Lecture Notes: Creation and Development of Qatar Until 1868 (PDF)

CREATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF QATAR UNTIL 1868  What you will learn in this topic? - The Ottoman Presence In The Region. Political System In Qatar During The Reign Of Bani Khalid. The Tribal Migrations. The Downfall Of Bani Khalid Rule In Al-Ah...

CREATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF QATAR UNTIL 1868  What you will learn in this topic? - The Ottoman Presence In The Region. Political System In Qatar During The Reign Of Bani Khalid. The Tribal Migrations. The Downfall Of Bani Khalid Rule In Al-Ahsa & 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 We should refer to the fact that the history of Qatar, since the beginning of the modern era until the middle of the nineteenth century (i.e, before Al-thani became the rulers there and after the emergence of Qatar as an independent emirate), was part of the history of Al-ahsa province (‫)اقيلم اإلحساء‬. The region extended on the west coast of the Arabian Gulf region from Basra to the north to Oman in the south. This extension included Kuwait, Al-Ahsa, awal island, Al-Qatif, Qatar and the Omani coasts, and Qatar was part of this region. This means that Qatar did not have an independent political entity. At that time, the history of Qatar, therefore, was part of the history of this region affected by all events and developments that were located in the province of Ahsa whether these events were positive or negative.  AL - AHSA REGION AND ITS GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDRIES  THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN THE PROVINCE OF AL-AHSA BEFORE THE ORIGIN OF QATAR The region’s historical name: this region was also called “Al-bahrain countries”, a phrase that means “countries of two seas”, for a long period with the beginning of the Islamic conquest. The region’s historical capital: “Hajr” was the capital until it was destroyed by the Qarmatians and they established a new capital, Al ahsa. The region’s rulers: Alahsa was ruled respectively by different tribes: firstly it was ruled by Al-Ayoniyon (currently called Al-Boanian) Secondly it was ruled by Al-Zamel Al-Jabry Thirdly it was ruled by Al-Moghamis Until the Portuguese occupied it in 1517 and continued to control it until the coming of the Ottoman Turks who expelled the Portuguese in the middle of the sixteenth century.  THE OTTOMAN PRESENCE IN THE REGION Since the Ottoman conquest of the area, Al-ahsa had one political history. Then awal island was separated and became independent under the name of Bahrain island. When the Ottomans arrived in Basra on the Arabian Gulf, within their wave to adjoin the Arab world, they could not establish a strong marine base in Basra to enable them to really control the gulf because of many reasons: 1- Basra was not suitable at that time for building A strong naval base. 2- they also were faced with the problems of the Bedouin tribes who did not welcome them 3- in addition to that, they faced the Safavid in Iran, who also had their ambitions in the region and wanted to assure their presence and greed to get the area. Therefore, all historians state that the Arabian Gulf did not witness effective Ottoman control until the last third of the nineteenth century.  THE OTTOMAN PRESENCE IN THE REGION However, later on, the Ottomans conquered and controlled Al-ahsa in the 16th century and subjugated the tribe of Ajwad bin Zamel Al-jabri to their authority. This authority also had a weak nominal authority, which was brought down later on by the Hamid tribe of Bani Khalid under the leadership of Brak ibn Arair, who had fought and resisted the Ottomans for nearly 80 years. Ottoman Empire in 1680  THE OTTOMAN PRESENCE IN THE REGION When the Turkish empire in the east Arabian peninsula collapsed in 1670, the area was ruled by 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.  POLITICAL SYSTEM IN QATAR DURING THE REIGN OF BANI KHALID The Qatari peninsula was under the rule of Bani khalid until the end of the eighteenth century before destroying their authority by the Saudis. Bani Khalid did not have direct control over Qatar and its tribes, but they relied on their in- laws from the Al-Mosalam family, making Hawaila a headquarters for them. Al- Ahsa prince assigned Al-Mosalam to collect the yearly taxes from Qatar’s tribes to be sent to Al-Ahsa. As a result, they managed Qatar’s affairs. By doing so, they gained control over the residents for a while. But this control was partial as the local sheiks, who are subject to the authority of Bani Khalid, have some degree of self-independence.  ‫حكم بني خالد إلقليم اإلحساء‬ POLITICAL SYSTEM IN QATAR DURING THE REIGN OF BANI KHALID Tribal authority The authority of Al- Mosalam in (Al-Huwailah) The authority of Bani Khalid  Why did Al-Mosalam not develop their authority to a political power that governs Qatar? How do you compare General What causes Qatar and questions migration? Naged? Why Qatar?  THE TRIBAL MIGRATIONS Al-Atube and Al-Maaded, along with other tribes, immigrated from the middle of the Arabia peninsula and from Naged between the late seventeenth and the early eighteenth century due to the severe drought and the proliferation of the tribal disputes. They turned towards the western coast of the gulf, looking for prosperity, which could come from the coast.  