Event Title
Gertrude Bell and the Formation of the Modern State of Iraq
Location
Diamond 241
Start Date
30-4-2015 9:00 AM
End Date
30-4-2015 10:25 AM
Project Type
Presentation
Description
In 1921, in the aftermath of the First World War, the British established the Kingdom of Iraq, and placed Faisal I, who had led the Arab Revolt against the Turks during the First World War, on its throne. Perhaps no one played a more active role in choosing and instating Faisal as the new leader of Iraq than Gertrude Bell, Britains Oriental Secretary in Baghdad, and one of the most enthusiastic and talented amateur diplomats throughout the history of the modern Middle East. Fluent in Arabic, more at ease and engaged in the company of sheikhs than in the presence of her own countrywomen, and with a greater knowledge of Iraq's people and cultures than any other Briton during her day, Bell played a crucial role in the creation of the modern Iraqi state.
Faculty Sponsor
John Turner
Sponsoring Department
Colby College. History Dept.
CLAS Field of Study
Social Sciences
Event Website
http://www.colby.edu/clas
ID
1403
Gertrude Bell and the Formation of the Modern State of Iraq
Diamond 241
In 1921, in the aftermath of the First World War, the British established the Kingdom of Iraq, and placed Faisal I, who had led the Arab Revolt against the Turks during the First World War, on its throne. Perhaps no one played a more active role in choosing and instating Faisal as the new leader of Iraq than Gertrude Bell, Britains Oriental Secretary in Baghdad, and one of the most enthusiastic and talented amateur diplomats throughout the history of the modern Middle East. Fluent in Arabic, more at ease and engaged in the company of sheikhs than in the presence of her own countrywomen, and with a greater knowledge of Iraq's people and cultures than any other Briton during her day, Bell played a crucial role in the creation of the modern Iraqi state.
https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/clas/2015/program/323