Rivalry and Conflict in the Omani Town of Ibri between the Imamate and the Sultanate (1954 –1913)

Abstract

The town of Ibri, in Oman’s Al Dhahirah Governorate, witnessed a fierce rivalry between the prevailing political systems: the Sultanate and the Imamate. This conflict began in 1913 with confrontations between Sultan Faisal bin Turki (1888–1913) and tribes opposed to his rule, who supported the reinstatement of the Imamate. These events led to the re-establishment of the Ibadi Imamate after its fall in 1871. As a result, Oman experienced a dual system of governance—coastal regions under the Sultan, and the interior under the Imam.

Recognising Ibri’s strategic importance, both systems sought control over it. The contest began in 1913 and persisted until 1954, when Sultan Said bin Taimur (1932–1954) extended state authority over the town, ending the visible conflict. The struggle was further complicated by regional and international interests—particularly from Saudi Arabia and Britain—driven by ambitions for influence and access to potential oil resources, adding complexity to the conflict.

This study examines the nature of this rivalry and conflict in Ibri from 1913 to 1954, along with its broader effects on Oman’s political and social landscape. The study highlights the importance of documenting this key chapter in Omani history by tracing the causes, progression, and outcomes of the conflict. Using descriptive and analytical historical methods, the research concludes that Sultan Said’s success in unifying Ibri contributed significantly to Oman’s national consolidation, ending a long-standing period of internal division.