Usfurids

The Usfurids (Al ʿUṣfūr) were an Arab dynasty that in 1253 gained control of Eastern Arabia, including the islands of Bahrain. They were a branch of Uqaylids who re-migrated to Arabia after the fall of their rule in Syria. The dynasty is named after its founder, ʿUṣfūr bin Rāshid (عُصْفُور بِن رَاشِد). The name ʿUṣfūr (عصفور) means small bird. They were initially allies of the Qarmatians and their successors, the Uyunids, but eventually overthrew the latter and seized power themselves. The Usfurids' takeover came after Uyunid power had been weakened by invasion in 1235 by the Salghurid Atabeg of Fars. The Usfurids at the beginning of their rule had a state that composed of central and eastern Arabia and even ruled parts of Oman. After 150 years of rule the Usfurids were overthrown by the Jarwanids whom in turn were overthrown by the Jabrids who were also an Uqaylid dynasty.