The Origin of Kuwait

The importance of the Arabian Gulf and Kuwait in history or in the international relations and international trade in particular stretches back to the old distant ages. The present land of Kuwait was located within the Arabian middle lands of the State of Kendah which emerged during the period from the third to the fifth century A.D.

The archeological excavation commenced by the effort of the Danish mission in Failaka Island in 1958, proved that an ancient historical civilization existed in Kuwait. The present land of the Sate of Kuwait is connected in the west to the Arabian Peninsula which is an inseparable part of it. Also from the sea side, it forms as a part of the Arabian Gulf Coast. On that basis, the ancient and middle history was firmly related to the Arabia Peninsula, its residents and the Gulf area.

At the end of the 9th century to the end of 11th Century AD., the region of Kuwait was integrated with a great part of Arabian Peninsula within the strong State of Al-Karamitah which threatened the Abassied Caliphate in Baghdad. After the collapse of that State, which many historians described as "the first socialist state in the history", a group of local and tribal emirates emerged and continued to the end of the 15th Century. The port of Kazdhema on the coast of Kuwait served as the nautical gate to the east side of Arabian Peninsula during that period.

Kuwait's emergence as an independent political entity dates back more than 380 years ago, to 1613. This has been established by new research initiated by the Kuwaiti government after the liberation of the country from the Iraqi invasion. According to Dr Abdallah Al-Ghoneim, the President of the Centre for Kuwaiti Research and Studies the new research proves that Kuwait existed as early as 1613 and not 1752 as formerly believed. 

This was substantiated by other evidence also. In a letter found in the British archives, addressed by Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah in 1913 to the British Political Resident, the former says "Kuwait is a land of the poor in which our grandfather Al-Sabah dwelled in 1613." Evidence also includes a letter sent by Oman's Imam Naser Bin Murshed in the 1730s to the Kuwaiti government, appealing for help against the Portuguese. Kuwait had then sent two ships loaded with weapons and ammunition.

Kuwait Hala February

The Hala February festival is an annual event that takes place in Kuwait during the month of February which is considered one of the distinct month in Kuwait as it coincides with Kuwait's National and Liberation Days. It is also a time when parched sands of the desert transform into a magical green carpet covered with blossoming, colourful flora. The arrival of migratory birds and seasonal animals during this time add further colour, elegance and beauty to the desert. Springtime is the tourists' season in Kuwait when visitors are especially welcomed for a month long celebrations of a cultural and entertainment extravaganza in response to popular demand for tourism and local populace. Many activities and festival are organized, special offers and discounts, daily prizes, musical parties, variety shows, cultural activities and folk arts are held. In addition, local and international level teams participate in sport activities.

Hala Festival is a great opportunity for young and old alike to participate in this kaleidoscope of events featuring cultural festivals, shopping carnivals, visit tourist spots, and win prizes at the many raffles and contests held during the time period. It is an important and a remarkable event among the Arab and Gulf festivals.