Historical Overview
- Archaeological discoveries, excavations, inscriptions and collections of rare pottery found in various parts of the country indicate that Qatar was inhabited as early as the fourth millennium BC.
- The Greek historian Herodotus stated in the fifth century BC that the first inhabitants of Qatar were the Canaanite tribes, renowned for their navigation skills and maritime trade. The Greek geographer Ptolemy also included in his map entitled "Arabia" what he called "Catara", believed to refer to the fame of the Qatari city of Al Zubarah, once one of the most important commercial ports in the Gulf region.
- Arab-Islamic historical sources recount that Qatar played an important role when its inhabitants participated in preparing the first naval fleet to transport armies during the Islamic conquests.
- Qatar experienced a period of economic prosperity under the Abbasid State during the eighth century AH (fourteenth century AD). This is evidenced by the written records found at Murwab Fort on the western coast, which reflects the Abbasid architectural style.
- In the tenth century AH (sixteenth century AD), the Qataris allied with the Turks to expel the Portuguese. Subsequently, all areas of the Arabian Peninsula, including Qatar, came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, which continued for approximately four consecutive centuries.
- The outbreak of the First World War in 1914 and its consequences led to the end of Turkish rule in the country. In 1916, Qatar concluded a treaty with Britain stipulating the protection of Qatar's territory and its subjects, while British influence in the country was limited to overseeing certain administrative matters.
- Qatar was ruled by the Al Thani family, which took its name from its patriarch, Thani bin Mohammed, the father of Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani, who was the first sheikh to exercise effective authority in the Qatari Peninsula in the mid-nineteenth century.
- The Al Thani family had settled around the Jabrin Oasis in southern Najd before migrating to Qatar in the early eighteenth century. The family is a branch of the Bani Tamim tribe, whose lineage traces back to Mudar bin Nizar. It initially settled in the north of the Qatari Peninsula before moving to Doha in the mid-nineteenth century under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani.
Qatar Rulers
Sheikh Mohammed bin Thani
The first Ruler of Qatar and one of its eminent leaders. He united the Qatari tribes and the country at a difficult stage, and was known for his wisdom, far-sightedness and love of literature and poetry.
Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani
The founder of the State of Qatar. A military leader, judge and scholar, knight and poet possessing both gallantry and magnanimity. In defence of Qatar he fought many wars, and perils could not deter him from defying hardships, ending injustice and protecting the oppressed.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani
The Third Ruler of the State of Qatar. He was known for his piety, righteousness and vast knowledge. During his tenure the first oil well was drilled in the country. He proved himself a shrewd and gifted negotiator in the negotiations with oil companies, and a far-sighted statesman.
Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani
The Fourth Ruler of the State of Qatar. He was known for his solemnity, wisdom and forbearance, his pursuit of conciliation and unity, and his high moral character and noble qualities. During his tenure the country exported its first oil shipment, marking its actual entry into the oil age and a new period of social and economic development.
Sheikh Ahmad bin Ali Al Thani
The Fifth Ruler of Qatar and the first Ruler to bear the title "Amir". He was noted for his solemnity, wisdom and careful discretion in tackling issues, and followed a path of conciliation and unity. During his reign the Shura (Advisory) Council was formed and the first Interim Basic Law was promulgated.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani
The Sixth Ruler of the State of Qatar. His reign saw many achievements: the government was re-organized, the Interim Basic Law was amended, the country concluded a number of agreements to extract and market oil, schools and colleges were set up, and the country's first university was established.
His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
Former Amir of the State of Qatar, one of its iconic leaders and the architect of its modern revival. During his reign, which witnessed massive economic, social and cultural development, the State of Qatar strengthened its standing in the Arab and international community. GDP increased more than 24-fold and per capita GDP about six-fold, while gross value added in the hydrocarbon sector jumped from 11 billion to 403 billion Qatari Riyals.
During his tenure the country's permanent constitution was promulgated, and "Qatar National Vision 2030" was framed. The Vision seeks to drive the move towards a knowledge-based economy and to transform Qatar into an advanced country capable of sustainable development, ensuring a decent life for its people, generation after generation.
On 25 June 2013, His Highness Sheikh Hamad handed over the reins of leadership to his Heir Apparent, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.