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Questions and Answers
What was the primary occupation of the nomadic Bedouin in Qatar before oil?
What was the primary occupation of the nomadic Bedouin in Qatar before oil?
What was the main reason why the nomadic Bedouin did not answer to any authority except their tribes?
What was the main reason why the nomadic Bedouin did not answer to any authority except their tribes?
What was a common activity of the semi-settled Bedouin in Qatar before oil?
What was a common activity of the semi-settled Bedouin in Qatar before oil?
What was the effect of the pearl trade on Qatari society before oil?
What was the effect of the pearl trade on Qatari society before oil?
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What was the main characteristic of the settled population in Qatar before oil?
What was the main characteristic of the settled population in Qatar before oil?
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What was the main reason why the semi-settled Bedouin settled in certain places for longer periods?
What was the main reason why the semi-settled Bedouin settled in certain places for longer periods?
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What was the main material used to make the tents of the Bedouin?
What was the main material used to make the tents of the Bedouin?
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What was the main source of food for the Bedouin?
What was the main source of food for the Bedouin?
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What was the position of authority in the Bedouin tribe?
What was the position of authority in the Bedouin tribe?
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What was the main characteristic of the Bedouin social life?
What was the main characteristic of the Bedouin social life?
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What was the main economic activity of the settled communities?
What was the main economic activity of the settled communities?
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What was the main difference between the houses of the Bedouin and the settled communities?
What was the main difference between the houses of the Bedouin and the settled communities?
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What was the role of women in the settled Qatari society?
What was the role of women in the settled Qatari society?
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What was the main difference between the freedom of Bedouin women and settled coastal women?
What was the main difference between the freedom of Bedouin women and settled coastal women?
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What was the main form of education in the settled communities?
What was the main form of education in the settled communities?
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What was the main reason for the Bedouin's lack of education?
What was the main reason for the Bedouin's lack of education?
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What was the main reason for women's participation in the workforce in Pearling Society?
What was the main reason for women's participation in the workforce in Pearling Society?
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What was the primary focus of education in the kuttabs?
What was the primary focus of education in the kuttabs?
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What was unique about Ms. Amna Mahmud al-Jayida's kuttab?
What was unique about Ms. Amna Mahmud al-Jayida's kuttab?
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Why did the kuttabs often close?
Why did the kuttabs often close?
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What was the name of the first formal Ottoman school in Qatar?
What was the name of the first formal Ottoman school in Qatar?
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What was the primary reason for the establishment of the first formal school in Qatar in 1913?
What was the primary reason for the establishment of the first formal school in Qatar in 1913?
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What was the significance of the kuttabs in Qatar?
What was the significance of the kuttabs in Qatar?
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Who was the first principal of the first modern girls' school in Qatar?
Who was the first principal of the first modern girls' school in Qatar?
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What was the limitation of the kuttabs in Qatar?
What was the limitation of the kuttabs in Qatar?
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What was the name of the school that was established in 1913?
What was the name of the school that was established in 1913?
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What was the primary function of the salifa courts?
What was the primary function of the salifa courts?
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What was the main economic feature of the subsistence economy in Qatar before oil?
What was the main economic feature of the subsistence economy in Qatar before oil?
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What was the significance of the pearl trade in Qatar's economy and society before oil?
What was the significance of the pearl trade in Qatar's economy and society before oil?
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What was the main reason why the slave trade continued in the Gulf despite British efforts to stop it?
What was the main reason why the slave trade continued in the Gulf despite British efforts to stop it?
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What was the occupation of the small number of divers and sailors involved in sea travel outside the diving season?
What was the occupation of the small number of divers and sailors involved in sea travel outside the diving season?
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What was the impact of the oil industry on the slave trade in Qatar?
What was the impact of the oil industry on the slave trade in Qatar?
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What was the role of the ship captains in the salifa courts?
What was the role of the ship captains in the salifa courts?
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What was the primary reason why the British authorities monitored the slave trade in the Gulf?
What was the primary reason why the British authorities monitored the slave trade in the Gulf?
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What was the significance of Mecca in the slave trade?
What was the significance of Mecca in the slave trade?
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What was the consequence of the increasing work of the oil companies on the slave trade?
What was the consequence of the increasing work of the oil companies on the slave trade?
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What was the impetus for creating a modern education system in Qatar after World War II?
What was the impetus for creating a modern education system in Qatar after World War II?
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What was the name of the modern school founded by Shaykh Muhammad bin Ali al-Mahmoud in 1947?
What was the name of the modern school founded by Shaykh Muhammad bin Ali al-Mahmoud in 1947?
