The life and legacy of Qatar's late emir
Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani led the nation of Qatar for 23 years before being ousted by his son in a bloodless coup.
The former leader passed away on Sunday, at the age of 84. / TRT World and Agencies
Former emir of Qatar, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani died on Sunday at the age of 84 according to Qatar's state news agency QNA.
During his 23-year rule, which ended suddenly in 1995, the tiny Persian Gulf nation made remarkable strides.
In 1971, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad al-Thani, then the deputy emir of Qatar, declared his nation independent of Great Britain. Just a few months later, he seized control of the country from his cousin, emir Ahmad bin Ali al-Thani.