King of Bahrain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids King of the Kingdom of Bahrain |
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| ملك مملكة البحرين Malik Mamlakat al-Bahrayn |
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Royal Standard of Bahrain
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| Incumbent | |
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| Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa since 6 March 1999 as Emir since 14 February 2002 as King |
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| Details | |
| Style | His Majesty |
| Heir apparent | Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa |
| First monarch | Ahmed bin Muhammad bin Khalifa (Hakim) Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah (King) |
| Formation | 1783 (Hakimmiyah) 16 August 1971 (Emirate) 14 February 2002 (Kingdom) |
| Residence | Riffa Palace |
The King of the Kingdom of Bahrain is the ruler and leader of the country of Bahrain. The House of Khalifa family has been in charge of Bahrain since they took control in 1783.
Before 2002, the ruler of Bahrain had different titles. From 1783 to 1971, they were called a Hakim. Then, from 1971 to 2002, they were known as an Emir. On February 14, 2002, the Emir at the time, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, announced that Bahrain would become a kingdom. He then became the first King of Bahrain.
The King has many important powers. He chooses the prime minister and the government's cabinet. He is also the supreme commander of the Defence Force. The King leads the highest court system and appoints members to the upper house of the parliament. He can also dissolve the elected lower house of parliament.
Contents
Bahrain's Rulers: A History
Hakims of Bahrain (1783–1971)
The title Hakim al-Bahrayn means "Caretaker" or "Ruler of Bahrain" in Arabic. Rulers with this title were also called Sheikh.
The first Hakim was Ahmed bin Muhammad bin Khalifa. He led the group that took control of Bahrain in 1783. Many Hakims ruled Bahrain over the years. One important Hakim was Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, who ruled for a very long time, from 1869 to 1923. He decided to step down from his role.
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After him, his son, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, became Hakim. Then came Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The last Hakim was Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who ruled until 1971.
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Emirs of Bahrain (1971–2002)
In 1971, Bahrain became an independent state, and its ruler's title changed from Hakim to Emir. The Arabic title was Amir dawlat al-Bahrayn, meaning "Chief of the State of Bahrain". Emirs also held the title of Sheikh.
| Name | Lifespan | Reign start | Reign end | Notes | Family | Image |
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| Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa
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3 June 1931 – 6 March 1999 (aged 67) | 16 August 1971 | 6 March 1999 | Son of Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Mouza bint Hamad Al Khalifa | Khalifa |  |
| Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
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28 January 1950 | 6 March 1999 | 14 February 2002 (title changed) |
Son of Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Hessa bint Salman Al Khalifa | Khalifa | |
The first Emir was Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. He ruled until 1999. After him, his son, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, became Emir. He was the last Emir before the title changed again.
King of Bahrain (2002–Present)
On February 14, 2002, Bahrain became a kingdom. The title of the ruler changed from Emir to King. The Arabic title for the King is Malik al-Bahrayn, which means "King of Bahrain". The King also holds the honorific title of Sheikh.
| Name | Lifespan | Reign start | Reign end | Notes | Family | Image |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
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28 January 1950 | 14 February 2002 | Incumbent | Son of Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Hessa bint Salman Al Khalifa | Khalifa | |
Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa became the first King of Bahrain in 2002. He is still the King today. His son, Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, is the heir, meaning he is next in line to become King.
See also
In Spanish: Anexo:Monarcas de Baréin para niños
- House of Khalifa
- Succession to the Bahraini throne
- Prime Minister of Bahrain