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What was the purpose of the mejlis in Qatari houses?
What was the purpose of the mejlis in Qatari houses?
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Which cultural influence is reflected in the design of Qatari houses?
Which cultural influence is reflected in the design of Qatari houses?
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What was the role of the Shar'i judge in Qatar's judiciary system before oil?
What was the role of the Shar'i judge in Qatar's judiciary system before oil?
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Where were the sessions of the Shar'i judge usually held?
Where were the sessions of the Shar'i judge usually held?
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What was the basis of the judiciary system in Qatar before oil?
What was the basis of the judiciary system in Qatar before oil?
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What type of disputes were handled by specialized courts in Qatar before oil?
What type of disputes were handled by specialized courts in Qatar before oil?
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What was the role of the shaykh in the judiciary system before oil?
What was the role of the shaykh in the judiciary system before oil?
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What was the method of communicating rulings in the Shar'i court before oil?
What was the method of communicating rulings in the Shar'i court before oil?
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What was the primary purpose of the Basra route?
What was the primary purpose of the Basra route?
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What was the main economic activity in Qatar before the discovery of oil?
What was the main economic activity in Qatar before the discovery of oil?
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How many laborers were involved in the pearling industry in 1904?
How many laborers were involved in the pearling industry in 1904?
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What was the typical role of the ship captains in the pearling industry?
What was the typical role of the ship captains in the pearling industry?
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What was the main reason for the decline of the pearl trade in the Gulf?
What was the main reason for the decline of the pearl trade in the Gulf?
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What was the 'tisqam'?
What was the 'tisqam'?
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What was the impact of the decline of the pearl trade on the Gulf economy?
What was the impact of the decline of the pearl trade on the Gulf economy?
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What was the main reason why the pearl divers and sailors were subject to the wishes of the ship captains?
What was the main reason why the pearl divers and sailors were subject to the wishes of the ship captains?
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How long did the pearling season typically last?
How long did the pearling season typically last?
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What was the main danger faced by pearl divers in the Gulf?
What was the main danger faced by pearl divers in the Gulf?
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There were two main communities in Qatar before oil: Bedouin and settled.
There were two main communities in Qatar before oil: Bedouin and settled.
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The semi-settled Bedouin were familiar with agriculture.
The semi-settled Bedouin were familiar with agriculture.
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The Bedouin nomads lived in the desert and did not answer to any authority except their tribes.
The Bedouin nomads lived in the desert and did not answer to any authority except their tribes.
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The men from the semi-settled communities did not participate in the pearling expeditions.
The men from the semi-settled communities did not participate in the pearling expeditions.
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The settled population in Qatar lived on the coast.
The settled population in Qatar lived on the coast.
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The pearl trade was the primary economic activity in Qatar before oil.
The pearl trade was the primary economic activity in Qatar before oil.
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Shaykh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani founded a modern school in 1947.
Shaykh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani founded a modern school in 1947.
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The mejlis is an important architectural feature of the Qatari house.
The mejlis is an important architectural feature of the Qatari house.
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The new school established in 1947 was named after Shaykh Muhammad bin Ali al-Mahmoud.
The new school established in 1947 was named after Shaykh Muhammad bin Ali al-Mahmoud.
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The judiciary in Qatar before oil relied solely on the Islamic Sharia.
The judiciary in Qatar before oil relied solely on the Islamic Sharia.
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The Shar’i judge’s rulings reflected the interests of the society’s ruling class.
The Shar’i judge’s rulings reflected the interests of the society’s ruling class.
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There were only Shar’i courts in Qatar before oil.
There were only Shar’i courts in Qatar before oil.
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Qatar’s geographical location had no effect on its local culture.
Qatar’s geographical location had no effect on its local culture.
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The merchants, ship captains, and creditors would meet at the mosque to agree on funding the pearl diving operations.
The merchants, ship captains, and creditors would meet at the mosque to agree on funding the pearl diving operations.
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The local dialect in Qatar included Hindi words, especially with regard to trade and pearl diving.
The local dialect in Qatar included Hindi words, especially with regard to trade and pearl diving.
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The education system in Qatar before oil was modern and well-established.
The education system in Qatar before oil was modern and well-established.
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Bedouin tents were made of mud and stone.
Bedouin tents were made of mud and stone.
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Bedouin women wore flowing robes in the winter and animal hides and skins in the summer.
Bedouin women wore flowing robes in the winter and animal hides and skins in the summer.
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The settled communities' houses were made of goat or camel hair.
