Creation and Development of Qatar Until 1868 PDF

Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 Political situation: Al-Ahsa region and its geographical boundaries: Historical Context: The history of Qatar from the beginning of the modern era until the mid-19th centu...

Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 Political situation: Al-Ahsa region and its geographical boundaries: Historical Context: The history of Qatar from the beginning of the modern era until the mid-19th century (before Al-thani’s became rulers) was intertwined with Al-Ahsa province’s history. Geographical Boundaries: Al-Ahsa region extended from Basra to the north to Oman in the south, including Kuwait, Al-Ahsa, Awal Island, Al-Qatif, Qatar, and the Omani coasts. Political situation in Al-Ahsa before Qatar’s emergence: Historical name: Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 1  The region was known as “Al-Bahrain countries” (countries of two seas) during the early Islamic conquests. Historical capital: “Hajr” was the capital until it was destroyed by the Qarmatians, who then established Al-Ahsa as the new capital Rulers: (tribes) 1. Al-Ayoniyon (currently called Al-Boanian) 2. Al-Zamel Al-Jabry 3. Al-Moghamis Foreign Occupations: The Portuguese occupied Al-ahsa in 1517, until the Ottoman Turks expelled the Portuguese in the mid-16th century. Ottoman Presence in the region: Since the Ottoman conquest of the area, Al-Ahsa had one political history. Awal Island was separated and became independent under the name of Bahrain Island 1. Ottomans arrived in Basra on the Arabian Gulf, they couldnt really control the Gulf tho because: a. Basra was not suitable at that time for building a strong naval base b. They faced problems of the Bedouin tribes who did not welcome them c. They faced the Safavid in Iran, who had their ambitions in the region- they wanted to assure their presence and greed to get the area No effective Ottoman control until the last third of the ninteenth century 2. Ottoman control: The Ottomans controlled Al-Ahsa from the 16th century, subjugating the tribe of Ajwad bin Zamel Al-Jabri to their authority (weak nominal authority) 3. Tribal Resistance: The Hamid tribe of Bani Khalid, under leadership of Brak ibn Arair, resisted Ottoman control for nearly 80 years, they also brought down the authority of Ajwad tribe. Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 2  4. End of Ottoman Rule: By 1670, the Ottomans (Turkish Empire in east Arabian peninsula) lost control, and Bani Khalid established strong authority, maintaining loyalty to the Ottoman state until the late 18th century when the first Saudi state emerged by Mohammed bin Soud. Political system in Qatar during Bani Khalid’s Reign: Indirect Rule: Bani Khalid ruled indirectly through their in-laws, the Al-Mosalam family (making Hawaila a headquarters for them), who collected yearly taxes from Qatar’s tribes to be sent to Al-Ahsa, managing Qatar’s affairs. the Qatari peninsula was under the rule of Bani Khalid until the end of the 18th century before destroying their authority by the Saudis. Tribal Autonomy: Local sheikhs had some degree of self-independence under Bani Khalid’s partial authority. Tribal Migrations: Migration Causes: Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 3  Severe drought and tribal disputes in central Arabia and Naged led tribes like Al-Atube and Al-Maaded to immigrate from middle of Arabia peninsula & Naged —> west coast of the Gulf- between late 17th and early 18th century. they were looking for prosperity Settlement in Qatar: Al-Atube immigrated from Naged and settled with their three branches in Qatar’s coast Al-Zubara for 20 years under the care of Al-Mosalam. Al-Atube branches: 1. Al-Sabah led by—> Sheikh Sulaiman bin Ahmed 2. Al-Khalifa led by—> Sheikh Khalifa bin Mohammad 3. Al-Jalahima led by—> Sheikh Jaber bin Ataba Conflict and Relocation: After a conflict with Al-Mosalam and Qatari tribes (battle at Ras Al-Tanora which Al-Atube won), Al-Atube moved to Kuwait coast for 50 years, 1716-1766. Al-Khalifa’s Return to Qatar: Return to Zubarah: Al Khalifa (a branch of Al Atube