A Review of Qatar in the Eyes of Travellers and Archaeologists by Ali Bin Ghanem Al-Hajri
For many years, Qatar has been a fascinating destination for many tourists and visitors for its extreme beauty, cultural diversity, and long history. Although there are pamphlets produced to educate and guide visitors about the country, there is still a dearth of literature. On this basis, therefore, Ali bin Ghanem Al-Hajri’s book is an interesting […]
For many years, Qatar has been a fascinating destination for many tourists and visitors for its extreme beauty, cultural diversity, and long history. Although there are pamphlets produced to educate and guide visitors about the country, there is still a dearth of literature. On this basis, therefore, Ali bin Ghanem Al-Hajri’s book is an interesting contribution to the history of Qatar from its ancient times to the contemporary period.
In an effort to strengthen cultural exchange and bilateral relations between Qatar and the Federal republic of Nigeria, the book which has been widely received, has been translated into 14 languages, including the major Nigerian languages, such as Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Fulani, and Kanuri. This feat was accomplished with collaboration with prominent universities within and outside Nigeria including the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Bayero University Kano, Nigerian University Nsukka, and the University of Ilorin.
In the book, readers embark on a journey through Qatar’s evolving landscape, from the mysteries of ancient settlements to the dynamism of a modern Gulf state. Through the records of archaeologists who have uncovered Qatar’s ancient past and the journals of travellers enchanted by its presence. The book sheds light on the nation’s intricate layers of history and culture. Each chapter invites the reader into Qatar’s unique heritage, where artefacts and archaeological discoveries intersect with the insights of those who have wandered its streets, providing an engaging narrative of Qatar as seen through the eyes of both scientists and curious wanderers.
The book is broken down into four intersecting chapters. Chapter One focuses on the history of Qatar regarding its location and the origin(s) of its name. It also provides its linguistic meanings, as well as the common name popularised by most historical sources. The author positions his argument on Qatar as it relates to Bahrain between the verbal significance and the geographical boundaries.
Chapter two delineates the major historical stations of Qatar since the pre-BC era. In this sense, the author traces the unique and age-long relationship that existed between Qatar and other powerful states such as Iraq, the Levant, Bahrain, Oman, Hijaz, and Egypt. This form of interstate relations began from the fifth millennium B.C. to the first millennium B.C. This includes Qatar’s relations through the ages, especially its encounters with the Acheulean, Obeidian, Warkarian, Lagashian, Mesopotamian, Kushite, and Greco-Roman civilisations. Other important issues discussed are; Qatar’s historical stations including the Arab exodus to the eastern region of the Arabian Peninsula and the third historical stations in the pre-Islamic era focusing on the early Islamic age, Qatar in the early age of Islam, as well as the Umayyad and Abbasid periods.
The third chapter of the book dwells on the economic advantages of Qatar in the areas of agriculture and livestock, trade and commerce, and industries, particularly textile, arms production, and pottery, to mention, but a few. The fifth chapter, however, traces the historical evolution of the navy in the Arabian Gulf zooming its discussions specifically to the Qatar Navy. Other important issues the chapter examines include; the major maritime routes linking Qatar with other states such as Iraq, Yemen, Julphar, Kuwait, Siraf, India, and China, the land trade routes of Iraq, Oman, Yemen, Hadramout, Sana’a, al-Yamamah, Aden and Sa’dah.
The author argues that Qatar has for many years benefited from the great world civilisation of Babylonia, Pharaonic Egypt, and Assyria. He states that through this relation, which is supported by archaeological excavations, there evolved an intellectual cross-pollination of ideas, science, and technology.
Qatar in the Eyes of Travelers, and Archaeologists is a captivating exploration of a nation that blends its ancient heritage with the marvels of modernity. This book offers readers a dual perspective on Qatar, capturing its historical essence through the meticulous lens of archaeologists and its cultural allure through the impressions of travellers. From the remnants of ancient civilizations to the modern architectural wonders rising from the desert sands, the text unveils Qatar’s story as a land at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. By merging these two perspectives, the book provides a richly layered portrait of a country often seen but rarely understood beyond its cosmopolitan façade.
Contrary to the fallacious and ahistorical writings about the subject of discussion, the author attempts a factual historical analysis of the history of Qatar and how it is viewed by both visitors and enemies. Through this critical historical cross-examination, the author uses concrete historical evidence built on facts and figures, especially from travelogues and archaeological excavations, he succeeds in providing a balanced historical narration of the ancient medieval and modern history of Qatar.
Qatar in the Eyes of Travellers and Archaeologists contributes to Qatar’s rich cultural legacy, especially its preservation and appreciation. A closer reading of the book shows that it holds some important humanitarian and heritage values through the documentation of the individual and collective experiences and reflections of early visitors and professional archaeologists who explored the region before its rapid modernisation.
From a heritage point of view, the book is an addition to the valuable archives of Qatar’s historical landscapes, social structures, architectural marvels, and traditional ways of life, many of which have, over the years, undergone substantial transformation. Through the narratives of travellers and the detailed observations of archaeologists, the book reconstructs a clear image of Qatar’s past—highlighting ancient settlements, trade routes, religious life, and cultural practices that define the Qatari identity.
In terms of humanitarian perspective, the book promotes a cross-cultural understanding by showcasing how outsiders perceived and engaged with Qatari society across different historical epochs. Its uniqueness lies in its ability to bridge historical memory with contemporary identity, allowing readers—both local and international—to connect with Qatar’s people, their struggles, achievements, and evolving relationship with the land. It also empowers Qataris with a deeper sense of pride and ownership of their heritage, encouraging efforts toward conservation, education, and dialogue.
Considering the dearth of literature on the history of Qatar from the earliest times to the present, Al-Ahjri’s work is an important contribution to the historiography of the study area. The book is important, especially to historians, archaeologists, anthropologists, sociologists, and anyone interested in the acquisition of knowledge.
- Nadir A. Nasidi, Ph.D
- Department of History
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
- [email protected]