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-Sabah led by Sheikh Suliman bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa led by Sheikh Khalifa Bin Mohammed Al-Atub Al-Jalahima led by Sheikh Jaber bin Ataba  The Move of Al-Atub Confederation Outside Qatar Al-Atub settlement in Al-Zubara lasted for 20 years. They left Al- Zubara after the dispute with Al- Mosalam and Qatari tribes, who felt afraid of them until the two parties entered a battle at Ras Al-Tanora. Al- Atub were the victors. However, they were obliged to sail to Kuwaiti coast to settle there for approximately fifty years (1716-1766).  Back to Qatar: Al Khalifa’s relationship with Qatar Al Khalifa, one of the branches of the Utub confederation, helped establish the rule of the Al Sabah in Kuwait but left Kuwait after a dispute with the Al Sabah. They headed with their ships towards Bahrain, ruled by the Al Mathkour, and hosted a Persian garrison. After they failed to enter Bahrain, Al Khalifa returned to Zubarah in 1766, where they landed peacefully without any conflict with the people of Qatar. Their sheik, Mohammed bin Khalifa, strengthened ties with the people around him by: 1- Lending them money, 2- Buying their pearl harvest, 3- Marrying into Al bin Ali, a Qatari tribe. After accumulating a fortune during their stay in Zubarah and forging closer ties with the Qatari tribes, the Al Khalifa looked to extend their power over Bahrain. Why? 1- 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. 2- Their second reason was their lousy relationship with Bahrain's rulers, Al Mathkour, and the latter's attempts to submit Zubarah to their own rule.  Conquering Bahrain The eyes of Al-khalifa looked at Bahrain after their society changed from a Bedouin to a capitalist one. They formed a danger for the Persian rulers of Bahrain, who were excited by the flourishing of Al-Zubara and the activity of Al-Khalifa. The Persian ruler of Bahrain, Nasser Al-Mathkor, attempted to occupy Al-zubara between (1777-1781), but he failed. It became clear that the Al-Khalifa enemy became stronger and looked forward to expanding in Bahrain after realizing that Al-Zubara was no longer sufficient for their great ambitions and realizing that expansion in Qatar would lead them to fight with Qatar’s tribes and Al-Mosalam and Bani Khalid.  Al-khalifa managed to mobilize their assistants Al-Sabah and Al-Jalahima and obtained assistance from Qatar tribes, such as Al-Mosalam, Al bin Ali, Al-Sudan, Al-Sulita, Al-Buainain, Al-Kobaysat, Al-Mananha..Ect. They managed to conquer Bahrain island in 1783 and established Al-khalifa’s rule over Bahrain ever since. However, sheik Ahmed ibn Khalifa, “the conqueror,” preferred to spend his following years in Al-Zubara looking after his business, leaving the ruling of Bahrain to his two sons. When he died in 1794, the family finally moved to Bahrain. Since that date, Bahrain became an Arab emirate governed by Al-khalifa.  The Downfall Of Bani Khalid Rule In Al-Ahsa & The Establishment Of The First Saudi State (1744-1818) Since the middle of the eighteenth century, Bani Khalid’s rule of the area started to weaken as they could not face the military-sweeping Saudi force in the area. Mohammed bin Soud, who adopted the principles of “Al-wahabia” and collaborated with Mohammed bin Abd Al-wahab, succeeded in annexing al-ahsa and destroying the authority of bani Khalid in 1793. The Saudis controlled Ahsa in 1793 after violent fighting. They used Al-ahsa as a base to launch their assaults toward Oman, Al-Baremy, Qatar, Bahrain, and other Arab gulf countries. At that time, the Ottoman state had a lot of problems in Europe and Bulkan to deal with. The Downfall Of Bani Khalid Rule In Al-Ahsa & The Establishment Of The First Saudi State (1744-1818) Qatar’s relationship with the Saudis started in 1788, when Suliman bin Ofeisan, the emir of Al-kharj, prepared a campaign crossing Al-ahsa to invade Qatar. There, he defeated men from the Al-Bormeih tribe. Then he withdrew to Naged. Between the years (1793-1794), the Saudis led a campaign to spread their sovereignty over Qatar. Ibrahim bin Ofeisan succeeded in controlling Qatar when he sieged Al-Zubara and ordered his men to isolate the city from Doha to control it without fighting. However, the attempt failed, so he attacked the castle and entered into a confrontation in which a large number of men were killed, and then ibn Ofeisan took control of other cities of Qatar, such as Huwala, Al-Yosfia, Al-Roeda, and Al- Forehia. The Saudi forces got assistance from Al-Jalahima and managed to spread their control over the Qatari peninsula for about eight years from 1808-1816.  New Province After controlling the three regions of Bahrain, Al-Qatif, and Qatar, the Saudis established a province using Bahrain as its headquarters and authorized Abdulla bin Ofeisan to rule it. The province entered voluntarily into the Al-Salafy doctrine. Thus, the annual taxes were collected by Bahrain’s Sheikh Suleiman bin Ahmed from the three regions in the name of Saudis and then sent to the Saudi capital of Najd. The collection of the taxes by Bahrain gave them the authority to control the province’s affairs under Saudi sovereignty. They began to intervene exaggeratedly in the internal affairs of Qatar. This led to many clashes between Bahraini and Qatari tribes that rejected these unjustified actions and interventions.  