confederation) established the rule of Al Sabah in Kuwait—> left Kuwait after dispute with Al Sabah—> went with their ships towards Bahrain—> failed to enter Bahrain—> returned to Zubarah in 1766. Bahrain was ruled by Al Mathkour & hosted a Persian garrison Ambitions in Bahrain: Al Khalifa’s sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa strengthened ties w the people around him by: 1. Lending them money 2. Buying their pearl harvests 3. Marrying into Al bin Ali Al Khalifa wanted to expand their power over Bahrain (after gaining a fortune 🤑) because: 1. Their ambitions were more significant than Zubarah- expanding into inland Qatar would cause clashes w other Qatari tribes Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 4  2. They had a lousy relationship w Bahrain’s rulers, Al Mathkour and the latter’s attempts to submit Zubarah to their own rule. Conquering Bahrain: Al-Khalifa had their eyes on Bahrain after they turned into a capitalist society from being a Bedouin one. Al Khalifa formed a danger for the Persian rulers of Bahrain Persian ruler Nasser Al Mathkor tried occupying Al Zubara between 1777-1781 but failed It became clear that Al Khalifa enemy became stronger and looked forward to expanding in Bahrain (and not Qatar since it would cause fights w Qatar’s tribes & Al-Mosalam & Bani Khalid). 1. Al Khalifa mobilized their assistants Al Sabah and Al Jalahima, with assistance from Qatar tribes: Al Mosalam Al bin Ali Al Sudan Al Sulita Al Buanain Al Kobayasat Al Mananha 2. Al Khalifa conquered Bahrain island in 1783 and established rule ever since 3. Sheikh Ahmed ibn Khalifa spent his years in Al Zubara looking after his business- he left his ruling to his 2 sons 4. Sheikh Ahmed ibn Khalifa died in 1794, his family finally moved to Bahrain 5. Bahrain became an Arab emirate governed by Al Khalifa Downfall of Bani Khalid and the Establishement of the First Saudi State (1744-1818): Saudi Expansion: Middle 18th century Bani Khalids rule weakened—> cause they couldnt face military-sweeping Saudi force Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 5  Mohammed bin Saud and Mohammad bin Abd Al-Wahab established the first Saudi state, which annexed Al Ahsa and defeated Bani Khalid in 1793. The Saudis controlled Ahsa in 1793 after violent fighting Saudi’s launched assaults toward Oman, Al Baremy, Qatar, Bahrain etc Ottoman state had problems in Europe and Bulkan to deal with at the time Qatar’s Relationship with Saudi’s: 1. Suliman bin Ofeisan (emir of Al Kharj) prepared a campaign crossing Al Ahsa to invade Qatar in 1788 2. Qatar’s relationship with the Saudis started 3. Suliman defeated men from Al Bormeih tribe 4. Suliman withdrew to Naged 5. Saudis led a campaign to spread their authority over Qatar (1793-1794) 6. Ibrahim bin Ofeisan succeeded in controlling Qatar a. he sieged Al Zubarah & ordered his men to isolate the city from Doha to control it without fighting b. this attempt failed c. he attacked the castle where a large number of men were killed d. ibn Ofeisan took control of other cities of Qatar such as: Huwala Al Yosfia Al Roeda Al Forehia e. Al Jalahima helped the Saudi forces to spread control over the Qatari peninsula for 8 years (1808-1816) New Province: 1. Saudis controlled the 3 regions of Bahrain, Al Qatif, and Qatar 2. Saudis established a province using Bahrain as its head quarters- Abdulla bin Ofeisan ruled it Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 6  3. The province entered into Al Salafy doctrine annual taxes were collected by Bahrain’s Sheikh Suleiman bin Ahmed from the 3 regions—> sent them to Najd (Saudi capital) this collection gave Saudis authority to control the province’s affairs 4. Saudis began to interfere in the internal affairs of Qatar 5. This led to many clashes between Bahraini and Qatari tribes The Downfall of the first Saudi state by the Ottoman government in Egypt (1818) Why did the Saudi dominance over the province not last long? Because the Saudi country formed a danger over the Ottoman sovereignty in the Arab peninsula especially after Saudi armies controlled Al-Hejaz How did the first Saudi state collapse? Ottoman