Events on February 22 in history

Bahraini uprising: Tens of thousands of people march in protest against the deaths of seven victims killed by police and army forces during previous protests.

The 2011 Bahraini Uprising: A Cry for Change in the Gulf

The year 2011 marked a tumultuous period across the Middle East and North Africa, a wave of popular protest collectively known as the Arab Spring. Amidst this revolutionary fervor, the small but strategically important Persian Gulf nation of Bahrain experienced its own significant upheaval: the 2011 Bahraini uprising. This sustained series of anti-government protests, primarily led by Bahrain's Shia-dominant opposition but also including some Sunni minorities, spanned from 2011 until 2014, reflecting deep-seated grievances and a powerful desire for change. Its initial sparks were drawn from the successful uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, themselves ignited by the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi, a stark symbol of popular frustration.

Initially, the protests in Bahrain aimed for greater political freedom and more equitable representation for the country's sizable 70% Shia population. However, the movement rapidly escalated to daily clashes, particularly after the government's swift and often brutal repression of the revolt, bolstered by the intervention of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and its Peninsula Shield Force. This intervention, a regional security initiative, effectively quashed the nascent stages of the revolution.

Escalation at Pearl Roundabout and "Bloody Thursday"

The capital city of Manama became the focal point of the uprising, with protesters establishing a prolonged encampment at the iconic Pearl Roundabout. This central plaza quickly transformed into the very heart of the dissent, a symbol of the people's aspirations. The demands of the protesters broadened significantly following a deadly night raid on February 17, 2011, which targeted activists at the Pearl Roundabout. This tragic event, locally remembered as "Bloody Thursday," catalyzed a shift in the movement's objectives: what began as a call for reform soon morphed into a demand for the end of the monarchy under King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

A month into the uprising, facing persistent demonstrations, the Bahraini government requested regional assistance. On March 14, 2011, approximately 1,000 troops from Saudi Arabia and 500 from the United Arab Emirates, acting under the GCC's mandate, entered Bahrain. Their arrival spelled the effective end of the initial uprising. The very next day, King Hamad declared martial law and imposed a three-month state of emergency. The bustling Pearl Roundabout was forcibly cleared of protesters, and, in a symbolic act of erasing the memory of the protests, its iconic central monument was controversially demolished.

The Long Shadow of Dissent and Crackdown

Despite the initial suppression and the lifting of the state of emergency on June 1, 2011, the spirit of dissent in Bahrain was far from extinguished. Occasional, yet often substantial, demonstrations persisted. The main opposition party, the Al Wefaq National Islamic Society, played a crucial role in organizing weekly protests, frequently drawing tens of thousands onto the streets. Notable gatherings included one on March 9, 2012, which reportedly saw over 100,000 participants, and another on August 31 that same year, again attracting tens of thousands.

Beyond these large-scale events, daily smaller-scale protests and clashes continued, primarily concentrated outside Manama's core business districts. However, the human cost was tragically high. By April 2012, more than 80 individuals had lost their lives. The government's response to these demonstrations was widely condemned, described by human rights organizations as a "brutal" crackdown on "peaceful and unarmed" protesters, a group that shockingly included medical professionals and bloggers. Police tactics involved midnight house raids in Shia neighborhoods, arbitrary beatings at checkpoints, and even the denial of medical care, all part of a widespread campaign of intimidation. Over 2,929 people were arrested, and at least five individuals reportedly died in police custody due to torture. In early July 2013, Bahraini activists signaled their ongoing commitment to reform by calling for major rallies on August 14 under the banner of "Bahrain Tamarod," or "Bahrain Rebellion."

The March of Loyalty to Martyrs: A Pivotal Moment

Among the many demonstrations, one protest stood out for its sheer scale and peaceful nature: the March of Loyalty to Martyrs (Arabic: مسيرة الوفاء للشهداء), held on February 22, 2011, in Manama. This march, one of the largest during the entire uprising, drew tens of thousands of participants. Its poignant name honored the seven victims who had been killed by police and army forces in earlier protests, transforming their sacrifice into a rallying cry for justice.

The procession stretched between Bahrain Mall and the Pearl Roundabout, a powerful visual statement. Protesters proudly carried Bahrain's national flag, voicing demands for the fall of the government, the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, and other significant reforms, with some even calling for the outright end of the existing regime. Organizers hailed it as the largest march in the country's history, with estimates suggesting over 100,000 participants – a remarkable figure representing roughly a fifth of all Bahraini citizens – though other sources offered varying estimations. What made this march particularly striking was the reported participation of public servants, including ambulance drivers, police officers, and even army personnel. Crucially, in contrast to the violence that often marred other demonstrations, security forces were notably absent, allowing the March of Loyalty to Martyrs to unfold peacefully, a testament to the people's organized resolve.

FAQs About the 2011 Bahraini Uprising

What was the 2011 Bahraini Uprising?

The 2011 Bahraini Uprising was a series of anti-government protests that began in Bahrain in 2011, inspired by the broader Arab Spring movements. It was primarily led by the Shia-dominant opposition seeking greater political freedoms and equality, and continued until 2014.

What were the main causes of the uprising?

The protests were driven by demands for greater political freedom, equality for the Shia majority, and an end to perceived discrimination. The brutal repression of initial peaceful demonstrations, including "Bloody Thursday" at Pearl Roundabout, escalated demands to include calls for an end to the monarchy.

What was the significance of Pearl Roundabout?

Pearl Roundabout in Manama became the central gathering point and symbolic heart of the protests. It was where demonstrators camped for days, making it the epicenter of the movement before it was violently cleared and its iconic monument demolished by government forces.

How did the government respond to the protests?

The Bahraini government responded with a severe crackdown, including the use of force, arrests, house raids, and denial of medical care. They also requested military assistance from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), leading to the intervention of Saudi and UAE troops who helped crush the initial uprising and enforce martial law.

What was the "March of Loyalty to Martyrs"?

The "March of Loyalty to Martyrs" was a massive, peaceful protest held on February 22, 2011, in Manama. It was named in honor of seven victims killed by security forces in earlier protests and saw over 100,000 participants demanding government reforms, with some calling for an end to the regime.

Did the protests achieve their goals?

While the initial uprising was suppressed and demands for an end to the monarchy were not met, the protests did highlight significant political and social issues in Bahrain. However, the government's crackdown severely limited the opposition's ability to achieve their objectives in the long term, and significant reforms remain a point of contention.