The downfall of the first Saudi state by the ottoman governor in Egypt in 1818 The Saudi dominance over the province did not last more than a few years as the Saudi country formed a danger over the Ottoman sovereignty in the Arab peninsula, especially after the Saudi armies controlled Al-Hejaz. How did the first Saudi state collapse? The Ottoman sultan referred to his ruler in Egypt Mohammed Ali Pasha who sent several campaigns during the period (1812-1818) that managed to weaken the authority of Saudi state and destroy its capital Al-Dara’aya.  The Downfall of the first Saudi State by the Ottoman Governor in Egypt in 1818 Mohammed Ali Pasha’s armies, led by his son Ibrahim Pasha advanced to end the Saudi authority over Al-Ahsa and the Gulf in general. At that time, the Saudi faced a lot of troubles with 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 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 Downfall Of The First Saudi State And Its Impact 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. The Al-Buainain tribe became prominent when its sheikh killed a man from Bahrain in Doha in 1828 This incident strained the The Al-Buainain tribe refused to relationship between Bahrain hand over its sheikh and and the Qatari tribes when the announced a rebellion. In Sheikh of Bahrain, Abdullah response, the Sheikh of Bahrain bin Ahmad, ordered the arrest destroyed Al-Buainain fort in and imprisonment of Al- Doha and moved them to Al- Buainain’s sheikh Ruwais and Al-Fuwairit.  Britain’s Presence In The Gulf And Its Relation With Qatar Britain’s relations in the Gulf really began with the establishment of the Eastern Indian-British Company. The relations flourished after Britain's conquest of the Gulf. Britain justified this conquest with pretexts: 1- To abolish piracy, weapons and slave trade. 2- To safeguard the navigation. 3- To achieve public peace in the see.  Britain’s Presence In The Gulf And Its Relation With Qatar Britain used different methods to perform its policies, which resulted in imposing agreements, treaties, and avowals, in which the Sheikhs were committed to performing this imposed policy by force. These commitments started in 1820; and ended with the Britain protection treaties of the Marine truce. Britain succeeded through the threats to use force, to make itself a ruler and a hangman in all local and regional disputes in the area. This resulted in problems with the borders, which the area still suffers till today.  Britain’s Presence In The Gulf And Its Relation With Qatar Although Britain signed the peace general treaties with the Gulf’s emirates, Qatar was the only emirate that Britain did not singe a treaty with. As for the Qatari peninsula, it is noticed that holding relations between Qatar’s tribes with Britain was late compared to the other political and tribal entities in the Gulf. These relations were established only at the beginning of the twenties of the nineteenth century, and there was no authorized information about the contact of the English with the Qatari before 1821. After Britain’s approval of peace general treaties in 1820, the British authorities in the gulf headed by the British political resident stayed in Boshahr, believing that the lengths of the Qatari coast were included. Rahma Bin Jabir Al-jalahma: The Presence Of The British In The Gulf Region And Their Relationship With Qatar Before the end of Saudi authority over the area, the Saudis spread their protection over Rahma Bin Jabir Al-Jalahima, with whom they had close relations. Rahma had shared the rule with the Saudi’s envoy over Al-Zubara.  Rahma Bin Jabir Al-Jalahima From his base in Khor Hassan in northern Qatar, Rahma directed his attacks towards his enemies’ ships in the Gulf more specifically towards Al- Khalifa’s. The defeat of his allies “the Saudis”, made him get involved in a desperate fight against Al-Atub’s ships. Where he was forced to transfer his headquarters from Qatar to Al- Damam on Al-Ahsa coast. He soon conflicted with the Saudis and in 1816 they destroyed his castle in Al-Damam, but Rahama managed to move his family back to Khor Hassan in Qatar. Then he departed to Boshahr then again to Al- Damam in 1819.  Rahma Bin Jabir Al-Jalahma: The Presence Of The British In The Gulf Region And Their Relationship With Qatar In 1828 Rehma was killed in one of the marine battles, and his problems with Al-khalifa ended. What is the relationship between Rehma bin Jabir and Britain’s relationship with Qatar? Despite the previous political development in the area, Britain did not have direct contact with Qatar until 1821. However, due to the troubles and worry caused by Rehama bin Jabir’s actions against Al-khalifa’s ships. As well as his other troubles in the area such as: - His alliance with the ruler of Persia to invade Bahrain. - He refused the British political resident’s request to become a part of peace general treaties in 1820. - His piracy actions on Qatar’s coast. That led the Eastern Indian-British Company to send its destroyer named Vistal in 1821 to bombard the coast of Al-Bada city. This was the first contact that happened between Britain and Qatar. Bombarding Al-Bada, which historically known by “the first destruction of Doha” destroyed it and forced hundreds of its population to immigrate to the islands stretching between Qatar and the Omani coast.  