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History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin Lusail University Chapter One What are the Islamic Forces on the Eve of Portuguese Influence? 1- The Safavid State. 2- Mamlu...

History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin Lusail University Chapter One What are the Islamic Forces on the Eve of Portuguese Influence? 1- The Safavid State. 2- Mamluk State. 3-The Ottoman Empire. Where are the local Sources about Qatar? Rulers Ministries Government Mosques Political leaders Authors What is the Difference between a Source and a Reference? Sources are first-class historical material. References come second in importance for historical research after the primary sources. What do we mean by” Modern and Contemporary History of Qatar”? Modern Qatar refers to the formation of the emirate as a specific political entity, under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani in 1868. Contemporary Qatar begins in 1949 with the export of the first shipment of oil to Europe. What Sources have been used in Historical Studies about Modern Qatar? 1. Unpublished and published documents. 2. The writings of travelers 3. Periodicals. 4. Folklore. 5. Books. Unpublished Documents 1. In Arabic Documents in the Amiri Diwan Customs and imports The rule of Sheikh Abdul Allah bin Jassim Al Thani (1913-1949). 2- In Portuguese Portuguese documents in the Ottoman archives. Sultanate's deputies in India Documents of the Jarasa Silo and Arabic documents. 3 - In Turkish Basbakinlak ‫باش باك لوك‬ The archive of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Turkish documents in the Amiri Diwan. 3- In Dutch Dutch East India Company (Goa) documents B.J. Slut in his book "The Arabs of the Gulf 1602-1784. 4- In English Pompeii Government Records Documents of the British Eastern India Company (Calcutta). National Archives of New Delhi. Records of the Government of the British India. Published Documents 1- In Arabic: Qatar Laws. The Interim Basic Law (Constitution). The first nationality law. Law of the Official Gazette of Qatar. 2- Translated to Arabic Two volumes for Recording the History of Qatar. Saldanha Report: Qatari Affairs 1873-1904. Qatari Historical Documents 1868-1949. The translation of Lorimer's book: Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf.  3- In English The British Crown documents Collection of the India Office in the British Library. Qatar Records: Primary Documents. 4- Books of Travelers Shihab al-Din Ahmad ibn Majid: Three Flowers in Knowing the Seas. Pedro Teixeira’s book: The Travels of Teixeira. William Gifford Palgrave: Narrative of a Year’s Journey Through Central and Eastern Arabia. Bertram Thomas: Journey by Camel Across the Empty Quarter Desert. Wilfred Thesiger: Arabian Sands. 5- Periodicals Al-Doha Al-Arab Al-Raya Gulf Today Al-Sharq 6- Folklore Popular Songs in Qatar by Mohammed Al-Dweik. The Splendid Masterpiece in Qatari Customs and Traditions by Youssef Al-Khalifi. Popular Proverbs in the Qatari Environment by Mohammed Al-Marri. Brief Explanation of Qatari Proverbs by Khalifa Al-Maliki. 7- Contemporary Books A- In Arabic: Qatar, Its Past and Present by Mustafa Al-Dabbagh. The Arab Emirate of Qatar Between Past and Present by Mohammed Al-Shaibani. The General History of Qatar by Mahmoud Sinan. B- In European languages: Pirate Coast by Charles Belgrave. Persia and the Persian Question by George Curzon. The Arabs of the Gulf by B.J. Slot. The Subject of Oil Concessions Chapter Two Explain The Ottoman-British presence in the Arabian Gulf. The province of Bahrain was ruled by the Uyunids, Al-Jaburis, Al- Usfouris, Al-Mughames, Bani Khalid, the Portuguese, the Saudis and the Ottomans. Since the Ottomans took control, the region came to be known as Al-Ahsa and was politically linked with Qatif. The island of "Awal" was separated from it and became independent under the name "Bahrain." Historians agree that the Arabian Gulf did not witness effective Ottoman control until the last third of the nineteenth century: 1- Because of tribal loyalties. 2- Their problems in Europe and the Balkans. 