The history of the Emirate of Asir spans the rise and fall of a short-lived political entity on the Tihama coast of the southern Arabian Peninsula. Established by Muhammad ibn Ali al-Idrisi, the state emerged from a Sufi framework to become a significant regional power during and after the First World War.
Formation and expansion (1906–1918) 1906: Muhammad ibn Ali al-Idrisi begins initial state-building activities in Asir, transitioning from a religious leader to a political actor. 1907: al-Idrisi secures the allegiance of the tribes in Tihamat Asir. 1909: The first major military confrontation occurs between the Idrisi forces and the Ottoman Empire. Autumn 1910: Following a brief period of recognition as an Ottoman governor, hostilities resume after disputes over the implementation of Sharia law. 1911: A general uprising against Ottoman rule is met by several Ottoman military expeditions. 1911–1912: During the Italo-Turkish War, the Idrisi state forms a strategic alliance with Italy, receiving naval support and weaponry. 30 April 1915: Muhammad al-Idrisi signs the "Treaty of Friendship and Goodwill" with the British Empire, becoming the first Arab leader to formally join the Allied powers against the Ottomans. 1918: The emirate expands its domains, reaching as far as Hodeidah.
Decline and internal strife (1919–1925) 1919–1923: The post-war years are defined by intense territorial rivalry with Imam Yahya of the Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen. March 1923: Death of the state's founder, Muhammad al-Idrisi, leading to an immediate succession crisis. 1924: Yemeni forces capture the Idrisi settlements of Al Luḩayyah and Bajil. April 1925: Yemeni forces capture the capital and strategic port of Al Hudaydah, effectively ending Idrisi sovereignty over the southern Tihama. 1923–1925: A period of internal dynastic struggle erupts between Muhammad's son, Ali bin Muhammad al-Idrisi, and his uncle, Al-Hasan bin Ali al-Idrisi.
Saudi annexation and dissolution (1926–1934) 21 October 1926: Facing total collapse, Al-Hasan bin Ali signs the Mecca Agreement, which formally transforms the remaining Idrisi territories into a Saudi protectorate. November 1930: The protectorate is further integrated into the expanding Saudi state, being administratively categorized as a Saudi province. 1932: The "final Idrisi revolt" occurs as Al-Hasan bin Ali attempts to reclaim independence from Saudi control with support from Yemen. June 1934: Following the Saudi–Yemeni War, the Treaty of Taif is signed. It settles regional borders and marks the formal end of the Idrisi state as a political entity.
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