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History

General History

Qatar's history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human habitation as early as 50,000 years ago. The region saw the influence of various civilizations, including the Mesopotamians and the Sasanians, before the introduction of Islam in the 7th century.

Throughout its history, Qatar experienced periods of both independent and colonial rule. Before the Al Thani family established their rule, Qatar was part of the Abbasid Caliphate and later came under the control of the Portuguese in the 16th century. The Portuguese established a fort in Qatar and maintained a presence in the region to control the lucrative trade routes. The Al Thani family established their rule in the mid-19th century, with Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammad Al Thani uniting Qatar in 1878. During the late 19th century, Qatar was under Ottoman control, although the Al Thani family maintained considerable autonomy. In 1916, Qatar became a British protectorate, which lasted until its independence in 1971.

The discovery of oil in the 1940s marked a significant turning point, leading to rapid economic development and modernization. Qatar has seen significant waves of migration and immigration, particularly during the oil boom of the mid-20th century. Many workers from the Indian subcontinent and the Arab Middle East migrated to Qatar to support its growing economy. This influx of people from various countries has contributed to the diverse and multicultural society that Qatar is known for today. Many Qataris who emigrated have settled in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Timeline

• 628 AD The population of Qatar is introduced to Islam after Prophet Muhammad sends an envoy to the region.

• 1517 The Portuguese establish a fort in Qatar to control trade routes.
• 1871 Qatar comes under Ottoman control, although the Al Thani family maintains considerable autonomy.
• 1916 Qatar becomes a British protectorate, with Britain controlling its external affairs in return for protection.
• 1971 Qatar gains independence from Britain on September 3.
• 1995 Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani becomes Emir after a peaceful coup.

• Mid-20th Century The discovery of oil leads to significant immigration, with many workers from the Indian subcontinent and the Arab Middle East migrating to Qatar to support its growing economy.
• Late 20th Century Many Qataris who emigrated have settled in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Resources

Online Resources

• Muqaddimat tārīkh al-ʻArab al-ḥadīth 1500-1918 by Gharāybah, ʻAbd al-Karīm Maḥmūd. Dimashq:Maṭbaʻat Jāmiʻat Dimashq, 1960. Online at: New York University; Modern history of the Arabs, with focus on Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula.
  • .مقدمة تاريخ العرب 1500-1918 الحديث .عبد الكريم محمود الغرايبة دمشق:مطبعة جامعة دمشق ,1960