Bedouin Honour Codes

H.R.P. Dickson’s ethnographic account, “The Arab of the Desert,” serves as a captivating window into the lives of Bedouin Arabs during the early 20th century, offering a unique perspective on their customs and way of life, particularly in the region of Kuwait. The intricate web of Bedouin traditions, encompassing notions of Arab honour, hospitality, and … Read more

John Keane’s Mecca Pilgrimage Ordeals 

In John Fryer Thomas Keane’s travelogue, “My Journey to Medinah,” the author recounts a challenging night time journey through the desert. As he describes it, the journey was filled with difficulties, not the least of which was the struggle to stay awake while riding on a donkey. Keane, accustomed to sleeping on camels, found himself … Read more

Ramadan Fasting in Saudi Arabia: Philby’s Memoirs

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

Old Riyadh Architecture: Philby’s Account

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

The Bedouin Tent: Symbol Of Identity

In his seminal work “The Arab Of The Desert,” H.R.P. Dickson offers a meticulous and vivid portrayal of the Bedouin Arabs, a nomadic people whose lives are intricately woven into the fabric of the arid landscapes of Kuwait and its environs in the early 20th century. Dickson’s account, borne out of extensive personal experience and … Read more

D.G. Hogarth: 19th Century Western Arabia Explorers

D.G.-Hogarth-Western-Arabia

D. G. Hogarth, a prominent British archaeologist of the early 20th century, stands as a towering figure in the realm of Arabian studies, notably contributing to the field with his seminal work, “The Penetration of Arabia.” Within the pages of this profound exploration, Hogarth directs his scholarly gaze toward the region collectively known since antiquity … Read more