Doha was founded in 1850 and was first called Al Bida. In 1883, Sheikh Kassim’s battle against the Turkish army took place here. In 1916, the city became the capital of the British protectorate of Qatar, and it was not until 1971 that Doha received its present name and became the capital of an independent state. Doha is known for its modern architecture, high-rise buildings, and luxurious shopping malls.