1915

1915: Over the years the relationship between Sharif Hussein Ali, the custodian of the two Holy Sites [Makkah and Madinah] and the Ottoman leadership becomes strained owing to a number of factors. Since the Ottomans had joined the war on the side of the Central Powers, having an ally force in the Middle East would be beneficial. Capitalising on this breakdown of relations, Britain asked Sharif Hussein to side with the allies and revolt against the Ottomans. In return, Sharif Hussein is promised an independent Arab state and him as the king. From 1915-1916, a series of 10 letters would be exchanged between Sharif Hussein and Sir Henry McMahon, the British High Commissioner to Egypt.