The Emirate of Bandariq: Its Founding and Resistance to the Portuguese and the Dutch

Abstract

History is the only means that enables us to identify the most prominent events of various peoples in the past, and it is not possible to understand a specific event without studying its roots and knowing the effective factors in its formation.

    This study sheds light on the history of the establishment of the Emirate of Bandariq, located on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is one of the emirates of the Omani coast, and in its beginnings it was an important commercial center. Because of its strategic location, it played a major role in maritime trade, especially in pearl trade.

    When European colonialism began in the Arabian Gulf region, the Emirate of Bandariq was one of the targets of the colonial powers, including: the Dutch and the British, who sought to control the region in order to secure maritime trade routes. However, the people of the Emirate of Bandariq strongly resisted these colonial powers in their attempt to control the ports, and despite the difficulties, it was able to maintain its independence for a long period until Britain was able to bring it under control.

     The Emirate of Bandariq provided an example of intense resistance against colonial powers, and contributed to strengthening Arab identity and preserving the culture of the region in the face of challenges.