Bahrain, Usfurid

The Usfurids are an Arab dynasty that in 1253 gains control of eastern Arabia, including the islands of Bahrain.

They are a branch of the Banu Uqayl tribe of the Banu Amir group, and are named after the dynasty’s founder, Usfur ibn Rashid.

They are initially allies of the Qarmatians and their successors, the Uyunids, but eventually overthrow the latter and seize power themselves.

The Usfurids' takeover comes after Uyunid power is weakened by invasion in 1235 by the Salgharid Atabeg of Fars.The Usfurids have an uneasy relationship with the main regional power at the time, the Persian princes in Hormuz, who take control of Bahrain and Qatif in 1320.

However, the Hormuzi rulers do not seem to have firm control of the islands, and during the 14th century Bahrain is disputed as numerous neighbors seek tribute from the wealth accumulated from its pearl fisheries.

It the 15th century, another branch of the Banu Amir emerges, the Jabrids, who build a more stable polity in eastern Arabia.

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