The Omani-British Relations During the Reign of Sayed Toorkee bin Saeed (1871-1888)

Abstract

Abstract:The Omani-British Relations during the reign of Sayud Toorkee bin Saeed witnessed a considerable progress. The British Government assisted Sayud Toorkee to claim the throne and quickly recognized him as a ruler of Oman and supported him financially. In fact, the British Government strengthened its ties with Sayed Toorkee regardless of the interest and tranquility of Oman. Oman had been already burdened with internal wars and disputes between the Omani tribes on one side and between the tribes and the Sultan of Muscat on one the other. Sayud Toorkee’s relation with the British Government was friendly, so he used to consult the British Political Agent in the Gulf frequently. Moreover, he signed a treaty in 1873 with the British Government for the abolition of the slave trade in return for the Zanzibar subsidies and due late payments that he had to fulfill. Another treaty was signed by the two parties in 1877 which stipulated that the Indian subjects would be equally treated as the British subjects in Oman in terms of their rights and duties. This had definitely led to increasing the political and military relations between Sayud Toorkee and the British Government. However, it had weakened his position among the Omani people. He had to face the pressure of the tribes and indulge into a conflict with his brother Abdul Azeez.

This continued until the British issued a proclamation in 1886 declaring that they would help Sayud Toorkee in repelling aggression during his lifetime. The declaration could deter tribal revolts and thereby prevent armed intervention against Sayud Toorkee. Accordingly, he managed to maintain his rule until his death in 1888.