Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa |
|
|---|---|
Isa bin Salman in 1998
|
|
| Hakim of Bahrain | |
| Reign | 2 November 1961 – 16 August 1971 |
| Coronation | 16 December 1961 |
| Predecessor | Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa |
| Successor | Himself (as Emir) |
| Prime Minister | Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa |
| Emir of Bahrain | |
| Reign | 16 August 1971 – 6 March 1999 |
| Predecessor | Himself (as Hakim) |
| Successor | Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa |
| Prime Minister | Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa |
| Born | 3 June 1931 Jasra, Bahrain |
| Died | 6 March 1999 (aged 67) Manama, Bahrain |
| Burial | Al Rifa'a Cemetery |
| Spouse | Hessa bint Salman Al Khalifa |
| Issue |
|
| House | Khalifa |
| Father | Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa |
| Mother | Mouza bint Hamad Al Khalifa |
| Religion | Sunni Islam |
Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa (born June 3, 1931 – died March 6, 1999) was a very important leader in Bahrain. He was the first emir (a type of ruler) of Bahrain. He led the country from 1961 until he passed away in 1999.
He was born in Jasra, a town in Bahrain. When his father, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, died, Isa became the new emir.
Early Life and Becoming a Leader
Isa was born in Jasra. His parents were Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Mouza bint Hamad Al Khalifa. He became the ruler of Bahrain in November 1961 after his father's death. His official ceremony took place on December 16, 1961.
In 1968, Isa visited a religious leader named Ayetollah Mohsin Al Hakim in Najaf. This visit showed his wish to have good relationships with all people in Bahrain.
During his time as ruler, Bahrain became an independent country in 1971. Before this, it was under the protection of the United Kingdom. Bahrain thought about joining the United Arab Emirates at first. However, Isa decided that Bahrain would not join, along with Qatar. This was because he was not happy with the proposed plan for the new country.
He then tried to create a system where people could vote for their leaders. In 1973, men were allowed to vote in elections. However, women were not given the right to vote at that time.
In August 1975, he closed down the elected assembly. This happened because the assembly did not agree to pass a new law about state security. After this, the system of elected representatives was not brought back during his lifetime. This sometimes led to protests from groups who wanted more political freedom.
Isa worked closely with his brother, Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman. Isa focused on being the country's main representative and meeting other leaders. His brother, Sheikh Khalifa, managed the government and the country's money as the Prime Minister.
Family Life
Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa had one wife, his cousin Sheikha Hessa bint Salman Al Khalifa. They got married on May 8, 1949. They had five sons and four daughters together:
- Hamad bin Isa (born 1950), who is the current king of Bahrain.
- Rashed bin Isa (died December 17, 2011).
- Mohamed bin Isa, who was in charge of the National Guard.
- Abdullah bin Isa, who was a leader in the horseback riding club.
- Ali bin Isa, who worked as a minister in the Royal Court.
- Munira bint Isa
- Maryam bint Isa
- Shaikha bint Isa
- Noura bint Isa
His Legacy and Passing Away
During his 38 years as the Emir, Bahrain changed a lot. It became a modern country and an important financial center in the Persian Gulf area. However, some people also remember that he closed the elected assembly, which meant he had more control over the country.
Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa died from a heart attack on March 6, 1999. He was 67 years old. He passed away in Manama, the capital of Bahrain. This happened shortly after he met with the United States defense secretary, William Cohen. The last public event he attended was the funeral of King Hussein of Jordan, which was less than a month before his own death.
Many world leaders shared their sadness when he died. US President Bill Clinton said he was "deeply sad." UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan also expressed "great sadness." He described the emir as someone who brought "stability" to the region. Isa was buried at the Al-Rifa'a cemetery.
His oldest son, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, became the new ruler after him.
See also
- 1990s uprising in Bahrain
- Al Khalifa
