By Sara Al-Mukhaizem
KUWAIT, Sept 29 (KUNA) -- The year 1912 was a significant year in Kuwait, it was known as 'Sinat Al-Tafha' (the year of the overflowing prosperity), which reflected positively on the overall economic situation of the state and citizens.
In that year, Kuwait witnessed the biggest economic activity in its old history, where the pearl diving ships reached 800 with some 30,000 personnel and the earning for that period reached six million rupees.
The main reasons for the increase in the maritime economic activity in that year was due to what happened in 1910 after the battle of Hadiya which drained state funds.
Moreover, Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah forced to impose additional taxes and prevent pearl diving activity, which led to the migration of pearl merchants to neighboring countries.
Then in 1911, pearl merchants returned to Kuwait, and around 800 ships set off again, to recompense for the last two years loss.
The Holy Month of Ramadan during that year witnessed two seasons of pearl diving, before Ramadan and after Eid Al-Fitr, hence came the naming the year as 'Sinat Al-Tafha'.(end) sm.haq