Middle East Travel Writing, History & Archeology
In recent years, the ancient city of Carchemish has emerged as a focal point in the study of the ancient Near East, thanks to groundbreaking archaeological discoveries. Situated on the modern-day border between Turkey and Syria, Carchemish was once a major centre of the Hittite Empire and played a pivotal role in the politics, economy, … Read more
The ancient city of Carchemish, strategically nestled at the crossroads of mighty empires, stands as a monumental testament to the ebb and flow of civilizational power and influence. Located on the lush banks of the Euphrates River and shadowed by the Taurus Mountains, Carchemish has been a pivotal arena for the convergence of cultures, military … Read more
Few cities boast the storied past and archaeological significance of Carchemish. Nestled on the banks of the Euphrates River, stradling the the Syrian-Turkish border, this ancient city served as a pivotal crossroads of empires, cultures, and military campaigns, notably during the Hittite Empire’s zenith and the dramatic Neo-Assyrian to Neo-Babylonian transition. The Battle of Carchemish … Read more
Gertrude Bell, a remarkable British explorer, archaeologist, and writer, left a profound legacy within Arabian travel literature. Amongst her many adventures and explorations throughout the region, one intriguing destination was the archaeological site of Umm Al Jimal in Jordan. In her compelling narrative “The Desert and the Sown,” Bell provides unique insights into her visit … Read more
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, amidst the shifting sands and timeless whispers of the Middle East, Gertrude Bell, a pioneering explorer, diplomat, and archaeologist, set out on a remarkable journey along the banks of the Euphrates River. Her narratives, chronicled with eloquence and keen observation, offer a unique lens into the landscapes … Read more
Gertrude Bell, an intrepid traveller and scholar, embarked on a remarkable journey to the heart of Mesopotamia. Using Baghdad as a base she was able to venture out in the surrounding regions in order to investigate sites of purported archaeological significance. One of these places was Mahmudiyeh, a rural town located approximately 30 km south … Read more