European exploration of Arabia

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The Arabian Peninsula, much of which now comprises the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has always held a mysterious attraction for European explorers. Until modern times it was uncharted, inaccessible, dangerous and forbidden. Some areas remain dangerous and forbidden to the present day. Mecca and Medina are holy cities in Islam and are forbidden to non-Muslims.

The first exploration of Arabia took place in the 16th Century when the Portuguese circumnavigated Arabia.[1]

German explorers[edit]

  • Carsten Niebuhr was part of an expedition in 1762 which explored the south east of Arabia.[2]

British explorers[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Arabia
  2. ^ a b "Discovers Web:P". Archived from the original on 2007-07-06. Retrieved 2007-07-07.
  3. ^ "Discovers Web:D". Archived from the original on 2007-07-06. Retrieved 2007-07-07.

External links[edit]