3- Their problems with the Safavid state in Iran. The Ottomans captured Al-Ahsa during the last decade of the 16th century until it fell in 1670 at the hands of the Bani Khalid. Qatar was under the rule of the Bani Khalid until the late 18th century. They relied on their in- laws from Al-Musalum family, who were based in Al-Huwaila. The Bani Khalid ruled the region until the First Saudi State, founded by Mohammad bin Saud and based on Salafi principles, succeeded in overthrowing Bani Khalid in 1793. At that time, the Ottoman Empire had problems in Europe and the Balkans. With the Ottoman Empire turning away from the Gulf, the opportunity arose for the British East India Company to influence the region. This occurred in the absence of any Arab power, except for the Qawasim, who were confronted by the British. When the Ottoman Empire considered transforming its nominal presence in the Gulf into an actual military and political presence in 1869 (due to the opening of the Suez Canal), it found that Britain had already did so. Britain had established its foothold in the Gulf through military power and treaties that bound the local Sheikhs under the name of maintaining peace or the maritime truce. The Migrations of Al-Utub Tribes Al-Utub are Al- Sabah, Al-Khalifa and Al- Jalahma. Al-Utub, Al-Ma'adid, and other tribal groups migrated from the Arabian Peninsula and Najd between the late 17th and 18th centuries due to drought, in search of a good life, and because of tribal conflicts. Al-Utub settled in Zubara under the hospitality of Al-Musalum family. However, they had a disagreement with Al-Musalum after staying in Zubarah for 25 years, leading to the Battle of Ras Tanura. Al-Utub won this battle but moved to Kuwait.  Kuwait developed because of Al-Utub, and the responsibilities were distributed among the three branches: Al-Sabah, Al-Khalifa, and Al-Jalahma. Since the 18th century, the rule of Bani Khalid began to weaken in the face of the Saudis. During the same period, the Al-Khalifa, settled in Zubara on the western coast of Qatar in 1766. The Return of Al-Khalifa to Zubara Reasons for the Second Migration of Al-Khalifa to Zubara in 1766: 1- Their marriage with Al Bin Ali to strengthen friendship. 2- Guarding Zubara by building "Al-Murair" fort out of fear of Al-Musallam and the people of Qatar. 3-Lending money to the locals in exchange for purchasing the pearl. Reasons for the Prosperity of Zubara: 1- Al-Khalifa’s wealth and power. 2- The migration of rich merchants from Basra to Zubara. 3- The flourishing of diving and pearl trade. Al-Khalifa stopped paying their share of taxes to Al-Musallam. They fortified themselves in their Al-Murair fort to attack Bahrain. The presence of Al-Khalifa in Qatar was only in the port of Zubara. The rest of the Qatar was governed by the Qatari. Reasons for Al-Khalifa's Aspiration for Bahrain Despite the Prosperity of Zubara: 1- Their transformation from a Bedouin society to a capitalist society. 2- Zubara is no longer sufficed their ambitions. 3- Their expansion in Qatar would lead to conflicts with the Qatari tribes, Al-Musallam, and Bani Khalid. Al-Khalifa gatherd allies from Al-Sabah, Al-Jalahma branches of the Al-Utub, and the Qatari tribes to conquest Bahrain and ending the Persian garrison in Manama. They captured Bahrain in 1783, where they established their power. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Khalifa, who led the operation and was titled "Al-Fateh" (The Conqueror), chose to spend his years in Zubara, leaving the rule of Bahrain to his two sons. The entire family moved to Bahrain after Al-Fateh's death in 1794. Bahrain became an Arab emirate ruled by Al-Khalifa. The first Sheikh to rule Bahrain was Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa “Al-Fateh” (1783-1794). Al-Jalahma, under the leadership of Rahmah bin Jaber, moved to Kharg Island and Bushehr due to a problem with Al-Khalifa, as he did not receive what he wanted after the conquest of Bahrain. At this point, there was a shift in Rahmah's stance towards Al-Khalifa, leading to his maritime operations against them from 1809 to 1826. The Emergence of the Salafi Movement in Najd and the control of the First Saudi State over Qatar The emergence of the Salafi movement in Najd was led by Imam Mohammad bin Abdul Wahab. Amir Mohammad bin Saud of Dariya was convinced by it in 1745. The alliance between the Imam and the Amir led to the establishment of the First Saudi