sultan referred to his ruler in Egypt (Mohammad Ali Pasha)—> Mohammad sent campaigns to weaken the authority of Saudi state—> destroy its capital Al-Dara’aya 1812-1818 Ibrahim Pasha (Mohammeds son) led his fathers armies and ended the Saudi authority over Al-Ahsa and the Gulf generally During this time: 1. Saudi faced trouble with attacks on their western borders by sultan of Muscat 2. Sultan of Muscat led the marine campaign over Qatar 3. Sultan of Muscat also expelled the Saudi garrisons from Al-Zubara and Khor Hassan—> Al Zubara was utterly destroyed 4. Led to expulsion of the Saudi garrisons from Qatar and Bahrain—> province ruler was captured 5. Al Khalifa regained control over Bahrain & continued to collect tax this tax used to be collected in the name of the Saudi, but now they collected it for themselves Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 7  Result of Saudis influence receding from the Gulf and Al Ahsa after 1818: 1. The power of the local Qatari tribes became clear the Al Buainain tribe became prominent when its sheikh killed a man from Bahrain in Doha in 1828 2. The Al Buainain tribe refused to hand over its sheikh & announced a rebellion the sheikh of Bahrain destroyed Al Buainain fort in Doha and moved them to Al Ruwais and Al Fuwairit 3. This incident strained the relationship between Bahrain and the Qatari tribes when sheikh of Bahrain (Abdullah bin Ahmad) ordered the arrest and imprisonment of Al Buainain’s sheikh Britain’s Presence in the Gulf and its Relation with Qatar: Britain’s relations in the Gulf began with the establishment of the Eastern Indian-British Company Britain’s justification of the conquest of the Gulf with pretexts: 1. To abolish piracy, weapons and slave trade 2. To safeguard the navigation 3. To achieve public peace in the sea 1. Britain used different methods to perform its policies 2. Sheikhs were committed to performing this imposed policy by force in 1820 3. Britain protected treaties of the Marine truce, which ended the commitments (which started 1820) 4. Britain (using threats of force) succeeded to make itself a ruler and hangman in all local regional disputes in the area 5. Caused problems with the borders (still has problems till now) At this time, Qatar was the only Emirate that Britain did not sign a treaty with Relations between Britain and Qatar were established early 20s of the 19th century 0 info abt relation between Britain and Qatar before 1821 Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 8  Britain approved of peace general treaties in 1820—> British authorities in the Gulf stayed in Boshahr, believing that the lengths of the Qatari coast were included Rahma Bin Jabir Al Jalahma: before the end of Saudi authority, Rahma bin Jabir Al Jalahima was under Saudi protection Rahma shared governance with the Saudi envoy in Al Zubara Rahma’s Activities and Conflicts: 1. Base in Khor Hassan: Rahma launched attacks on Gulf ships, esp targeting Al Khalifa 2. Saudi Defeat: the Saudi’s defeat led Rahma into conflict with Al Atub’s ships 3. Relocation: moved from Qatar to Al Dammam on the Al Ahsa coast conflict with Saudis led to the destruction of his castle in Al Dammam in 1816 relocated his family back to Khor Hassan, then moved to Boshahr, and returned to Al Dammam in 1819 British Involvement and first contact with Qatar: Rahma’s death: Killed in 1828 in a marine battle, ending his conflicts with Al Khalifa British Concerns (caused by Rehama bin Jabir’s actions against Al Khalifa ships): his alliance with the ruler of Persia to invade Bahrain he refused the British political residents requests to become a part of peace general treaties in 1820 his piracy actions on Qatar’s coast British actions: In 1821, the British East India Company sent the destroyer “Vestal” to bombard Al Bida (Doha) (first contact between Britain & Qatar (how cute)) The bombardment, known as “the first destruction of Doha”, forced many inhabitants to flee to islands between Qatar and Omani coast Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 9  Continued British relations with Qatar: British Resident’s Visit: In 1823, Mr Macleod visited