Middle East Travel Writing, History & Archeology
In the early 19th century, James Wellsted embarked on a journey that would lead him through the heart of Oman, an adventure meticulously chronicled in his book, “Travels in Arabia.” This exploration took him from the hospitable villages of Beni-Abu-‘Ali to the fertile oases of Bidiyah, and to the bustling market town of Ibra. His … Read more
Gertrude Bell, a remarkable British explorer, archaeologist, and writer, left a profound legacy within Arabian travel literature. Amongst her many adventures and explorations throughout the region, one intriguing destination was the archaeological site of Umm Al Jimal in Jordan. In her compelling narrative “The Desert and the Sown,” Bell provides unique insights into her visit … Read more
John Keane, an Englishman who lived from 1854 to 1937, embarked on a remarkable adventure in his twenties. His extensive travels through the Hejaz region of present-day Saudi Arabia provided a unique perspective on this historically and culturally significant area. Keane documented his experiences in two books, and in this essay, we will delve into … Read more
Amidst the chronicles of Arabian exploration, few accounts are as vivid and insightful as Lady Anne Blunt’s “A Pilgrimage to Nejd.” This travelogue, penned in the mid-19th century, offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Arabia, a region then largely unknown to the Western world. Lady Anne Blunt, with her keen observations and descriptive … Read more
In the early 20th century, St. John Philby embarked on a remarkable journey into the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, a region steeped in mystery and tradition, yet on the cusp of transformative change. His detailed account, “Heart of Arabia,” provides an insightful narrative of this expedition, exploring the rich tapestry of Saudi Arabian geography, … Read more
In the early 19th century, James Wellsted, an explorer of notable repute, embarked on a journey across Oman, documenting his experiences in the seminal work “Travels in Arabia“. Wellsted makes meticulous observations during his travels about perilous roads infested with robbers, the lush landscapes surprising to the travellers, and the complex social and political dynamics … Read more