State. The Saudis directed their armies to Al-Ahsa towards the state of Bani Khalid, which fell into their hands in 1793 after tough battles. The Saudis then used Al-Ahsa as a base to launch their forces towards Oman, Al-Buraimi, Qatar, Bahrain, and the rest of the Arabian Gulf countries, until they ended the rule of Bani Khalid in the entire region. The relationship between the Saudis and Qatar began in 1788 when Sulaiman bin Afaisan, the Amir of Al-Kharj, prepared a campaign through which he crossed Al-Ahsa to attack Qatar. He encountered men from Al-Buraymi tribe and defeated them, then withdrew to Najd. Between 1793 and 1794, Ibrahim bin Afaisan led a campaign to extend Saudi control over Qatar. His armies reached Al-Huwaila on the northeastern coast of Qatar, although they did not settle there. In 1798, Ibrahim launched an attack on Zubara, which led to the fall of its fort into his hands after heavy loses. The Saudi forces began occupying other Qatari cities such as Al-Huwaila, Al-Freiha, Al-Yusofiyah, and Al-Ruwaida. The Saudis asked for the help of local ships against the Al-Utub ships, and they controlled Qatar. Bahrain also came under Saudi rule until Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammad bin Saud established the triangular state, which included Qatif, Qatar, and Bahrain, making Qatif its headquarters. The Saudi influence over the triangular state did not last, as the Saudi state posed a threat to the sovereignty of the Ottoman Empire in the Arabian Peninsula. The Ottoman Sultan asked his governor, Mohammad Ali Pasha, to send several campaigns to undermine the power of Saudi state, destroying its capital, Diriyah, and advancing to end Saudi influence over Al-Ahsa and the Gulf (1812-1818). Imam Abdullah bin Saud and Ibrahim bin Afaisan were sent to Istanbul. The Relationship of Al-Jalahma and their Sheikh Rahmah bin Jaber with the Al-Saud The Saudi garrisons was evacuated from Qatar and Bahrain, and the Saudi governor of "Qatif-Qatar- Bahrain" province was captured. Bahrain returned to the control of Al-Khalifa, who continued to collect the zakat that had previously been collected for the Saudis. Before the end of Saudi influence in the region, the Saudis had extended their protection to Rahmah bin Jaber, who developed close relations with them. Lorimer mentioned that Rahmah bin Jaber ruled Zubara jointly with the Saudis envoy. Rahmah continued attacking the ships of his enemies from his base in Khor Hassan. Rahmah bin Jaber was killed by the British.  Britain's connection with the Gulf Britain's connection with Qatar is part of its influence in the Arabian Gulf as a whole. This influence began with the establishment of the British East India Company, the company which was active in subjecting the Gulf to Britain's control. The British justified this control by eliminating piracy, arm trade and slave trade, or in the name of securing navigation and public peace at sea. Britain implemented its policy in the Gulf through treaties and force with the Sheikhs of the region. These agreements began in 1820 and ended in 1916. Britain was late in its relationship with Qatar because after Britain approved the general peace treaties (Maritime Peace) in 1820, the British believed that the Qatari coasts fall within these treaties. The destroyer (VESTAL) of the British East India Company bombed the city of "Al-Bida'" as a result of the trouble caused by Rahma bin Jaber against the ships of the Al Khalifa because: 1- His alignment with the ruler of Persia to invade Bahrain. 2- His rejection of the general peace treaties of 1820. In 1823, the British Political Resident in the Gulf, MacLeod, made his first visit to Doha and during his tour to the Gulf Coast, he found out that: Al-Boayoneen have great influence in Doha. The region belongs to Bahrain and therefore it is subject to the General Peace Treaty signed by the Bahraini Sheikhs in 1820. The Qataris do not know anything about this treaty. It may also be understood from this that the people were not subject to the authority of Khalifa family in Bahrain who accepted the treaty. Therefore, the British Resident ordered that all ships to be granted the necessary licenses and that the flags of the treaty to be raised. He also ordered a survey of the coasts of Qatar and its