Kura rebellion facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kura rebellion
Date 1921, 1923 Location Emirate of Transjordan Result Rebellion defeated
Belligerents
Sheikh Kulaib's militia	Emir Abdullah's forces British RAF
Commanders and leaders
Sheikh Kulaib al-Shraideh	Emir Abdullah Frederick Peake
Casualties and losses
unknown	15+ (1921 offensive)

The Kura rebellion was a series of conflicts in Transjordan in 1921 and 1923. It started when Sheikh Kulaib al-Shraideh, a local leader in the Kura district, refused to accept the new central government's authority. He wanted his area to be separate from the nearby district of Irbid.

Sheikh Kulaib also had a personal dislike for Ali Khulki Al-Sharayri, one of Emir Abdullah's ministers. This minister was in charge of the Irbid district. Sheikh Kulaib demanded that Kura be its own separate area, reporting directly to the capital, Amman.

The government in Amman said no to this idea. They worried that if they agreed, other local leaders would make similar demands. When the government sent tax collectors to Kura, one was killed. An armed force sent to help the collectors was ambushed. At least fifteen soldiers died, and several were captured.

Emir Abdullah realized his new government was not strong enough to force Kulaib to obey. So, he went to Kura himself. Sheikh Kulaib was pleased by the Emir's visit and agreed to surrender. In return, Emir Abdullah forgave the rebels. He also changed his government, removing the minister Sheikh Kulaib disliked. This made Sheikh Kulaib even happier.

Why the Rebellion Started

In 1920, before the central government was fully set up, Sheikh Kulaib al-Shurayda had become a powerful local leader in Kura. He even had some support from the French and from leaders in Damascus.

When the first central government was formed in Amman in April 1921, Kura was made part of the Irbid region. Sheikh Kulaib did not agree with this plan. A big reason for his refusal was a personal disagreement between him and Ali Khulqi al-Sharayiri. This man was the head of the government in Ajlun (part of Irbid) and later became a minister in Amman, in charge of security.

Sheikh Kulaib had strong support from the local villagers. They also wanted Kura to be separated from Irbid. They wished for Kura to become its own administrative district, reporting directly to Amman.

The 1921 Revolt and Forgiveness

The new central government of Transjordan could not accept Sheikh Kulaib's demands. If they did, other local leaders might also demand to be independent. The government also badly needed money, which meant they had to collect taxes right away.

So, tax collectors were sent to Kura with a group of local police. When they arrived, a deputy officer was killed by villagers. The tax collectors quickly went back to Irbid. Fuad Slim, a cavalry commander, was ordered to go after the rebels and find those responsible for the killing.

However, the people of Kura were ready. They set up an ambush and defeated the attacking force. Fifteen soldiers were killed, and many, including Fuad Slim, were taken prisoner.

Since the government could not defeat Sheikh Kulaib by force, they offered to talk. The government wanted the Kura rebels to surrender and hand over those responsible for the killings. But this did not happen.

Finally, it was decided to settle the conflict using old tribal customs. The rebels would return the government's horses and weapons. They would also pay diyyah (blood money or payments) to the families of the killed soldiers.

Even this agreement did not work out. So, Emir Abdullah decided to go to Kura himself to talk to Sheikh Kulaib. Sheikh Kulaib was honored by the Emir's personal visit. He quickly met the Emir upon arrival and declared his surrender. In return, Sheikh Kulaib and his men were given a general pardon. Around the same time, Ali Khulqi al-Sharayiri was removed from the government. This made Sheikh Kulaib even more satisfied.

The government's failure to quickly stop the Kura rebellion encouraged similar uprisings in other areas. This made it very hard to collect taxes in many parts of the country.

The 1923 Revolt

In 1923, Sheikh Kulaib al-Shurayda of Kura started his rebel activities again. This time, the British responded strongly. His main base in Tibna was bombed by the RAF. Captain Frederick Peake led a new force of 750 men in a full attack on the district.

Sheikh Kulaib could not fight any longer. He ran away to find safety in Balqa. Many of his men were caught and put on trial.

What Happened Next

On May 25, 1923, Britain officially announced that Transjordan would govern itself under Emir Abdullah. To mark this important event, the Emir issued another general pardon for the Kura rebels.

After the Kura rebellion ended, new problems began. A disagreement grew between the Bani Sakhr tribe, led by Mithqal Al-Fayez, and the Adwan Bedouins of Balqa, led by Sultan al-Adwan. Emir Abdullah especially favored the Bani Sakhr tribe.

Transjordan was also facing attacks from the Wahhabi raiders from Arabia. Emir Abdullah did not want to upset Sultan al-Adwan, even though he paid special attention to the Banu Sakhr. This was because the Banu Sakhr protected the new state from the Wahhabi raids.

After attempts to make peace failed, Sultan al-Adwan decided to attack first. He marched on Amman with his full force. He took over two police outposts at the western entrances to the capital. However, Adwan's forces were defeated in a fierce battle and forced to flee.

Some tribal unrest continued in the country for a few years after the Adwan uprising was stopped. In 1926, the government had to send a force to stop a rebellion in Wadi Musa. There, villagers refused to pay taxes. They also took over and looted the local police station and government building.

See also

• History of Jordan
• List of modern conflicts in the Middle East