Middle East Travel Writing, History & Archeology
In the rolling hills of County Durham, a remarkable life began in 1868, as Gertrude Lowthian Bell took her first breath. Her childhood home, nestled along the picturesque North Yorkshire coast in Redcar, provided the backdrop for her early years. But it was far from a conventional upbringing, for the windswept shores and the vibrant … Read more
Charles Doughty, an intrepid explorer of the late 19th century, stands as one of the earliest European travellers to have ventured deep into the enigmatic heartland of the Arabian Peninsula. His journey was not for the faint of heart, as it led him through arduous terrains and unfamiliar cultures. One of the remarkable destinations on … Read more
In the long narrative of human experience, there exist remarkable individuals whose passion for the unknown, their relentless pursuit of knowledge, and their unyielding commitment to exploration have left a significant mark on the world. Gertrude Bell, a name that resonates with the echoes of adventure and scholarly curiosity, was one such luminary. Born in … Read more
In the late 19th century, Charles Doughty embarked on a daring expedition through the Nefud Desert, an imposing and vast terrain located in what is now modern-day northern Saudi Arabia. This desolate region extended as far as the eye could discern, stretching across a vast expanse of approximately 40,000 square miles. The Nefud featured an … Read more
In the annals of Arabian exploration and adventure, the name H. St. John B. Philby stands as a prominent chapter. His memoir, “Arabian Days,” is a captivating account of a life steeped in the complexities of the Arabian Peninsula. It offers readers an intimate glimpse into a world that is both distant and enigmatic, but … Read more
In “The Valley of the Assassins,” a travelogue by Freya Stark published in 1934, the author invites readers to embark on a rich and evocative exploration of the lesser-known corners of western Iran. While the book’s title may initially suggest a narrow focus on the enigmatic valleys associated with the Assassins, Stark’s literary canvas is … Read more