Chapter Two (A)

The Emergence and Development of Qatar up to the

Dispute Among the Members of the Ruling Family in
Bahrain

2
September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
 :Main Themes

1. The Ottoman-British presence in the Arabian Gulf.

2. The migrations of the Al-Utub tribes and their settlement in Zubarah and then Kuwait.

3. The return of the Al-Khalifa to Zubarah, their relationship with the Al-Muslim, and the conquest of

Bahrain.

4. The emergence of the Salafi movement in Najd and the control of the First Saudi State over Qatar.

5. The relationship between the Al-Jalahma and their Sheikh Rahmah bin Jabir with the Al-Saud.

09/17/2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
 1- The Ottoman-British Presence in the Arabian Gulf:

The rule of Bahrain was succeeded by the Uyunids, Al-Zamil Al-Jaburi, Al-Mughames,
the Portuguese, and the Ottomans.

Since the Ottomans took control, the region came to be known as Al-Ahsa and was
politically linked with its sister region, Qatif. Later, the island of "Awal" 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 they were confronted by Bedouin tribal loyalties.

2- In addition to their problems in Europe and the Balkans.
3- As well as their confrontation with the Safavid state in Iran.

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
The Ottomans were able to enter and capture Al-Ahsa during the last decade of the sixteenth century until it fell in 1670 at
the hands of the Bani Khalid tribe.

The Qatar Peninsula was under the rule of the Bani Khalid until the late eighteenth century. They relied on their in-laws from
the Al-Muslum family, who were based in Al-Huwaila at that time.

The Bani Khalid ruled the region until the First Saudi State, founded by Mohammad bin Saud and based on Salafi principles,
succeeded in overthrowing the Bani Khalid's authority in 1793. At that time, the Ottoman Empire was deeply entangled in its
problems in Europe and the Balkans.

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
With the Ottoman Empire turning away from the Gulf, the opportunity arose for the British East India Company and later the
British Government of India to extend their influence over the region. This occurred in the absence of any significant local or
Arab power, except for the Qawasim and their allies, who were forcefully confronted by the British authorities.

When the Ottoman Empire considered transforming its nominal presence in the Gulf into an actual military and political
presence starting in 1869 (due to the opening of the Suez Canal), it found that Britain had already preceded it. Britain had
established its foothold in the Gulf and along its coasts through military power and treaties that bound the local sheikhs under
the name of maintaining general peace or the maritime truce.

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
 :The Migrations of the Utub Tribes and their Settlement in Zubarah and then Kuwait -2

The Al-Utub, Al-Ma'adid, and other tribal groups migrated from the Arabian Peninsula and Najd

between the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries due to severe drought, in search of

livelihood, and because of widespread tribal conflicts. They headed towards the western coast of

.the Gulf in search of sustenance

The Al-Utub, with their three well-known branches, settled on the coast of Qatar at Zubarah

under the patronage and hospitality of the Al-Muslum family. However, they had a disagreement

with the Al-Muslum after staying in Zubarah for less than 25 years, leading to the Battle of Ras

.Tanura. The Al-Utub initially won this battle but subsequently had to move to Kuwait

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
Kuwait flourished thanks to the activities of the Al-Utub, and the responsibilities were
distributed among the three branches:
Al-Sabah, Al-Khalifa, and Al-Jalahma.

Since the mid-eighteenth century, the rule of the Bani Khalid in the region began to weaken in
the face of the rising power of the Saudis.

During the same period, the Al-Khalifa, one of the branches of the Al-Utub confederation,
after distancing themselves from this tribal group and migrating, moved to settle in Zubarah
on the western coast of Qatar in 1766.

Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin

 3- The Return of Al-Khalifa to Zubarah, Their Relationship with Al-Muslum, and the Conquest of Bahrain:

Reasons for the Second Migration of Al-Khalifa to Zubarah in 1766:

1- Their intermarriage with the Al Bin Ali to strengthen ties of friendship.
2- Fortifying the city by building the "Al-Murair" fort out of fear of the Al-Muslum and the people of
Qatar.
3- Lending money to the locals in exchange for purchasing the pearl harvest.

