‘Report on the administration of the Persian Gulf Political Residency and Muscat Political Agency for the year 1882-83.’ [‎422v] (31/166)

ADMINISTRATION REPORT OF THE PERSIAN GULP POLITICAL
In 1856 Seyyid Sa'eed died at the Seychelles islands on his way to
Zanzibar at the age of 65 years.
On the decease of Seyyid Sa'eed-bin-Sultan, the eldest survivino- son
Thoweynee-bin-SH'eed. government of 'Oman ;
Majia, who was the fourth surviving son, suc
ceeding to the government of the African possessions. It was agreed
between the two that Seyyid Majid should compensate Seyyid Thoweynee
for the superior richness of the Zanzibar inheritance by paying an annual
sum of 40,000 dollars to Muscat, but Seyyid Majid having subsequentlv
refused to abide by this agreement, Seyyid Thoweynee prepared to attack
Zanzibar, which place the Arabs of the 'Oman could have easily subdued.
The dispute was settled in 1860 by the arbitration of the British
Government, which decided that the Ruler of Zanzibar should pay the
Ruler of Muscat a yearly sum of 40,000 dollars without prejudice to the
complete independence of the former. This decision was well received
by both the brothers and continued to be acted on without interruptioa
until the death of Seyyid Thoweynee.
Meantime Seyyid loorkee, the third son of Seyyid Sa'eed, remained
in his government of Sohar by no means satisfied with his position.
He was pacified only through the mediation of the British Govern-
ment.
^zzan-bin-Keis also caused uneasiness to Seyyid Thoweynee
by his intrigues with the Wahabees, who, in 1865, overran'Oman to
the eastern coast and plundered Soor. The British (Government there
upon encouraged Seyyid Thoweynee to resist, to the best of his power,
the aggression of the ^ ahabees, and His Highness proceeded to Sohar
to make preparations. There, in 1866, he was murdered by his son
Salim, who immediately rode to Muscat and seized the reins of power
Seyyid Toorkee was rescued at Sohar by the opportune arrival of the
British Resident, else he would probably have shared Thovveynee's fate.
Seyyid Salim s title to be Ruler of 'Oman was quickly disputed by
Seyyid-Salim-bin -lhowey- his uncle Seyyid Toorkee, who would doubtless
nee . have succeeded but for certain interference on the
paifc of tliG British (joveriiment, which had meantime (1^66) recognised
Salim as liuler of 'Oman. After capturing Matrah in 1867, and reduc
ing Salim to abject panic, Seyyid Toorkee was induced to accept a
pension and reside in India.
In October 1S68, Seyyid 'Azzan-bin-Keis, a bold and able leader,
suddenly seized Muscat, and the Government of India having decided
not to afford Salirn active assistance, the latter had to fly. Subsequent
attempts of Seyyid Salim to recover 'Oman signally failed, and he died
eventually of small-pox in Sind.
Seyyid Azzan-bin-Keis proved a vigorous ruler, and reduced the whole
Seyyid 'Azzau-bin-Keis country to obedience, ejecting the Wahabees
T am i • j from Bereymee. He was, however, in the hands
ot a bigoted priesthood headed by the'well-known Sa'eed-bin-Khalfan,
Elkhaleylee, who was his chief adviser in all matters. The intolerance of
the Mettowwas gave much offence in Muscat, and probably prevented
the recognition of Seyyid 'Azzan's government by the British. By the
priests Seyyid 'Azzau was formally proclaimed " Imam " of the true
believers; meaning the Ibadhi sect, the only case in which the title has
been used by rulers of 'Oman in recent times.
In the beginning of 1870 'Abdullah-bin-Peysal, the Wahabee