User:Mrox2/Bahrain History

The history of Bahrain reflects a rich tapestry of influences, with the island having been ruled by a series of powerful civilizations over the centuries. Early on, Bahrain came under the influence of Mesopotamian cultures, including the Dilmun civilization, which established it as a significant trading hub. Later, Persian empires, particularly during the Achaemenid and Sassanian periods, exerted control over the region, leaving a lasting cultural and linguistic legacy. The Portuguese briefly occupied Bahrain in the early 16th century as part of their strategic interests in the Gulf. More recently, Arab rule became established, shaping the identity of Bahrain's cities, villages, and towns, whose names often reflect this diverse historical heritage. This blend of cultural layers highlights Bahrain’s unique position as a crossroads of civilizations in the Persian Gulf.

Current Name	Former Name	Persian root	Translation
Al-Manama (Arabic: المنامه)	Manamah	Man-Nameh (Persian: من نامه)	The name "Manāmah" was first recorded around the year 730 AH (approximately 1330 AD) during the visit of Turān Shah of Hurmuz to the island. At that time, it had already been annexed by his predecessor, Tahamtam II of Hurmuz. Derived from two words, meaning I and Speech. Originally it was called simply "Manamah" before being renamed to Al-Manamah. In New Persian, "man" (من) or Dari "ma" (مه) means "me," and "nameh" (نامه) means "letter," similar to the structure of words like "Shah Nameh" (Book of Kings). Some claim that Al-Manama is actually derived from Arabic Al-Muna'amah (المنعمة) and its people were referred to as Almuna'ami; in the Shia book by Sayyed Mohsen Alameen "A'yan Alshia" (أعيان الشيعة) a Shi'a scholar from Manama or Muna'ama was mentioned Shaykh Ali bin Umran bin Fayad Almuna'ami Albahrani (شيخ علي بن عمران بن فياض المنعمي البحراني)
Al-Adliya	Zulmabad	Zulm Abad (Persian: ظلم‌آباد)	Like the name of a village in Gotvand County, Khuzestan, Iran – contrary to the original name, this place is not oppression, and it has become the city of lovers.
Al-Diraz (Arabic: دراز)	Diraz	Diraz (Persian: دراز)	Long. A village stretched along the coastline.
Busaiteen	Beseytin	Beseytin (Persian: بسیطین)	Similar to a name of a village in Khouzestan, Iran.
Al-Malkiya	Malchiyeh	Mal Chiyeh (Persian: مال چیه)	What is it (for)? - The locals still refer to it as "Malchiyeh." Furthermore, it is named similarly to village in Khouzestan.
Shahrakan (Arabic: شهركان)	N/A	Shahr-akan	Old Town
Karzakan	N/A	Karz-akan
Shakhura (Arabic: شاخورة)	Shahkhura	Shah-khora (Persian: شاه خورا)	آخور شاه (اصطبل پادشاه) Stable of Kings
Jurdab (Arabic: جرداب)	Gerdāb	Gerd-āb (Persian: گردآب)	Whirlpool
Salmabad (Arabic: سلماباد)	Selmābād	Selm-ābād (Persian: سلم‌آباد)	Would translate as "the peaceful settlement" or "the place of peace," with "سلم" (Salm) meaning "peace" and "آباد" implying a settled or prosperous area.
Karbabad (Arabic: كرباباد)	N/A	Karb-ābād (Persian: کرب‌آباد)	Would translate as "the settlement of sadness" or "the place of sorrow," as "کرب" (Karb) refers to "sadness" or "distress" and "آباد" again indicates a settled or inhabited place.
Dumistan (Arabic: دمستان)	Dabistan	Dabistan (Persian: دب اِستان)	The term "Dabistan" (دبستان) is a Persian word that typically means "school" or "place of learning." Dab (دب) refers to "learning" or "education." -stan (اِستان) is a suffix meaning "place" or "land of." So, Dabistan can be understood as "the place of learning" or simply "a school." While the last known location of Al-Ittihad school (Persian: دبستان اتحاد ملی, romanized: Dabistan Ittihad Melli, lit. 'National Union Primary School') is known to have been in Manama, it is possible that the school at some point may have been located here.
Al-Daih (Arabic: ديه)	Daih (Arabic: ديه)	Deh (Persian: دِه)	Village
Karrana (Arabic: كرانه)	Kerrāneh	Kerrā-neh (Persian: کرانه)	The Coast.
Barbar	Barbar	Bar+Bar (Persian: بار بار)	Bar Bar - Dobār (two times) - The word 'bar' may have been repeated to confirm the arrival of shipments or foreign cargo to the shore.
Samaheej (Arabic: سماهيج)	Samahīj	Se-māhi (Persian: سِه ماهی)	Three fish. On the origins of the name Samahīj, al-Bakri quoting others says: "Samāhīj is from Persian se (three) and māhi (fish) and hence, 'the three fish'." The sound change in the final "i < y" of the Persian form māhi is rather pronounced locally "-j" which is a phonetic feature known as "aj ajah" and ascribed to Qudā-ah tribes as in the word Tamīmi (a person belonging to bani Tamīm tribes) realized Tamīmij.
Al-Dair		Dair (Arabic: دير)	Said to be from a Christian origin, the "Dair" being a "Monastery" in Arabic.
Arad		Portuguese: Arados	Said to be from a Portuguese origin, "Arados" possibly referring to agricultural "ploughs"
Tarout			Similar to Beirut