eastern waters. The British authorities in the Gulf noticed an increase in attacks on ships in the Gulf between 1835 and 1836. The responsibility was placed on the Sheikh of Doha by the British authorities, and Doha was bombed in 1841. Al-Buainain tribe ruled areas in Eastern Arabia, including Al-Ahsa, Al-Qatif, Bahrain and Qatar under the banner of the Abbasid Caliphate during the period from 1076 to 1253. The Civil War in Bahrain (1840-1843) and its Impact on Qatar In 1840, a power struggle happened among Al Khalifa family between the grandson Mohammed and his grandfather Abdullah. Mohammed Al-Khalifa (grandson) went to Qatar and ask for the help of its people to form a military force to invade Bahrain. Abdullah Al- Khalifa (grandfather) also faced opposition from his sons who went to Al-Hawilah in Qatar. Despite the settlement of the situation and the return of Mohammed (grandson)to Bahrain, the conflict between the two sides resumed in 1842. Mohammed (grandson) asked for help from Mohammed bin Thani who was living in Fwairit, but Mohammed bin Thani did not agree at first. Mohammed (grandson) asked for help from the people of (Doha and Khor) who sympathized with him, and then Sheikh Mohamed bin Thani and Ma'adeed agreed to help him. Mohammed (grandson) also received support from Issa Bin Tarif Al Ali, and some Jalahmah and their Sheikh Bashir bin Rahma bin Jabir. These tribes formed a force and took Fwairit as a base to move towards Bahrain, which they were able to occupy it in 1843. Sheikh Abdallah (grandfather) left for Al-Dammam in Saudi Arabia After succeeding in aiding Mohammad Al -Khalifa (grandson) to rule Bahrain, Qatari tribes felt stronger. Chapter 3: Ottoman-British Competition over Qatar 1871-1915 The Ottoman Empire's interest in the Arabian Gulf region at the end of the seventh decade of the nineteenth century (historical facts). Despite the nominal presence of the Ottoman Empire in the Arabian Gulf, it considered itself influential because of: It was the largest Islamic state, which embraces the caliphate. The peoples and the rulers of the Gulf have a spiritual connection to this issue. The need of some of the region's rulers for its power to confront the British and the Persian. Nafez Pasha's Campaign at Al-Ahsa in 1871 Sheikh Jassem went to Al-Ahsa to submit to the Ottomans. Sheikh Jassem hung the Ottoman flag on his palace, and his father, Sheikh Mohammad, did not object. The British protested the keeping of an Ottoman garrison in Al-Bida. The Ottomans reassured the British that it would not extend its influence on the rest of the Arab coasts. The Ottomans in 1872 pushed a new Ottoman force into Qatar and announced that Qatar had become an "Ottoman Qamqam" affiliated with the Al-Ahsa administratively. Although Sheikh Jassem became the Qaim maqam of Qatar, he remained the ruler of the country. How do you explain Sheikh Jassem's welcoming of the Ottomans? His desire to get rid of his father’s (Mohammad bin Thani) promises to the British. The British did not provide Qatar with complete protection in some cases of piracy. Ottomans- British rivalry resulted in 2 problems that affected Qatar's relationship with Abu Dhabi and Bahrain: First: The Problem of Al Udeid Britain considered Al-Adid is not part of Qatar. The Ottomans considered Al-Adid is part of Qatar, and therefore subject to the Ottomans influence. Second: The problem of Zubara The Ottomans wanted to rebuild the port of Zubara. The British objected. What did the Ottomans do when Jassem expressed his loyalty to them? 1. The Ottomans established a custom department in Qatar in 1887. 2. The Ottomans sent 250 soldiers in 1888 to support their military power. 3. The Ottomans ordered the construction of a coal store and the setting up of a steam warship in the waters of Qatar. 4. The Ottomans promised to stop the British protests regarding the problems in Doha markets by controlling security. Why did the Ottomans procedures make Sheikh Jassem annoyed? 1- Because it reduces his authority. 2- Because it deprives him of the custom’s taxes. 3- Because it allows the Ottomans to interfere in Qatar. What was Sheikh Jassem's response? 1- He declared his non-recognition of Ottoman sovereignty. 2- He obstructed the establishment of the customs office. 