In February 2002, the then emir (ruler) of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa declared the country a Kingdom and named himself as its first king. This title brings a lot of interest among people of other nations to learn about the royal family. Understanding a bit about the history and how they came to be an independent country, and then a Kingdom is helpful in learning about the ruling family. Indeed, the country has a rich history, and the royal family is a solid part of that history. They are also a part of its history in the making.
History of Bahrain
The country’s history can be traced back to the Sumerian times 5,000 years ago. During the 7th century, the country accepted Islam and was at that time a Kingdom. After being occupied by the Portuguese, the country was captured in 1782 by the ancestors of the present ruling family, and it became a British colony. In 1971 Bahrain declared its independence and became the Sovereign State of Bahrain. A constitution was drafted, then dissolved. Return to that constitution in 2002 restored the country again as a Kingdom.
The Al Khalifa Family
The Bahrain Royal Family has successfully ruled the country since 1783. The family descended from the Anaza tribe of Al-Haddar, South Najd in Central Arabia. In 1708, the founder of the present Al-Khalifa family, Shaikh Khalifa bin Mohammed, separated from the clan when they settled the city of Kuwait. Eventually, Bahrain was captured and ruled by Al Khalifa family since 1783. Today about half of the cabinet ministers in Bahrain were selected from the royal family, and the Prime Minister is also a member of the family.
King of Bahrain
Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has been ruling Bahrain since 1999. He is the son of the previous emir, Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. He has a strong desire to preserve the heritage of the country while also encouraging tourism. His interests include falconry, golf, fishing, tennis, and football. He is well known for the political reforms he brought to the Kingdom which included the release of every political prisoner, beginning of women’s suffrage, and establishing parliament through elections.
The Crown Prince
Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa is the heir apparent to Bahrain’s king. He is also the commander of the defence force of the country. Additionally, he is the Honorary President of the Bahrain Motor Federation. It was his idea to build the famous Bahrain International Circuit where the annual Bahrain Grand Prix is held as well as many other motorsports, including an event of the Australian V8 Supercar Series. Salman has a strong passion for youth sports and has worked tirelessly to upgrade the facilities for the youth in Bahrain.
The current Bahrain Royal family is largely responsible for the increase in tourism seen around the island today. As the country has taken on more liberal stances than that of its neighbours, many more western tourists have begun to visit to enjoy the beautiful scenery, while fellow Middle Eastern tourists come in droves for an opportunity to catch a race, enjoy the mild night life and just let their hair down a bit.