Doha and noticed Al Buainin’s authority Assumed Doha was under the peace treaty like Bahrain Ordered ships and raised the treaty’s flag to follow the treaty’s terms , realizing Qatar was not under Al Khalifa’s authority British attention was not focused on the development of Qatar until the withdrawal of Egyptian forces from Al Ahsa in 1823 Effects of the Second Saudi State on Al Khalifa & Qatari tribes relationship: 1. Saudi Influence: Faisal bin Turki’s reign and the creation of the second Saudi state affected Qatar’s relationship with Al Khalifa in Bahrain (1824-1891) 2. Significant features of the relationship between Qatar and Al Khalifa (in Bahrain): Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmad and his two sons (Mubarak and Nasser) moved to Qatar’s coast to monitor Saudi movements (cause they had a bad relationship w the Saudis) Sheikh Abdullah tried to extend power over Al Huwaila in 1835, facing resistance Conflicts between Sheikh of Bahrain & Sheikh of Al bin Ali tribe (Issa bin Turayf), who withdrew his tribe to Abu Dhabi to create a base to launch strikes against sheikh of Bahrain—> Britain prevented them from doing so Large numbers of the Al Buainain tribe withdrew to Abu Dhabi- confirms that the Qatari tribes refused to submit to the authority of Al Khalifa Faisal bin Turki extended his role over the Saudi state on the Arabian Peninsula and the Gulf following the withdrawal of Mohammad Ali Pasha’s forces, he was able to control Al Ahsa. Al Khalifa were busy defending against the Saudi state’s threats to re- impose control over Bahrain. Qatar in the first half of the 19th century (1820s-30s): Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 10  before internal conflict in Bahrain Problems that Qatar faced: 1. Bahrain’s Expansion- Bahrain’s Utub tried to fill the vacuum post the first Saudi state’s fall & extend power over the region, esp Qatar (due to their relationship w Qatar and their stay in Zuabara) 2. Rahma’s Conflict- Rahma bin Jabir used Qatar as a base against Bahrain’s sheikhs 3. Bahrain’s Control over Qatari tribes Attempts- Led to insurgencies among Qatari tribes 4. Omani Maritime Attacks- Increased attacks from Omani coast settlers, countered by the British British Measures for Maritime Peace: 1. Increased attacks on ships in Gulf, 1835-1836 by people moving from Omani coast to Qatari coast, some settled in Khor al-Udaid to avoid British- imposed fines 2. British Actions- cause they said Qatar was sympathizing with Omani immigrants a. Sent marine force to Qatar b. Included Qatar in maritime truce agreements in 1835 c. Forced Doha, Al Wakra, and Khor Al Udaid Sheikhs to make pledges 3. Attacks did not stop at sea (1841): a. Continued attacks led the British to hold the Sheikh of Doha responsible b. British shelled Doha with artillery fire The Internal Conflict (Civil War) In Bahrain (1840- 1843) Effects in Qatar: The internal conflict in Bahrain 1840-1843 and its effects on regional powers such as Qatar The Saudi state Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 11  The British The Most significant developments in Qatar during the 1840s and 1850s: 1. Qatar became a site of conflict among the Al Khalifa family over the right to rule 2. The Saudi state continued its attempts to extend its authority over Bahrain and Qatar, clashing with the Al Khalifa in Bahrain Abu Dhabi also became involved in the internal conflict in Bahrain 3. The force of local Qatari tribes grew 4. The Al Thani family emerged as key leaders 5. The British intervened to maintain maritime peace in the region Phases of the conflict in Bahrain between 1840-1843: 1. First Phase (1840): Withdrawal of Mehmed Ali Pasha’s forces from Al Ahsa left a political vacuum in the region 2. Second Phase (1842): Conflict over Al Khalifa rule spilled into Qatar Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa and his grandfather Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmad began the conflict Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa took over rule in 1842, leading to a split into Al Abdullah and Al Salman factions Sheikh Abdullah’s sons rebelled (wanted to rule the emirate) and based themselves in Huwayla, northern Qatar. Most prominent characteristic of this phase: Transition of the conflict to Qatar this led to local forces to emerge in Qatar, such as Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani (who was residing in Al Fuwairit). Parties to the internal conflict in Bahrain & relationship with Qatari tribes: 1. Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa ruled over Bahrain from 1821-1849 Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 12  2. Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa challenged his rule and attempted to seize power during 1840-1843 he then immigrated to Qatar, began to build naval force to invade Bahrain 3. Sheikh Abdullah’s 3 sons rebelled against him 4. Political turmoil in Bahrain 5. Sheikh Abdullah moved to stay in Khor Hassan in Qatar to monitor the situation Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa formed a coalition with Qatari tribes to overthrow Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmad: 1. Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa asked Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani (1842) for help to invade Bahrain to overthrow Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmad 2. Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani refused 3. Eastern Qatari tribes (Doha & Al Khor) however agreed to assist 4. THEN Sheikh Mohammad Thani and the Al Maadheed agreed to assist 5. Sheikh of Al bin Ali (Issa ibn Turayf) also agreed to assist 6. Sheikh Bashir bin Rahma bin Jaber, along with some Jalahima tribes, sided with Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa The coalition used Al Fuwairit as their base, succeeded in entering Bahrain, and took over power as Sheikh Abdullah left for Dammam. Battle of Umm Suwaya (1847): Confrontation between Issa bin Turayf (Sheikh of Al bin Ali) and Mohammad bin Khalifa Battle took place near Al-Fuwairit Reasons for the dispute: 1. Issa bin Turayf accepted a negotiation request (of returning to Bahrain with Mohammad bin Khalifa) by Sheikh Abdullah’s sons- this angered Mohammad bin Khalifa 2. Issa bin Turayf allied with Mohammad bin Khalifas adversaries (a group of Al Manaseer and Al Hawajir) & sons of Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmad Al Khalifa. Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 13  Outcomes: Issa bin Turayf was killed Al bin Ali tribe left Qatar Tribes allies with Issa bin Turayf were defeated Sheikh Abdullah’s hopes to return to rule Bahrain were dashed Relationship between Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa and Qatari tribes (after the battle of Mesaimeer): Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa considered Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani & Sheikh Jassim, collaborators with Prince Faisal bin Turki in leading the rebellion against Bahrain, so: Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa besieged Doha, preventing supplies Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa asked the ruler of Abu Dhabi (Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoun) to support him against Qatari tribes Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa formed a force to discipline Qatari tribes The Siege ended with a conciliation agreement that included 2 provisions: 1. The ruler of Bahrain shall pay an annual tax of 4000 riyals 2. Qatar shall fall under Al Khalifa’s power The British and Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa: 1. There were accusations of Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa of instigating some Qatari tribes to attack Saudi nationals 2. Saudi governor of al Al Ahsa helped Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa (son of former ruler of Bahrain) in invading Bahrain to restore his rule over Bahrain- 1859 3. The British intervened in 1861 to prevent further escalation 4. British agreement with Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa (May 1861): Recognize and uphold previous treaties with the British Refrain from launching wars, piracy and slave trade in exchange for British protection (of