History of Qatar - Research Paper Example

 History of Qatar Introduction Qatar is a sovereign and self-governing country positioned in the in the middle of the Western shoreline of the Arabian Gulf possessing a ground and naval border line with Saudi Arabia, and also has nautical borders with Bahrain, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iran. The State of Qatar with its waterless desert environment stretches over a Peninsula of approximately “200 Kilometers long and 100 Kilometers wide covering a total area of 11850 square Kilometers including a number of Islands and Islets” (Zahlan, 1979). Al-Ubaidi Period In the past, the cape of Qatar observed different traditions and societies in diverse chapters i.e. throughout the Stone Age. Current findings in the West of Qatar indicate the human existence all through the epoch of primeval stage. Bronze Age The isthmus of Qatar surfaced as a single richest place in the Gulf, in terms of business and commerce during the second and third millennium. This era encountered the increase of Bronze from Mesopotamia to the Indus Valley in India. The channel of trade between Mesopotamia and was through the Gulf and the western coast of Qatar performed a fundamental part in the transportation and shipment of the marketable goods. Kassite Period      Kassite of the Zagros Mountains had authority in Babylon in the mid of the second millennium. Their influence was all through the Gulf state together with some small Island of Al-Khor. Greek and Roman influences      During the 140 BC, The Greco-Roman trade involving Europe and India always passed through the Arabian Gulf. Archaeological confirmed that found the Greek and Roman cultural influences are visible in the Peninsula particularly at Ras Abaruk. Sassanid Period      During the third century A.D in the time of the Persian Sassanid Empire the Entire Arabian Gulf state appeared as a very significant business and trade centre. It was linking the west and east. The Islamic Period      In the seventh century Islam stretched over the Arabian region. With the reach of Islam in Qatar, Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) sent his initial representative Al Ala Al-Hadrami to Al-Mundhir Ibn Sawa Al-Tamimi (Lexicorient, 1996), the monarch of Bahrain, inviting him to accept Islam. Mundhir, answering to the Prophet’s call, proclaimed his adaptation to Islam and the entire the Arab population of Qatar together with some Persians existing in Qatar. This was the commencement of the Islamic era in Qatar. Consequently, to collect the Jizya (religious tax), the Prophet appointed the abovementioned monarch of Bahrain for the purpose. Umayyad and the Abbasid Period      In Damascus and Baghdad, all during the Umayyad and the Abbasid regulations, there was advance expansion and development of trade and commerce in Qatar. During the dominance of the Abbasid in Baghdad, the gem production in the loaded waters around Qatar urbanized significantly and the command for Qatari pearl augmented. The Portuguese Era      In the beginning of the 16th century, the cape of Qatar next to with the entire western Arabian Gulf came under the domination of the Portuguese. Launching their grip over the channel of Hormuz, the chief tactical position in the Gulf, the Portuguese occupied Qatar in 1515. Bani Khalid Time      In the beginning of 18th century, the Bani Khalid recognized their grip over Eastern Arabia and increased their supremacy in the district from Qatar to Kuwait. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Thani (1850-1878)    In 1847, the Al-Thani Family traveled from Fuwairat to Doha, under the management of Mohammad Bin Thani (Lexicorient, 1996). He extended his power all through Qatar and reinforced his place outwardly by building coalition with Faisal Bin Turki. By early 1860s, Sheikh Mohammad Bin Thani appeared as the most significant personality not only in Qatar but also in the whole Arabian Peninsula. In 1871, he made an appeal to the Ottomans at Al-Hasa for defense against any peripheral assault. He died in the year 1879. Sheikh Qassim Bin Mohammad Al Thani (1878-1913)      He took the full accountability of Qatar and crowned with the Ottoman title of Qaim-Maqam (Deputy Governor) of Qatar in 1876. Ottoman made efforts to enhance their authority in Qatar by employing ottoman bureaucrat together with administrators at Zubara, Doha, Wakrah and Khor al-Udaid (Lexicorient, 1996). In the encounter, Sheikh Qassim and his allies defeated the Ottomans. This Ottoman trounce was a milestone in the modern history of Qatar, as because of the bravery of Sheikh Qassim, the Ottomans control over Qatar was eradicated. In July 1913, he died. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Qassim Al-Thani (1913-1949)  Sheikh Abdullah became the leader of Qatar. On 3 November 1916, Britain signed a pact with Sheikh Abdullah to bring Qatar under its crucial structure of management. On 5 May 1935, Sheikh Abdullah obtained Britain’s endorsement to defend Qatar from external and internal uncalled assaults. On 5 August 1949, Sheikh Abdullah’s final action as the head of state was Qatar’s accord for marine allowance with Central Mining and Investment Corporation. Sheikh Ali Bin Abdullah Al-Thani (1949-1960) On 29th of November 1952, Sheikh Ali marked an accord with Shell external exploration limited company to dig out oil from seacoast grounds. During 1st week of September 1952, Sheikh Ali and the Iraq Petroleum Company initiated a new contract. Subsequently, Sheikh Ali took steps to launch an efficient and effective managerial organization to administer oil market. The next in line after them were “Sheikh Ahmad Bin Ali Bin Abdullah Al-Thani (1960-1972) and Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al-Thani (1972-1995)” (Gordon, 2007). During last week of June 1995, the assistant chief, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa overthrew his father Amir Khalifa in a non-violent coup. Opportunities & Challenges The state of Qatar has a diverse historical background with different aspects. The country enjoys an imperative position on the globe because of its abundance of oil. In other words, an abundant oil resource is one of the most significant avenues for Qatar to progress and develop in the global market. After 1995, the Qatar has moved forward towards democracy that has resulted in press liberty in the recent years. Due to such drastic alterations, the country is facing different challenges due to new democratic system. Besides challenges, Qatar has an evident platform and opportunity for tourism, being the country with second highest GDP per capita globally, the country will have enormous opportunities in the world. Conclusion In conclusion, since 1800s, monarchs have ruled over this oil-abundant country. Although it confronted few economic challenges during 1990s, however, in recent years, Qatar has come up with a new representation that encourages democracy, press liberty, and human rights. Conclusively, the paper has discussed some of the significant aspects of Qatar in terms of its historical development from Al-Ubaidi Period until now. It is an expectation that the paper will be beneficial for students, teachers, and professionals in better understanding of the topic. References Gordon, Frances. (2007). Oman, UAE & Arabian Peninsula. Lonely Planet. Lexicorient. (1996). Qatar-history. Retrieved on December 10, 2009: http://lexicorient.com/e.o/qatar.history.html Qnaol. (2009). Qatar-History-Pages. Retrieved on December 10, 2009: http://www.qnaol.net/QNAEn//default.aspx Zahlan, Rosemarie. (1979). the creation of Qatar. Barnes & Noble Books. Read More