Al-Hasa KSA: Society, Economics & Military

In the early 20th century, Harry St. John Philby embarked on an extraordinary journey to Saudi Arabia, an adventure chronicled in his seminal work, “Heart of Arabia.” Through his vivid descriptions and insightful observations, Philby offers readers a unique window into the life, culture, and landscapes of a region at a crossroads of change. His … Read more

Bedouin Religious Piety & Stoicism

In his pioneering work, “The Arab of the Desert,” H.R.P. Dickson offers an intricate and vivid portrayal of the bedouin people, an indigenous nomadic group inhabiting the areas around Kuwait and the broader Arabian Peninsula in the early 20th century. This ethnographic masterpiece delves into the nuanced and complex tapestry of their lives, beliefs, and … Read more

Lt Col Dickson: Bedouin Women’s Rights & Responsibilities

In the early 20th century, H.R.P. Dickson, in his ethnographic account “The Arab Of The Desert,” sheds light on the unique and often misunderstood role of women within Bedouin Arab society, particularly in and around Kuwait. The author’s observations reveal a distinct contrast between the lives of these women and their urban Arab counterparts. While … Read more

Ibn Saud’s Challenges & Rivalries

In the early 20th century, Harry St. John Philby, an eminent British civil servant and writer, embarked on an extensive journey through the Arabian Peninsula, which culminated in the publication of his seminal work, “Arabia.” This book offers a meticulous account of his experiences and observations, shedding light on the socio-political dynamics, cultural practices, and … Read more

Robbery on the Road To Jawf: Lady Blunt’s Adventure

Lady Anne Blunt’s journey, as recounted in “A Pilgrimage To Nejd,” is punctuated by a gripping episode of adventure and conflict that vividly illustrates the unpredictable and often perilous nature of travel in the Arabian desert. The day begins with a typical early start, but the group is soon caught in a dramatic and unforeseen … Read more

St. John Philby in Al Hasa KSA

In the early 20th century, Harry St. John Philby, an explorer and writer, embarked on a journey into the heart of Saudi Arabia, an expedition that would later be meticulously documented in his book “Heart OF Arabia”. This essay delves into Philby’s fascinating observations and experiences in Al Hasa, an oasis of cultural richness and … Read more