Page 10 - Su'udi Relations with Eastern Arabi & Uman (1800-1870)

The fourth chapter is divided into four different sections, in accordance with
the number of localities in eastern Arabia and ‘Uman with which the first
Su‘udi state had direct contact. An attempt is made to examine closely the
Su‘udl proceedings in each region. In the sections relating to al-Bahrayn and
al-Kuwayt, areas of investigation include the nature of their reactions to the
new power in Najd and al-Hasa, the factors leading to Su‘udi involvement in
and the relations with al-Bahrayn and al-Kuwayt during the early part of the
century. In the sections relating to ‘Uman, topics explored include the Su‘udl
encroachment into al-Burayml and the successful conversion of the coastal
Qawasim to the Su‘udi cause. In addition, the attitude and reactions of the
rulers of Masqat toward the growing menace posed by the Su‘udls in al-
Burayml and their Qawasim allies along the coast are examined as well. The
rulers of Masqat were forced, on several occasions, to seek foreign assistance in
order to fend off the menace and preserve their political and territorial
integrity, most memorably during the Egyptian campaign against the Su‘udls
in Najd, and at the time of the English expeditions against the Qawasim, the
Su‘udi allies in ‘Uman.
The fifth and final chapter covers the period from 1824 to 1871, and deals
with the revival of the Su‘udl state in Najd under Turk! b. ‘Abd Allah, as well
as with the re-establishment of Su‘udl contacts with other principalities and
powers. This chapter examines Su‘udl relations with eastern Arabia and
‘Uman during the reign of Turk! and his two sucessors, Faysal and ‘Abd
Allah, emphasizing the approach taken by each ruler towards the governments
of those countries, and towards the British Government, whose authority over
the maritime affairs in the Gulf at this time was unrivalled. In the closing pages
of this chapter, attention turns to the armed struggle between the two sons of
Faysal, the factional division of the Su‘udl territories, the Ottoman expedition
to al-Hasa, and the subsequent termination of Su‘udl influence in eastern
Arabia and ‘Uman.
The conclusion comprises a summary of the problems discussed in the text,
as well as some remarks relating to the nature and impact of Su‘udl supremacy
in eastern and southeastern Arabia.
Abbreviated genealogical trees of the ruling families of different areas, as
well as maps of eastern Arabia and ‘Uman showing the waxing and waning of
Su‘udi influence in the peninsula are appended at the end.

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