The settled communities' houses were made of goat or camel hair.
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The Bedouin did not recognize any authority except that of the shaykh of the tribe.
The Bedouin did not recognize any authority except that of the shaykh of the tribe.
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The settled communities' social system depended on the land.
The settled communities' social system depended on the land.
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Wealthy women in Qatari society were educated and had authority over their husbands.
Wealthy women in Qatari society were educated and had authority over their husbands.
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Bedouin women had more freedom than settled coastal women.
Bedouin women had more freedom than settled coastal women.
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The constant movement of Bedouin made education possible.
The constant movement of Bedouin made education possible.
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The settled communities lived in villages and cities on the coast permanently.
The settled communities lived in villages and cities on the coast permanently.
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The position of shaykh of the tribe was inherited.
The position of shaykh of the tribe was inherited.
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Education in Qatar before oil was primarily based on the kuttab system.
Education in Qatar before oil was primarily based on the kuttab system.
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The wives of pearl divers did not work outside the household due to their high income.
The wives of pearl divers did not work outside the household due to their high income.
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Ms. Amna Mahmud al-Jayida was a pioneer for working women in Qatar and established the first modern girls' school in 1956.
Ms. Amna Mahmud al-Jayida was a pioneer for working women in Qatar and established the first modern girls' school in 1956.
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The formal Ottoman school called 'The Rushdiye School' was established in 1913.
The formal Ottoman school called 'The Rushdiye School' was established in 1913.
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Kuttabs in Qatar did not include girls and boys until age ten.
Kuttabs in Qatar did not include girls and boys until age ten.
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The education system in Qatar before oil was highly stable and did not depend on volunteers and funders.
The education system in Qatar before oil was highly stable and did not depend on volunteers and funders.
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The kuttabs in Qatar aimed to provide vocational skills and crafts.
The kuttabs in Qatar aimed to provide vocational skills and crafts.
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The merchants and ship captains did not lead the movement to start an education system in Qatar.
The merchants and ship captains did not lead the movement to start an education system in Qatar.
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The 'Athariya' school was established in 1890.
The 'Athariya' school was established in 1890.
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The kuttab system in Qatar was only for boys.
The kuttab system in Qatar was only for boys.
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The pearl diving economy created work opportunities only for the coastal inhabitants.
The pearl diving economy created work opportunities only for the coastal inhabitants.
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The British authorities encouraged the slave trade in the Gulf.
The British authorities encouraged the slave trade in the Gulf.
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The Shaykh of Qatar wanted to abolish the slave trade completely.
The Shaykh of Qatar wanted to abolish the slave trade completely.
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Pearls were not a key aspect of the regional economy before oil discovery.
Pearls were not a key aspect of the regional economy before oil discovery.
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The slave trade was completely eradicated in the early 1950s in Qatar.
The slave trade was completely eradicated in the early 1950s in Qatar.
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The salifa courts had no role in applying labor laws in Qatar before oil.
The salifa courts had no role in applying labor laws in Qatar before oil.
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The pearl trade did not have an impact on the economy and society of Qatar before the discovery of oil.
The pearl trade did not have an impact on the economy and society of Qatar before the discovery of oil.
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Diving for natural pearls was not one of the main resources in the Gulf before oil.
Diving for natural pearls was not one of the main resources in the Gulf before oil.
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The ship captains were not judges in the salifa courts.
The ship captains were not judges in the salifa courts.
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Slaves were not used in domestic work in Qatar before oil.
Slaves were not used in domestic work in Qatar before oil.
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The Basra route passed by the ports on the Persian coast.
The Basra route passed by the ports on the Persian coast.
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Pearl diving was a seasonal craft that lasted most of the year.
Pearl diving was a seasonal craft that lasted most of the year.
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Each pearling ship had around 10 men on board.
Each pearling ship had around 10 men on board.
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Divers suffered illnesses especially in their eyes, lungs, and skin.
Divers suffered illnesses especially in their eyes, lungs, and skin.
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The pearl divers, deck hands, and sailors were from the richest sectors of society.
The pearl divers, deck hands, and sailors were from the richest sectors of society.
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The cultured pearl was first introduced to the Gulf in the late 19th century.
The cultured pearl was first introduced to the Gulf in the late 19th century.
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The Great Depression did not affect the Gulf economy.
The Great Depression did not affect the Gulf economy.
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The collapse of the pearl trade had a positive impact on the Gulf economy.
The collapse of the pearl trade had a positive impact on the Gulf economy.
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There were around 10,000 laborers in the pearling industry in 1904.
