Abstract: This file contains correspondence related to Muharram processions performed by the Shia community in Bahrain. Much of the correspondence relates to the logistics of the processions including details of their routes.In particular, the correspondence discusses the desire of foreigners resident in Bahrain to observe the processions and the complications that this caused. In this context, the file contains a copy of 'Instructions to be observed by those who wish to be present at future Muharram processions' written by Charles Belgrave, Adviser to the Government of Bahrain (ff 17-18). Also enclosed is a map of central Manama marking the area where Muharram processions occurred (folio 2).The file also contains an account written by Belgrave of disturbances that occurred during the Muharram processions of 1942 (ff 28-34).Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the back cover with 45; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 3-39; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled, and are located in the same position as the main sequence.
Abstract: The file contains correspondence in the form of letters sent between the Political Agency, Bahrain, and various Gulf rulers and shaikhs mainly on the occasions of ‘Eid al-Fitr and ‘Eid al-Adha between 1944 and 1950. A memorandum was sent by the Agency to the Naval Officer in charge that the Agency Flagstaff would be dressed on the occasions of the first day of each ‘Eid. ‘Eid greetings were sent by the Bahrain Political Agent in charge, including Tom Hickinbotham and Cornelius Pelly, and on behalf of the Political Residency in the Persian Gulf, to Gulf rulers and shaikhs including the Ruler of Bahrain (Hamad bin ‘Isa Al-Khalifah), the Ruler of Qatar (Shaikh Abdullah bin Jasim Al-Thani), and the Ruler of Dubai (Said bin Maktum).The Political Agent paid visits to the shaikhs of the ruling family in Bahrain as well as to the notables of Manama and Muharraq, including Muhammad Tayeb Khunji and Haji Yusuf bin Adul Rahman Fakhroo, during the ‘Eid festivals. The Residency Agent in Sharjah conveyed greeting letters between the Political Agent, Bahrain, and the Trucial Coast shaikhs. The Gulf rulers and shaikhs wrote back to the Political Agent thanking him for his ‘Eid greetings.Most of the correspondence in the file is in Arabic.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence for this description commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 400; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 2-146; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. A previous foliation sequence, which is present between ff 79-400 and is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.
Abstract: The file comprises: Eid (referred to as Id throughout) greetings sent during Id Adh-Dhuha [Eid-al-Adha] and Id Al Fitr [Eid-al-Fitr] by the Bahrain Political Agent (Lieutenant-Colonel Percy Gordon Loch) to the various rulers in the Persian Gulf, and letters in return giving thanks and acknowledging receipt of these greetings; arrangements for visits made by the Political Agent to members of the Bahrain ruling family and prominent Bahrain merchants during Eid; regulations concerning restrictions on activities such as eating, smoking and the playing of music during Ramadan, announced by the Government of Bahrain and Manama Municipality. The file’s correspondence covers the period 12 Sha’ban 1352 to 17 Dhu Al-Hijja 1354, according to the Islamic (Hijri) calendar.Aside from the Bahrain Political Agent, the file’s principal correspondents include: the Ruler of Bahrain, Shaikh Ḥamad bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah, and other members of the Āl Khalīfah family, including Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah and Shaikh Salmān bin Ḥamad Āl Khalīfah; the Ruler of Qatar, Shaikh ‘Abdullāh bin Jāsim Āl Thānī; the Amir of Hassa [al-Aḥsā’] Shaikh Saud bin ‘Abdullāh bin Jalawī Āl Sa‘ūd; the Ruler of Kuwait, Shaikh Aḥmad al-Jābir Āl Ṣabāḥ; the Ruler of Sharjah, Shaikh Sultan bin Saqr Āl Qāsimī.Included in the file is a set of instructions detailing the Bahrain Political Agent’s actions and calls for Eid (ff 258-259), and two greetings postcards sent by the Ruler of Sharjah, Shaikh Sultan bin Saqr Āl Qāsimī (ff 267-268).Correspondence in the file is chiefly in Arabic, with some accompanying English translations.Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 324; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 2-279 and ff 280-300; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: Notices and correspondence relating to the public holidays observed by, and working hours of, the Political Agency. The file is a direct chronological continuation of ‘File 16/43-I Miscellaneous. (i) Holidays observed by the Political Agency, Bahrain. (ii) Notes re: Daily Working Hours’ (IOR/R/15/2/1552).The file contains lists of holidays (Muslim, Christian, Hindu and general) for the years 1948-1950 (f 3, f 42, f 65). Holidays referred to in notices throughout the file include:Muslim holidays, including Muharram, ‘Id [‘Eid al-Fitr], ‘Id Ud Dhuha [‘Eid al-Adha], the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, Proclamation of the Prophet;Christian holidays (Christmas, Easter);Hindu holidays (Sheoratri [Shivratri], Holi, Dusserah [Dussehra], Deepavali [or Diwali]);general holidays (New Year’s Day, Empire Day, the King’s birthday, bank holidays);holidays commemorating specific events: Indian/Pakistan Independence Day; King George VI’s silver wedding anniversary.The file also contains correspondence dated 1949 between the Political Agent at Bahrain (Herbert George Jakins) and the Political Officer at Doha (John Arthur Wilton), the latter requesting from the former details of holidays that should be observed by the new British office in Doha (ff 55-57).Physical description: Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 118; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio.
Abstract: Notices, office notes and some correspondence relating to the public holidays observed by, and working hours of, the Political Agency. The notices in the file, signed by or on behalf of the Political Agent, were circulated to Bahrain Government representatives, administrative officials, and various commercial organisations in Bahrain, including the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO). The notices announce the closure of the Political Agency for various occasions, including:Christmas and New Year, Easter, the King and Emperor of India’s birthday and the anniversary of the King’s accession to the throne;Islamic holidays, including Muharram, ‘Id [‘Eid al-Fitr], ‘Id Ud Dhuha [‘Eid al-Adha], and the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday;other holidays, observed by specific members of Agency staff, including Deepavali [Diwali], Ashoora [Ashura] and the Iranian New Year Nauroz [Nowruz];events of import, including Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, in June 1945 and August 1945 respectively, and the death in 1942 of the Ruler of Bahrain, Shaikh Ḥamad bin ‘Īsá Āl Khalīfah (ff 133-135).Other office orders and notes in the file concern changes to the opening hours of the Agency, and duty rosters for urgent work during public holidays.A small number of notices in the file are in English with accompanying Arabic translation.Physical description: Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 240; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. Two additional foliation sequences are also present in parallel between ff 2-199, and ff 204-228; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled.
Abstract: Notices and memoranda from various institutions and commercial concerns in Bahrain, informing the Political Agency of office closures (in observance of Christian, Islamic, Jewish and Hindu festivals, bank holidays, and other occasions such as the King’s birthday) or changes to working hours. Notices were received from: the Government of Bahrain, including the Adviser to the Government (Charles Dalrymple Belgrave) and the Director of Customs (Claud Cranbrook Lewis DeGrenier, George William Reginald Smith); managers and other representatives of Eastern Bank Limited; the Manager of the Imperial Bank of Iran (referred to as the British Bank of Iran and the Middle East from 1949 onwards); representatives of Gray, Mackenzie and Company; representatives of the Bahrain Post Office; representatives of the Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO); and from 1947, the Political Residency in the Persian Gulf.A small proportion of letters in the file are notices from institutions (the Royal Navy) and commercial concerns (BAPCO, the Arabian-American Oil Company), informing the Political Agency of changes to personnel.Some notices are written in Arabic as well as in English.Physical description: Foliation: The foliation sequence commences at the front cover with 1 and terminates at the inside back cover with 414; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is also present in parallel between ff 2-252; these numbers are also written in pencil.