Britain’s Presence In The Gulf And Its Relation With Qatar Two years later the British political resident Mr. Macleod visited Doha for the first time in 1823 and noticed that Al-Buainin had great authority in Doha. He also thought that, like Bahrain, the area was included in the peace treaty. Thus, he referred to the fact that he found commercial ships in the port do not raise the flogs prescribed in the treaty or hold the licenses related to that. This meant that Qatar citizens were not under the authority of Al- khalifa in Bahrain, who signed the treaty with Britain. Therefore, the British resident ordered the ships with licenses and raised the treaty’s flag. 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. 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 The significant features of the relationship between Qatar and Al Khalifa in Bahrain - 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, especially since they did not have a good relationship with the Saudis. These - Sheikh Abdullah Al Khalifa tried to extend his power over the people of Al- developments Huwaila in Qatar in 1835 but they revolted against him. confirm that the Qatari - Disagreements rose between the Sheikh of Bahrain and Issa bin Turayf, sheikh tribes refused of the Al bin Ali tribe, who withdrew with a large part of his tribe to Abu to submit to Dhabi, where he attempted to create a base from which to launch strikes the authority against the sheikh of Bahrain. The British prevented him from doing so. of Al Khalifa - Large numbers of the Al-Buainain tribe withdrew to Abu Dhabi As 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 take control of Al-Ahsa. As a result, 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 Developments in Qatar during the 1820s and 30s before the internal conflict in Bahrain In the 1820s and 30s, Qatar faced the following problems: 1- Bahrain‘s Utub attempted to fill the vacuum that resulted from the first Saudi state’s fall and extend its power over the region, especially Qatar (perhaps due to their relationship with Qatar and their stay in Zubarah). 4- The maritime attacks by 2- Rahma bin Jabir entered into a immigrants from the Omani conflict with the sheikhs of Bahrain, and coast to the coast of Qatar used the coast of Qatar as a base for his increased. The British operations. countered these attacks. 3- The Sheikhs of Bahrain attempted to extend their control over the Qatari tribes, which consequently led to insurgencies by the Qatari tribes. British Relations With Qatar (Measures Taken By The British To End The Attacks Jeopardizing Maritime Peace) The British noticed increasing attacks on ships in the Gulf between 1835 and 1836 by people moving from the Omani coast to the Qatari coast. Some of them settled in Khor al-Udaid to avoid paying British-imposed fines. Despite the three British measures, the attacks did not stop at The British accused the people of Qatar sea. The British held of sympathizing the Sheikh of Doha with immigrants partially responsible from the Omani for the hostilities and coast. British shelled Doha with actions: artillery fire in 1841 2. The British decide to include 1. The British sent a marine force to Qatar Qatar in the maritime truce agreements, signed in 1835 3. The British forced the Sheikhs of Doha, Al Wakra and Khor Al- Udaid to make pledges The Internal Conflict (Civil War) In Bahrain (1840- 1843) Effects In Qatar The Internal Conflict In Bahrain And Its Effects On Regional Powers Qatar The internal conflict in The Saudi Bahrain 1840-1843 and its State effects on regional powers The British  The Internal Conflict (Civil War) In Bahrain (1840-1843) Effects In Qatar The Most Significant Developments In Qatar During The 1840s And 1850s: Qatar become a site of conflict among members of the Al Khalifa over the right to rule The Saudi state resumed its attempts to extend its authority over Bahrain and Qatar, and clashed with Al Khalifa in Bahrain. Abu Dhabi became involved in the internal conflict in Bahrain. The force of local Qatari tribes grew. The Al Thani family emerged, providing the local leadership needed to rid Qatar and its tribes of all forms of control imposed in the past The British intervened to maintain maritime peace in the region.  