Sheikh Salman bin Sultan Al-Kaabi, Ruler of Al-Ahwaz in the 18th Century
The Arab state of Al-Ahwaz, occupied by Tehran in 1925, stands as one of the most significant Arab territories under occupation in modern history.
Historians often refer to it as the “Second Palestine,” a center of civilization and wealth located on the eastern shores of the Arabian Gulf.
The “Bani Kaab” family was among the most prominent ruling dynasties of Al-Ahwaz during the 20th century, until the Iranian occupation in 1925, following the battles led by Sheikh Khazal Al-Kaabi, who was martyred in Iranian prisons.
One of the most notable rulers of Al-Ahwaz in the 18th century was Sheikh Salman bin Sultan Al-Nasiri Al-Kaabi, Emir of Al-Ahwaz (1737–1767). He is renowned for the famous”Battle of Umm Al-Touk” against British colonial forces.
During the reign of Sheikh Salman bin Sultan Al-Kaabi, Al-Ahwaz witnessed significant progress and prosperity. He focused on reforms, development, and infrastructure, including digging canals, constructing irrigation systems, building dams, and organizing agriculture.
On the military front, Sheikh Salman successfully established a naval fleet to defend Al-Ahwaz against external threats and ambitions.
In 1747, Sheikh Salman relocated the capital of his emirate from Qabban to the city of Al-Falahiya in Dorq after fierce battles against Persian invaders.
In May 1765, he repelled an Ottoman attack on the Kaab tribe. The naval fleet of Al-Ahwaz at the time managed to capture several Ottoman ships, forcing their forces to retreat to Basra.
Additionally, Al-Ahwaz’s fleet engaged the British fleet of the East India Company, defeating them and capturing two ships, the”Sally” and the”Yacht”, which were brought back to Qabban.
Sheikh Salman spent most of his rule strengthening the foundations of Al-Ahwaz and safeguarding its independence, while also achieving numerous developmental and economic advancements.
Sheikh Salman Al-Kaabi passed away in 1767, after which the leadership of Al-Ahwaz passed to his descendants.
One of his most prominent successors was Sheikh Khazal Al-Kaabi, the last Emir of the Arab State of Al-Ahwaz, who ruled just before the Iranian occupation under Reza Shah Pahlavi.
The Bani Kaab tribe traces its lineage back to Kaab bin Amer bin Rabia bin Sa’sa’a of Bani Adnan. It remains one of the most significant Arab tribes that settled in southwestern Al-Ahwaz, with a particularly large presence in the city of Mohammara.
