Qatar celebrates National Day

The State of Qatar celebrates on Tuesday 18 December 2007 its National Day, marking the day Sheikh Jassem bin Mohammad Al Thani, founder of the modern State of Qatar, assumed the rule of his country in 1878.

The celebration this year is the first memorization of that date in the modern history of Qatar. It symbolizes a solid attachment to the roots of the Qatari people's quest for modernity and progress, which have today reached a paramount level under the wise directives of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and H H the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad.

The modern march continued during the last decade when H H the Emir further bolstered the meaning of citizenship through issuing the Permanent Constitution, which has shaped the dimensions of civil rights and the State of institutions.

Sheikh Jassem bin Mohammad bin Thani, Emir and founder of the modern State of Qatar, descendent of Al Tamim tribe, was born in 1242 A.H., correspondent to 1825. He grasped knowledge and experience in managing internal affairs since his young age, and was a successful politician during one of the most unstable eras in the history of the region.

Locally, he tried to make of Qatar a united and independent state, bringing all tribes under one umbrella, which reinforced Qatar's presence in the region.

He shrewdly and wisely dealt with two of the most influential powers at the time, the British Empire and the Ottomans. While Britain was trying to bring the Arabian Gulf under its hegemony through its local government in India, the Ottomans were struggling to preserve their control of the region following the demise of the Portuguese presence in the region in the sixteenth century.

In April 1871, an expedition led by Ottoman governor of Baghdad Medhat Pasha reached the east of the Arabian Peninsula, while the British were already positioned nearby Qatar. Sheikh Jassem figured there should be a balance of powers in the region for Qatar's own interest. Therefore, he suggested to the Ottomans that they should increase their presence in Qatar, which was eventually completed in December of the same year, when Ottoman troops headquartered in Al-Bidaa Fort at the outskirts of Doha.

Governor Medhat Pasha, whose direct authority covered the entire Gulf region, welcomed Sheikha Jassem's initiative and appointed him Qaim-Maqam (Deputy Governor) of Qatar in 1876. Twelve years later, in 1888, the Ottoman Sultan Abdul-Hameed promoted Sheikh Jassem further in the Ottoman hierarchy, followed by another promotion in 1893, which caused tension in relations with Britain.

December 18, 1878 is considered the turning point in the history of modern Qatar. It's both the date when Sheikh Jassem seized power and started his continuous quest towards obtaining the recognition of both powers as to the independence of his country.

Ottoman attempts to increase their power in Qatar by appointing their own officials at Zubara, Doha, Wakrah and Khor Al-Odaid and by establishing a Customs House at Al-bidaa and strengthening their garrison at Doha led to open war with Sheikh Jassem in March 25, 1893 at Wajbah, 15 Kilometres west of Doha.

The Ottomans were defeated by Sheikh Jassem and his forces. This Ottoman defeat was a landmark in the modern history of Qatar because of the courage with which Sheikh Jassem and his people faced up the Ottomans despite the latter's military superiority.

Sheikh Jassem's era was characterized by security, justice and prosperity. Qatar enjoyed a comprehensive economic and social progress. Pearl-diving especially knew a boom and Qatar quickly became one of the first exporters in the world in this industry.

Marine transportation also knew a significant advance. Doha port became a major hub for import and export, and has seen an important increase in the number of ships dealing in trade, pearl-diving and transport. In parallel, the population also increased and many economic activities were subsequently created.

Sheikh Jassem had had a rich knowledge and education, having learnt from the best scholars in the region at the time. He was known for his love to learn and acquire knowledge and never missed the opportunity to meet up with scholars and savants.

He mastered Quran and Islamic tradition sciences, which reflected in his just rule and the way he dealt with everyday matters. He also led group prayers of his people and was the preacher on the prayers of Friday and the two main Islamic holidays.

He also mastered the Arabic language and was an eloquent speaker and well-spoken poet. Having studied the Hanbali Islamic school of thought, he extended his authority to issuing fatwas (legal opinions) and ruling over disputes.

He was known for his passion to horses and hunting since his young age, which reflected on his personality as a man of strong will and firm decision. This bestowed on him his father's trust, leading to more official responsibility at an early age, and even taking over his father's role in managing the country's affairs when the latter was not present.