Parties To The Conflict In Bahrain Between 1840-1843 And The Role Of The Qatari Tribes Beginning and Development of the Conflict - The conflict between Sheikh The First Phase: 1840 Mohammad bin Khalifa and his After the withdrawal of grandfather Sheikh Abdullah bin Mehmed Ali Pasha’s forces from Ahmad began Al-Ahsa and the political Phases of - Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa bin vacuum left in the region the Salman took over rule in 1842, leading to the split of the Al Khalifa into Al Conflict Abdullah and Al Salman factions - Parties to the conflict moved to Qatar because three of Sheikh Abdullah bin The Second Phase: 1842 Ahmad’s sons rebelled and demanded Spillover of the conflict they rule the emirate, and they based themselves in the village of Huwayla in over rule among the Al northern Qatar Khalifa into Qatar  Parties To The Conflict In Bahrain Between 1840-1843 And The Role Of The Qatari Tribes Parties to the internal conflict in Bahrain and their relationship with Qatari tribes Three of his Sheikh Sheikh Abdullah bin Sheikh Mohammad bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa challenged his rule Abdullah’s sons Khalifa ruled over Bahrain and attempted to seize rebelled against him from 1821-1849 power during 1840-1843 This led to political turmoil in Bahrain As the conflict escalated, Immigrated to Qatar, courted its Sheikh Abdullah moved to stay people and began to build an in Khor Hassan in Qatar to opposition naval force to invade monitor the situation Bahrain  Parties To The Conflict In Bahrain In The Period 1840-1843 And The Role Of The Qatari Tribes The second phase of the internal conflict in Bahrain One of the most prominent characteristics of this phase was the transition of the conflict to Qatar, which led to: Local forces emerged in Qatar and influenced the events there. Such forces included Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani, who was residing in Al-Fuwairit Did the Qatari tribes have a role in the internal conflict in Bahrain? What was the nature of this role? The Role Of Qatari Tribes In The Internal Conflict In Bahrain The Qatari tribes' role in the internal conflict in Bahrain: Mohammad bin Khalifa formed a coalition of Qatari tribes as follows: Qatari tribes Sheikh Sheikh of Sheikh Mohammad bin Mohammad Thani Al bin Ali Sheikh Bashir Khalifa asked Sheikh in eastern bin Rahma bin Qatar (in and the Al- (Issa ibn Mohammad bin Thani in Maadheed agreed Jaber, along 1842 to help him invade Doha and Al- Turayf) with some to assist Sheikh also Bahrain to overthrow Khor) agreed Mohammad bin Jalahima Sheikh Abdullah bin to assist Khalifa after the agreed to tribes, sided Ahmad Sheikh tribes of eastern assist with Sheikh Sheikh Mohammad bin Mohammed Qatar sided with Sheikh Mohammad Thani refused him Mohamm bin Khalifa bin Khalifa The coalition of Qatari tribes and Mohammad bin Khalifa used Al-Fuwairit as its base from which to march to Bahrain. The coalition succeeded in entering Bahrain and took over power as Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmad left for Dammam.  The Role Of Qatari Tribes In The Internal Conflict In Bahrain 1. Issa bin Turayf accepted a request by the sons of Sheikh Confrontation between Issa bin Abdullah who were residing Turayf and his allies and Two outside Bahrain to negotiate Mohammad bin Khalifa, leading important their return to Bahrain with to the Umm Suwaya battle in reasons for the Sheikh Mohammad bin 1847 near Al-Fuwairit. The dispute Khalifa. This angered Battle of major outcomes of the battle: between Mohammad bin Khalifa 1. Issa bin Turayf was killed. Umm Mohammad 2. The tribes allied with Issa bin Suwaya bin Khalifa Turayf were defeated. and Issa bin 2. Issa bin Turayf allied with 3. The Al bin Ali tribe left Qatar. Turayf, the Sheikh Mohammad bin 4. The hopes of Sheikh Abdullah Al Sheikh of Al Khalifa's adversaries: a Khalifa to return to rule Bahrain Ben Ali group of Al-Manaseer and were dashed. Al-Hawajir as well as the sons of Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmad Al Khalifa The Relationship Between Sheikh Mohammad Bin Khalifa And Qatari Tribes After The Battle Of Mesaimeer Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa considered Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani and his son, Sheikh Jassim, collaborators with Prince Faisal bin Turki in leading the rebellion against the government in Bahrain, and took the following actions against the Qatari tribes: Besieged Doha and prevented Asked the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Formed a force to ships from docking in Doha, Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoun, to discipline Qatari whose people relied on whatever support him against Qatari tribes supplies they received from Al- tribes Ahsa Because a Saudi force was based in The ruler of Bahrain shall pay an Doha, neither the ruler of Bahrain nor annual tax of four thousand riyals the ruler of Abu Dhabi dared invade Doha. The siege ended with a conciliation agreement that included Qatar shall fall under Al Khalifa's two important provisions: power  The British And Sheikh Mohammad Bin Khalifa Tensions continued between the second Saudi state and the rulers of Bahrain. In 1859, the Saudi governor of Al-Ahsa aided Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa (son of the former ruler of Bahrain) in invading Bahrain in order to restore his rule over Bahrain. The reason for this turn of events was the accusation of Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa of instigating some Qatari tribes to attack Saudi nationals. The result of this action The British fleet intervened to halt this action by the Saudi governor. The British authorities signed an agreement with Sheikh Mohammad Bin Khalifa in May 1861. The agreement said: 1. Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa shall recognize and uphold the treaties and conventions that his predecessors signed with the British government. 2. Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa shall refrain from launching wars, piracy and slave trade in exchange for British protection of Bahrain against any attacks. Qatar In Light Of The Internal Conflict In Bahrain, According To 1866 British Reports A British report prepared by the British Political Resident in 1866 described the situation in Qatar as follows: 1. Sheikh of Bahrain declared loyalty to the Saudis in order to maintain his property in Qatar, and considered himself independent in the Bahrain islands 2. The tax paid by Mohammad Al Khalifa on his property in Qatar was in exchange for protection from any tribal attack 3. An agent of the Saudi government resided in Doha between 1852 and 1866, but no reference is made to his name Qatar During The Bahraini Internal Conflict Around The End Of The First Half Of The 19th Century The impact of the internal conflict Features of Qatar during the internal conflict in in Bahrain on Qatari tribes Bahrain in the first half of the 19th century Did the internal conflict in Bahrain 1. The Qatari tribes refused to submit to the authority impact the political situation in Qatar? The Qatari tribes' participation in Al of the rulers of Bahrain. Khalifa's entrance into Bahrain had 2. The discord and disintegration that characterized important effects on them, including: Qatari tribes before the 1840s helped Al Khalifa to The Qatari tribes began to feel that they extend power over the Qatari tribes. were powerful if allied with each other, 3. After the 1840s, Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani, and and to consider the possibility of then his son Sheikh Jassim, began to emerge as the establishing an independent entity leaders needed to encourage the tribes to seek capable of combatting any outside independence and govern themselves in the Qatar influence attempting to control it. Peninsula.  Reasons For The Negative Relationship Between Al Khalifa And The Qatari Tribes Before The Establishment Of The Emirate With the emergence of the Al Thani family especially in light of the internal conflicts in Bahrain and their spillover in Qatar, hostility between Al Khalifa and the Qatari tribes became clear for the following reasons: 1. Al Khalifa extended their power over Qatar following the agreement the Saudis signed with Mohammad bin Khalifa. 2. The Qataris' relationship with the Saudis became closer under Al Thani’s leadership. 3. Al Khalifa appointed Ahmad bin Mohammad Al Khalifa as their representative in Qatar. Ahmad Al Khalifa sought a closer relationship with the Qataris through intermarriage with Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani’s family. 4. The Qatari tribes hated the Qatar-based representative of Al Khalifa (Ahmad al Khalifa) because of his harshness which contributed to escalating the hostility between the two sides. 5. Ahmad bin Mohammad Al Khalifa's men attacked a caravan of the Al Naeem tribe in Al Wakra market in 1866. They seized the caravan and imprisoned the sheikh of the Al Naeem tribe, Ali bin Thamer. The Al Naeem tribe sought the help of Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani, who attacked the headquarters of the Al Khalifa representative in the Castle of Al Wakra and succeeded, along with the Qatari tribes, in freeing the Sheikh of the Al Naeem tribe and forcing Al Khalifa representative to flee to Bahrain. 6. The Qatari tribes began to work on freeing Qatar of Al Khalifa's authority.  Characteristics Of Al Khalifa's Power In Qatar And The Reasons Behind The Strained Relationship Between Al Khalifa And The Qatari Tribes: Actions Qataris took to rid Qatar of the authority of the rulers of Bahrain The Qatari tribes began to rid Qatar of Al Khalifa's power through the following steps: 1. After the men of Bahrain attacked the Al Naeem caravan and imprisoned the tribe's leader, Jassim bin Mohammad Al Thani wrote to the ruler of Bahrain, explaining his representative's misconduct in Qatar. 2. Jassim bin Mohammad Al Thani demanded independence for Qatar from Bahrain and threatened that if the rulers of Bahrain continue to impose their authority over Qatar, the Qataris would seek help from any power in the region to dispose Al Khalifa's authority.  The Position Of Al Khalifa Towards The Growing Strength Of Al Thani And Their Attempts To Unite The Qatari Tribes The position of Al Khalifa towards Jassim bin The relationship between Qatari tribes and Al Khalifa after Al Khalifa Mohammad Al Thani and his leading role in uniting imprisoned Jassim Al Thani in Bahrain Qatari tribes The conflict between the two parties after Jassim bin Mohammad Al Thani was The actions taken by Al Khalifa to maintain their power in imprisoned witnessed the following developments: Qatar and counter the growing strength of Al Thani and 1. Mohammad bin Khalifa and the ruler of Abu Dhabi attacked Al Wakra, then their role in uniting Qatari tribes can be summarized as Doha, in 1867. Doha was destroyed and its population displaced. This follows: became known as the Second Destruction of Doha. 1. Appeasing the Al Naeem tribes and inviting their 2. After the diving season ended, Qatari tribes collectively advanced towards leaders to visit Bahrain where they were honored in an Bahrain to release Jassim Al Thani and clashed with A Khalifa at a site called attempt to improve the image of Al Khalifa among "Damsa" in 1868. The Qatari tribes withdrew in an attempt to lure Al Khalifa Qatari tribes. forces, and succeeded in defeating Al Khalifa and taking a number of their 2. Planning to dispose of Jassim bin Mohammad bin Thani leaders as prisoners including Sheikh Ibrahim bin Issa Al Khalifa and Sheikh by inviting him to visit Bahrain. Once there, he was Hamoud bin Salman Al Khalifa. This gave the Qatari tribes a strong position betrayed and thrown in prison. to demand the release of Jassim Al Thani. 