History of Qatar (1507 - 1913)

Portuguese Control of the Gulf (1507 - 1546)

• 1507: Portuguese begin control of the Gulf after navigating the Cape of Good Hope.
• Captured commercial centers like Hermuz, Bahrain, Alassa, and Katif.
• Imposed heavy taxes on the pearl trade and confiscated or burnt tax-free ships.

Portuguese-Ottoman Conflict (1546 - 1628)

• 1546: Ottomans aimed to take control from the Portuguese, establishing a naval fleet.
• Ottomans extended control to Alassa and Qatar Peninsula, limiting Portuguese expansion.

Rise of British Influence (1600 - 1622)

• 1600: British East India Company established, granted a royal charter by Queen Elizabeth I.
• 1622: British-Safavid alliance takes control of Hermuz from the Portuguese.

Mid-17th Century Developments (1650 - 1670)

• Portuguese and Ottomans gradually abandoned the Arabian Gulf.
• Local powers like the Yaruba of Oman regained control of regional centers.

Al Zubara's Rise (1775 - 1783)

• 1775: Basra besieged by Persians, merchants moved to Al Zubara.
• 1783: Battle of Nasor; Al Zubara became prosperous.

Al Khalifa and Regional Conflicts (1783 - 1835)

• Rahma bin Jabber involved in regional conflicts and disputes with Al Khalifa.
• First Saudi State seized Al Zubara in 1797.
• 1811: Al Zubara destroyed during conflict with Muskat.

British Influence Grows (1820 - 1826)

• 1820: British general maritime treaty signed by regional leaders.
• 1823: British completed a survey of Qatar's coast.

Key Battles and Leadership Changes (1835 - 1848)

• 1835: Siege of Huwa; Isa bin Tarif becomes ruler of Doha in 1843.
• 1847: Battle of Umm Suwa, leading to destruction of Doha.

Rise of Sheikh Muhammad bin Tani (1848 - 1878)

• 1848: Moved to Doha due to its pearling significance.
• 1871: Ottoman forces enter Qatar, appointing Sheikh Jasim as Caimacam.
• 1878: Death of Sheikh Muhammad bin Tani; succeeded by Sheikh Jasim.

Disputes and Alliances (1878 - 1895)

• 1888: Abu Dhabi attacked Qatar; Battle of Kanu ensued.
• 1893: Battle of Wajba; Sheikh Jasim's forces victorious against Ottoman governor.

End of Ottoman Influence (1895 - 1913)

• 1895: British bombarded Al Zubara to prevent Ottoman control.
• 1913: Anglo-Ottoman convention; Ottomans withdrew from Qatar.
• Sheikh Jasim passed away and was succeeded by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jasim Al Thani.