Queen of the Desert

The First World War brings about the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, which had ruled over the Middle East for centuries. This pivotal event creates a power vacuum that colonial forces, including Britain, are eager to fill.

In 1914, the British seize control of Egypt amidst the chaos of the war. This acquisition marks a significant expansion of British influence in the region as they begin to strategize their involvement in surrounding territories.

Winston Churchill, serving as defense minister, begins to plot Britain’s strategy to outpace the Russians and French in gaining footholds in Iraq and Kuwait. His efforts highlight the complexities of colonial politics during the war.

In 1902, Gertrude Bell, feeling unfulfilled in her privileged life, travels to Tehran to join her uncle. This journey awakens her curiosity about the Near East, setting in motion her remarkable life as an explorer and diplomat.

Gertrude develops a romantic relationship with Henry Cadogan, an embassy worker. Their love story turns tragic when Gertrude's parents disapprove, leading Henry to despair and ultimately take his own life.

By 1906, Gertrude ventures into the desert where she encounters Charles Doughty-Wylie and Mark Sykes. Despite warnings about the dangers ahead, she is resolute and recruits a guide named Fattouh.

While visiting the British excavation at Petra, Gertrude meets T. E. Lawrence, a future legend. Their meeting signifies a pivotal moment in her journey, where ideas about the region and its future are exchanged.

Gertrude finds herself captured by the Druze people while attempting to enter the isolated Jabal-Al-Druze. During her three-week imprisonment, she bonds with the local Sheikh over poetry, showcasing her desire to connect with the tribes.

Despite being approached to act as a spy, Gertrude remains steadfast in her principles. She navigates treacherous political waters as conflicts between regional leaders like Ibn Rashid and Ibn Saud unfold.

In 1915, Gertrude finds herself at the British Arab Bureau in Cairo. Her extensive knowledge of tribal dynamics proves crucial as discussions on future borders for Iraq, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia take place.

As the political landscape transforms, Gertrude predicts that Ibn Saud will emerge as the ruler of Arabia. Her insights contribute significantly to the understanding of emerging power dynamics in the region.

Tragedy befalls Gertrude once more as her companion Richard dies during the Battle of Gallipoli. This loss weighs heavily on her as she continues her work in a tumultuous time.

Gertrude Bell passes away in 1926, leaving a significant legacy in the understanding of tribal relations in the Middle East. She is laid to rest in Baghdad, a testament to her life dedicated to the region.

Her deep knowledge and respect for the Bedouin tribes mark Gertrude as a unique figure among foreigners. She is remembered as someone who genuinely understood the complexities of the tribes and their culture.