Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani (ca. 1825 - 1913) was the founder of the modern Qatar. Variations on his name include Kasim-ebn-Thanee and Qassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani.
Born in Muharraq, Bahrain, Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani descended from the Tamim tribe; Eldest son of Mohammed bin Thani. He acquired full capability in the management of the country's affairs since his youth and succeeded in guiding its policies with wisdom and steered the country during a period that witnessed major events and changes.
At the local level, he sought to turn Qatar into a single unified and independent entity. Under his leadership, Qatar emerged as a coherent and stable country whose tribes he assembled to usher its future and thus consolidating its existence and borders.
He adopted a wise policy in dealing with the two major powers competing to dominate the Persian Gulf and its territories, namely the British Empire, which had started to extend its influence through the Government of India, and the Ottoman Empire, which was seeking to retain its control of the region following the demise of the Portuguese influence in the 16th century.
In April 1871, the expedition sent by Medhet Pash, the Ottoman governor of Baghdad, to Eastern Arabia arrived.
The British influence was concentrated in areas adjacent to Qatar. Sheikh Jassim concluded that a balance had to be struck corresponding to such influence.
He asked the Ottoman administration in Ahsaa to consolidate its presence, which materialized in December 1871. The Ottomans used Albidaa Fortress as headquarters of their military garrison.
December 18, 1878 was the turning point when Sheikh Jassim took power. It is also the inception of the modern State of Qatar achieved as a result of Sheikh Jassim's assiduous efforts that led to gaining full recognition by both powers of Qatar's independence.
Sheikh Jassim adamantly opposed Ottoman attempts to increase Ottoman influence in Qatar through appointing administrative personnel in Zubarah, Doha, Al Wakrah and Khawr al Udayd, establishing a customs office and reinforcing the Ottoman garrison.
As a result, a military confrontation followed and a crucial battle broke out with Qataris led by Sheikh Jassim. He and his troops, composed of Qatari tribes, fought bravely, inflicted defeat on the Ottoman troops and achieved victory.
The site of Alwajba Battle of 25 March 1893 was 15 kilometers west of Doha, the battle was a turning point in Qatar's history. He died in 1913.