Page 576 - PERSIAN 2 1879_1883_Neat

n ADMINISTRATION REPORT OP THE PERSIAN GULP POLITICAU

APPENDIX TO PART II.

Outlines of Ike History of 9Oman from A% D. 1723 to 1883.
The author of the Keslf’ul-Qknmmeh199 brings the %t Annals of
'Omdn" down to the year A. D. 1728, when, on the death of the
Ghafiree Imam, Mohammed-bin-Ndsir, the Ya'Arabeh Iindm, Seyyid
Seyf-bin-Sultdn, was restored to power, A narrative of subsequent
events down to the death of the Seyyid Sa'ced-bin-Sultan was compiled
by one Hamad-bin-Mohammcd-bin-Razik, and translated by Mr.
b'adger, and from that source much of the following summary is taken.
No sooner had Seyf-bin-Sultan been installed than he was opposed
by Bel'Arab-bin Himyer, also of the Ya'Arabeh
Seyf-bin-Snltin, family, and the latter was successful in 6orne
Imdm.
parts of'Oman, and acknowledged by a portion
of the population. This led to Seyf-bin-Siiltan having recourse to the
aid of foreigners, and a force of Persians having been sent, it is said, by
the Governor of Edrs, overran'Oman and obtained possession of many
important positions, including Muscat and Rasel-Khaimah. At that
period Nadir Shah was King of Persia, but this expedition is not, I
think, mentioned in the Persian history of those times. It may be that
the Persian force was inconsiderable, as, owing to the distracted and
divided state of 'Oman, a small army would probably easily be success­
ful. About the same time a Persian force under Mirza Takee Khan,
Governor of Fars, captured the islands of Bahrain, and it is not unlikely
that force, or part of it, which was subsequently engaged in 'Omdn.
The invasion of Bahrain took place in A. I). 1735, and the expedition to
'Oman seems to have been later.
At this juncture it was that the founder of the now reigning dynasty
emerged from obscurity, Ahmed-bin-Sa'eed-bin Ahmed-bin-Mobam-
ined of the Al-Bu-Sa'id family attracted the notice of the Imam Seyf,
and was eventually appointed Governor of Sobar, where he became
noted for his liberality and ability. The Imam became at one time
jealous of his growing reputation, and endeavoured to seize him by
treachery, but failed. He, however, obtained possession of bis son Hildl,
who, on the appearance of the Persians, was restored to his father.
Seyf-bin-Sultdn joined the Persian force at Rd< el-Khaimab, whence
they marched to Bereymee and El-Dhdhireh, defeating the 'Omdn tribes
under BePArah-bin-Himyer. They subsequently reached Muscat, via
Nezwa, and are said to have committed great atrocities in their cam­
paigns, which lasted from 1736 to 17^8. After the experience of a
first campaign the imdm Seyf got disgusted with his Persian allies#
and separated from them. This led to a reconciliation with Bel 'Arab-
bin-Himyer, who resigned his own pretentions in favour of Seyf, with a
view to united action against the common enemy, the Persians. Mean­
time the latter bad divided their forces, one division of which was be­
sieging Sohdr, another before Batka, and a third at Bdbld in the interior.
The two latter divisions were forced to retreat to Bds-el-Kbaimah, tbe
A traction blifcory executed!)/ the undersigned was printed^/
tbi present tiufe, * * goes, oimjnrr
E. C. UO'S.

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