3-He stopped paying tax to the Ottomans. Relations deteriorated between Sheikh Jassem and the Ottomans leading to the battle of Wajbah in 1893. Chapter 4: The Political Development of Qatar (1916-1949) The Competition between the Ottomans and Britain in Qatar ended with the Anglo-Ottoman pact signed by Ibrahim Hakki Pasha and British Foreign Secretary Gray in 1913. The 1913 treaty stated that: 1- The Ottomans give up all rights in Qatar. 2- Qatar must be governed by a Sheikh from Al-Thani, provided the ruling is inherited by his successors. 3-The Ottomans must promise not to invade Qatar. 1- The British promise not to support Bahrain to invade Qatar. 2- Britain protect Qatar from external forces by signing treaties with Saudis. Darin Agreement The British signed with the Saudi the Darin Agreement (Al-Qatif) in 1915. Abdul Aziz Al Saud promised not to interfere in Qatar and the Emirates, that fall under British protection. Jeddah Agreement Abdul Aziz bin Saud, in 1927, promised to maintain good relationships with the Qatar through the signing of Jeddah agreement. The period before 1916 witnessed the following changes: 1- The exit of Ottomans from Doha in 1915. 2- Sheikh Abdallah Bin Jassim became the ruler of Qatar in 1913. 3- The British took control of Qatar after the Ottomans left. 4- In 1916, Britain signed a treaty with Sheikh Abdullah to bring Qatar under the Trucial States. The Trucial States are Qatar, Bahrain + 7 UAE Emirates. British motives for signing the 1916 treaty with Qatar 1- The spread of the weapons trade in Qatar. 2- The spread of piracy in Qatar. 2- To fight the slave trade in the region. 3- The appearance of new powers competing with the British, especially the United States, Japan, and Russia. 4- The British wanted to protect their interests in this important region. Articles of the 1916 Treaty 1. Sheikh Abdullah help the British to prevent the slave trade, piracy, and the weapons trade. 2. The British offer Qatar financial assistance and limited amounts of weapons yearly. 3. The Sheikh promised to protect British merchants and the British representative in Qatar. 4. Qatar was prevented from relations with any other country without British approval. 5. The British promised to protect the Sheikh of Qatar in case of any attack from the sea. 6. The Sheikh would not give any piece of Qatari land or make a concession without British approval. What are the Objections of the 1916 Treaty? Sheikh Abdullah objected to: The appointment of a British agent in Doha. Allowing Indian merchants to enter the country as British subjects Establishment of post and telegraph offices. The Implementation of The Treaty Sheikh Abdallah demanded in 1921 from Britain several requests: 1. Sheikh Abdallah asked that the British to help Qatar if it was exposed to internal threats. 2. Sheikh Abdallah asked that the British to help Qatar by giving him cannons and rifles. 3. Sheikh Abdallah asked that the British to help Qatar if Ibn Saud posed a danger. 4. Sheikh Abdallah asked that the British to recognize his son Hamad as his successor. Britain replied that it would not interfere in any internal affair unless Qatar was attacked by sea.  The British‐Qatari Negotiations Regarding the Airport After Sheikh Abdullah refused the building of an airport in Doha, the British asked for his approval to build an airport in Dukkan. The British established a "shelter" in Dukan using bags of cement thrown from the air. The Oil Privileges Conflict By the end of 1933, Britain reviewed the 1916 treaty and was forced to satisfy some of Sheikh Abdallah's requests since the competition over oil privileges between Britain's company "Anglo- Persian Company" and the American company "Standard Oil of California” started. Renewing The Protectorate In 1935, Britain amended the treaty of 1916 and agreed to provide Qatar with the protection it needed in exchange for granting the oil privilege to the Anglo-Persian Petrol Company. This protection includes: 1. The British grant Qatar protection in return for oil concession for the Anglo‐Persian Oil Company. 