Al Ghardaqa (Arabic: آل غردقة / English: House of Ghardaqa) is an Arabian aristocratic family. The Al Ghardaqa family refers to the current members of the historical House of Uyunid (Uyunid dynasty) of Bin Abd al-Qays [1] of Weill Bin Rabia Bin Nizar Bin Ma'ad Bin Adnan and belonging to Bani Juhav.[2] They were the sole rulers and the namesake of the Uyunid Emirate from 1076 to 1253, approximately 200 years, which was in the east of the Arabian Peninsula between the fifth and seventh centuries AH (eleventh and thirteenth centuries CE). Their descendants now live in Al-Mubarraz, Al-Hasa, (Saudi Arabia) as well as in Ar Rams, Ras al-Khaimah, (United Arab Emirates).

Historical Background

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The Al Ghardaqa family traces its lineage back to the Uyunid dynasty, a prominent ruling family in Eastern Arabia during the 11th to 13th centuries CE.[3] The Uyunids were influential in the Arabian Gulf region, known for their contributions to the spread of Islam, development of trade routes, and the flourishing of cultural and intellectual life. The dynasty is noted for its strategic alliances and governance style that integrated various tribal groups, which helped stabilize and expand their rule.[4]

The family is part of the larger tribal confederation of Bin Abdul Qays, specifically linked to Weill Bin Rabia Bin Nizar Bin Ma'ad Bin Adnan, and belongs to Bani Juhav.[5] This ancestry places the Al Ghardaqa family within a historically significant genealogical framework, reflecting their longstanding presence and influence in the region.[6]

Meaning of the Name Al Ghardaqa

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The name "Al Ghardaqa" has its origins in classical Arabic literature. According to "Tahdhib Al-Lughah" by Azhari, "Al Ghardaqa" refers to the covering of night that envelops everything.[7] It is also associated with the "Gharqad" plant, a type of thorny shrub found in desert environments. In "Al-Qamus Al-Muhit," "Gharqad" is described as a shrubbery belonging to the eggplant family, known for its fragrant flowers and edible fruit.[8]

Cultural and Political Influence

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The Uyunid dynasty, to which the Al Ghardaqa family belongs, played a critical role in shaping the cultural and political landscape of Eastern Arabia. They fostered a rich environment for the arts and sciences, contributing to the intellectual and cultural renaissance of the region during the medieval period.[9] The dynasty's strategic marriages and alliances with other ruling families helped cement their influence across the Arabian Peninsula.

Descendants and Current Location

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Descendants of the Al Ghardaqa family now primarily reside in Al-Mubarraz, Al-Hasa in Saudi Arabia, and Ar Rams, Ras al-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates.[10] These areas have historically been associated with the Uyunid dynasty and continue to be centers of heritage for the family.[11]

Modern Contributions

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In modern times, the Al Ghardaqa family has maintained its prominence through various contributions to the socio-economic and political fabric of the Gulf region. Members of the family have been involved in business, cultural initiatives, and regional diplomacy, reflecting their enduring legacy and adaptation to contemporary societal changes.[12] [13] [14] [15]

Notable Members

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Sheikh Kleib Al Ghardaqa

Kleib Al Ghardaqa, also known as Kulaib bin Ghardaqa, was a historical figure whose influence dates back to the 10th Hijri century. He is considered a key ancestor within the Al Ghardaqa lineage, reflecting the family's deep historical roots.[5]

Sheikh Mohammad bin Kleib Al Ghardaqa

Son of Kleib, Mohammad bin Kleib Al Ghardaqa played a significant role in maintaining the family's legacy and managing family properties, further cementing the family's status in the region.[11]

The Scholar Saad bin Mohammad Al Ghardaqa

A renowned Maliki scholar from Al-Ahsa, Sheikh Saad bin Mohammad Al Ghardaqa was recognized for his teachings in jurisprudence, Hadith, and Sufism. His scholarly contributions have left a lasting impact on Islamic education in the region. [12] [16] [17]

Sheikh Mohammad bin Saad Al Ghardaqa

Known for his scholarly pursuits, Sheikh Mohammad bin Saad Al Ghardaqa was a key figure in the family's migration to Ras Al Khaimah, where he contributed to educational and religious activities.[6]

Prince Abdulaziz bin Muhammad Al Ghardaqa

One of the prominent figures in the family's history is Prince Abdulaziz bin Muhammad Al Ghardaqa or Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ghardaqa was a prominent military leader and ruler of Al-Ahsa, known for his strategic leadership and contributions to the expansion of the Saudi state. His legacy includes his role as the General Commander in Oman.[18] He played a significant role in regional military affairs during the early 19th century. According to historical records, he was killed in 1225 AH (1810).[4] However, some sources, such as "The History of the United Arab Emirates" (c 1 330), indicate that his death occurred in 1228 AH (1813).[2] This discrepancy highlights the challenges of documenting precise historical events in the region.

