Timeline of Kuwait

Chronology

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

1. 700

   Kuwait became a part of the Abbasid empire.

   Kuwait became a part of the Abbasid empire.

2. 1600

   North-east portion of Arabian peninsula becomes part of the Turkish Ottoman empire.

   North-east portion of Arabian peninsula becomes part of the Turkish Ottoman empire.

3. 1700

   Settlers arrive at the site of present-day Kuwait City

   Settlers arrive at the site of present-day Kuwait City from the interior of the Arabian peninsula. The settlement grows into a bustling trading hub by the early 1800s.

4. 1756

   Kuwait comes under the control of the Al-Sabah family, predecessors of Kuwait’s present rulers.

   Kuwait comes under the control of the Al-Sabah family, predecessors of Kuwait’s present rulers. A degree of semi-autonomy from Ottoman Turkey prevails.

5. 1899

   Kuwait became a British protectorate.

   Kuwait became a British protectorate.

6. 1913

   The boundary between Iraq and Kuwait was defined.

   The boundary between Iraq and Kuwait was defined.

7. 1937

   Oil was found in Kuwait.

   Large oil reserves discovered by the US-British Kuwait Oil Company. Exploitation is delayed by World War II, but thereafter fuels the country’s development into a modern commercial center.

8. 1961

   Kuwait Independence

   Kuwait becomes independent with the end of the British protectorate; the sheikh becomes an emir. The country joins the Arab League. Iraq renews claims that Kuwait is part of its territory but backs down after British military intervention.

9. 1963

   Elections held for National Assembly, under terms of newly-drafted constitution.

   Elections held for National Assembly, under terms of newly-drafted constitution.

10. 1980

    Iran-Iraq war: Kuwait supports Iraq strategically and financially.

    Iran-Iraq war: Kuwait supports Iraq strategically and financially.