2017/04/13 by Myriam Yakoubi · 1 citation
Social Sciences · Arts and Humanities · #Islamic Studies and History #Jewish and Middle Eastern Studies #Travel Writing and Literature #Romance #Ruler #History #Context (archaeology) #Politics #Art #Ancient history #Literature #Law #Political science #Archaeology
paper · doi:10.5871/bacad/9780197266076.003.0008
openalex publication_date 2017/04/13 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/02
This chapter analyses Gertrude Bell’s perception of King Faisal I during the former’s time as Oriental Secretary in Iraq. It tackles Gertrude Bell’s vision of Arabia as an authentic and pure area, which paved the way for her fascination with Faisal, a descendant of the Prophet born in that region, whom she saw as the embodiment of Arab gentlemanliness. For Bell, Faisal’s lineage and personality made him an ideal ruler, and once he was king, their relationship grew more personal as Bell became his confidante and endeavoured to legitimise his rule by including him in the narrative of Iraqi history as she saw it. However, the chapter tries to show that Bell’s high opinion of Faisal was put to the test of imperial politics, and the evolution of Bell’s discourse, in the context of the political crises which opposed Faisal to the British, is closely studied.