Prince Saad bin Mohammad Al Ghardaqa

Saad bin Mohammad Al Ghardaqa was a leader known for his administrative skills and contributions to the stability and governance of the Al-Ahsa region.[5] [19]

Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammad Al Ghardaqa

An ancestor of the current Al Ghardaqa family in Al-Mubarraz, Abdullah bin Mohammad Al Ghardaqa is known for his involvement in regional politics and governance.[11]

Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammad Al Ghardaqa

A key figure in the family's establishment in the UAE, Abdulrahman bin Mohammad Al Ghardaqa was known for his wealth, influence, and charitable works.[20]

Sheikh Ahmad bin Abdulaziz Al Ghardaqa

Ahmad bin Abdulaziz Al Ghardaqa was known for his dedication to charity and his efforts in maintaining family endowments and properties.[21]

Sheikh Ali bin Abdulrahman Al Ghardaqa

Ali bin Abdulrahman Al Ghardaqa was a prominent figure in Ras Al Khaimah, known for his wealth, properties, and contributions to the community.[5]

The Al-Ghardaqa Family in Ottoman Archives

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Ottoman archival documents for the Al-Ahsa region mention the Al-Ghardaqa family's properties and influence. These records provide historical insights into their landholdings, social status, and contributions to the region's development.[22]

References

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  1. ^ آل غردقة, حسن علي عبدالرحمن (2005), تاريخ عبد القيس وميراثها العلمي والأدبي إلى القرن الثالث عشر الهجري (in Arabic), مركز الإمارات للتراث والتاريخ
  2. ^ a b Matthews, Charles D. (2010), Genealogies of Eastern Arabia: Tracing the Lineages, Cambridge University Press
  3. ^ Al-Ajami, Abdullah bin Saleh (2005), The Uyunid Dynasty: The Rise and Fall of an Arabian Power, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah
  4. ^ a b Al-Muhanna, Saud (2015), الأنساب في الخليج العربي: دراسة في الأصول والتفرعات [Genealogies in the Arabian Gulf: A Study of Origins and Branches] (in Arabic), Al-Rafid Publishing
  5. ^ a b c d Al-Jassir, Hamad (1983), Jamharat Ansab Al-Usar Al-Mutahaddirah fi Najd [Encyclopedia of Lineages of Settled Families in Najd] (in Arabic), Dar Al-Yamamah
  6. ^ a b Al-Hamad, Mohammed (1998), تاريخ البحرين في عهد العيونيين [The History of Bahrain During the Uyunid Era] (in Arabic), Al-Manar Publishing
  7. ^ Azhari, Muhammad bin Ahmed (2001), Tahdhib Al-Lughah [The Refinement of Language] (in Arabic), Dar Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah
  8. ^ Al-Firuzabadi, Majd Al-Din (2005), Al-Qamus Al-Muhit (in Arabic), Muassasat Al-Risala
  9. ^ Al-Mubarak, Fatima (2018). "The Uyunid Legacy in Eastern Arabia". Journal of Arabian Studies. 12 (3): 45–67. doi:10.1080/21534764.2018.1529385 (inactive 2024-08-10).{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of August 2024 (link)
  10. ^ الظاهري, أبو عبد الرحمن بن عقيل (2004). أنساب الأسر الحاكمة في الأحساء (in Arabic). دار المنار للنشر. ISBN 9789960340562.
  11. ^ a b c Al-Tamimi, Nasser (2013), Family Histories and Lineages of the Gulf, Gulf Research Center
  12. ^ a b Al-Faisal, Hassan (2019). "الجذور الأسرية للعائلات الخليجية [The Ancestral Roots of Gulf Families]". مجلة الدراسات الخليجية [Journal of Gulf Studies] (in Arabic). 15 (2): 89–105.
  13. ^ Al Ghardaqa, Hassan Ali Abdulrahman (2022). The Maritime Heritage in the UAE: Elements and Components (in Arabic). Sharjah Institute for Heritage. ISBN 9789948046103.
  14. ^ Noor Library (2024). "Shabeeb bin Ghardaqa and Historical Figures". Noor Library. Retrieved 2024-08-10.
  15. ^ Al Ghardaqa, Hassan Ali Abdulrahman (2021). The Emirati Encyclopedia of Traditional Crafts (in Arabic). Sharjah Institute for Heritage. ISBN 9789948253167.
  16. ^ Al-Jabouri, Sultan bin Nasser (1138), Ijaazah Sheikh Sultan bin Nasser Al-Jabouri to Saad bin Muhammad bin Ghardaqa (in Arabic), Al-Ahsa: Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs
  17. ^ مخطوطة إجازة لسعد بن محمد بن غردقة (in Arabic), الكويت: وزارة الأوقاف الكويتية, 1228
  18. ^ Sadleir, George (1819), An Account of the Arabs in the Gulf: 1795-1813, Oxford University Press
  19. ^ Al-Ateeqi, Saleh bin Saif (1768), Real Estate Transaction Involving Saleh bin Saad bin Muhammad bin Ghardaqa (in Arabic), Al-Ahsa: National Archive of Saudi Arabia
  20. ^ Al-Zahiri, Abu Abdul Rahman bin Aqil (2004). Ansab Al-Usar Al-Hakimah fi Al-Ahsa [Lineages of the Ruling Families in Al-Ahsa] (in Arabic). Al-Manar Publishing. ISBN 9789960340562.
  21. ^ Al-Faisal, Hassan (2019), "الجذور الأسرية للعائلات الخليجية [The Ancestral Roots of Gulf Families]", مجلة الدراسات الخليجية [Journal of Gulf Studies] (in Arabic), 15 (2): 89–105
  22. ^ {{cite|last=Sabban |first=Suhail |title=Lands and Farms of Al-Ahsa Under Miri Ownership |publisher=Al-Ahsa Literary Club |year=2010

See Also

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