Middle East Travel Writing, History & Archeology
The execution of Abdullah bin Saud in 1818 marked not only the culmination of the Wahhabi War but also a pivotal moment in the historical narrative of the Arabian Peninsula, influencing the trajectory of the Wahhabi movement and regional politics for centuries to come. Abdullah bin Saud’s leadership during a time of intense conflict with … Read more
The Ottoman/Egyptian-Wahhabi War, a significant conflict that spanned the early 19th century, was marked by several pivotal battles that shaped the course of Middle Eastern history. Among these, the Battle of Al-Safra and the Siege of Medina stand out as turning points, demonstrating the strategic acumen of Muhammad Ali Pasha’s Egyptian forces against the Wahhabi … Read more
The Siege of Diriyah in 1818 marked a definitive end to the First Saudi State, a pivotal event entwined with the names of significant figures such as Muhammad Ali Pasha, Ibrahim Pasha, and Abdullah bin Saud. This encounter, set against the backdrop of the sprawling deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, not only concluded the initial … Read more
The Ottoman/Egyptian-Wahhabi War (1811-1818) stands as a significant chapter in the annals of Middle Eastern history, marking a pivotal moment that reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the region. Central to this conflict was Muhammad Ali of Egypt, whose leadership, military reforms, and strategic diplomacy played a critical role in the war’s outcomes. This essay delves … Read more
The Emirate of Diriyah, known as the First Saudi State, marks a pivotal chapter in the history of the Arabian Peninsula. Established in February 1727, it laid the foundational stones of what would eventually become the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At the heart of this nascent state were two visionary leaders: Mohammed Ibn Saud, … Read more
In the realm of Western explorations into the Arabian Peninsula, the works of adventurers like Harry Philby, particularly his “Arabia”, have long been a source of fascination for those interested in the nascence of the Saudi state. These explorations, often intertwining with the culture and politics of Riyadh and its surrounding areas, have shed light … Read more