Establishment (1916) Hasan bin Ali al-Aidh became the governor of Abha in 1911; a descendant of anti-Ottoman rebel leader
Aidh bin Mar'i al-Yazidi, al-Aidh had been appointed to the post by Istanbul. In August 1916, as the Ottoman hold over Arabia weakened amidst the
Arab revolt, al-Aidh established Upper Asir's independence, possibly with
Hejazi aid.
Vassal of the Idrisid Emirate (1919) On 31 March 1919, amidst a wider post-World War I consolidation of power by the
Idrisid Emirate of Asir (i.e. Lower Asir), it was reported that the Idrisi had "obtained adherence" from Upper Asir, and Sharif Hamud was sent to Abha to represent Lower Asir's interests. However, Sharif Hamud was expelled from Abha in December 1919. Afterwards, Idrisi commander Salim Bey attempted to enter the town via negotiations. However, soon after, Upper Asir attacked 100 Idrisi troops at Muhail; 2 ex-Ottoman officers and 20 Arabs fled to Shaibain. The Idrisi were exasperated and by 18 July were collecting a force to advance and punish al-Aidh.
Saudi invasion and collapse (21 July 1920) After the defeat at Muhail,
Muhammad ibn Ali al-Idrisi asked
Ibn Saud for aid against Upper Asir, and Ibn Saud obliged by sending an Ikwhan force numbering between 12,000 and 14,000. On 21 July, the Idrisi-Saudi force, commanded jointly by Abdul Aziz (Saudi) and Qazi Adbullah Rashid (Idrisi) appeared on the confines of Abha and offered 5 conditions to al-Aidh: the Idrisid Emirate signed a treaty with the Saudi-ruled
Emirate of Nejd and Hasa which clarified their border and partitioned the former territory of Upper Asir. Abha came until the rule of the Saudis whereas other territories came under the control of the Idrisi. ==References==