Middle East Travel Writing, History & Archeology
“A Pilgrimage To Nejd,” authored by Lady Anne Blunt, is a captivating narrative that offers a vivid glimpse into the mid-19th-century Arabian landscape. This book chronicles the daring journey undertaken by Lady Anne Blunt and her husband, Wilfrid Scawen Blunt, across the Arabian Peninsula. Their expedition was a quest with a specific purpose: to acquire … Read more
Bahrain, an archipelago in the heart of the Persian Gulf, holds a treasure trove of history that is as rich and lustrous as the very pearls that brought it fame. Known historically as the “Island of Pearls,” Bahrain’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the ancient trade of pearl diving, an occupation that shaped its culture, … Read more
In the early 20th century, Harry St. John Philby, an esteemed British explorer and writer, journeyed through the heart of Saudi Arabia, encapsulating his experiences in the seminal work “Arabia.” Philby’s narrative, rich with details of his time in Riyadh and other significant regions, offers a window into the cultural and religious tapestry of the … Read more
In the early 20th century, Harry St. John Philby, a British explorer and writer, embarked on a journey that would take him deep into the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, specifically to Riyadh, the capital of what is now known as Saudi Arabia. His observations and experiences during this expedition were meticulously documented in his … Read more
In the chronicles of 20th-century exploration and travel writing, few names shine as brightly as that of Freya Stark. A pioneering spirit not just in the geographic realms she traversed but also in the literary world, Stark’s extensive travels through the Middle East have left an influential mark on the field of travel literature. Born … Read more
James Wellsted, in his travelogue “Travels in Arabia,” takes us on a journey to the hot springs of “Imam Ali Cove of Muscat,” an adventure that unfolds against the backdrop of the early 19th century. On a scorching day in November, James Wellsted embarked on an expedition to the hot springs, nestled along the sea-shore, … Read more