On This Day: September 3, 1971 – Qatar Independence Day
Qatar Independence Explained: Key Events That Shaped the Nation
On this day, September 3, 1971, Qatar declared its independence and ended its association with Britain. For Qatar, this meant something more than simply terminating the treaty – independence meant the ability to determine its future.
Before Independence
For over 50 years Qatar was under British protection. It became a British protectorate in 1916, which meant Britain was in charge of the country’s defense as well as its foreign relations. Although this arrangement provided a sense of stability, it also stripped Qatar of any autonomy in major decision making.
In the late 1960s this scenario started to change. Britain’s decision to withdraw its forces “East of Suez” was a decision that had to happen no later than 1971. This situation left the Gulf States – Bahrain, Qatar, and the emirates which later formed the UAE, there was no choice but to change the way they were thinking.
hey began to talk about the possibility of a single federation that would include Qatar. A federation that consisted of Qatar, Bahrain and the emirates that would be geographically positioned in a way that they would be able to form one single territory. It would have been a very powerful federation. However, the starting of the federation was delayed due to issues regarding border and leadership control. Bahrain was the first to declare independence in August 1971, with Qatar choosing its own path a few weeks later.
The Day of Independence
It was on the third of September in the year 1971 when Sheikh Ahmad bin Ali Al Thani declared Qatar as a newly independent state. The first time in its history Qatar controlled its defence, foreign relations and the economy because the treaty with Britain was in abeyance. The same year, Qatar became a newly added member of the United Nations.
This period, most of the time referred as Qatar’s Independence Day, signifies the dawn of a new nation. 3rd September remains a significant day in the history of Qatar, even though Qatar’s National Day celebrations are held on 18th December now.
What Followed After 1971
What followed Qatar Independence on 1971 acquired the opportunity to develop itself as per its own needs. Qatar in those days was a small nation with an extremely small and undeveloped infrastructure. Having begun with oil exports, the nation was growing in a very slow pace in comparison to the recent standards.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, current ruling family’s father, took the leadership position on the year 1972 and was the reason why Qatar flourished and developed at an unbeatable pace. New age schools, hospitals and a variety of industries emerged in the middle of the desert. Qatar today, is one of the richest countries of the world developed as a result of oil and gas, having both imported in great surplus.
Today, from World Cup 2022, developments in regional diplomacy, and Al Jazeera, Qatar demonstrates the influence a small nation can have in the world from the rise in its prominence following independence. Then, Al Jazeera, started in 1996, which also helped in improving Qatar’s presence in the international sphere.
Why It Matters
It was a shift from a political step to the creation of a new identity for the nation. Qatar’s decision to stand alone instead of joining a federation helped Qatar to establish its territory in the Persian Gulf region. For Qatar’s people, it was about power, pride, and self-control to make decisions without outside dominion.
It was also a sign of the impulse of independence sweeping the Gulf Region in the early 1970s. It changed the face of the Gulf permanently.
Final Thoughts
On this day in 1972, Qatar ascended into sovereignty from a protectorate becoming one of the wealthiest most powerful states of the region.
In 1971, Qatar marks a date on 3rd September as a reminder of their independence and their ability to choose their and to steer clear of what others wish to impose.
References
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Qatar National Library – Historical Timeline of Qatar
https://www.qnl.qa/en/explore/timeline-qatar -
United Nations – Admission of Qatar as a Member State (1971)
https://www.un.org -
BBC News – How Qatar Gained Independence in 1971
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east -
Al Jazeera – Qatar’s Path to Independence and Statehood
https://www.aljazeera.com -
Encyclopaedia Britannica – Qatar: History
https://www.britannica.com/place/Qatar
