OK...some history from www.mofa.gov.qa...this will help debate what a national day or Assesion Day should be....(An additional Public holiday over 3rd sept is good for all in the state of qatar)
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In the aftermath of the 1914 First World War, the Turkish rule in Qatar came to an end and Qatar signed a protection treaty with Britain in 1916. However, the British influence in the country was limited to supervision of some administrative matters.

In the early 18th century, Qatar was ruled by the Al-Thani family, who take their name from their ancestor, Thani, father of Skeikh Mohammad Bin Thani, who was the first Sheikh to rule over the Qatari peninsula during the mid 19th century.

-The Al-Thani family was among a tribal group who settled for a long time at the "Gibrin" oasis in the southern Najd, before their arrival at Qatar during the early 18th century. It is a branch of the Bani Tamim tribe, whose descent can be traced back to Mudar Bin Nizar. Initially they settled in Zubara in the north of the peninsula, moving to Doha in the mid 19th century under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammad Bin Thani.

-In 1878 Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammad succeeded his father Sheikh Mohammad bin Thani.

-In 1913 Sheikh Abdallah bin Jassim, came to power. It was in his time when oil was first discovered in Qatar.

-In 1940 Sheikh Hamad Bin Abdullah ruled Qatar until 1948.

-In 1949 Sheikh Ali bin Abdallah came to power and ruled until 1960. And in that year, Sheikh Ahmad Bin Ali ruled Qatar and his reign continued until 1972.

-In 1972, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani ruled the country. On September 3rd, 1971 Qatar became independent.

-In 1995 Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani assumed power with the support and blessings of the ruling family and the Qatari people.
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