An Englishman in Al-Uqayr 1918: St. John Philby’s Observations

In the early 20th century, Harry St. John Philby embarked on a series of explorations across the Arabian Peninsula, documenting his findings in the seminal work, “Heart Of Arabia.” Through his extensive travels in Arabia, Philby provided a detailed account of the customs, economic practices, and daily life in regions such as Hasa, Wadi Dawasir … Read more

Bahrain To Uqair: Philby’s Journey

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

Eid in Riyadh 1918: Philby’s Notes

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

Ibn Saud’s Prelude to War 1918

In his seminal work “Arabia”, St. John Philby provides an intricate portrayal of his experiences and observations in early 20th century Saudi Arabia, shedding light on the cultural, political, and environmental landscapes of the region. Through his narrative, Philby unveils the complexities of life in the Wahhabi capital during the holy month of Ramdhan, offering … 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