# Balush tribe

The Balush (Arabic: البلوش, romanized: al-Balūsh) singular Al Balushi (Arabic: البلوشي, romanized: al-Balūshī) are an Arab tribe residing in Eastern Arabia, primarily between the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman.

## Origins

The Balush of Dhahirah formed a significant part of the settled population in the regions between the fringe of the Trucial Coast and the Sultanate of Oman. These Balūsh should not be confused with the mercenaries from the former Omani territory of Makrān (now part of Pakistan) who served in the Al Bu Sa'id Sultan’s army as garrison forces, nor with the various groups from Makrān who settled along the coastal areas of Oman, including Muscat, the towns of the Bāṭinah, and the Trucial States, and were, since at least the 10th century, collectively known as Balūchis (about 1,400 Balūchis were recorded by the Gazetteer) working as traders and fishermen. While those groups retained their language, the Balūsh of Dhahirah belong to a distinct group settled in the southern Dhahirah. Though accepted as equals by the Arabs of the region, their claim of Qahtani descent is not widely acknowledged (this claim may stem from the idea that they are descended from the mixed Arab-Persian population of pre-Islamic 'Kerman'). They are organized along Arab tribal lines (although their population is only around 500; mainly settled, with a few nomads), and their prominent sub-section being Al 'Ismail. They maintain an exclusive dār centered around their capital Mazam, follow the Hanbali school of Sunni Islam, speak Arabic, not Baluchi, and have played a significant role in the politics of Dhahirah over the past centuries.

## Relations and conflicts

The Balūsh of Dhāhirah have traditionally supported the Hināwi tribal confederation of the Trucial States (who mainly reside in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Shamailīyah, and the most prominent faction being the Bani Yas), against their rivals, the Ghafiris. During Major Cox’s journey from Abu Dhabi to Muscat in 1902, he observed that the Balūsh of Dhāhirah had no direct communication with the Bāținah and that their trade, both import and export, was entirely conducted with Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This relationship helps explain their generally positive rapport with the Bani Yas, particularly the cooperation between their shaikh and the Al Bū Falāḥ (leading sub-section of the Bani Yas) in the Buraimi area.
In late 1905, a conflict arose between the Balūsh of Mazām and their former protectors, the Bani Qitab, during a time of shifting tribal loyalties. The trouble began when the settled branch of the Bani Qitab at Aflāj Bani Qitab attacked the Balūsh fort at Mazām. The Balūsh sought help from Shaikh Zāyid bin Khalifah of Abu Dhabi, who attempted to prevent the nomadic Bani Qitab from reinforcing their settled counterparts but was unsuccessful. Despite this, the Balūsh managed to hold out against the combined Bani Qitab forces. In February 1906, Shaikh Zāyid mobilized his forces, intending to claim blood money for the Balūsh casualties and confront the Bani Qitab. Meanwhile, the Bani Qitab sought assistance from Shaikh Rashid bin Ahmad of Umm al-Qaiwain, using the situation as a chance to challenge Zāyid’s influence over the tribal affairs of the region. In April 1906, to prevent further escalation, a meeting of the Trucial Shaikhs was convened at Khawānīj, near Dubai. This gathering resulted in a settlement, with a formal written agreement being drawn up to define the spheres of influence between Shaikh Zāyid and Shaikh Rashid. The resolution was reached when Shaikh Zāyid instructed Ahmad bin Hilal in Al-Ain to ensure the Bani Qitab made restitution for the losses suffered by the Balūsh. Zāyid wrote a letter to Ahmad bin Hilal, requesting that he assist Muhammad Al-Balushi in claiming the stolen property, whether it was of great or small value, ensuring the enforcement of the terms of the settlement.
In the 1950s, the Balush followed the example of their neighboring tribes, using their strategic importance to gain political leverage or secure generous subsidies from influential powers. At a time when oil prospecting began in their region, the Sultan of Oman and the King of Saudi Arabia showed a keen interest in the allegiance of these tribes. This interest became a bargaining point for the Balush, who sought to capitalize on the situation. Sa'id bin Rashid Al 'Ismail, the son of the shaikh of the Balush at 'Araqi, exemplified this strategy; he frequently visited Saudi Arabia and became one of the most vocal supporters of the Saudis in the area. His active support was part of a larger campaign, as evidenced by a declaration from him, which was collected at Hamasa on June 13, 1955, following the orders of Ibn Jiluwi. This declaration, which had little commentary, was written in the prescribed terms sent by the Governor in his previous message to Ibn Nami. Sa'id had long been receiving Saudi subsidies and played a crucial role in their subversive efforts.