Middle East Travel Writing, History & Archeology
Few works capture the essence and mystique of the Arabian Peninsula as vividly as Lady Anne Blunt’s account, “A Pilgrimage To Nejd.” Her narrative, set in the mid-19th century, chronicles a daring expedition into the heart of Arabia, a region then little known to the Western world. Key Takeaways: Lady Anne Blunt’s journey included the … Read more
Gertrude Bell, an emblematic figure of early 20th-century exploration, archaeology, and diplomacy, made a profound contribution to the historical and cultural understanding of the Middle East. Born on July 14, 1868, in Washington, England, Bell’s expansive career encompassed roles as a writer, traveller, political officer, and archaeologist. Her literary contributions, ranging from insightful travelogues to … Read more
In the realm of early 20th-century exploration and travel literature, Freya Stark stands out as a pioneering British explorer whose ventures into the Middle East, particularly Iran, broke new ground not only for women in exploration but also for the field of travel writing itself. Her seminal work, “The Valley of the Assassins: and Other … Read more
Did you know that the 1973 oil embargo, triggered by the Yom Kippur War, led to a quadrupling of oil prices and caused a global energy crisis? The 1973 oil embargo, with Iraq playing a significant role, was a pivotal event in global politics, reshaping alliances and sparking long-lasting effects on the world economy. In … Read more
In the early 20th century, Harry St. John Philby embarked on a series of explorations across the Arabian Peninsula, documenting his findings in the seminal work, “Heart Of Arabia.” Through his extensive travels in Arabia, Philby provided a detailed account of the customs, economic practices, and daily life in regions such as Hasa, Wadi Dawasir … Read more
Did you know that the nationalization of the Iraq Petroleum Company in 1972 had a profound impact not only on Iraq’s economy but also on global oil dynamics? This pivotal event reshaped the geopolitical landscape and forever changed the dynamics of the oil industry. In this article, we will delve into the nationalization process, examine … Read more