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
 Reasons for the Prosperity of Zubarah:
1- Due to the activities of Al-Khalifa, the growth of their wealth, and the strength of their
position.
2- Due to the migration of wealthy merchants from Basra to Zubarah.
3- Also, the flourishing of diving activities and the pearl trade.

Al-Khalifa stopped paying their share of the tribute to Al-Muslum.

They fortified themselves in their Al-Murair fort to prepare for an attack on Bahrain.
The presence of Al-Khalifa in Qatar did not extend beyond the port of Zubarah.
The rest of the Qatari peninsula was governed by the Qatari tribes.

09/17/2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin

Reasons for Al-Khalifa's Aspiration for Bahrain Despite the Prosperity of Zubarah

1- Their transformation from a Bedouin society to a semi-capitalist society.

2- Despite the prosperity and growth of Zubarah, it no longer sufficed for their
great ambitions.
3- Their expansion on the Qatari mainland would lead to conflicts with the
Qatari tribes, Al-Muslum, and Bani Khalid.

09/17/2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin

Al-Khalifa managed to gather allies from the Al-Sabah and Al-Jalahma branches of the Al-Utub, as well as gain support from
the Qatari tribes. Together, they participated in the conquest of Bahrain and the elimination of the Persian garrison in Manama
after besieging it. They captured the islands of Bahrain in 1783, where they primarily settled and established their seat of
power.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Khalifa, who led the operation and was titled "Al-Fateh" (The Conqueror), chose to spend
his subsequent years between his domains in Zubarah, leaving the rule of Bahrain to his two sons. The entire family moved
permanently to Bahrain after Al-Fateh's death in 1794.

09/17/2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin

After its liberation, Bahrain became an Arab emirate ruled by the Al-Khalifa
branch of the Al-Utub. The first sheikh to rule Bahrain was Sheikh Ahmed bin
Mohammed Al-Khalifa, known as "Al-Fateh" (1783-1794). Subsequently,
Bahrain, rather than Zubarah, became the seat of the ruling family.

The Al-Utub branch of the Al-Jalahma, under the leadership of Rahmah bin Jaber,
moved to Al Kharj Island and Bushehr ( Iran) due to a dispute with the 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 the Al-Khalifa, leading
to his maritime operations against them from 1809 to 1826.

09/17/2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin

 4- 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 Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdul
Wahhab. Amir Mohammad bin Saud of Diriyah was convinced by it in 1745. The alliance
between the sheikh 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 fierce battles. They then used it as a base to launch their forces
towards Oman, Al-Buraimi, Qatar, Bahrain, and the rest of the Arabian Gulf countries, until
they eliminated the rule of Bani Khalid in the entire region.

09/17/2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin

 The relationship between the Saudis and Qatar began in 1788 when Sulaiman bin Afaisan, the Amir of
Al-Kharj (centeral Saudi Arabia), prepared a campaign through which he crossed Al-Ahsa to raid
Qatar. He encountered men from the 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
initially.

In 1798, Ibrahim launched a major attack on Zubarah, which led to the fall of its fort into his hands
after heavy casualties. Subsequently, the Saudi forces began occupying other Qatari cities such as Al-
Huwaila, Al-Freiha, Al-Yusofiyah, and Al-Ruwaidah. The Saudis enlisted the help of local ships
against the Al-Utub ships, and they were able to extend their control over the Qatar Peninsula.

09/17/2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin

 Bahrain also came under Saudi rule until Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz bin
Mohammad bin Saud managed to establish the triangular province, which
included Qatif, Qatar, and Bahrain, making Qatif its headquarters.

The Saudi influence over the triangular province did not last, as the Saudi state
posed a threat to the sovereignty of the Ottoman Empire in the Arabian
Peninsula. Consequently, the Ottoman Sultan resorted to his governor,
Mohammad Ali Pasha, to send several campaigns during the period (1812-1818).
These campaigns succeeded in undermining the power of the Saudi state,
destroying its capital, Diriyah, and advancing Mohammad Ali's forces to end
Saudi influence over Al-Ahsa and the Gulf in general. Imam Abdullah bin Saud
and Ibrahim bin Afaisan were sent to Istanbul.

