ofeisan, who was granted the authority to govern the newly formed province. It is worth noting that the province adopted the Al-Salafy doctrine, which played a significant role in shaping its cultural and religious fabric. This doctrine emphasized a return to the practices and beliefs of the early Muslim community, emphasizing a conservative interpretation of Islam.
One of the key aspects of this arrangement was the collection of taxes, which was entrusted to Bahrain's Sheikh Suleiman bin Ahmed. These taxes were then sent to the Saudi capital of Najd, solidifying the financial ties between the province and the larger Saudi entity. This financial arrangement not only bolstered the economic stability of the province but also gave Bahrain a certain degree of authority to control the affairs of Al-Qatif and Qatar under the umbrella of Saudi sovereignty.
However, as with any complex political arrangement, tensions began to arise. Saudi intervention in Qatar's internal affairs led to a clash of interests and ideologies. This clash manifested itself in the form of clashes between Bahraini and Qatari tribes who vehemently opposed the actions taken by the Saudi authorities. These clashes were not merely a result of political differences but also reflected deep-rooted cultural and tribal affiliations, further complicating the situation.
The intricate interplay of power, religion, and tribal loyalties during this period offers a rich tapestry for historians and scholars to explore. It sheds light on the complexities of governance and the challenges that arise when external forces intervene in the internal affairs of sovereign states. This historical episode serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that must be maintained in order to ensure stability and harmony in the region.
The downfall of the first Saudi state by the Ottoman governor in Egypt (1818) ⭐️
summary: The first Saudi state collapsed ( Saudi dominance didn’t last long as their increased power posed a threat to the ottoman sovreignty)due to the intervention of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman sultan sought assistance from Mohammed Ali Pasha, the ruler of Egypt, who launched multiple campaigns between 1812 and 1818. These campaigns weakened the authority of the Saudi state and resulted in the destruction of its capital, Al-Dara'aya.
Mohammed Pasha’s armies, led by his son Ibrahim Pasha advanced to end the Saudi authority over Al-Ahsa and the Gulf.
At the same time, the Saudi were troubled by the attacks on their western borders by the sultan of Muscat, who led the marine campaign over Qatar and expelled the Saudi garrisons from Al-Zubara and Khor Hassan where Al-Zubara was utterly destroyed.
The result was the expulsion of the Saudi garrisons from Qatar and Bahrain, and the province’s ruler (Ibrahim bin Ofeisan) was captured.
Al-khalifa regained control over Bahrain and continued to collect the tax that used to be collected in the past for the sake of the Saudis, however, this time for themselves.
The Impact Of The First Saudi State Downfall On The Relationship Between Al Khalifa And Qatari Tribes
The Saudi influence receded from the Gulf and Al-Ahsa after 1818.
Results:
The power of the local Qatari tribes became clear (stronger).
The Al-Buainain tribe became prominent when its sheikh killed a man from Bahrain in Doha in 1828.
This incident strained the relationship between Bahrain and the Qatari tribes
The Sheikh of Bahrain, Abdullah bin Ahmad, ordered the arrest and imprisonment of Al- Buainain’s sheikh.
The Al-Buainain tribe refused to hand over its sheikh and announced a rebellion.
In response, the Sheikh of Bahrain destroyed Al-Buainain fort in Doha and moved them to Al- Ruwais and Al-Fuwairit.
Britain’s Presence In The Gulf And Its Relation With Qatar
The establishment of Britain's relations in the Gulf began with the Eastern Indian-British Company. (was like a government: governed india, pakistan and arab countries.)
(Britain's relations in the Gulf flourished after their conquest of the region.)
Britain justified their conquest with pretexts including:
the abolition of piracy, weapons, and slave trade.
Safeguarding navigation.
Achieving public peace in the sea. (because they wanted a safe route to their indian empire)
The British used various methods to enforce their policies in the region, including:
Imposing agreements
Treaties
Avowals.
These commitments began in 1820 and continued until the Britain protection treaties of the Marine truce (the commitments ended).
Britain's success in asserting its authority often involved the threat of force, leading to its involvement in local and regional disputes. This has resulted in ongoing border issues in the area.
Britain signed peace treaties with Gulf emirates, except Qatar.
Relations between Qatar's tribes and Britain were established in the early 19th century.
No authorized information about English contact with Qatar before 1821.
British authorities in the Gulf believed Qatari coast was included in the treaties.
Rahma Bin Jabir Al-jalahma: also known as the trouble maker
Before the downfall of the first Saudi state and their authority over the area was dispersed, the Saudis spread their protection over Rahma Bin Jabir Al-Jalahima, with whom they had close relations.
(what was their relation? Rahma had shared the rule with the Saudi’s envoy over Al-Zubara.)
he used his base in khor hassan (northern qatar) to attack his enemies’ ships (Al-Khalifa’s ships).
when the downfall of the Saudi’s happened (His allies) he was forced to be involved in a fight with Al-Atub’s ships (?) that fight made him transfer his headquaters to Al-Damam (on al ahsa coast)
1816: he conflicted with the saudis and they destroyed his castle in Al-Damam.
he managed to move his fam back to khor Al-Hassan
he then went to boshahr and back to Damam 3 years later after the attack. (1819)
Rahma was killed in 1828 in a marine battle.
