Pilgrims in English Ships: Reflections by John Keane

John Keane, an Englishman born in 1854, embarked on a remarkable journey in his twenties, venturing extensively through the Hejaz region of Arabia. His written account, “My Journey to Medinah,” provides a unique glimpse into his travels, focusing on a camel caravan pilgrimage from Mecca to Medina. However, within this larger narrative of Arabian exploration, … Read more

John Keane’s Exploration of the Hejaz Region

John Keane, an Englishman who lived from 1854 to 1937, embarked on a remarkable adventure in his twenties. His extensive travels through the Hejaz region of present-day Saudi Arabia provided a unique perspective on this historically and culturally significant area. Keane documented his experiences in two books, and in this essay, we will delve into … Read more

Horses & High Seas: John Keane’s Red Sea Voyage

John Keane, a British traveller who lived from 1854 to 1937, embarked on an extraordinary journey during his twenties. His travels took him to the Hijaz region, where he ventured extensively and chronicled his experiences in two remarkable books. One of these works, titled “My Journey to Medina,” recounts a captivating episode in his explorations—a … Read more

John Keane’s Mecca Pilgrimage: Cultural & Spiritual Insights

In the realm of Islamic tradition and historical travel literature, John Keane’s “My Journey to Medinah” stands as a captivating memoir that chronicles the profound journey of an English traveller through the heart of the Islamic world. Keane, living between 1854 and 1937, ventured far beyond the familiar boundaries of his native England to immerse … Read more

John Keane’s Mecca Pilgrimage Ordeals 

In John Fryer Thomas Keane’s travelogue, “My Journey to Medinah,” the author recounts a challenging night time journey through the desert. As he describes it, the journey was filled with difficulties, not the least of which was the struggle to stay awake while riding on a donkey. Keane, accustomed to sleeping on camels, found himself … Read more

Christ & Opium: John Keane’s Desert Dialogues 

John Keane’s memoir, “My Journey to Medina,” provides a vivid account of his travels in the  Arabian Hejaz during the 1800s. As an Englishman navigating challenging desert landscapes, Keane shares his experiences, encounters, and reflections on the diverse characters and events that shaped his journey. This exploration delves into the core components of Keane’s narrative, … Read more