09/17/2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin

 5- The Relationship of the Al-Jalahma and Their Sheikh Rahmah bin Jaber with the Al-
Saud:

The result was the evacuation of Saudi garrisons from Qatar and Bahrain, where the
Saudi governor of the "Qatif-Qatar-Bahrain" province was captured. Bahrain returned
to the control of the Al-Khalifa, who continued to collect the zakat that had previously
been collected for the Saudis.

It is noted that 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 came to rule jointly with their envoy up to
the city of Zubarah.
Rahmah did not cease directing his attacks on the ships of his enemies in the Gulf from
his base in Khor Hassan.

The End of Rahmah bin Jaber.

09/17/2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin

 Chapter Two (B)

The Emergence and Development of Qatar until

1868

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
 :Main Themes

Britain's position on the Qatar Peninsula.

The relationship of the Al Khalifa with the Qatari tribes.

The Civil War in Bahrain (1840-1843) and its impact on the Qatar Peninsula.

The appearance of the Al Thani family on the scene of political events in Qatar.

1. The Battle of Damsa and the 1868 treaty between Qatar and Britain.

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
 1- Britain's Position on the Qatar Peninsula:
In reality, Britain's connection to Qatar is part of its overall influence in the Arabian Gulf.

This influence began with the establishment of the British East India Company, followed by the
incorporation of the company into the British Crown, and the establishment of the British
Government of India, which actively sought to bring the Gulf under British control.

This was justified by the need to eradicate "piracy" and the trades of arms and slaves, or in the
name of securing navigation and ensuring general peace in the sea.

Britain resorted to implementing its policy over a long period and through various methods,
resulting in the imposition of agreements, treaties, or commitments in which the rulers were
obliged to adhere to the British policy dictated solely by British power.
These commitments began in 1820 and culminated in the British Protection Treaty over Qatar in
1916. They included the interim and permanent maritime truce agreements, followed by exclusive
or restrictive agreements that affected all the emirates of the Arabian Gulf.

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
 Britain's relationship with Qatar was relatively delayed compared to other political and tribal entities in
the Gulf.
After Britain established the General Maritime Peace Treaties (Maritime Truce) in 1820, the British
authorities in the Gulf, led by the British Political Resident "MacLeod" (based in Bushehr), believed that
the Qatari coastal extension fell within the scope of those treaties.

The British East India Company destroyer "Vestal" bombarded the city of "Al-Bida" due to the troubles
and concerns caused by Rahmah bin Jaber's activities against Al-Khalifa ships because:

1- His alignment with the ruler of Persia in an attempt to invade Bahrain.

2- His refusal of the Political Resident's request to be a party to the General Maritime Peace Treaties of
1820.

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
 As a result of some "piracy" activities on the coast of Qatar:

In January 1823, the British Political Resident in the Gulf, "MacLeod," made his first visit to Doha
during his tour along the Gulf coast.

He found that the prominent men of the Al-Buainain tribe had considerable influence in Doha.

He also believed that the area was under the jurisdiction of Bahrain and, therefore, subject to the General
Maritime Peace Treaty signed by the sheikhs of Bahrain with his country in 1820.

He made an important observation that the local commercial ships in the port did not fly the flags
stipulated in the treaty or carry the related licenses.

This indicated that the Qataris knew nothing about this treaty.

It can be understood from this that the locals were not subject to the authority of the Al-Khalifa in
Bahrain, who had entered into the treaty.

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
Therefore, the British Political Resident ordered the registration of all ships and granted them the necessary licenses, as
well as ensuring they flew the treaty flags. He also ordered a comprehensive survey of the coasts of Qatar and its eastern
waters, which was carried out.

From the British Resident's visit to Qatar in 1823 until the Treaty of 1840, the British authorities did not show much
interest in the developments in the Qatar Peninsula and had no clear relationship with the region.

British reports only mentioned the authority of the Sheikh of Bahrain over the coastal area of Qatar. However, this
authority was neither exclusive nor uncontested.

