"تقرير عسكري حول عربستان (المنطقة رقم ١٣)" [‎١‎٠] (٣٦٤/٢٥)

10
iu D* 'Arabistan is scarcely ever mentioned in; the history of Persia
and, until political economy is better understood by its people
or very large developments are brought about by the Anglo-
Persian Oil Company, it will continue to hold a back number in
the annals of modern Persian history. The dates of the few
events, which have given cause in the past few centuries for
'Arabistan to be mentioned in Persian history, are tabulated
below.
1587-1590. The Turkish Invasion. During these three years Turkey
annexed the western provinces of Persia, including much of
Luristan and Khuzistan.
1700 approx. For a long time previous to this date 'Arabistan, which had
held a semi-independent position, was a subject of dispute
between Teheran and Constantinople, as to w hether the southern
province should or should not form part of the dominions of
the Shah. Persian influence had usually been predominant,
but the population had become almost entirely Arab. To
wards the end of the 16th or the beginning of the 17th century,
I the Arab element was further strengthened by the immigration
of the great tribe of the Cha'b, who were originally subject to
Ottoman rule. As between Turkish and Persian domination the
Cha'b had no preference, for both were equally distasteful to
them, but when they spread eastwards they found themselves
obliged to yield tribute to the Shah. Nominally subject to
Persia, they were virtually independent and they appear now as
the allies of Persia, now as the allies of Turkey.
1765.
1766.
F V fPJ ^
British relations with the tribes and shaikhs of 'Arabistan go
back ov&r 250 years to the time when, in 1765, the Agents of the
Honourable East India Company attempted naval operations
against the pirates of the Cha'b. These efforts met with little
success. They were repeated in June 1766 on a large scale, but
again failed to be altogether satisfactory. Our attack on the
fort ot Mansur, in the Khor Buzieh, 36 miles east of Muham-
marah, was repulsed, our losses including one British officer
and one European gunner killed and four men wounded.
In August, however, we succeeded in capturing and burning
several boats. In alliance with the Turks the fort of Qubban
was next attacked, but disastrously; the Turks failed to support
the Company's troops and 3 officers, a European sergeant and 13
men were killed and 32 wounded. We also lost a field piece and
32 chests of ammunition.