Methods of the Portugese in confronting the Omani Resistance before the emergence of the Ya'ariba State (1507-1624 AD)

Document Type : Original Article

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Abstract

In 1507, the Omani coast was occupied by the Portuguese, who controlled the main cities and succeeded in making many changes, especially from the political and economic aspects. This enabled them to stay in Oman until 1650 AD when they were finally expelled from Oman during the reign of Imam Sultan bin Saif bin Malik Al-Yarubi (1649-1680 AD).
The Portuguese followed many methods tosucceed in prolonging and expanding their influence in Oman, and in weakening the Omani Arab resistance before 1624 AD, the year of the establishment of the Ya'ariba state (1624-1744 AD) in Oman. They exploited their financial capabilities to attract Arab and Omani leaders to their ranks and influence them through gifts and assigning local government to some Arab and Omani personalities, provided that their loyalty is to the king of Portugal.
In addition, there was direct military support for the Portuguese from some Arab and Omani figures in the revolutions in the Gulf region and Oman, such as what happened in the revolution of 1521 AD, which weakened the success of these revolutions. Besides the dedication of some figures to enhance the financial resources of the Portuguese, enabled them to maintain their strong influence. The situation was made worse using the Portuguese by some Omani figures against other Omani forces when direct alliances existedwhich weakened the Omani resistance.
The Portuguese also took advantage of the deteriorating political situation, the lack of unified Omani resistanceand the country's division into regions and towns to consolidate their influence.
Accordingly, this research comes to reveal the manifestations of the measures taken by the Portuguese to weaken the resistance before the establishment of the Ya'ariba state in 1624 AD

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