During the period of declining Saudi influence in the region and the advance of Mohammad Ali Pasha's forces, an
important development occurred: the emergence of the influence of the Qatari tribes, particularly the power of the Al-
Buainain tribe.

The Sheikh of Bahrain ordered the destruction of the Al-Buainain forts in Doha and Al-Wakrah, relocating them to Al-
Ruwais and Al-Fuwairit.

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
 The British authorities in the Gulf noticed an increase in attacks on British ships between 1835
and 1836.
These attacks were carried out by migrants from the coast of Oman to the Qatari coast, who
fled to Khor Al-Udaid without paying fines to the British.

The British authorities accused the people of Qatar of sympathizing with them.

Britain then sent a naval force to remind the locals of their responsibilities regarding these
actions.

Qatar was included in the maritime truce agreements with Bahrain in 1835.

A personal warning was sent to the Sheikh of Doha in September 1836 for harboring one of the
pirate leaders.

After non-compliance with the treaty, the British authorities held the Sheikh of Doha
responsible.
They bombarded the city with one of their cannons in 1841, destroying one of its
neighborhoods, and demanded compensation from the Sheikh.

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
2- The Relationship of Al-Khalifa with the Qatari Tribes
With the emergence of the Second Saudi State under the leadership of Imam Turki bin Abdullah bin Saud (1824-1891), Sheikh Abdullah bin
Ahmed of Bahrain, along with his two sons (Mubarak and Nasser), moved to the Qatari coast due to the resumption of Saudi activities and
movements against the Sheikh of Bahrain. Several events occurred in Qatar following this:

1- Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed of Bahrain attempted to exert his influence over the residents of Al-Huwaila.
2- Severe conflicts arose between the Sheikh of Bahrain and the Al Bin Ali and Al Buainain tribes.
3- Isa bin Tarif attempted to use Abu Dhabi as a base for his operations against Al-Khalifa.

It became evident from these developments that the Qatari tribes refused to submit to the authority of Al-Khalifa.
The family conflicts that Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa was experiencing in Bahrain led him to consider leaving Bahrain and
establishing his headquarters in Khor Hassan.

The conflicts between the Qatari tribes and Al-Khalifa, as well as the internal conflicts among Al-Khalifa themselves, contributed to the formation
of local Qatari powers. This resulted in the emergence of the Qatar Peninsula as a political entity independent of Al-Khalifa's authority.

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
During the period from the 1820s to the 1850s (during the emergence of the Second Saudi State) in the Qatar
Peninsula, several changes and events occurred, the most significant of which were:

1- The preoccupation of the Sheikhs of Bahrain with countering Saudi threats, as the Saudis sought to extend
their control over Bahrain once again.
2- The 1840s and 1850s (the Bahraini civil war) brought significant and critical developments to the Qatar
Peninsula, the most notable of which was the impact of the events and incidents of the Bahraini civil war on
the Qatar Peninsula.
3- As a result, the power of the local Qatari tribes grew, and the Al Thani family emerged to play a crucial
role in the Qatar Peninsula, providing the necessary local leadership to free Qatar and its tribes from any
imposed control.

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
3- The Bahraini Civil War (1840-1843) and its Impact on the Qatar Peninsula and the Battle of Umm Suwayyah in 1847

Regarding the Bahraini Civil War (1840-1843), Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa contested his grandfather (or his father's
uncle) Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed for power in Bahrain.

Mohammed bin Khalifa was forced to migrate to Qatar and sought to gain the favor of its people to form a strong
opposition and military force to invade Bahrain.

The conflict renewed in 1842 and extended to the Qatar Peninsula.

The Bahraini Civil War revitalized the local forces in Qatar when one side of the conflict, Sheikh Mohammed bin
Khalifa, sought the assistance of the Qataris.

This period marked the emergence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani's role in the events. Residing in Al-Fuwairit, he was
approached by Mohammed bin Khalifa for assistance in his war against his grandfather.

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
Mohammed bin Khalifa mobilized a large force from the Qatari tribes, using Al-Fuwairit as a base to launch an attack on Bahrain. In April
1843, he successfully occupied Bahrain, while Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed relocated with his family to Dammam.

