Middle East Travel Writing, History & Archeology
D.G. Hogarth, a distinguished 19th-century British archaeologist renowned primarily for his works on ancient Greek sites, authored a significant book titled “The Penetration of Arabia.” This constituted arguably the first significant attempt to gather the accumulated knowledge of European travellers to the Arabian peninsula together in a single piece of literature, offering a comprehensive overview … Read more
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, amidst the shifting sands and timeless whispers of the Middle East, Gertrude Bell, a pioneering explorer, diplomat, and archaeologist, set out on a remarkable journey along the banks of the Euphrates River. Her narratives, chronicled with eloquence and keen observation, offer a unique lens into the landscapes … Read more
Born in 1862, British archaeologist and historian D.G. Hogarth made substantial contributions to Arabian studies, particularly through his influential work “The Penetration of Arabia,” published at the turn of the 20th century. Despite not being an Arabist by profession, Hogarth’s detailed insights into Arabia’s geography and topography laid a pioneering foundation for later scholars and … Read more
Gertrude Bell stands as a luminary whose life radiates with the brilliance of adventurous exploration, political influence, and the nuanced complexities of personal desires. Her journey, marked by traversing landscapes and shaping geopolitical landscapes, unfolds a narrative that transcends mere biography. As we delve into the multifaceted life of Gertrude Bell, we navigate the intricate … Read more
The final campaign in Palestine and Syria, unfolding from December 1917 to October 1918, encapsulated a critical juncture in the tapestry of World War I. Against the backdrop of the tumultuous events that characterised this period, the Arab Revolt faced its ultimate test, with the fate of nations hanging in the balance. As the campaign … Read more
The Houthis are an islamist political movement who control the Yemeni capital Sana’a and large parts of western Yemen. Originally a minor provincial opposition force to the Yemeni government of Ali Abdullah Saleh, their strength and influence has increased dramatically over the last decade despite a prolonged Saudi-UAE led military campaign against them. Below is … Read more