Bedouin Honour Codes

H.R.P. Dickson’s ethnographic account, “The Arab of the Desert,” serves as a captivating window into the lives of Bedouin Arabs during the early 20th century, offering a unique perspective on their customs and way of life, particularly in the region of Kuwait. The intricate web of Bedouin traditions, encompassing notions of Arab honour, hospitality, and … Read more

The Bedouin Tent: Symbol Of Identity

In his seminal work “The Arab Of The Desert,” H.R.P. Dickson offers a meticulous and vivid portrayal of the Bedouin Arabs, a nomadic people whose lives are intricately woven into the fabric of the arid landscapes of Kuwait and its environs in the early 20th century. Dickson’s account, borne out of extensive personal experience and … Read more

Bedouin Family Daily Routines in 1930s Kuwait 

In the meticulous ethnographic account “The Arab Of The Desert,” H.R.P. Dickson unveils the tapestry of Bedouin life in the early 20th century, specifically focusing on their existence in and around Kuwait. The rich, detailed portrayal of a typical bedouin family’s daily life, as documented by Dickson during his extensive time in the Kuwait Neutral … Read more

Dickson’s Desert Diplomacy 1934: Saudi Border Patrol

In the study of Middle Eastern ethnography, few works offer as vivid a portrayal of the Bedouin Arabs as H.R.P. Dickson’s seminal “The Arab Of The Desert.” A detailed account of life, customs, and struggles, Dickson’s narrative brings to life the early 20th-century Kuwait with acute observation and engaging storytelling. Here we focus on one … Read more

The Bedouin Way of Life Through Colonel Dickson’s Eyes

Colonel Harold Richard Patrick Dickson, in his introspective account “My Life in the Desert,” humbly positions his narrative among the illustrious works of Arabian scholars such as Charles Doughty, Alois Musil, St. John Philby, and Bertram Thomas. Despite the vast knowledge these giants have contributed, Dickson embarks on sharing his unique and personal experiences, driven … Read more