2. This protection apply to external attacks either from the sea or the land. 1. The British agreed to acknowledge the crown prince (Sheikh Hamad bin Abdallah). Second World War and Its Consequences on Qatar Between 1939-1949, the Second World War impacted the Qatari economy and society. Some of these consequences include: -The oil drilling was stopped in 1942 by the British because they went to the war. -The Anglo-Persian Company closed its doors which led to the firing of workers - The pearl trade and diving collapsed as the world demand decreased. -The rising cost of living and the spread of disease and famine. In 1949 Sheikh Abdullah left the rule to Sheikh Ali because: 1. He was sick. 2. Problems from some members of his family about their allowances. 3. British accusations that some problems occurred in Doha market.  In 1949, the British appointed Mr. Cochrane in charge of security in Qatar and told him to receive instructions from the British in Bahrain and also asked Cochrane to organize local police responsible for security. On August 23, 1949, Britain appointed John Wilton as its political agent in Qatar. 1- The Battle of Um Swaya 1847 The reasons for the battle Mohammad bin Khalifa (grandson) took the rule from his grandfather Abdullah in Bahrain with the help of some Qatari tribes. Abdullah (grandfather) went to Dammam in Saudi Arabia. He and his sons lost all their properties in Bahrain. Mohammed bin Al-Khalifa (grandson) relied on Issa bin Tarif bin Ali, who became his envoy in Qatar. The sons of Abdullah (grandfather) called Issa bin Tarif bin Ali and asked him to mediate with Mohammad (grandson) to return to Bahrain. This mediation made Mohammed (grandson) angry, and the problem between Al Khalifa and bin Ali intensified. The events of the battle Mohammed (grandson) opponents from Autob gathered on the island of Qis, and Issa bin Tarif and his men followed them, backed by supporters from Manaseer, Hawajer, and the sons of Abdullah. The two sides engaged in a ground battle in 1847 at Um Swaya. In the beginning, Issa bin Tarif and the allied tribes won, then Issa died, and the forces of Mohammed (grandson) defeated the allies. The Results of the Battle 1- Issa bin Tarif was killed. 2- The coalition was defeated, and the Al bin Ali tribe was forced to leave Qatar for Abu Dhabi. 2- The hopes of the Sheikh Abdullah to return to Bahrain ended. 3- The Bahrainis destroyed Doha.  2- The Battle of “End of Msimer” 1850 The events of the battle Faisal bin Turki restored the rule of the second Saudi state on the Arabian Peninsula. Al Khalifa was busy with confronting the threats of the Saudi state to recontrol Bahrain. Faisal was touring his properties in the region, and when he arrived near Doha, the Qatari force led by Sheikh Jassem were ready to fight him. Then, Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani made peace with Faisal for the following reasons: 1. The Qatari force feared that Faisal would return with more equipment. 2. It was the diving season, and many Qatari men were at work. 3. Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani wanted to spare the blood of the Qatari tribes. The two parties (Al Saud and the Qatari tribes) made peace. Mohammad bin Thani became the deputy of the second Saudi state. Faisal planned to attack Bahrain, so he demanded from Mohammed bin Thani to prepare ships to invade Bahrain. Mohammad bin Thani asked Bishr bin Rahma, Sheikh of Al-Jalahma, to come with his people from Bida'a towards Bahrain. The reasons for the battle Al Khalifa was not satisfied with the victory of Msimer, and they allied themselves with Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoun, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, besieged Doha from the sea and prevented supplies from reaching it. The Qataris depend on the supplies that were coming to them from Al- Ahsa. Due to the presence of some Saudi force in Doha, neither the ruler of Bahrain nor the ruler of Abu Dhabi dared to invade Doha. The siege of Doha ended with reconciliation between Al Saud and Bahrain. The resaults of the battle The settlement demanded: Al Saud allow the Al Khalifa to administer their properties in Qatar in exchange for the payment of the ruler of Bahrain an annual fee of 4000 French riyals for Al Saud  3- The battle of Damsa in 1868 (Al Wakra Incident in 1866) The reasons for the battle An attack by Al Khalifa occurred on a convoy of Al-Naeem in Al-Wakra market in 1866 where they seized its belongings. The Sheikh of Al-Naeem (Ali bin Thamer) was