There were around 10,000 laborers in the pearling industry in 1904.
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The pearl trade was the main economic activity in Qatar before oil.
The pearl trade was the main economic activity in Qatar before oil.
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Study Notes
Social and Cultural History of Qatar in the Pearling Age
- Qatari society was divided into three main communities: Bedouin nomads (desert dwellers), semi-settled (moved between desert and coast), and settled coastal inhabitants.
- Bedouin nomads lived a transient lifestyle focused on food and water, without adhering to external authorities or geographical borders.
- Semi-settled Bedouin had longer stays at certain locations, practiced limited agriculture, and participated in pearling expeditions.
- Settled communities engaged in handicrafts, small industries, and had established markets due to their proximity to the sea.
Women’s Role Before Oil
- Wealthy women often supervised domestic spaces but remained isolated and uneducated, mainly learning the Quran.
- Bedouin women had more freedom compared to their settled counterparts, taking on roles including shepherding and economic labor.
- Women from pearl diving families contributed economically through various tasks like tailoring, cleaning, and market sales.
Education System Before Oil
- The Kuttab system served as the primary means of education, focusing on Quran memorization and basic literacy.
- Kuttabs were often unstable due to reliance on individual teachers; mixed classes included both boys and girls until about age ten.
- Early formal schools like “The Rushdiye School” (1890) and “Athariya” (1913) emerged but faced political and operational challenges.
Qatari Mejalis
- Mejalis served as key social and economic hubs for literary gatherings and economic negotiations among merchants and ship captains.
- They provided spaces for informal education in religious and cultural teachings via invited jurists and writers.
Cultural Influences
- Qatar’s geographical position allowed significant cultural interaction with Persia, Africa, India, and the Arabian Peninsula, influencing local customs.
- Persian architectural designs, clothing styles, and imported food practices became ingrained in Qatari culture.
Judicial System Before Oil
- The legal framework was primarily based on Islamic Sharia and tribal customs, with Shar’i judges presiding over cases.
- Rulings were commonly made in informal settings, and major crimes involved tribal sheikhs for oversight.
- Specialized courts like salifa courts handled cases related to pearl diving and maritime commerce.
Economic Features Before Oil
- The economy was primarily subsistence-based, with limited production focused on natural resources: pearls, herding, fishing, and agriculture.
- Pearling was the most critical economic activity, facilitating urban development and significant population growth along the coast.
- The decline of the pearl industry directly impacted local education systems and economic stability.
Slave Trade Dynamics
- Slave trade persisted despite British opposition, with captives employed in various roles, including pearl diving and household labor.
- Ownership of slaves was a symbol of social status; the British authorities' interference aimed at curtailing the practice began to lessen with the increase in oil sector jobs.
Marine Transport
- A small number of divers also engaged in marine transport, which supplemented their income.
- The ships utilized for transport needed to be robust and capable of carrying heavy loads, indicating the logistical demands of the trade.### Trade Routes and Goods
- Basra Route: Transported goods through Bahrain, al-Ahsa, and Kuwait, including dates, wood, flour, grains, textiles, rice, tea, and sugar.
- Indian Route: Spanned from Persian ports like Bandar Abbas and Qeshm, and Dubai to Indian ports, trading dates, grains, dried fruit, and acquiring spices, rope, and perfume.
- East African Trade: Ships traveled to the East African coast with Aden as the main center, requiring returns before summer for pearl diving work.
Pearl Diving Economy
- Primary Economic Activity: Pearl diving dominated pre-oil Qatar, engaging most of the workforce during the four-month season.
- Impact on Society: The success of pearling influenced all aspects of life, with other occupations like fishing and farming not rivaling its significance.
- Labor Force: Approximately 13,000 workers in the pearl diving sector in 1904, with about 30 crew members on each boat, forming independent units with defined roles.
Dangers and Health Issues
- Shark and Stingray Threats: Divers faced physical risks from sharks and stingrays, leading to severe injuries.
- Health Risks: Common ailments included eye and respiratory diseases, skin infections due to saltwater exposure, and other conditions exacerbated by poor living conditions.
- Debt Cycle: Divers and sailors often remained in debt to ship captains, perpetuating a cycle of dependency and financial struggle.
Decline of Pearl Trade
- Cultured Pearls: Introduction of cultured pearls in 1924 drastically impacted pearl diving viability.
- Market Variability: Global demand shifted towards lower-cost cultured pearls, alongside economic turmoil from WWI and the Great Depression (1929-1933).
- Societal Impact: The collapse of the pearling economy led to significant hardship among society's divers and related communities, necessitating new economic alternatives.
