Royalty in Bahrain

Bahrain is a small archipelago (island group) in the Persian Gulf. It has been ruled by the al Khalifa dynasty since 1783. It became a British protectorate in the 19th century, and became independent in 1971.

The country's first elected parliament was suspended in 1975 by then-emir Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. Bahrain became a traditional monarchy.

In 1999, Sheikh Isa died suddenly of a heart attack. His son Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa assumed the throne and moved toward democratic reform.

Bahrain officially became a constitutional monarchy in 2002. It is now called the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Sheik Hamad's title has been changed from emir to king.

There is now a democratically elected parliament, although King Hamad has the right to appoint a consultative Shura council with legislative powers equal to those of parliament. Women can run for office. Political parties are still officially banned, but political societies can back candidates in elections.

News

• Twitter activists jailed in Bahrain for insulting king

King Hamad of Bahrain
Image source: Wikimedia Commons

• Prince Charles criticised over Bahrain housing deal
• Bahrain's king gifts Arabian horses to Queen Elizabeth II

• King hails historic UK links

• HM the King and British Queen honour showjumping winners

• Amid protests, Crown Prince urges "focus on what's positive"

Crown Prince Salman of Bahrain
Photo ©World Economic Forum
swiss-image.ch/Photo by Monika Flueckiger. License
Photo source: World Economic Forum

• Youths and police skirmish in Bahrain before Grand Prix
• Crown Prince admits faults as protests of Grand Prix continue

• Thousands of Bahrainis mount protest before Formula One

• HRH Crown Prince's Asian tour hailed

• Crown prince praises Japanese expertise

• Crown prince must prove himself by actions - Wefaq

• Naming of Bahrain crown prince as deputy PM raises hopes

• Teenager dies during pro-democracy protests in Bahrain

• Bahrain's Arab spring chapter is still being written

• Bahrain launches new round of national dialogue (video)

• HM King Hamad opens Military Museum

• Thousands demand reform in Bahrain: witnesses

• Bahrain's King Hamad hosts banquet for Jordan's king

• Bahrain reconciliation talks to start by early Feb - minister

• Bahraini princess facing multiple torture charges

• Bahrain king invites opposition to restart talks

• Bahrain police disperse anti-regime protest

• Bahrain verdict shows courts can't protect rights: groups

• Bahrain top court upholds sentences against uprising leaders

• Crown Prince attends graduation ceremony at military college

• King Hamad stresses tolerance in Bahrain
• Bahrain police tear gas Manama protest: witnesses
• HM King Hamad tours wildlife areas

• Royals exchange congratulations cables on National Day

• Bahrain sentences activist's daughter to one month jail

• Bahrain protesters demand ouster of King's uncle
• Bahrain crown prince urges talks with opposition

• Wife of King patronizes ceremony of Bahraini Women's Day

• King Hamad attends banquet hosted by Prince Charles

King Hamad of Bahrain (left) with British prime minister David Cameron in 2009
Photo © Crown Copyright. License
Photo source: The Prime Minister's Office

• Bahrain Twitter user imprisoned for defaming King Hamad

Books About Bahrain

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Related Topics

Royalty in the Middle East
Royalty in Saudi Arabia

Other Websites

Wikipedia - Al Khalifa Family
CIA World Factbook: Bahrain
Wikipedia - Consultative Council of Bahrain
Bahrain's Ninth al-Khalifa
Bahrain's Political Societies Profiled

Meriam Al Khalifa and Jason Johnson
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Princess and Ex-Marine to Divorce
Bahraini Princess and US Marine End 5-Year-Bond
Princess, Ex-Marine Not Happily Ever After