imprisoned. The events of the battle · Sheikh Jassem interfered to release the Sheikh of Al-Naeem. · Al Khalifa invited Sheikh Jassem and the leaders of Al-Naeem to visit Bahrain for negotiations. · Mohammed bin Khalifa imprisoned Sheikh Jassem in Bahrain. · Al-Wakra and Doha were attacked and destroyed in 1867 by Al Khalifa, with the help of the ruler of Abu Dhabi. · The second destruction of Doha and Al-Wakra incident caused the battle of Damsa in 1868. The Qatari tribes decided to take revenge on Al Khalifa because: Al Khalifa arrested Sheikh Jassem. Al Khalifa attacked Qatar in Al-Wakra during the diving season. The Qatari forces met the forces of Mohammad Al Khalifa, backed by the Sheikh of Abu Dhabi, at a site called (Damasa), and the Qatari tribes succeeded in defeating Al Khalifa. The results of the battle Al Khalifa Sheikhs were arrested including: 1. Ibrahim Al Khalifa. 2. Hamoud Al Khalifa. This made the Qatari tribes in a strong position to demand the release of Jassim Al Thani. Al Thani tribe succeeded in leading the Qatari tribes because of their economic and social status. Britin interfered and the 1868 agreement was reached. The 1868 agreement between Britain and Qatar 1- Mohammad bin Thani returns to Doha. 2- Qatar promises to maintain maritime peace. 3- Whenever misunderstanding happens, the matter shall be referred to the British. 4- Mohammed bin Thani shall not help Mohammad bin Khalifa, and if he arrests him, he shall hand him over to the British. 5- Mohammad bin Thani should maintain good relations with the new Sheikh of Bahrain, Ali bin Khalifa, and in the event of any dispute, the matter shall be referred to the British.  4- The Battle of Al-Wajbah 1893 The reasons for the battle: 1- The Ottomans' attempt to establish a customs department in Qatar. 2- The Ottomans sent 250 soldiers to support its military force and strengthen its position in Qatar in 1888. 3-The Ottomans established a coal warehouse and a steam engine in the waters of Qatar to increase their influence in the region. The events of the Battle The governor of Basra, Mohammad Hafez Pasha with a military force of 300 horsemen and an infantry division was the leader of the Ottoman campaign on Doha in 1893. The Ottomans requested military support from the ruler of Kuwait (Sheikh Mohammad Al- Sabah) to conquest Qatar. Sheikh Sabah prepared an army under the leadership of his brother Mubarak. Sheikh Jassem learned about Hafez Pasha's campaign and prepared his army. He tricked the Ottomans by announcing that he would leave Doha to Al-Wajbah area, and that he resigned from his position as Qaimqam, which his brother Sheikh Ahmed Al Thani would take over, claiming that he is sick and old. Sheikh Ahmed welcomed the Ottoman governor, Hafez Pasha and negotiated with him for about a month on behalf of Sheikh Jassem. The governor requested that Sheikh Jassem pays taxes. Negotiations failed and Sheikh Jassem refused to leave Al-Wajbah. Hafez Pasha sent his infantry commander to meet with Sheikh Jassem in his palace, and Sheikh Jassem considered that an insult. In 1893, the governor arrested Sheikh Ahmed and 12 men from Doha's delegates. When Sheikh Jassem received the news, he tricked the Ottomans that he left Qatar and got rid of his forces, while in fact, he distributed them on strategic places in Qatar. Qatari forces attacked Ottomans soldiers at Al-Messimer area, which led to the withdrawal of the Ottomans forces, and the Qatari forces' control of water wells and forcing the governor to release Sheikh Ahmed and the Qatari delegates. The results of the battle 1- The defeat of the Ottomans in the battle which lowered their prestige in the eyes of the Arab tribes. 2- Sheikh Jassem asked the Ottoman governor to expel all the soldiers he brought with him from Al-Ahsa and to keep only the Ottoman division in Al-Bida'. Sheikh Jassem wanted to reduce the Ottoman presence in Qatar. 3- Sultan Abdul Hamid II dismissed the governor of Basra after the battle, because of Sheikh Jassem's complaint to the Sultan about the misbehavior of his governor. 4- The new Ottoman governor in Basra refused to discuss settling the crisis between the Ottomans and Sheikh Jassem with the presence of the British political resident (Talbot) in fear the British resident supports Sheikh Jassem.