Role of Women
- Economic Participation: Women engaged in various jobs to support their households, including tailoring, water carrying, and small trade.
- Community Influence: Some women became guards, showcasing their strength and involvement in community roles, often in less traditional occupations.
Education in Pre-Oil Qatar
- Kuttab System: Local education focused on Quran memorization, basic literacy, and numeracy, predominantly in mosques.
- Limitations: The system relied heavily on individual teachers and funding, lacking stability or a structured curriculum.
- Pioneering Figures: Ms. Amna Mahmud al-Jayida emerged as an influential educator, establishing the first girls' school in Qatar in 1956, thus paving the way for women's education.
Social Structures
- Bedouin Lifestyle: Bedouin societies were mobile, cohesive, and followed tribal customs without formal authority, relying on oral traditions of poetry and storytelling.
- Settled Communities: Villages like Doha and Wakra thrived on sea-based economies, engaging in crafts and maintaining social order through cooperative norms.
- Women's Roles: Women in settled communities often managed domestic responsibilities and participated in agricultural activities, contrasting with the isolated lives of wealthy women.
Overall Economic Structure
- Three Community Types: Qatar consisted of nomadic Bedouins, semi-settled groups involved in trade and agriculture, and settled coastal communities contributing to the economy through crafts and trade.
- Economic Dependence: The interdependence among these groups influenced social, economic, and cultural dynamics, particularly in the context of pearling and trade connections.### Education System Evolution in Qatar
- Post-World War II, Qatar's education system evolved from traditional kuttabs to modern schooling.
- Shaykh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani appointed Shaykh Muhammad bin Ali al-Mahmoud to establish a new school in 1947.
- The school named "al-Islah al-Hamadiya" opened in the 1947/48 academic year.
Architectural and Cultural Significance of the Mejlis
- Mejlis serves as an important architectural element in Qatari homes, typically featuring a private entrance.
- Used for literary gatherings, informal meetings, and hosting significant jurists and writers for Quranic teaching.
- Functioned as commercial venues for merchants and ship captains to discuss pearl diving financing.
Cultural Influence Due to Geographical Location
- Qatar's location fostered openness to Persian, African, and Indian cultures, impacting local practices.
- Architectural designs and room distribution often reflected Persian influences.
- Adoption of clothing styles and culinary practices from neighboring regions, including specific food items and textiles.
Adoption of Indian Cultural Elements
- Persian and Indian cultural influences included embroidery techniques and furniture styles.
- Local dialect incorporated Hindi words, particularly related to trade and the pearling industry, including names for boats and pearls.
Judicial System Before Oil
- Judicial processes relied on Islamic Sharia and tribal customs, with rulings dependent on local tribal leaders and Shar’i judges.
- Shar’i courts handled cases involving marriage, moral issues, and criminal matters, often conducted in mosques.
- Specialized salifa courts for pearling disputes, where ship captains often favored their own interests.
Economic Structure Before Oil Discovery
- Qatar operated under a subsistence economy, primarily focused on survival and lacking wealth accumulation.
- Transactions were largely barter-based, with minimal incentives for economic change.
- Key resources included pearl diving, herding, fishing, agriculture, and customs revenues from trade.
Impact of Pearl Trade on Society and Economy
- The pearl trade generated employment for coastal inhabitants and prompted urban development.
- Encouraged migration of Bedouins to coastal areas, increasing the urban population.
- Enhanced Qatar's participation in global trade, particularly during the prosperity of the late 19th century.
Slave Trade in Historical Context
- Slave trade persisted in the Gulf despite British monitoring until the early 1950s, with Mecca as a notable trafficking destination.
- Slaves worked in various fields including pearl diving, fishing, and domestic service; ownership conferred social prestige.
- British intervention aimed to curtail the trade, with some slaves seeking refuge and support from British agents.
Shaykh's Perspective on Slavery
- Shaykh held differing views from the British on the negotiation and potential release of slaves, balancing his authority and public opinion.
- Oil industry growth gradually led to the resolution of slavery issues as former slaves transitioned into labor positions with oil companies, receiving formal freedom documentation.
Marine Transport and Economic Supplement
- A limited number of divers and sailors engaged in marine transport outside of the pearl diving season, supplementing economic activity.
- Vessels used for transportation were required to be robust and spacious, capable of transporting heavy cargo.
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Description
Explore the social, economic, and cultural history of Qatar before the oil era. Learn about the social fabric, role of women, education, and local culture during this period. Discover the features of the pre-oil economy and its main resources.
