Sheikhdom of al-Hawra facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sheikhdom of al-Hawra المشيخة (من) الحوراء
19th century–1951
Map of the Sheikhdoms of al-Hawra and al-ʽIrqa in 1926
Capital	al-Hawra
Religion	Islam
Government	Sheikhdom
Sheikh
• 1858 – 1895	`Abd Allah ibn Muhammad Ba Shahid (first)
• 1917 – 1951	Awad ibn Salih Ba Shahid (last)
History
• Established	19th century
• British protectorate	1888
• Disestablished	1951
Population
• 1946	300
Today part of	Yemen

The Sheikhdom of al-Hawra was a small state in a region called the Protectorate of South Arabia. It existed for a long time, from the 1800s until 1951. In 1888, it became a special area protected by the British. Today, this area is part of the country of Yemen.

What Was the Sheikhdom of al-Hawra?

A Sheikhdom is a territory or state ruled by a leader called a Sheikh. The Sheikhdom of al-Hawra was set up in the 19th century, which means sometime in the 1800s. Its capital city was also named al-Hawra.

A Look Back in Time

The first Sheikh we know of was named `Abd Allah ibn Muhammad Ba Shahid. He ruled al-Hawra from about 1858 to 1895.

Visiting the Sheikhdom

Between 1893 and 1897, two explorers named Theodore Bent and his wife, Mabel Bent, traveled through Southern Arabia. They visited the Sheikhdom of al-Hawra. They wrote about a huge castle that belonged to the ruling family, the Al Kaiti. This castle stood tall over a small village.

The castle was made from sun-dried bricks. It was seven stories high and covered a large area, about 4 square kilometers. It had strong walls, towers, and special openings called machicolations. These were used to drop things on enemies below. Theodore and Mabel were welcomed by the Sultan, who asked for a gift. They gave him 20 Indian Rupees.

Becoming a British Protectorate

In 1888, the British Empire started paying money every year to al-Hawra. This payment was called a stipend. In the same year, a special agreement called a Protectorate Treaty was made. This meant the British would protect al-Hawra.

After Sheikh Abdulla bin Muhammad ba Shahid passed away in 1895, his son Said bin Abdulla ba Shahid became Sheikh. But he stepped down in 1896. His brother, Ahmed bin Abdulla, then became the Sheikh. Ahmed passed away in 1900, and Salih bin Awadh took over.

In 1902, a new Protectorate Treaty was signed with Sheikh Salih bin Awadh. His yearly payment from the British was increased. When Sheikh Salih bin Awadh passed away in 1917, his son, Awadh bin Salih, became the new Sheikh.

The End of the Sheikhdom

Around 1951, the Sheikhdom of al-Hawra became part of another state called Wahidi Balhaf. This marked the end of al-Hawra as a separate Sheikhdom.

Who Ruled al-Hawra?

The leaders of al-Hawra were called Shaykh al-Hawra.

List of Sheiks

Here are the Sheiks who ruled al-Hawra:

• `Abd Allah ibn Muhammad Ba Shahid: Ruled from about 1858 to May 6, 1895.
• Sa`if ibn `Abd Allah Ba Shahid: Ruled from May 1895 to February 1896.
• Ahmad ibn `Abd Allah Ba Shahid: Ruled from February 1896 to March 1, 1900.
• Salih ibn `Awad Ba Shahid: Ruled from March 1900 to October 6, 1917.
• Awad ibn Salih Ba Shahid: Ruled from October 1917 to 1951.

Timeline of Rulers

People and Place

In 1946, only about 300 people lived in the Sheikhdom of al-Hawra.

Geography of al-Hawra

Al-Hawra was a seaport, which means it was a town with a harbor for ships. It was located about 12 miles from another place called Irqa. In 1946, it was described as a "small fishing village."