Evidence points to trade connections between ancient Persia and Bahrain. The Bahraini cultural and religious connections with Mesopotamia and south-western Iran were very close. During the Sasanian era, the island came under the rule of Ardashir I (226–241 AD) and later Shahpur II (310–379 AD). Angered by Bahraini raids, Shahpur II launched a bloody campaign to occupy Bahrain, which then remained under Persian control for three centuries.

Islamic Caliphate

Facsimile of the letter written by Muhammed to the ruler of Bahrain; which is claimed to be a fake/forged version by some, as Syriac was used for formal reasons at the time and Old Arabic differs entirely in script

In pre-Islamic times, the region of Bahrain was part of the Persian Empire. Its population included Christians, particularly tribal partially-Christianized Arabs, who were of diverse origins and spoke different old Arabian vernaculars, Magians, a Persian clergy who used Syriac as a language of liturgy and and writing more generally, a mobile Persian-speaking population, who were possibly predominately Zoroastrian, traders and administrators with strong ties to Persia, with whom which they maintained close contact with, a small amount of Jews, pagan Arabs, and a sedentary, non-tribal community of Aramaic-speaking agriculturalists, The major tribes of pre-Islamic Bahrain included Abd al-Qais, Tamīm, and Bakr ibn Wāil. The Persian governor was Al-Mundhir ibn Sāwa ibn Zayd Manāt ibn Tamīm, who acted on behalf of the Persians.

In Syriac sources, Bahraini was part of the Nestorian diocese of Beth Qatraye, whilst Oman was known as Beth Mazunaye. Synods of Christian bishops were held in Meshmahij (known today as Samahij), showing the importance of Bahrain as a Christian site at the time. This is supported by archaeological finds in Samahij, which revealed that Bahrain between the 4th and 8th century was a place in which Nestorian Christianity was practised.

Islam and Jizya (628–631 CE)

Some Islamic sources claim that the majority of the people of Bahrain were mostly disbelievers, and predominantly Zoroastrians.

Ibn Kathir citing Bukhari, Abu Dawood, and al-Bayhaqi, mentions that the delegation of 'Abd al-Qays came to Muhammad, and upon their arrival, Muhammad greeted them. The delegation mentioned that due to the tribe of Mudar, they could only visit Muhammad during the sacred months. They asked him for clear instructions that would grant them entry into paradise and that they could also teach to those who were not present. Muhammad instructed them to believe in Allah, to bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and that Muhammad is His messenger, to establish prayer, give zakat, fast during Ramadan, and to give a fifth of the war booty. He also forbade them from using certain containers for fermenting drinks such as the dubba’, hantam, naqir, and muzaffat. Ibn Kathir comments that: "the context of Ibn Abbas’s narration indicates that the arrival of the delegation from the Abd al-Qays occurred before the conquest of Mecca, as they said, 'Between us and you is this tribe from Mudar; we cannot reach you except during the sacred months.' And Allah knows best."

Bahrain is said to have officially embraced Islam in between between the seventh, or eighth year of Hijra (628–630 CE), after which Muhammad had sent Al-Ala’ ibn Al-Hadrami before the conquest of Mecca (629-630) to Al-Mundhir ibn Sawa Al-Abdi, the ruler of Bahrain, an ally of the banu Abd Shams, iviting him and its people to Islam to Islam which which they accepted voluntarily.

It is likely that the Zoroastrians of Bahrain were given the same treatment of People of the Book, as according to a hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas in Sunan Abu Dawud (classified as "Da'if/weak in chain" by Al-Albani), a man from the Asbadhiyin — the Zoroastrians of Bahrain — came to the Prophet and, after spending time with him, revealed that the Prophet had given them an ultimatum: "Islam or death." However, Abdul-Rahman bin Awf said that jizya was accepted from them instead. Ibn Abbas said: The people followed the statement of Abdul-Rahman bin Awf, and they left that which I heard from the Usbadhi.