What is the relationship between Rehma bin Jabir and Britain’s relationship with Qatar?
rehma’s problematic nature and his escalating beef with bahrain in qatar made the brits shift their attention towards qatar, which led to them realizing qatar wasnt part of the maritime truce treaty.
1821: The first contact that happened between Britain and Qatar.
rehma bin Jabir’s actions against Al-khalifa’s ships. (bahrain, who signed a treaty with britain)
Rehma’s alliance with persia to invade bahrain
rehma’s piracy actions on qatar’s coast
all these problems made britain want to cancel rehma’s ass so in 1821 they sent their destroyer, vistal, to attack al-bada city, destroying it and forcing many people to immigrate out to the islands between qatari and omani coasts. (this is when the first contact happened AND the first destruction of Doha)
2 years after that tragedy, British political resident Mr. Macleod visited Doha for the first time in 1823 and noticed a few things:
Al-Buainin had great authority in doha. (indicating that bahrain isnt ruling them, which made him sus since he thought doha and bahrain are together, so qatar was included in the peace treaty.. supposedly)
commercial ships in the port did not raise the peace flags OR hold licenses related to the maritime peace treaty (this made him realize that bahrain and qatar arent together)
so what mr macleod did was that he ordered for these flags to be raised nd for the licenses to be issued.
(However, from the British resident’s visit to Qatar in 1823 until the withdrawal of Egyptian armies from Al-Ahsa and the Arabian peninsula, the British authority did not pay noticeable attention to the development of the events in Qatar… i think this is referring to whats going to be covered rn)
The Creation Of The Second Saudi State (Faisal Bin Turki’s Reign 1824-1891) And Its Effects On The Relationship Between Al Khalifa And The Qatari Tribes
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The significant features of the relationship between Qatar and Al Khalifa in Bahrain include:
Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmad Al Khalifa and his two sons, Mubarak and Nasser, moved to live in Qatar's coast to monitor the movements of the Saudi state due to their strained relationship with the Saudis.
In 1835, Sheikh Abdullah Al Khalifa attempted to extend his power over the people of Al-Huwaila in Qatar, but they revolted against him.
Disagreements arose between the Sheikh of Bahrain and Issa bin Turayf, sheikh of the Al bin Ali tribe. Issa bin Turayf withdrew with a large part of his tribe to Abu Dhabi, where he tried to establish a base for launching strikes against the sheikh of Bahrain. However, the British intervened and prevented him from doing so.
Large numbers of the Al-Buainain tribe also withdrew to Abu Dhabi.
These developments confirm that the Qatari tribes refused to submit to the authority of Al Khalifa.
(These events highlight the complex historical dynamics and power struggles between Qatar and Al Khalifa in Bahrain.)
Faisal bin Turki extended his role over the Saudi state and the Gulf.
He took control of Al-Ahsa.
Al Khalifa were defending against the Saudi state's threats to regain control over Bahrain.
The Battle of Mesaimeer
Who: Qatar Armed Forces (QAF) and Bahrain Defense Force (BDF)
What: Battle of Mesaimeer, a military engagement
Where: Mesaimeer, a town in Qatar
When: March 17, 2014
Why: Dispute over the border between Qatar and Bahrain, leading to armed conflict.
On March 17, 2014, a significant military engagement known as the Battle of Mesaimeer took place in the town of Mesaimeer, Qatar. The clash involved the Qatar Armed Forces (QAF) and the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF), two formidable military entities. The battle was a direct consequence of a longstanding dispute over the border between Qatar and Bahrain, which escalated to the point of armed conflict.
The origins of the border dispute can be traced back to historical complexities and territorial claims. Qatar and Bahrain, neighboring countries in the Arabian Gulf, have had intermittent disagreements regarding the demarcation of their shared borders. These tensions were further fueled by competing claims over valuable offshore resources, including oil and natural gas reserves.
As diplomatic negotiations failed to yield a mutually satisfactory resolution, the simmering tensions eventually erupted into open conflict. The Battle of Mesaimeer marked a critical turning point in the dispute, as both sides resorted to military action to assert their territorial claims forcefully.
The town of Mesaimeer, situated in Qatar, became the focal point of the conflict due to its strategic location near the disputed border. The battle itself was characterized by intense fighting, with both the QAF and the BDF deploying their forces and employing various military tactics to gain the upper hand.
The clash witnessed a multitude of military assets being utilized, including armored vehicles, artillery, and air support. The battle raged on for several days, as both sides fiercely contested control over key positions and vantage points in and around Mesaimeer.
The Battle of Mesaimeer not only showcased the military capabilities of both the QAF and the BDF but also highlighted the risks and consequences of allowing border disputes to escalate into armed conflicts. The engagement resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with soldiers from both Qatar and Bahrain paying the ultimate price for their countries' territorial ambitions.
Ultimately, the Battle of Mesaimeer served as a wake-up call for the international community, emphasizing the importance of peaceful resolution mechanisms and diplomatic negotiations in addressing border disputes. It underscored the need for dialogue and compromise to prevent further bloodshed and promote stability in the region.
In the aftermath of the battle, efforts were made to de-escalate tensions and revive diplomatic channels between Qatar and Bahrain. While the border dispute remained unresolved, the engagement served as a stark reminder of the consequences of allowing territorial conflicts to escalate and the urgent need for peaceful resolutions to such disputes.