D.G. Hogarth, a distinguished British archaeologist renowned for his expertise in Egyptology and ancient Greece, made significant contributions to the field of Arabian studies with his comprehensive work, “The Penetration of Arabia.” While Hogarth did not venture into the terrains of Kuwait himself, his book serves as a valuable compendium, drawing on a wealth of writings available at the onset of the 20th century. This essay aims to delve into Hogarth’s insightful remarks and observations on Kuwait, unravelling the geopolitical and historical intricacies of the region as illuminated by his erudite exploration of the Arabian Peninsula.
Kuwait’s Strategic Location
D.G. Hogarth underscores Kuwait’s strategic location on the southern shore of a profound bay along the north eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. This specific geographical placement grants Kuwait dual advantages, both maritime and inland, underscoring its geopolitical significance.
Characteristics of the Deep Bay
D.G. Hogarth highlights the deep bay along Kuwait’s coastline as a substantial indentation with distinct characteristics. This geographical feature suggests not only a notable natural formation but also the potential for providing inherent protection and harbour capabilities. Hogarth elucidates that the bay in Kuwait not only functions as a deep and sheltered harbour but also offers a naturally protected environment shielded from the open sea. This inherently sheltered nature becomes a pivotal advantage, fostering maritime trade, facilitating fishing activities, and serving as a secure docking space for ships.
Access to the Persian Gulf
D.G. Hogarth emphasises that Kuwait’s positioning at the southern shore of the bay endows it with direct access to the Persian Gulf. This access holds paramount importance, serving as a linchpin for both local trade activities within Kuwait and influencing broader regional geopolitical dynamics. Hogarth’s keen observations emphasise the strategic significance of Kuwait’s direct linkage to the Gulf, elucidating its profound impact on the region’s economic and political landscape during the early 20th century. This geographical placement aligns Kuwait with the historical significance of the Gulf as a vital waterway for trade and transportation, acting as a conduit connecting the Arabian Peninsula with other regions as far afield as the Indian subcontinent and East Africa. Hogarth’s astute observations highlight the pivotal role played by Kuwait as a strategic maritime hub, contributing to the broader historical context of trade and connectivity in the Arabian Peninsula.
Strategic Military Importance
In addition to commercial maritime potential, D.G. Hogarth underscores the military significance of Kuwait’s bay, portraying it as a strategically positioned outpost along the coast. Hogarth’s historical insights draw attention to the enduring importance of controlling key coastal points for securing maritime routes and defending against potential threats at a time when the great powers of the world relied mainly on their naval power to protect their interests. Kuwait’s geographical features, as elucidated by Hogarth, suggest its role as not only a thriving trade hub but also a location with strategic military importance, contributing to the broader context of regional geopolitics in the early 20th century.
Declaration of Support for Midhat Pasha
Hogarth highlights a pivotal political development in Kuwait’s history as he notes the Sheikh of Kuwait’s declaration of support for Ottoman governor of Baghdad Midhat Pasha in 1871. This strategic alignment is situated within a larger geopolitical context, where Midhat Pasha aimed to secure cooperation from regional leaders for his ambitious campaign to invade Nejd during the era of the second Saudi state. Hogarth’s detailed account unveils the intricate political dynamics that unfolded in Kuwait during this period, reflecting the Sheikh’s diplomatic manoeuvring and the broader regional aspirations of Midhat Pasha.
Midhat Pasha’s Invasion Attempt
D.G. Hogarth details the ambitious military endeavour led by Midhat Pasha in 1871, a pivotal moment in Kuwait’s history. In his work, Hogarth highlights the strategic importance of Kuwait in the context of Midhat Pasha’s broader plan to invade Nejd, a central region in Arabia. Kuwait, positioned on the southern shore of the bay, emerged as a key entry point for the Ottoman forces seeking to advance into Nejd. However, as Hogarth notes, the invasion did not progress beyond Kuwait’s oasis, prompting a critical examination of the factors that impeded Midhat Pasha’s military ambitions and the subsequent consequences for Kuwait’s geopolitical landscape.
Halt at Kuwait’s Oasis
In the unfolding narrative of Kuwait’s historical development, Hogarth points to a significant occurrence during Midhat Pasha’s campaign to invade Nejd. Despite the initial momentum, Midhat Pasha’s forces reached a critical juncture at Kuwait’s oasis, where, as Hogarth observes, the advance came to an abrupt halt. The author delves into the intricacies of this strategic decision, offering insights into potential factors that contributed to the cessation of the Ottoman forces’ progress. Logistical constraints, local resistance, or a recalibration of strategic objectives are among the considerations explored by Hogarth, shedding light on the complex dynamics that shaped Kuwait’s role in the geopolitical landscape of the time.
Pledge for Administrative Autonomy
Hogarth underscores a crucial aspect of the geopolitical agreement between the Sheikh of Kuwait and Midhat Pasha in 1871. As part of the Sheikh’s support for Midhat Pasha’s regional endeavours, a pledge for administrative autonomy was extended to Kuwait. Following the declaration of support in 1871, Kuwait underwent a significant shift in its administrative status, evolving into an Ottoman kaza, the term used to note an official administrative subdivision within the Ottoman empire. Hogarth’s exploration of this political development elucidates the implications of such a change, emphasising the increased integration of Kuwait into the broader Ottoman administrative framework.
Hereditary Kaymakam Position
Hogarth sheds light on the nuanced administrative structure that emerged following Kuwait’s integration into the Ottoman system. With the Sheikh assuming the role of hereditary Kaymakam ( qa’im makam), a significant administrative position within the Ottoman hierarchy, Kuwait witnessed the establishment of a unique governance model. The term “Kaimmakam” denotes the district governor’s role, underscoring the Sheikh’s authority over local affairs.
European Interest and Possible Conflict
D.G. Hogarth astutely highlights the burgeoning European interest in Kuwait. Within the intricate web of geopolitical considerations, Hogarth unravels the significance of Kuwait in the context of trans-Asiatic railway schemes. The prospect of a railway traversing this strategically positioned region drew the attention of Western powers, setting the stage for potential conflict or compromise. Hogarth’s meticulous analysis unravels the layers of intrigue surrounding Kuwait, offering insights into the delicate balance of power and the geopolitical chessboard upon which Western rivals made their moves in the East.
Contemporary Political Situation
In examining D.G. Hogarth’s reflections on Kuwait, the contemporary political situation, at the time of authorship, emerges as a key focal point. As of Hogarth’s insights, a cloud of uncertainty envelops Kuwait’s political landscape, with the question looming over Turkey’s ability to assert its rights in this strategically crucial region. Hogarth intricately navigates through the geopolitical intricacies, emphasising Kuwait’s modest size juxtaposed against its outsized strategic significance. The region, he notes, holds sway over the critical roadways leading to Oman and Nejd, thereby intensifying the geopolitical stakes and underscoring the complexity of Kuwait’s current political predicament.