Middle East Travel Writing, History & Archeology
In the early 20th century, Gertrude Bell, a renowned British writer and explorer, vividly captured the essence of her experiences in the tribal lands of Jordan. One particularly evocative account details her visit to a Bedouin sheikh’s tent, Fellah Al Issa, in the Balqa region, an encounter that elegantly illustrates the cultural and social norms … Read more
In the realm of Islamic tradition and historical travel literature, John Keane’s “My Journey to Medinah” stands as a captivating memoir that chronicles the profound journey of an English traveller through the heart of the Islamic world. Keane, living between 1854 and 1937, ventured far beyond the familiar boundaries of his native England to immerse … Read more
In the early 19th century, James Wellsted, an officer in the British Indian Navy, embarked on a series of exploratory journeys into the heart of Arabia, chronicling his experiences in the seminal work, “Travels in Arabia.” While travelling in Oman Wellsted’s encounters the Beni-Abu-‘Ali tribe, offering a window into a world where ancient traditions clash … Read more
In her exploration of the desert landscapes chronicled in “The Desert and the Sown” by British traveler and writer Gertrude Bell, we delve into a captivating narrative that unfolds against the backdrop of both historical relics and the profound intricacies of Bedouin culture. As Bell embarks on her journey she encounters a world where the … Read more
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
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