Bahrain) Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 14  British Reports on Qatar (1866): Reports were prepared by the British Political Resident Sheikh of Bahrain declared loyalty to the Saudis to maintain property in Qatar he considered himself independent in Bahrain islands Tax paid by Mohammad Al Khalifa on his property in Qatar was in exchange for protection from any tribal attack A Saudi government agent resided in Doha from 1852 to 1866- no reference made to his name Impact of internal conflict in Bahrain on the political situation in Qatar: Qatari tribes felt powerful if allied with each other They realized the possibility of establishing an independent entity capable of combatting outside influence tryna control it Features of Qatar during the internal conflict in Bahrain in the first half of the 19th century: 1. Qatari tribes refused to submit authority to Bahrain rulers 2. Al Khalifa could extend power over Qatari tribes in 1840s cause of their discord and disintegration 3. After 1840s, Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani & his son Sheikh Jassim began to emerge as the leaders to encourage the tribes to seek independence and govern themselves in the Qatar Peninsula Al Thani family emerged—> hostility between Al Khalifa & Qatari tribes because: 1. Al Khalifa extended power over Qatar following the Saudi agreement w Mohammad bin Khalifa 2. Qatar & Saudi relationship became stronger under Al Thani leadership 3. Al Khalifa assigned Ahmad bin Mohammad Al Khalifa as Qatar representative Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 15  Ahmad Al Khalilfa—> intermarriage with Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani’s family—> closer relationship between Ahmad and Qataris 4. Qatari tribes hated Qatar-based representative of Al Khalifa (Ahmad)- cause he was harsh—> escalated hostility between both sides 5. Ahmad bin Mohammad Al Khalifa’s attack: a. Ahmad bin Mohammad Al Khalifa’s men attacked a caravan of the Al Naeem tribe in Al Wakra market in 1866 b. The men seized the caravan and imprisoned the Sheikh of Al Naeem tribe (Ali bin Thamer) c. Al Naeem tribe sought the help of Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani d. Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani attacked the headquarters of Al Khalifa representative in the Castel of Al Wakra e. Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani’s attack succeeded in freeing Ali bin Thamer f. This forced the Al Khalifa representative to flee Bahrain 6. Qatari tribes began to work on freeing Qatar of Al Khalifa’s authority Actions Qataris took to rid Qatar of Al Khalifa’s authority: Jassim bin Mohammad Al Thani wrote to ruler of Bahrain explaining his representatives misconduct (after attacking the Al Naeem caravan) Jassim bin Mohammad Al Thani demanded independence from Bahrain Threatened to seek regional help if Bahrain’s authority continued Al Khalifa’s Response to Al Thani’s growing strength: Appeased Al Naeem tribes, invited leaders to Bahrain, honored them (to improve their image) Planned to betray and imprison Jassim bin Mohammad Al Thani (by inviting him to Bahrain) Imprisonment increased tensions and led to new battles Relationship between Qatari tribes & Al Khalifa after Jassim Al Thani’s imprisonment: Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 16  1. 1867: Attack on Al Wakra and Doha by Mohammad bin Khalifa and Abu Dhabi’s ruler = SECOND DESTRUCTION OF DOHA 2. 1868: Qatar had two choices: either go pearling or free Jassim, they chose to go pearling (Jassim was imprisoned for 1.5 years). When diving season ended, Qatari tribes attacked Bahrain, lured and defeated Al Khalifa forces they captured leaders: Sheikh Ibrahim bin Issa Al Khalifa and Sheikh Hamoud bin Salman Al Khalifa 3. Qatari tribes exchanged the Al Khalifa leaders for Jassim Al Thani 4. Britain held Mohammad bin Khalifa responsible, imposed penalties and fines (as well as on the Sheikh of Abu Dhabi) Britain’s Position on Tribal conflicts: 1867: Attack on Al Wakra & Doha violated agreements with Britain (1861 agreement) British response: 1. Obligated Sheikh of Abu Dhabi to pay compensation