Omani Resistance to the Portuguese Occupation of the Arabian Gulf

Abstract

           Oman has gone through difficult historical periods likewise the rest of the Arab Gulf regions from the fifteenth century until the mid-seventeenth century AD.  These difficult periods were due to the arrival of the first invading European powers in the Arab region represented by the state of Portugal. Here, it is necessary to shed the light on what had happened to these regions, especially in Oman, which is located at the entrances to the southern Arabian Gulf. This particular location made Oman an influential force that played a "prominent" role in global events and international relations.

    The historical events during the Portuguese invasion of Oman proved that Oman was suffering from political divisions resulting from sectarian and tribal disputes and repeated wars. These events created the appropriate climate for the Portuguese invaders and used them to stabilize what they were aiming to control, namely the Arab Gulf trade. Furthermore,  Portuguese invaders aimed at excluding the role of Arabs in international trade by controlling the vital corridors and besieging the Gulf ports from practicing any navigation and commercial activity that supports their economic, political and social advancement, these conditions made the Omanis look forward to find a strong leader who would save them from chaos and disruption and lead them towards political independence.