Category: Middle East
+ Blog, Cultural Exploration, Exploration History, Middle East, Photography & Storytelling, Saudi Arabia, Visual Anthropology
Across the Sands of Time: What Wilfred Thesiger Can Still Teach Us About Photography, Arabia, and Exploration
by KIKE CALVO
A new academic study examines the influential work of photographer Wilfred Thesiger, who captured the Arabian Peninsula between 1945 and 1950. His extensive photographic archive, which includes iconic images of the Empty Quarter, shaped Western perceptions of Arabia, presenting a timeless and unmodernized landscape. The study by Roba AlSalibi raises critical questions about authenticity and the nature of photographic representation, emphasizing that photos reflect both the subject and the photographer’s perspective. It urges readers to consider how cultural narratives evolve and acknowledges the rapid transformation of Saudi Arabia while recognizing the enduring landscapes that still inspire exploration and curiosity.
+ Ancient Civilizations, Ancient Routes, Blog, Culture & Heritage, Focus, Middle East, Private Tours, Saudi Arabia, Travel Inspiration
In the Footsteps of Forgotten Sands: Arabia Beyond the Page
by KIKE CALVO
The desert of Arabia, once a dreamscape, comes to life as Saudi Arabia opens to travelers. With ancient sites like Al Ula and Jeddah’s old town, the kingdom balances its rich history with modernity, exemplified by the innovative NEOM project. This expedition honors tradition while inviting exploration of its evolving identity.
