John Gordon Lorimer’s Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf, Oman and Central Arabia
1. Introduction
The Gulf region has always been of great interest to outsiders, be it because of its strategic location or the wealth of its natural resources. John Gordon Lorimer’s Gazetteer of the Persia Gulf, Oman and Central Arabia is a comprehensive account of the history, geography and people of this region. Lorimer was an Indian civil service official who spent a considerable amount of time in the Gulf region and used his personal knowledge to give a detailed account of the various Shaikhdoms which made up central and Eastern Arabia. The book gives a fascinating insight into the lives of the people in these regions and the various economic activities that took place, such as the slave trade and the Indian Ocean trade.
2. The Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf, Oman and central Arabia
2.1 The slave trade
Lorimer’s Gazetteer provides a detailed account of the slave trade in the Gulf region. He writes that slaves were brought from Africa to Arabia and then sold to wealthy buyers from all over the Middle East. The majority of slaves were young men who were captured during wars or raids on villages. Some slaves were also brought from India, although this was not as common. Lorimer notes that the slave trade was an important source of income for many Shaikhdoms in Arabia and that it was actively encouraged by the rulers.
2. 2 Indian traders
The book also provides an insight into the lives of Indian traders who lived in Arabian ports such as Muscat and Bahrain. These traders were involved in the lucrative Indian Ocean trade and they controlled much of the trade between India and Arabia. Lorimer describes how these traders lived in segregated quarters away from the local population and how they often married local women. He also mentions that some Indian traders managed to acquire considerable wealth and influence within Arabian society.
2. 3 Shaikhdoms of Trucial Oman
Lorimer’s Gazetteer contains a wealth of information on the various Shaikhdoms which made up Trucial Oman, such as Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain. He describes how these regions were ruled by powerful Shaikhs who held absolute power over their subjects. He also mentions that these Shaikhs often engaged in conflicts with each other and that many of them were involved in piracy. Lorimer describes how British influence began to grow in Trucial Oman from the early 19th century onwards and how this eventually led to the creation of the Trucial States protectorate in 1853.
2. 4 Shaikhdoms of Abu Dhabi
The Gazetteer also contains a detailed account of the Shaikhdoms of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai. Lorimer describes how these regions were inhabited by Bedouin tribes who often engaged in conflict with each other. He also mentions that pearls were found in abundance in these regions and that they were traded extensively with India and Europe. Lorimer describes how British influence began to grow in Abu Dhabi from the early 19th century onwards and how this eventually led to the creation of the Trucial States protectorate in 1853.
3. Conclusion
John Gordon Lorimer’s Gazetteer of is a comprehensive account of central and Eastern Arabia which provides valuable insights into the history, geography and people of this region. It is an essential read for anyone interested in learn more