Iranian Nationality and Identity of Banu Ka’b Tribe on the Coasts of the Persian Gulf Between Iran and the Ottoman Empire

Banu Ka’b was one of the important and influential tribes playing a significant role in the relationships between Iran and the Ottoman Empire since the time of the Afsharid Dynasty until the signing of the second Erzurum Treaty during the reign of Mohammad Shah Qajar. Benefitting from the chaotic conditions in Iran during the rule of the inefficient Safavid, Zand, and Qajar governments, Banu Ka’b exploited its own independent rule over Fallahiyyah and some other regions to create some problems both on land and in the sea for Iranian and Ottoman governments and cause unrest on the coasts of the Persian Gulf. Relying on their military power, Banu Ka’b stood against Iranian Kings and the Pashas of Baghdad and Basra, who were appointed by the Ottomans and fought these two governments in the region. On the other hand, the East India Company of England, which was worried about Banu Ka’bs’ dominance over the Persian Gulf, began its enmity against it. Although this tribe dominated a limited area between the two countries and owned only one company, it managed to efficiently defend its territory. Since the members of Banu Ka’b lived in Iran and were Shi’ites, they were considered to be Iranian. Moreover, during the reign of the Afsharid and Zand dynasties, they mainly attacked Basra in the realm of the Ottoman Empire and the British East India Company. They also participated in Iranian Kings’ military campaigns against the Ottomans. After the disagreement between Iran and the Ottoman Empire during the Qajar period, the establishment of boundaries based on Erzurum treaties, and clarifying the status of border tribes, Banu Ka’b accepted the Iranian nationality because of their greater shared political and religious values and characteristics with Iranians.