Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa (1894–1961) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa |
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| Hakim of Bahrain | |
| Reign | 20 February 1942 – 2 November 1961 |
| Predecessor | Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa |
| Successor | Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa |
| Born | 10 October 1894 Muharraq, Bahrain |
| Died | 2 November 1961 (aged 67) Safra, Bahrain |
| Burial | Honaynaiya Cemetery, Rifa'a |
| Issue |
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| House | Khalifa |
| Father | Hamad bin Isa, Hakim of Bahrain |
| Mother | Shaikha Aysha bint Ali Al Khalifa |
Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa (born October 10, 1894 – died November 2, 1961) was an important ruler of Bahrain. He led the country from 1942 until his death in 1961. His official title was the Hakim of Bahrain, which means the ruler or governor.
After he passed away, his son, Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, became the next ruler of Bahrain.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Education
Sheikh Salman bin Hamad was born in 1895. He grew up learning from his father, Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa. He studied the Quran and other religious subjects. His father also hired teachers to teach him many other topics.
He was chosen by his father and other important people from the House of Al Khalifa to be the next ruler. He often represented his father at official events.
Improving Health and Education
Sheikh Salman cared a lot about people's health. He learned about the many illnesses that pearl divers often got. He worked to make their working conditions better, even though some traditional leaders disagreed. He started special clinics to help with their health problems.
He also wanted to spend more money on hospitals. He worked quietly behind the scenes to make this happen. In 1951, he spoke at a medical conference for Gulf states. He said that Bahrain's hospitals were helping British Royal Air Force and Royal Navy staff. This contact helped improve the quality of care.
Salman believed that good health came from good education. He also wanted young Bahrainis to get the right education. This would help them get jobs in the petroleum industry. Even though his advisor, Sir Charles Belgrave, was unsure about a "welfare state" (where the government helps people with things like healthcare), Salman made a big change. In his last year as ruler, he made healthcare free for everyone in Bahrain, including visitors.
Growing the Economy
Sheikh Salman was very interested in how Bahrain's economy worked. He personally checked the country's yearly budget. He also worried about how oil money was being shared. He noticed that oil refineries could process foreign oil without paying taxes. He thought this could hurt Bahrain's future wealth.
He also found an old law from 1914 that could help create airports and an airline. Before this, sea travel was more important. Thanks to his interest, Gulf Air was started during his time as ruler.
Helping Others: The Arab-Israeli Conflict
Sheikh Salman wanted to help people affected by the conflict between Arabs and Israelis. In 1947, he created a group to collect money for Palestinians. These people were expected to leave their homes after the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine. They raised a lot of money and other help.
Later, in 1948, more donations were collected. Sheikh Salman even sent money to the Syrian President to help Palestinian refugees. He also asked Bahraini business owners to donate, and they raised even more money. After many Palestinians lost their homes in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, Sheikh Salman personally gave a large sum of money to the UNRWA. This was a United Nations group that helped refugees.
Clean Water and Public Health
In November 1948, the first regional medical conference took place in Bahrain. Doctors from many countries, including Britain and the United States, attended. They wrote a report about health in the Gulf states for local governments.
On December 11, 1948, water meters started working in Bahrain for the first time. This meant people could get clean water delivered to their homes. Sheikh Salman himself pressed the button to start the water flow at a special event.
His Final Years
Sheikh Salman had a very busy schedule. He woke up early and went to his office at the Bab Al Bahrain. He would drink Arabic coffee and then meet with citizens to hear their requests. After that, he had many interviews, meetings, and official duties.
Even when he got older, he didn't want to rest, even though doctors told him to. But his sons, Isa and Khalifa, convinced him to rest in the Safra area. This way, they could help him with his work. He passed away on November 2, 1961, at the age of 67. He had ruled Bahrain for almost 20 years.
Family
Salman was married three times:
- In 1910, to Shaikha Latifa bint Ibrahim al-Khalifa.
- In October 1931, to Shaikha Mouza bint Hamad al-Khalifa.
- Around 1922, to Shaikha Nayla bint Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.
He had three sons and six daughters:
- Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa (1931–1999)
- Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa (1935–2020)
- Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa (1940–2009)
- Thajba bint Salman Al Khalifa (born 1945)
- Fatima bint Salman Al Khalifa (1923–1999)
- Maryam bint Salman Al Khalifa (born 1949)
- Aisha bint Salman Al Khalifa (1937–2019)
- Sheikha bint Salman Al Khalifa (1947–2022)
- Nura bint Salman Al Khalifa (born 1942 - died 2023)
He is buried in Honaynaiya cemetery in Rifa’a, Bahrain.
Honours
- Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (1943)
- Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (1952)
- Grand Cordon of the Order of the Two Rivers, 1st Class of the Kingdom of Iraq (1952)
- Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal (1953)
- Grand Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog of Denmark (1957)
- Knight of the Order of St John (1956)
See also
- Al Khalifa
- History of Bahrain