to Qatar as apology 2. Bombed and destroyed Abu Maher Castle (in Muharraq) 3. Deposed Mohammad bin Khalifa, appointed his brother Ali who vowed to arrest his brother and hand over to the Political Resident 4. Imposed hefty fines, hand over Al Khalifa’s warships to Britain Britain (Lewis Pelly- British Political Resident in the Gulf) understanding of Qatari tribes launch against Bahrain 1868: Agreement with Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani (sep 12)- extension of Maritime Peace Treaty Provisions of the 1868 Agreement: Mohammad Al Thani pledged: 1. Reside in Doha in peace 2. Refrain from undertaking hostilities at sea 3. Seek British adjudication during any disputes w neighbours Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 17  4. Extradition to British of former Bahrain ruler (Mohammad bin Khalifa) if captured 5. Maintain good relationship with Bahrain’s new Sheikh- Ali bin Khalifa The agreement feel under the Maritime Peace Treaties signed between the Sheikhs of the Gulf emirates and Britain Significance of the 1868 Agreement: 1. Recognized Al Thani family as Qatar’s formal rulers 2. Start of Qatar’s modern history as an independent emirate now ruled by Sheikh of its own, instead of being periodically subject to power of other forces 3. Beginning of Qatar’s accession to treaties with external parties, i.e Britain Emergence of the Al Thani Family: Resulted from the conflict within Al Khalifa in Bahrain Origin: Al Maadheed, Bani Tamim roots Migration: Late 17th century from town of Ushaiger in Washm in Najd in Arabian peninsula to Qatar (reached in early 18th century- 1848) 1. Ushaiger 2. Jidreen 3. Alskak 4. Ruwais 5. Zubara 6. Fuwairit 7. Doha (final destination) Reasons for migration: Tribal conflicts in Arabian Peninsula Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 18  Sever drought in Arabian Peninsula Founder: Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani (settled in Doha, 1848) Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani: Born in Al Fuwairit Prominent pearl merchant Generous, Intelligent, Vigilant, Acumen, Religious Leadership and unification of Qatari tribes united Qatari tribes against their opponents: Al Khalifa of Bahrain Prestigious status because: financial status power and status of Al Maadheed tribe Known as “Sheikh of Doha” Belgrave visited Qatar (1863) and said: Sheikh was the ruler of al-Bidaa and a figure of authority recognized by everyone as the head Sheikh did not have significant power over the other villages (they were managed by their local leaders) Why was the Al Thani family able to lead the Qatari tribes? 1. Social and economic status: they accumulated a fortune from pearl 2. Al Maadheed, to whom Al Thani belongs, were urbanized 3. Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani was influential in the vicinity of Al Bidaa- making him the leader of the Al Thani family and Al Maadheed he led Qatari tribes to help Mohammad bin Khalifa take over Bahrain in 1842 from Sheikh Abdullah Al Khalifa 4. Sheikhs prestige increased after the killing of Sheikh Isa bin Turayf (Sheikh of Al bin Ali tribe) 5. Sheikh Mohammads wisdom and political talent Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 19  6. Sheikh Mohammad led Qatari tribes against Mohammad Al Khalifa’s revenge attempts Role of Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani in creating a Political entity in Qatar: he was the first ruler from the Al Thani family & first to base the family in Doha 1. Political Mastery avoided confrontation with Saudis allied with Faisal bin Turki (Imama of the second Saudi state) after the battle of Mesaimeer collected zakat for Saudi government from Qatari tribes till 1865 2. His leadership led tribes to support Mohammad bin Khalifa in taking over power in Bahrain 3. Conflict with Mohammad bin Khalifa led to the 1868 (sept 12) treaty with the British resident —> treaty recognized Qatar as an independent emirate Transition of Power: Sheikh Mohammad bin Al Thani entrusted son Sheikh Jassim with administrative responsibility in 1876 He passed away in 1878 Creation and development of Qatar until 1868 20