Amr bin `Auf Al-Ansari (narrated by Bukhari) states that Muhammad established peace with the people of Bahrain and appointed Al-`Ala' bin Al-Hadrami as their governor. Muhammad took the Jizya from them, he sent Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah to Bahrain to collect the Jizya (tax) from them.

The Zoroastrians of the land agreed to pay the jizya (tax), this treaty was made in the Year of Delegations, the ninth year of Hijra (630–631 CE).

Rashidun Caliphate (632-661 CE)

The first Caliph and Ridda Wars (632–634 CE)

Main article: Ridda Wars

Al-Mundir Ibn Sawa Al-Abdi died shortly after Muhammad's death in 632, after which many people had apostatized, including the people of Bahrain. Al-Ala’ was with Al-Mundir as the emir of Muhammad, over Bahrain.

Following the Mohammed's death, during the caliphate of Abu Bakr, several Arab tribes in the region, led by al-Hutam ibn Dubay, apostatized. According to Al-Tabari, the Abd al-Qais tribe was persuaded by al-Jāarūd ibn al-Mu'alla to return to Islam, while the Bakr ibn Wā'il tribes remained in rebellion. An expedition led by Al-Ala’ ibn Al-Hadrami, was sent against the renegades. This Islamic force was joined by al-Jārūd and his followers from the region. In the ensuing battle al-Hutam was killed and Islam was re-established.

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Upon learning of the apostasy, Abu Bakr, the first caliph, sent a military force to fight the apostates of Bahrain, led by Al-Ala' ibn al-Hadhrami, and Muslims from the tribes he passed through on his way joined him. Al-Ala' sent a message to Al-Jarood, ordering him to march with the Muslims of Banu Abd al-Qays to confront Al-Hutam ibn Dubay’ah, and they joined forces with Al-Ala's army in Hajr. The Muslims dug a trench around their camp, as did the apostates. For a month, the two sides engaged in skirmishes, until one day the Muslims heard noise in the apostates' camp. They sent spies to investigate and found them drunk. The Muslims attacked their enemy, defeating them. Qays ibn Asim al-Minqari killed Al-Hutam ibn Dubay’ah. Most of the apostates fled and crossed over to Darin, but Al-Ala' pursued them with his army and defeated them again.

Second Caliph (634–644 CE)

During the time of Umar I the famous companion of Muhammad and second caliph, Abu Hurayrah, was the governor of Bahrain. Umar I also appointed Uthman bin Abi Al Aas as governor of the area.

Fourth & Last Caliph (656–661 CE) - Ali

It is claimed that Baharna have been Shia since Aban ibn al Sa’id al ‘As was appointed as the wali (governor) of Bahrain, roughly 656 – 661 A.D. (Al- Tajir, 1982, p.33), that he passionate supporter of Imam Ali and he preached Shi’ism to the Bahrainis (Al- Tajir, 1982, p.33), and that he supported Imam Ali’s right to the caliphate and urged the people of the region to do the same (Al- Tajir, 1982, p.33). The claim continues that Abdul AlQays tribe was one of the first to support Ali in 36 A.H (Al- Tajir, 1982, p.33; Louër, 2008, p.13). Although Shia Islam as a written ideology did not form until after the hijra (8th century CE).

Umayyad Dynasty (661-750)

Main articles: Umayyad Caliphate and Ummayad Dynasty

Al Khamis Mosque, founded in 692, was one of the earliest mosques built in Bahrain, in the era of Umayyad caliph Umar II.

The expansion of Islam did not affect Bahrain's reliance on trade, and its prosperity continued to be dependent on markets in Mesopotamia. After Baghdad emerged as the seat of the caliph in 750 and the main centre of Islamic civilization, Bahrain greatly benefited from the city's increased demand for foreign goods especially from China and South Asia.

Bahrain under the Abbasīds

Main article: Abbasid Caliphate

The Carmathians (894-1006)

Main article: Qarmatians

Bahrain came under the control of the Qarametah (Carmatians) who were associated with Ismaili Shia between 894 to 1006, and when the Abbasid Caliphate regained control of Bahrain in 1006, Baghdad was then under the control of the Shia Buyid dynasty.

The Uyyunid Emirate (1076-)

Main article: Uyunid Emirate

Later in 1076, a local Twelver Shia Al-Aioneon dynasty took control of Bahrain and the coins at that time carried Shia inscriptions, to be followed by Atabeg-Zengi dynasty in the period between 1239 and 1308.

The Usfurids (1308-1388)

Main article: Uyunid Emirate

Al-Asfour Shia dynasty controlled Bahrain between 1308 to 1388. According to Al Watheeqah (1983), the Al-Asfour ruled the bigger region of Bahrain (including eastern Arabia) for a period stretching to 150 years, but their rule in Bahrain had been disrupted, and some historians associate “Al-Jarwan”, a branch or cousin of Al-Asfour, with the sharing in the governorship of Awal (modern day Bahrain).

