The political history of al-ahwaz: iranian occupation, Colonialism, and the ahwazi people’s struggle

The Arab state of Al-Ahwaz, located on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, is one of the regions rich in natural and cultural resources, playing a pivotal role in the history of the Arabian Gulf.
The political history of Al-Ahwaz is filled with complex events of occupation, colonialism, and the Ahwazi people’s struggle for independence and freedom.

This report highlights key historical milestones and struggles experienced in this region.
In the 18th century, the Ka’b tribes emerged as a prominent political and military force in the Arabian Gulf region between 1757 and 1760. The Ka’b leaders built a large naval fleet and refused to align with the Ottomans or the Persians, maintaining relative independence.

In the 1760s, these tribes secured their independence from Basra during the reign of Persian ruler Karim Khan, further solidifying their power in the region. The Ka’bians became dominant in the waters and on the Shatt al-Arab, imposing taxes on ships and companies operating in the area for over a decade.

However, this independence was not immune to external threats. The British East India Company imposed a naval blockade on the Ka’bians for two years (1766–1768) in an attempt to control trade in the region (Erickson, 2014). Despite British colonial attempts and Ottoman pressure, the Ka’bians managed to preserve their identity and autonomy.

The city of Mohammerah served as the central hub and the heart of the Ka’b Emirate, also known as the Emirate of Mohammerah or the Emirate of Arabistan.

In the 20th century, Al-Ahwaz was subjected to direct Iranian occupation in 1925, during which the Ahwazi people’s autonomy was abolished, and they faced cultural and economic oppression. As a result, various resistance movements emerged among the Ahwazi people, demanding their political and cultural rights.

These movements continue to seek the restoration of Ahwazi identity and the cessation of discriminatory policies practiced by the Iranian occupation authorities.