Slavery in Kuwait 1921-1896 Documentary Study

The subject of slavery and its trade in the Arabian Gulf in general, and particularly in Kuwait, is one of the subjects that has not received much study and analysis to understand our modern and contemporary history despite the importance and scientific value of the subject. It appears that one of the reasons for not addressing this issue has its social and political sensitivity to the people of the region, as well as the unwillingness to raise problems related to the sale and purchase of slaves, and clarifying the roles of economic, social and political forces in this profitable, important and sensitive trade. Those who follow the history of the Arab Gulf - especially modern history - cannot ignore the sale and purchase of slaves and their enslavement and exploitation in the region, whether by local or foreign forces that wish to use slavery and its trade as an advantage to impose domination and influence and the importance of this subject is also that it is part of the history of the Gulf community. Therefore, its study, analysis and highlighting will result to understand the nature of political, economic, and social life in Kuwait within the time period specified for this study. The study in question highlights the history of slavery in the region in general and particularly in Kuwait, and covers the time period of the study in Kuwait from the year of 1986 to 1921, which was the beginning of rule of Sheikh Mubarak Sabah Al-Sabah and assuming powers in Kuwait, until Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has assumed powers (1921-1950) in Kuwait. The importance of this period lies in the fact that it highlights a period that is considered one of the most important periods in Kuwait’s modern and contemporary history, which is considered a start for the development and consolidation of Kuwait’s political and economic status and its distinction. The period of study witnessed the growth and development of Kuwait’s relations with the British government, the signing of the 1899 agreement, the consequent strengthening and development of Kuwait’s political status, and the economic growth that accompanied the period, and the arrival of Kuwaiti merchants and ships to regions in East Africa and India, as well as neighboring countries. The study also highlights slavery in Kuwait, the places from which slaves were brought, how to obtain and transport them, their sex (male or female) and the work they practiced, whether domestic or free work. We will also focus on selected models and highlight the slavery and enslavement that was practiced during this period, also clarifying the relationship of slaves to the countries from which they came and the neighboring countries. we will also show the importance of their integration into society, and the consequences that have contributed to making them part of the society. The study will depend on local writings, and interviews conducted with Kuwaiti men whose testimonies were recorded and documented by Kuwait historian Saif Marzouq Al-Shamlan and others, and British documents related to the subject of slavery in Kuwait which is kept in the Qatar National Library.