Bahrain became a hub for intellectuals for hundreds of years stretching from the early days of Islam in the 6th century to the 18th century. Philosophers of Bahrain were highly esteemed, such as the 13th century mystic, Sheikh Maitham Al Bahrani (died in 1280 or 1299).

Conflict on Ruling

The Jarwanid dynasty ruled locally until between 1310-1417, followed by the Jabrids rule between 1417-1424.

After 1388, turbulent periods brought Bahrain under the control of the rulers of Hormuz.

In 1475 a local ruler, Ajwad bin Zamil Al-Jabri from Al-Jabour / Jabrid), signed an agreement turning himself as a vassal for the king of Hormuz , up until 1521.

Shiism was declared state religion in 1502.

Portuguese occupation of Bahrain started in 1521, In 1521 a force led by António Correia captured Bahrain, defeating the Jabrid King, Muqrin ibn Zamil. In the same year, the Portuguese separated Awal (now Bahrain) from the rest of the Bahrain region, and since then the name of Bahrain specifically referred to today’s Bahrain.

The Portuguese occupation ended in 1602.

Between 1602 till 1717, Bahrain came under the control of the Safavids Persians/Iranians.

Oman invaded Bahrain between 1717 and 1725.

Unstability in the region continued, as Nader Shah took control of Bahrain in 1737.

Persia then controlled Bahrain until 1783 when the present rulers, Al-Khalifa dynasty came to power.

Local rules continued under Lahsa Eyalet (1560–1670), and continued after the fall of the Safavid Empire, with Bani Khalid Emirate (1669–1796)

The Utubs

Main article: Bani Utbah invasion of Bahrain

After the fall of the Safavid dynasty, Bahrain went through a period of anarchy, dismay, and self-rule in villages which made the country vulnerable to foreign invasions.

Al Khalifa, from the Utub tribe of the larger ‘Anaza, are said to be originally from Najd (modern-day Saudi Arabia). They later on migrated to Kuwait. After leaving Kuwait to Zubara (Qatar) in 1766, they had come to colonise Bahrain in 1783 (Belgrave, 1972, p.55; Farah, 1979, p.12; Louër, 2008, p. 18; Nakash, 2006, p.23). They seized Bahrain through military battle with the al-Madhkur, the previous rulers who were part of the Persian Empire (Potter, 2014, p.118). Al Khalifa’s arrival resulted in deaths and their presence was not welcomed by local inhabitants (Belgrave, 1957, p.116).

Utub forces often attacked the island during this phase, which made the spiritual leader of Bahrain, Sheikh Mohammed ibn Abdullah Al Majed, use the Huwala to combat the Utubs' attacks. These attacks continued throughout the early 18th century until the Utubs launched a full-scale invasion of the island and established a government loyal to the Imam of Oman.

The Utubs were defeated and expelled by the Huwala forces loyal to Bahrain's spiritual leader who established a government headed by Sheikh Jabara Al-Holi (also known as Jubayr al-Holi). The Persian Afsharids led by former Safavid general Nader Shah invaded the island in 1737 and deposed Sheikh Jabara. Persian rule continued for 46 more years, with brief interruptions, until the Utubs finally took over the island in 1783.

British Protectorate

See also: British protectorate

In 1820, Britain guaranteed the protection of Bahrain as part of the “General Treaty of Peace” that established British hegemony in the Gulf and to put an end to piracy that threatened trading routes to India. In 1861 Bahrain signed another protection agreement with the British.

Wilson (2010) explained that between 1870 and 1874, the Ottomans put forth claims to Bahrain and to counter these moves, further treaties were signed with the British in 1880 Alternative Politics, Special Issue 1, 1-24, November 2010 5 and in 1892. The then ruler of Bahrain, Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al-Khalifa, agreed not to dispose of Bahraini holdings without British consent nor to establish relations with any foreign power without British consent. A British Political Agent was assigned to Bahrain in 1902 (replacing earlier local commercial agents who represented the East India Company in the past) and the British signed a convention with the Ottomans in 1913 ensuring Bahrain’s independence from the Ottoman empire. In 1916, the British signed another agreement with Abdul Aziz Al-Saud (future king of Saudi Arabia) protecting the independence of Bahrain.

Independence (1971)

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For the demographics

The Al Khalifa are said politically naturalise many Sunnis from foreign countries, to increase the Sunni population (Owen Jones, 2015, p.193). This is done in an attempt to erase the Shia population (made up of Baharna and Ajam) to decrease their status as a statistical majority.