3. The imprisonment of Jassim Al Thani by Al Khalifa 3. The Britain held Mohammad bin Khalifa responsible for the disputes and created tension in the relationship between Al Khalifa conflicts with the Qatari tribes and imposed penalties and fines on him and and Qatari tribes, bringing about a new chapter of on the Shaikh of Abu Dhabi. battles between the two sides  Britain's Position On The Tribal Conflicts Between Al Khalifa And The Qatari Tribes The British Political Resident took a British position toward the Qatari tough stance toward the Sheikh of Mohammad bin Khalifa and the sheikh of Abu Bahrain, as evidenced in the tribes following their attack on Dhabi's attack on Al Wakra and Doha in 1867 following actions: Bahrain after Mohammad bin Khalifa aggravated tribal conflicts in violation of the attacked Al Wakra and Doha: 1. Bombed and destroyed Abu agreements signed between Britain and the Maher Castle in Muharraq. 1. Lewis Pelly met the senior Sheikhs of Sheikhs of the Gulf. The British took the following actions: 2. Deposed Sheikh Mohammad the Qatari tribes, headed by Sheikh 1. The British Political Resident in the Gulf, Lewis bin Khalifa and appointed his Mohammad bin Thani, and expressed Pelly, considered the attack on Doha by Sheikh brother Ali, who vowed to his understanding for the campaign Mohammad bin Khalifa a challenge to British arrest his brother upon his return that Qatari tribes launched against presence and to refrain from undertaking to Bahrain and hand him over to Bahrain. hostilitiea breach of the agreement Sheikh 2. An agreement was signed on the Political Resident. Mohammad bin Khalifa had previously signed 3. Imposed a hefty fine and a September 12, 1868 with Sheikh with Britain in 1861, whereby he pledged s at sea. 2. Britain obliged the Sheikh of Abu Dhabi to pay pledge to maintain maritime Mohammad bin Thani as an extension compensation to Qatar and apologize for his peace as well as hand over Al of the Maritime Peace Treaty signed actions. Khalifa's warships to British between Britain and the Arab Gulf authorities. emirates.  The British Position On The Tribal Conflicts (Qatar Enters The Maritime Peace Treaties And Emerges As The Emirate Of Qatar) Provisions of the 1868 agreement between the British Political Resident and Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani In early September 1868, Lewis Pelly arrived in Al Wakra and met with Mohammad Al Thani, other members of his family, and a group of Qataris. Pelly and Mohammad Al Thani reached an agreement on September 12, 1868 whereby the latter pledged to: I. Reside in Doha in peace, V. Extradite the former ruler of Bahrain, II. Refrain from undertaking hostilities at Mohammad bin Khalifa, to the British sea, authorities if he falls into his hands. III. Seek adjudication by the British resident IV. Maintain a good relationship with the in any dispute that arises between him and new Sheikh of Bahrain, Ali bin Khalifa, his neighbors, The British Position On The Tribal Conflicts (Qatar Enters The Maritime Peace Treaties And Emerges As The Emirate Of Qatar) Significance and implications of the 1868 agreement for Qatar The agreement falls under the Maritime Peace Treaties signed between the sheikhs of the Gulf emirates and Britain, and which Britain used to extend its power over the region for more than a century and a half. This agreement resulted in the creation of Qatar as an independent emirate ruled by the Al Thani family. The significance of this agreement lies in the fact that it marked: I. Recognition of the Al Thani family as rulers of Qatar, a formal declaration of the inauguration of their rule, II. The beginning of Qatar's modern history as an independent emirate, equal to other Arab Gulf emirates, according to many historians, III. The beginning of Qatar's accession to treaties with an external party, i.e. Britain. After Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani signed the 1868 agreement, Qatar started to be ruled by a sheikh of its own with political independence after it was periodically subject to the power of other forces throughout its past history. The Emergence Of The Al Thani Family Al-Thani Family (Relocation From Najd To Qatar) The Al Thani family go back to Al Maadheed, Late 17th Century whose Arab roots go back to the Bani Tamim. The al Thani family migrated from Najd in the Arabian Shaikh Mohammad peninsula in the late 17th century from the town of bin Thani arrived in Doha in 1848 Ushaiger, in the Washm region in Najd, and arrived in Qatar in the early eighteenth century. Their route to Qatar set off from Ushaiger through Jibreen, Alskak, Ruwais, Zubara, Fuwairit then Doha, where Mohammad bin Thani and his family arrived in 1848. The key reasons that led the Al Thani to migrate from the central region of the Arabian Peninsula: 1. Tribal conflicts were rampant at the time in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula. 2. The severe drought hit the heart of the Arabian Peninsula.  