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The Al-Qasimi Dynasty

The Al-Qasimi dynasty of Yemen rose to prominence after the first Ottoman occupation of Arabia Felix in 1517. Qasim bin Muhammad was proclaimed as Imam in 1591 under the title of Al-Mansur Billah. His son and successer succeeded in expelling the Turks in 1636. Thereafter, the dynasty consolidated its power and extended its rule into South Arabia. However, dynastic quarrels over the succession sapped its powers during the eighteenth century, leaving local governors and deputies free to establish independent domains in various parts of the former Imamate. During a period of weakness, the Turks re-established themselves at Hodeida, ostensibly as part of their efforts to defeat the Wahhabis. They captured the capital, San'a in 1872. The Imams continued to receive the allegiance of the people in the countryside and in the northern fortified towns. The Turks were forced to accept the spiritual and temporal rule of Yahya bin Muhammad, head of the Hamid ud-din branch of the dynasty in 1913. However, he continued a passive opposition to Ottoman rule until the advent of the Arab revolt in 1916. In concert with the British and the Arabs, he instigated an armed revolt. Assuming the title of King in 1918, he was recognised as such by the European powers in 1926 and 1934. However, the country remained almost closed to the outside world, violence and rebellion continuing as if a national sport. Yahya, was himself assassinated in 1948 and an usurper proclaimed in his stead. Although defeated and beheaded, King Ahmad, Yahya's eldest son, faced several rebellions, including two serious revolts by two of his brothers. His death prompted a coup d'etat by pro-Nasser military officers against his eldest surviving son, Muhammad Al-Badr. This led to a long and bitter civil war between Royalists, supported by the Saudis, and republicans, supported by Egypt. Although a peace was established during the early 1970s the two sides have never been fully reconciled. Attempts at union with Egypt and South Arabia have not always pr

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