Battle of Umm Suwayyah 1847

The Qatari forces felt their own strength and capability during this conflict, recognizing their role in helping Mohammed bin Khalifa attain
power in Bahrain.

As a result of Isa bin Tarif, Sheikh of Al Bin Ali, assisting Mohammed bin Khalifa, he became his key man in Qatar. This led to the battle:

1. The sons of Abdullah bin Ahmed asked Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa to return to Bahrain and restore their properties, but he refused.
2. They then asked Sheikh Isa bin Tarif of Doha to mediate with Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa to return to Bahrain and restore their
properties. Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa became angry with Isa bin Tarif, and their conflict escalated.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa's opponents from the discontented Al-Utub gathered on the island of Qais to take a stand against
him.

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
 Isa bin Tarif and his men, supported by a contingent of the Al-Manaasir and
Al-Hawajir tribes, along with the sons of Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed,
joined forces.

The allies prepared their forces and then engaged in a land battle with the
forces of the ruler of Bahrain in 1847 near Al-Fuwairit, in a place called
"Umm Suwayyah."

Initially, the victory was on the side of Isa and his allies. However, the
victory was short-lived as Isa was soon killed, and the tide turned against his
forces and allies, who suffered a severe defeat.

As a result, the Al Bin Ali tribe was forced to leave Qatar, and the hopes of
the former Sheikh of Bahrain, Abdullah, to regain his authority were
shattered.

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
Doha's First
Destruction
...And so on

1- Isa bin Tarif was killed in the battle, and the alliance was defeated, forcing
the Al Bin Ali tribe to leave Qatar.

2- The hopes of the former Sheikh of Bahrain to regain his authority were
shattered.

3- The Bahrainis completely destroyed Doha.

Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin

Battle of Al-Musaymir
The sons of Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed focused their efforts on seeking assistance from Faisal bin Turki bin Abdullah bin Saud, the son of the founder of the
Second Saudi State, who was in conflict with Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa.

In 1850, Faisal bin Turki's forces advanced towards Qatar on a tour to inspect his territories. When he reached near Doha, the locals, along with the residents of Al-
Wakrah and Al-Fuwairit, rushed to him, declaring their lack of loyalty to the Sheikh of Bahrain and welcoming their connection to the Saudi State.

The skirmishes of the Battle of "Al-Musaymir" began, and a temporary reconciliation was made between Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani—who resided in Doha
along with most of the Al-Maadeed—and Faisal bin Turki.

However, Sheikh Ali bin Khalifa accused Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani of treachery by dealing with Faisal bin Turki against Al-Khalifa. Faisal then asked Sheikh
Mohammed bin Thani, who had become the leader of the Qatari tribes, to prepare ships equipped with supplies and water from Doha.

Faisal also wrote to Bishr bin Rahmah, Sheikh of the Al-Jalahma, to advance with his group to "Al-Bidaa.”
End of the Battle of Al-Musaymir
Al-Khalifa forces defeated Faisal and the allied forces invading Bahrain.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa then sought help from "Saeed bin Tahnoun," the ruler of Abu Dhabi, who agreed to provide assistance (the first siege).

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
As the Al-Khalifa felt that the Qatari force led by Mohammed bin Thani and his son Jassim were leading the
rebellion and collaborating with Faisal, they prepared an army to discipline them. They requested assistance from
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoun, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, and besieged Doha from the sea. The skirmishes prolonged, and
the issue was only resolved with a settlement where the Saudis accepted an annual tribute of four thousand French
riyals from the ruler of Bahrain in exchange for extending their influence over Qatar.

The tension remained, and in 1859, the Saudi governor of Al-Ahsa, with the help of Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed
bin Abdullah, the son of the former ruler of Bahrain, began preparing for a new attempt to invade Bahrain and
install Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Abdullah as its ruler. However, the intervention of the British fleet
completely halted the attempt.

In 1861, a military agreement was signed between the British and Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa to protect
Bahrain.
Thus, the local Qatari tribes did not accept submission to the authority of the rulers of Bahrain.