Founder Of The Al Thani Family The Al Thani family founder: Strengthening the position Born in the city of Zubarah of Al Thani and bringing Well-known senior pearl Qatari tribes around this merchant, which helped him This family, which enabled Al accumulate great wealth Thani to successfully lead contributed to Had a prestigious status because and unite the Qatari tribes of: in one independent entity 1. His financial status 2. Power and status of Al Maadheed tribe The Al Thani family was famous for urbanization and development as well as its ability to bring the Qatari tribes together given its social and economic status  Sheikh Mohammad Bin Thani Bin Mohammad, His Birth, Traits, Authority Traits of Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani Sheikh Mohammad bin Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani's Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani was known for Thani‘s authority: in 1863, birth, relocation to Doha and many qualities that shaped his ability to unite the Belgrave described Sheikh leadership of Qatari tribes Qatari tribes in one entity. Among his traits are Mohammad bin Thani as: Born in Al-Fuwairit the following: The ruler of al-Bidaa and a Moved with his family to settle in Doha Generosity, intelligence, discernment and vigilance figure of authority recognized by in 1848 Traveler Belgrave, who visited Qatar in 1863, said everyone as head for the entire Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani was renowned for his Led the tribes in Qatar, and became region. However, Belgrave adds acumen, good nature, extreme vigilance, quick-wits known among foreign historians as and sense of humor. Belgrave said he was also that Sheikh Mohammad bin "Sheikh of Doha" religious, leading the people in prayers at the grand Thani did not have significant United the Qatari tribes against their mosque, and easy-going but a smart negotiator with power over the other villages, time dedicated for reading, which helped him expand which were managed by their opponents of Al-Khalifa of Bahrain. his knowledge of literature and literary poetry. local leaders. The Factors That Enabled The Al Thani Family To Lead The Qatari Tribes 1. Social and economic status: The family founder succeeded in accumulating a fortune from the pearl trade, giving him a prestigious social status that placed him in a pivotal position vis-à-vis the Qatari tribes. Why was 2. Al Maadheed, to whom Al Thani belongs, were urbanized. the Al 3. Al Thani family founder and Al Maadheed were powerful and influential in the vicinity of al- Thani Bidaa, making Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani the leader of the Al Thani family and Al Maadeed. His name started to resonate when he led a number of Qatari tribes to help Mohammad bin family Khalifa take over the rule of Bahrain from Sheikh Abdullah Al Khalifa in 1842. able to 4. Shaikh Mohammad bin Thani’s power and prestige rose amongst the Qatari tribes after the lead the killing of Sheikh Isa bin Turayf, Sheikh of the Al Bin Ali tribe. Qatari 5. The wisdom and political talent of Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani, obvious in his political tribes? intelligence with the Saudis when he spared the Qatari tribes a confrontation with the Saudis in 1850. Another manifestation of his political skillfulness was his alliance with Prince Faisal bin Turki, through which he became the agent of the Saudi government collecting the zakat from Qatari tribes. He maintained this policy until 1865. 6. The leadership of Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani of the Qatari tribes to the war Mohammad Al Khalifa's attempts to take revenge on the Qatari tribes for announcing their alliance with the second Saudi state. The Role Of Sheikh Mohammad Al Thani In Creating A Political Entity In Qatar Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani is considered Qatar's first ruler from the Al Thani family and the first to base the family in Doha. His role in creating the emirate can be summarized as follows: In 1876, Sheikh 1- The political mastery that Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani exhibited when he Mohammad bin prevented a confrontation between the Qatari tribes and the Saudis, and allied Thani entrusted with Faisal bin Turki, the Imama of the second Saudi state, after the battle of his son Sheikh Mesaimeer, and became the agent of the Saudi government collecting the zakat Jassim with from the Qatari tribes. administrative 2- His leadership of the tribes that helped Mohammad bin Khalifa bin Salman Al responsibility as Khalifa take over power in Bahrain. he was advancing 3- Entering into conflict with Mohammad bin Khalifa, the ruler of Bahrain, that in age, and passed ended with a treaty signed with the British resident in the Gulf on September 12, away in 1878. 1868, whereby Qatar was recognized as an emirate.