Historical Timeline

Timeline of Bahrain

15 dated events spanning the recorded history of Bahrain.

Chronology

15 events spanning the history of Bahrain. BCE/CE dating.

1913
Treaty recognizing the independence of Bahrain
Britain and the Ottoman government sign a treaty recognizing the independence of Bahrain but the country remains under British administration.
1961
Sheikh Isa Bin-Salman Al Khalifah becomes ruler of Bahrain.
Sheikh Isa Bin-Salman Al Khalifah becomes ruler of Bahrain.
1970
Iran renounces its claim to sovereignty over Bahrain
Iran renounces its claim to sovereignty over Bahrain after a United Nations report shows that Bahrainis want to remain independent.
1971
Bahrain declares independence and signs a new treaty of friendship with Britain.
Bahrain declares independence and signs a new treaty of friendship with Britain.
1972
Elections are held for a Constituent Assembly
Elections are held for a Constituent Assembly.
1973
Constitution comes into force and elections are held
After the constitution comes into force on 6 December, elections are held on 7 December for a National Assembly, an advisory legislative body, with 44 members (14 cabinet members and 30 elected by male voters) .
1991
Bahrain participates in the coalition “Operation Desert Storm” against Iraq.
As part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Peninsula Shield Force, Bahrain participates in the coalition “Operation Desert Storm” against Iraq (the Gulf War).
1996
The government says it has uncovered a coup plot
The government says it has uncovered a coup plot by an Iranian-backed group, Hezbollah-Bahrain. Bahrain recalls its ambassador to Iran and downgrades its representation to charge d’affaires level.
1998
Bahrain provides military facilities for “Operation Desert Fox”.
Bahrain provides military facilities for “Operation Desert Fox”, the US and UK bombing campaign against Iraq.
2000
Emir appoints for the first time non-Muslims and women to the Consultative Council
Emir appoints for the first time non-Muslims and women to the Consultative Council, including four women - one of whom is a Christian - and a Jewish businessman.

2002
Bahrain turns itself into a constitutional monarchy
Bahrain turns itself into a constitutional monarchy and allows women to stand for office in a package of reforms.
2002
For the first time women vote
Local elections are held, Bahrain’s first poll for almost 30 years. For the first time women vote and stand as candidates, but fail to win a seat.
2002
Parliamentary elections held
Parliamentary elections held, the first for nearly 30 years. Authorities say the turnout was more than 50% despite a call by Islamists for a boycott.
2004
Nada Haffadh is made health minister
Nada Haffadh is made health minister. She is the first woman to head a government ministry. Bahrain and US sign free trade pact.
2006
A boat capsizes off the Bahrain coast
A pleasure boat capsizes off the Bahrain coast, claiming the lives of 58 passengers.

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Timeline of Bahrain

Chronology

Treaty recognizing the independence of Bahrain

Sheikh Isa Bin-Salman Al Khalifah becomes ruler of Bahrain.

Iran renounces its claim to sovereignty over Bahrain

Bahrain declares independence and signs a new treaty of friendship with Britain.

Elections are held for a Constituent Assembly

Constitution comes into force and elections are held

Bahrain participates in the coalition “Operation Desert Storm” against Iraq.

The government says it has uncovered a coup plot

Bahrain provides military facilities for “Operation Desert Fox”.

Emir appoints for the first time non-Muslims and women to the Consultative Council