Sharjah (Inglis pronunciation: /ˈʃɑrdʒə/, Arabic: الشارقة Aš Šāriqah) is ane o the emirates o the Unitit Arab Emirates (UAE). The emirate covers 2,600 km² (1,003 mi²) an haes a population o ower 800,000 (2008). The emirate o Sharjah comprises the ceety o Sharjah (the seat o the emirate), an ither minor touns an enclaves such as Kalba, Dibba Al-Hisn an Khor Fakkan.
History
Historically, Sharjah wis ane o the walthiest touns in this region wi a dounset in existence for ower 5000 years.
In the early 18t century Al Qasimi clan established itsel in Sharjah, c. 1727 declarin Sharjah unthirldom.
On 8 Januar 1820, Sheikh Sultan I signed the General Maritime Treaty wi Breetain, acceptin a protectorate tae keep the Ottoman Turks oot. Like fower o its neighbours, Ajman, Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah, an Umm al-Qaiwain, its position on the route tae Indie made it important enough tae be recognizit as a salute state.
On 2 December 1971, Sheikh Khalid III jyned the Unitit Arab Emirates.
Emirates
The historically kent rulers wur:
- c. 1727 - 1777 Sheikh Rashid bin Matar bin Rahma Al Qasimi
- 1777 - 1803 Sheikh Saqr I bin Rashid Al Qasimi
- 1803 - 1840 Sheikh Sultan I bin Saqr Al Qasimi (first time)
- 1840 Sheikh Saqr bin Sultan Al Qasimi
- 1840 - 1866 Sheikh Sultan I bin Saqr Al Qasimi (second time) (died 1866)
- 1866 - 14 April 1868 Sheikh Khalid I bin Sultan Al Qasimi (died 1868)
- 14 April 1868 - March 1883 Sheikh Salim bin Sultan Al Qasimi (died 1919) - since 1869 jointly with the following:
- 1869 - 1871 Sheikh Ibrahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi
- March 1883 - 1914 Sheikh Saqr II bin Khalid Al Qasimi (died 1914)
- 13 April 1914 - 21 November 1924 Sheikh Khalid II bin Ahmad Al Qasimi
- 21 November 1924 - 1951 Sheikh Sultan II bin Saqr Al Qasimi (died 1951)
- 1951 - May 1951 Sheikh Muhammad bin Saqr Al Qasimi
- May 1951 - 24 June 1965 Sheikh Saqr III bin Sultan Al Qasimi (1925–1993)
- 24 June 1965 - 24 January 1972 Sheikh Khalid III bin Muhammad Al Qasimi (1931–1972)
- 25 January 1972 - 1972 Sheikh Saqr bin Muhammad Al Qasimi (acting)
- 1972 - 17 June 1987 Sheikh Dr. Sultan III bin Muhammad Al Qasimi (first time) (born 1939)
- 17 June 1987 - 23 June 1987 Sheikh `Abd al-`Aziz bin Muhammad Al Qasimi (1937–2004)
- 23 June 1987 - Sheikh Dr. Sultan III bin Muhammad Al Qasimi (seicont time)
