'Persian Gulf Gazetteer, Historical and Political Materials, Maskat [Muscat] territory, 1872-1903' [‎31] (33/138)

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31
C.—EVENTS IN DHOFAR.
1876.
Letter dated 15th May received by Sultan of Maskat from Saiyld Eadlil-bin-
Alavi, Moplali, styling himself Turkish Governor of Dhofar, recommending
Awadh-bin-Abdulah. " Turkish subject," to Sultan of Maskat's good offices.
Maskat claimed Dhofar himself (15-6). Saiyid Fadhl had been carrying on
desultory warfare against Garah Bedouins of interior with help of Dhofar people
and had extended influence westwards among Mahrah tribes. Within past 5
years Dhofar chiefs had been at Maskat to pay allegiance. Fadhl arrived in
Dhofar with family from Mecca about August 1875 (22-6). [Eor previous
history of Saiyid Fadhl see notes in Proceedings, Secret, September 1876,
Nos. 1-5.] At instance of Government of India, British Ambassador at
Constantinople was directed, without assuming that Saiyid Fadhl had acted
with the knowledge or consent of the Turkish Government, or asserting in
any way the claim of Maskat to Suzerainty over Dhofar, to remonstrate with
the Porte against his proceedings and urge them to repudiate his acts (21-10).
1877.
M^skat claim to Dhofar was based on two facts ; 1st, that, on death of
Muhammad Akil in 1829 Saiyid Said sent a force to Dhofar which was shortly
withdrawn ; and 2nd, that, on every accession of new ruler in Oman, Dhofari
iSheikhs sent deputation to offer allegiance and obtain flag. Ruling Sheikh in
1871 was Hamad-bin-Salim-bin-Umar, A1 Marhuni. After withdrawal of
Said's troops dissensions occurred and Garas plundered and oppressed people.
For some years the ruling spirit was Abdullah Lorleyd, an American captured
as a youngster, wtio combat ted ttie Garas with daring and success (18-5).
Government of India considered Maskat claims to be of an indefinite character
and did not desire to interfere on Sultan's behalf (25-6).
1878.
Porte had, however, been addressed and reminded meanwhile (1-1).
1879.
Revolution in Dhofar (for reasons see No. 635, Procpedings A, November
1879). Saiyid Fadhl, expelled from Dhofar in January by Arab Shaikhs, left
Berbera for Constantinople on 7th March (7-3). Turki interesting himself in
Makalla-Shahr dispute on side of Makalla. His Agent Salman-bin-Yakub
stated that Maskat territory extended to Makalla (12-4). Saiyid Fadhl left
Jedda for Constantinople on 26th April (26-4). Suleman-bin Sowailim on
behalf of Sultan Masket landed at Bundar Hasik in March or April, assisted
by Awadh-bin-Abdullah, Shanfari, and resiNted by Awadh-bin-Azzan, Kathiri.
A1 Kathir mostly adverse to Sultan, but overawed. Suleman reduced customs
from 5 per cent, to 4 per cent. (22-5). Makalla people making large consign
ments to Dhofar (11-5). Kathiris attempted to raise Marbat people against
Maskat (26-5). Dhofaris used Maskat flag before Fadhl's arrival and wrote to
Maskat for assistance against him. Kaiti Jamadar of Shahr intriguing
in Dhofar affairs. Aden Resident prohibited Jamadar from sending men to
Dhofar [Here will be found description of Dhofar] (5-6). Turki dis«
claimed jurisdiction up as Makalla (8-6). No interference necessary with
Turki's attempts to obtain control of Dhofar, but he must not try to get
assistance from In^in. (it was reported he had written to Hyderabad). Govern
ment settling Makalla-Shahr dispute and Turki should not have interfered.
Jamadar of Shahr forbidden to interfere in Dhofar affairs 25-8). Letter to
Hyderabad was written by Saiyid Said without Turki's knowledge. Turki
promised to suspend correspondence with Makalla till settlement of Shahr
dispute. Dhofar in peaceful occupation of Sultan's officials (9-10). Awadh-
bin-Abdullah sent to Maskat by Wali for wishing to keep Wali too much in
hands of self and party. Awadh charged Wali with misgovernment and extra
vagance (17-10). Dhofar affairs to be reported in future through Maskat,
not Aden (7-11). Rumour reached Makalla from Constantinople p/a Jeddah
that Fadhl about to be sent to Dhofar in man-of-war to re-establish authority of