Iraqi Revolution of the 1920sThe Iraqi revolution that occurred in the 1920s caused so much controversy between the Sunni and Shia groups in Iraq where many believe it was about freedom of the British occupation but also of the beginning of the Muslim occupation. Conflict (Sunni and Shiite). Before the Iraqi Revolution began, it is important to note that Iraq was under the Ottoman Empire. From 1532 to 1918, Iraq was under Ottoman rule before falling under the influence of the British invasion. The Safavid lineage of Iran quickly asserted its authority over Iraq between 1508 and 1533. Throughout the years 1747-1831, Iraq was ruled by Mamluk officers of Georgian origin who managed to obtain the independence from the Ottoman Empire, suppressed tribal rebellions, controlled the strength of the Janissaries, restored demand, and presented a plan to modernize the economy and the military. In 1831, the Ottomans figured out how to overthrow the Mamluk administration and once again imposed their immediate control over Iraq. The Safavids and Ottomans are the origin of the Sunni-Shia problem. In Kadim Abbas's book Reclaiming Iraq, he states: "The population, except for a wealthy minority, was united against a domineering British occupation. This had replaced the equally exploitative Ottoman occupation, which had lasted four centuries. The Ottomans had become the self-proclaimed protectors of Sunni Islam after Iran's forced conversion to Shi'ism by the Safavids, who in turn became the self-proclaimed protectors of Shiites around the world in the 16th century. The Shiites found themselves in a valuable position as their country became a battleground between these two empires” (Abbas, p. 4). Ottoman rule controlled Iraq until World War I, while the Ottomans favored Germany and the Center...... middle of paper ......aq. The British now had to control Iraq by more circuitous methods, mainly by introducing previous authorities well-disposed towards the British government. They inevitably chose to present Faisal ibn Husayn as king of Iraq. Faisal had already worked with the British in the Arab Revolt throughout the First World War and he had excellent relations with some vital authorities. British authorities also believed that introducing Faisal as leader could prevent him from fighting the French in Syria and damage Franco-British relations. For Iraqis, the rebellion was an element in establishing Iraqi patriotism, although this conclusion is debated by scholars. He further demonstrated remarkable cooperation between Sunni and Shia Muslims, although this cooperation did not last longer than the end of the rebellion..