Seeking more reform and modernization in his administration, Sheikh Jassem established a financial system known as Bayt Al-Mal (Finance House) which basically relied on pearl trade, the revenues of which were spent public facilities and welfare projects.

Sheikh Jassem died in July 17, 1913 after a rule branded by major events that have changed the history of Qatar. He was succeeded by his son Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassem Al Thani.

He left a collection of poems, in addition to a biography depicting major historical events in the Arabian Gulf and Peninsula between the tenth and the thirteenth centuries in the Hegira calendar. The collections also include reference to strong ties between Sheikh Jassem and King Fahd Abdul-Aziz Al Saud.

The poem collection, considered one of the rarest publications in the history of the region, was first published in India in 1910, before it was republished twice by the Qatar National Publishing House. The fourth and fifth editions were published in 1963 by Qatar Books House, while the sixth was published in 1996 by the Gulf Printing and Publishing Company under the supervision of the late Sheikh Ali bin Jabor Al Thani.

Following the death of Sheikh Jassem, his son Sheikh Abdullah bin Jassem Al Thani succeeded him to the power. It is during his rule that the first oil well was dug in 1938, after the first franchise was signed with the British Persian Petroleum Company in 17 May 1935.

In June 30, 1948 Sheikh Abdullah assigned his son Ali as his Deputy, following the death of his brother Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah in May 27, 1948.

In August 20, 1948, Sheikh Abdullah gave up power to his son Sheikh Ali bin Abdullah Al Thani.

It is in his rule that the first shipment of Qatari oil from Messaeed plant was exported in 31 December 19949. In November 29, 1952 Sheikh Ali signed an agreement with Shell Company for offshore exploring operations. He also established a modern administrative system to run the booming economy.

When Sheikh Ahmad bin Ali assumed power in October 24, 1960, oil wells exploitation increased and Sheikh Khalifa in Hamad became heir apparent and deputy emir. He was assigned minister of finance in 1960, and an advisory council was created in 1964 to assist the Emir in running political affairs. An interim constitution was drafted in April 2, 1970, and the first cabinet of the country was set up in May 28, 1970. In the same year, Qatar joined OPEC.

In September 3, 1971, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad announced Qatar's independence, putting an end to the Qatari-British treaty which was signed in 1916.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani assumed power in February 22, 1972, where the first foreign minister and emir advisor was assigned.

Natural gas production in the North Field started in 1991, announcing a new era of prosperity in which H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani succeeded his father in June 1995 where he launched a series of reforms and strategies.

One of the major changes His Highness the Emir initiated was the issuance of Qatar's Permanent Constitution in June 8, 2004, following a 96.6 percent vote in a national referendum.

The first municipal elections in Qatar were carried out in 1999, in which Qatari women took part as electors and candidates. Also, Qatar National Human Rights Committee was established to promote and preserve civil and human rights.

At the international level, Qatar followed a clear path based on mutual respect and defending the just and rightful causes of the country and the Arab and Muslim Nations. In January 1, 2006, Qatar was chosen temporary member in the UN Security Council.

As to economy, the country has invested heavily in oil and gas industries and has become a leader in the gas -to-liquid (GTL), and petrochemical industries worldwide. Flexible legislations were created to attract direct foreign investments and several state organizations were established to guarantee durable development.

In health care, services were expanded and Hamad Medical Corporation was created to cover an umbrella of hospitals, clinics and medical facilities. Qatar subsequently became the first country in the Middle East in terms of expenditures on health care, according to the World Health Organization 2006 report.

In Education, public and private schools were upgraded to comprise modern educational best practices. Education City was established to encompass branches of known universities in the world, in addition to a solid strategy targeting research and development with a generous budget reaching 8.2 percent of Qatar's gross domestic product. Qatar University also benefited from reforms and is now fully keeping pace with local market demands.

Socially wise, the Supreme Council of Family Affairs was created from which other centres and institutions emanated to cater for the needs of families, children, women, elderly, special needs persons and all social layers that need assistance and support. Reform also covered the judiciary system, administrative and security departments, communications, environment, culture and arts.

The media also enjoyed an era of freedom of opinion and speech. The Ministry of Information was cancelled and censorship was totally removed from all types of media.

In sports, giant leaps were made and a state-of-the-art infrastructure was built, in addition to several heavy investments which were crowned by the organization of the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006. Qatar is now bidding to host the Olympic Games of 2016.

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