العلاقة بين شيخ المحمرة و السلطات العثمانية في ولاية البصرة (1908-1914)‎

Abstract EN

The political situation of Sheikh Khaza'l was a very unusual one.

All at the same time, he (1) ruled an autonomous sheikhdom under Persian sovereignty, (2) had a treaty with the British, and (3) owned a vast amount of property in the neighboring Ottoman vilayat of Basrah, beyond the international boundary that separated the Ottoman Empire from Persia.

Because of his property in Basrah, the Sheikh was obliged to treat directly with the local authorities of that vilayat, and such direct relations were contrary to his dependent status under Persia.

Because of his conflicting obligations, it was only natural for some differences to arise between the Sheikh and the Ottoman authorities.

When he had any disputes with one of the Walis of Basrah, the Sheikh often had the support of his allies Naqib of Basrah and the Sheikh of Kuwait, and together they were able to cause significant difficulties for the Ottoman authorities.

These disputes led to a major crisis with the Wali in 1909.

Great Britain supported the Sheikh during that crisis, and used her influence to drive the two parties towards a reconciliation.

Consequently, relations between the Sheikh and the Walis were relatively harmonious shortly before the outbreak of the First World War