Page 9 - Su'udi Relations with Eastern Arabi & Uman (1800-1870)

INTRODUCTION

Although Su‘udi relations with eastern Arabia and ‘Uman have been discussed
in numerous studies of the modern history of the Arabian Peninsula, a
thorough and independent study of this subject has not, to my knowledge,
been undertaken. This work, then, intends to examine the history of Su‘udl
relations with al-Bahrayn, Qatar, al-Kuwayt, the coast of‘Uman, and Masqat
from 1800 to 1871. The year 1800 was chosen as a starting point because it
marks the beginning of Su‘udi contacts with these countries, and, by
extension, the commencement of an eventual process of Su‘udi expansion in
their direction. The second date denotes the appearance of the Turks in
al-Hasa, the beginning of their control over that district, the end of Su‘udl
relations with eastern Arabia and ‘Uman, and the total withdrawal of the
Su‘udl presence from that area.
An attempt is made in the forthcoming chapters to review the historical
development of these relations throughout the period under study, and to
investigate, in the process, the nature of Su‘udi contacts with the
aforementioned regions, the motivation behind the Su‘udl expansion, and the
role played by various elements and forces either opposing or favouring the
Su‘udl temporal presence in these territories.
For lack of central, clear-cut issues and events that might provide a
satisfactory framework for dealing with this period, the approach is
chronological. The aim is to establish clearly the facts leading up to the
continuation or interruption of these various relations, as well as to indicate the
temporary circumstances involved and the repercussions resulting from
changing modes of contact.
The first of the five chapters here is a survey of the sources most relevant to
the research. Included are descriptions of the nature and scope of information
provided by each work.
The second chapter provides a brief background of the political and social
conditions in Najd, eastern Arabia, and ‘Uman prior to and during the rise of
the Su‘udi-Wahhabl state.
Chapter 3 is a study of the religious and political ideologies of Shaykh
Muhammad b. ‘Abd al-Wahhab, whose movement contributed significantly to
the ascendancy and expansion of the Su‘udi state in the latter half of the
eighteenth century, shaping various aspects of its structure.

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