Articles From Our Experts

Filter articles by:
23 of 276 articles to explore
Petroleum and the politics of non-interference: the first Political Officer in Qatar
As the oil industry developed in the late 1940s, Britain was keen to place a Political Agent in Qatar. To do this the British had to come to an understanding with the Shaikh of Qatar on matters of slavery without being seen to interfere.
Petroleum and the politics of non-interference: the first Political Officer in Qatar
Kuwait, Carnegie, and Terrestrial Magnetic Observations
How geophysicists working in the Gulf were able to contribute in the 1930s to the scientific community’s understanding of the earth’s magnetic field.
Kuwait, Carnegie, and Terrestrial Magnetic Observations
Modernity meets Tradition: Reflections on traditional music in Qatar
Though nowadays Qatar is well-known for its immense natural oil and gas reserves and the rapid modernisation of society, it has a rich heritage of music and dance intimately related to pearl-diving, sea trade and Bedouin traditions.
Modernity meets Tradition: Reflections on traditional music in Qatar
A Dispensary for Doha: healthcare, subterfuge, and external political influence in late 1940s Qatar
In the late 1940s an American Mission Hospital was in development in Doha. The response of British officials seems to have been motivated more by the demands of the nascent oil industry and concerns over loss of influence than intrinsic concern for the health of the people of Qatar.
A Dispensary for Doha: healthcare, subterfuge, and external political influence in late 1940s Qatar
Interlocking Patterns Meet Arabic Poetry: musical genres in the Upper Gulf region
The people of the upper Gulf coast have created a rich and multifaceted musical culture. Unfortunately, these musical genres are hardly known outside this region and there is a risk that some of this heritage will be lost forever.
Interlocking Patterns Meet Arabic Poetry: musical genres in the Upper Gulf region
In Search of Landing Grounds: Views of Qatar from above, May 1934
A small, unprepossessing file from the India Office Records contains some of the earliest surviving aerial photographs of Qatar, captured as the country was about to enter a new chapter in its history.
In Search of Landing Grounds: Views of Qatar from above, May 1934
Hidden Treasures: Reflections on traditional music in Kuwait
Kuwait has maintained a thriving traditional music culture; in particular bahri, or sea music, and ṣawt have remained at the heart of the music scene.
Hidden Treasures: Reflections on traditional music in Kuwait
A Considerable Fortune: The wealth, and death, of Sheikh Jāsim Bin Muḥammad Āl Thānī, 1913
At the time of Sheikh Jāsim bin Muḥammad Āl Thānī’s death in 1913, his great wealth was revealed to the British in intelligence reports sent by Yūsuf bin Aḥmad Kanoo.
A Considerable Fortune: The wealth, and death, of Sheikh Jāsim Bin Muḥammad Āl Thānī, 1913
Historical Profile: Kuwait
An overview of the key moments from the history of interaction between the British and Kuwait, as illustrated through the India Office Records.
Historical Profile: Kuwait
The Kuwait Cat’s Meat Crisis
The arrest of a British Subject on spurious charges makes plain Britain’s dominant position in Kuwait in the late 1930s.
The Kuwait Cat’s Meat Crisis
The Qatar Oil Concession Ushers in a New Era for British Relations with Doha
Qatar’s exploratory wells were drilled relatively late, although Major Frank Holmes sought an exploratory lease in 1922.
The Qatar Oil Concession Ushers in a New Era for British Relations with Doha
Finding Aid: IOR/R/15/5 Political Agency, Kuwait (1904-1949)
An overview of the records created by the UK’s Political Agency at Kuwait between 1904 and 1949, and an examination of some of the subjects covered.
Finding Aid: IOR/R/15/5 Political Agency, Kuwait (1904-1949)
Oil for Military Protection between the Wars: Qatar’s Request for Weapons and the British Response
By offering military protection to Qatar, the British tried to ensure access to Qatari oil in the run-up to the Second World War. But why did Qatar need weapons and armoured cars in 1935?
Oil for Military Protection between the Wars: Qatar’s Request for Weapons and the British Response
Qatari History: Pivotal Moments Revealed in India Office Records
From East India Company intelligence to news of the discovery of oil, the India Office Records demonstrate the exchanges that took place between Britain and Qatar over the last three centuries.
Qatari History: Pivotal Moments Revealed in India Office Records
The Cradle of Arabic Sawt Music: The early musician generations in Kuwait
Who were the founders of traditional ṣawt music and why did their musical journey start in Kuwait?
The Cradle of Arabic Sawt Music: The early musician generations in Kuwait
Kuwait’s Majlis Movement: National and regional developments brought into focus, 1938
The movement for political reform in Kuwait in 1938 signified change in the region and highlights the country’s – and Britain’s – response to the ideas and forces that delivered it.
Kuwait’s Majlis Movement: National and regional developments brought into focus, 1938
The Emergence of Qatar: Pelly’s Role in Britain’s 1868 Recognition of the State
Sir Lewis Pelly is a key figure in the history of the Gulf who, in his role as Political Resident, was Britain’s senior official in the region from 1862 to 1873. He holds particular importance for Qatar due to his recognition of its independent sovereignty in 1868.
The Emergence of Qatar: Pelly’s Role in Britain’s 1868 Recognition of the State
When Maritime Protection Is Not Enough: Britain’s Agreement to Protect Qatar’s Borders at Sea and on Land
Although British power in the Gulf was founded on maritime truces with local rulers, in the early 20th century land-based attacks increased, creating the need for new agreements.
When Maritime Protection Is Not Enough: Britain’s Agreement to Protect Qatar’s Borders at Sea and on Land
‘Īsá bin Ṭarīf Āl Bin ‘Alī, Governor of Biddah (Doha), 1843-47
The story of a Qatari shaikh from the early days of Doha.
‘Īsá bin Ṭarīf Āl Bin ‘Alī, Governor of Biddah (Doha), 1843-47
Shaikh Ahmad goes to England: The Politics of Official State Visits
Despite inauspicious beginnings, Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ’s official visit to England in 1919 proved a success.
Shaikh Ahmad goes to England: The Politics of Official State Visits
Keeping the Lion at Bay: The Anglo-Qatar Treaty of 1916
The Anglo-Qatar Treaty of 1916 strengthened existing ties between the two parties. What were the terms of the treaty, and what were the circumstances that led to it?
Keeping the Lion at Bay: The Anglo-Qatar Treaty of 1916
Historical Profile: Qatar
An overview of the key moments from the history of interaction between the British and Qatar, as illustrated through the India Office Records.
Historical Profile: Qatar
A Rich Culture Expressed in Music: musical instruments in the Upper Gulf region
The music of the upper Gulf region is well known for its intricate rhythms, hand-clapping and sung poetry. In addition to this, its musical instruments have evolved or been incorporated into various genres.
A Rich Culture Expressed in Music: musical instruments in the Upper Gulf region