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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
King Hamad of Bahrain (left) with British prime minister David Cameron in 2009
Photo © Crown Copyright. License
Photo source: The Prime Minister's Office
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
Books About Bahrain
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Book topics: Bahrain, Dilmun, Middle East
Bahrain
First Light: Modern Bahrain and Its Heritage by Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifah. The author is Bahrain's current king.
The Life and Times of Shaikh Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa by Andrew Wheatcroft is a biography of the emir who reigned in Bahrain from 1942 to 1961. Sheikh Salman was the grandfather of Bahrain's current king.
The Making of the Modern Gulf States by Rosemarie Said Zahlan. Explores the history of the royal families of Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
Bahrain Mini Explorer: The Essential Visitor's Guide by Explorer Publishing. Travel guide.
Dilmun
Dilmun and Its Gulf Neighbours by Harriet E. W. Crawford. The kingdom of Dilmun is believed to have been located in Bahrain around 2000 BC.
The Dilmun Temple at Saar: Bahrain and Its Archaeological Inheritance edited by Harriet Crawford and Robert Killick.
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
Princess-Marine Love Story Ends
Princess and Ex-Marine to Divorce
Bahraini Princess and US Marine End 5-Year-Bond
Princess, Ex-Marine Not Happily Ever After
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