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
4- The Emergence of the Al Thani Family on the Political Scene in Qatar:

From the early 1840s, the figure of Mohammed bin Thani, followed by his son Jassim, gradually provided the
leadership needed to motivate the Qatari tribes to strive for independence and self-governance on their
peninsula.

Who are the Al Thani?

The Al Thani family belongs to the Al Maadeed, a branch of the Al-Wahba tribe, which traces its roots back to
Tamim. They migrated from the Arabian Peninsula in the late 17th century. The Al Thani family initially settled
in the town of "Ushaiger" and later moved to the oasis of "Jabrin" in the southern part of the Qatar Peninsula.
They then relocated to "Al-Ruwais," "Zubarah," and "Al-Fuwairit," finally settling in Doha after the death of
the Sheikh of Al Bin Ali, Isa bin Tarif.

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
5- The Battle of Damasa and the 1868 Treaty between Qatar and Britain
Sheikh Mohammed Al Khalifa appointed his representative in Qatar, Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, who initially tried to endear himself to
the Qataris by marrying into the family of their leader, Mohammed bin Thani. However, his harsh nature led him to treat the Qataris with disdain
and cruelty, causing them to despise him.

In 1866, an incident occurred where men representing Al Khalifa attacked a Nu'aim caravan in the market of Al-Wakrah, seizing their goods.
When the Sheikh of the Nu'aim tribe in Qatar intervened, he was imprisoned by Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa.

Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed intervened to secure the release of the Sheikh of the Nu'aim tribe and sent a letter to the Sheikh of Bahrain,
threatening independence.

In response, the Al Khalifa summoned Sheikh Jassim and the leaders of the Nu'aim to Bahrain under the pretense of negotiations, showing
apparent goodwill. However, Mohammed bin Khalifa imprisoned Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani in Bahrain.

The towns of Al-Wakrah and Doha were attacked and devastated in 1867 by the Al Khalifa, with the assistance of the ruler of Abu Dhabi.
The Second Destruction of Doha

Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin

 At this point, Mohammed bin Thani retreated to the desert, deceiving the Al Khalifa into
believing he had left Qatar until the end of the pearl harvest.

Afterwards, the Battle of "Damasa" took place in 1868. In this battle, the Qatari fleet lured
the Bahraini fleet to the coast of Qatar.

Sheikhs Ibrahim and Hamoud from the Al Khalifa family were captured during this
encounter.

Negotiations were conducted in exchange for the release of Sheikh Jassim, who then
emerged as a national leader.

Sheikh Jassim then requested the British Political Resident, Lewis Pelly, to take action
against the rulers of Bahrain and Abu Dhabi in 1868 for violating the 1861 treaty.

September 17, 202 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
 Sanctions Imposed on the Ruler of Abu Dhabi by Britain:

1. Imposing a financial fine as compensation for the losses suffered by

Qatar.
2. Issuing an apology for his actions and committing to better conduct in the
future.
3. Maintaining maritime peace.

Sanctions Imposed on the Ruler of Bahrain by Britain:

1. The new ruler of Bahrain, Ali bin Khalifa (after his brother Mohammed
fled), was required to hand over the Al Khalifa's warships to the British
commander "Pelly," who then burned them.
2. The Sheikh of Bahrain had to pay a substantial financial fine for his
country's violation of the 1861 agreement.
3. Maintaining peace in the sea.
September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin
Key Provisions of the 1868 Treaty between Qatar and Britain

1. The return of Mohammed bin Thani to Doha to reside there in peace.

2. He would not engage in any retaliatory actions at sea for any reason (maintaining maritime peace).
3. If any dispute or misunderstanding arises, the matter would be referred to the British Resident in the Gulf.
4. Mohammed bin Thani would not assist Mohammed bin Khalifa under any circumstances, and if he
captured him, he would hand him over to the British Resident.
5. Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani maintained good relations with Sheikh Ali bin Khalifa, which existed
between him as the Sheikh of Qatar and the Sheikh of Bahrain. The treaty stipulated that in the event of any
disagreements over any issue, including financial matters, the matter would be referred to the British
Resident.

September 17, 2025 Lusail University History of Qatar Dr. Lubna Naser Eddin