ABOUT THE BOOK
Sea of Pearls: Seven Thousand Years of the Industry that Shaped the Gulf
Sea of Pearls: Seven Thousand Years of the Industry that Shaped the Gulf explores the fascinating history of the natural pearl industry in the Arabian Gulf, from antiquity to its decline in the early 20th century.
For millennia, the Gulf’s pearls were celebrated as the finest in the world, supporting thriving maritime trade routes and shaping the economic and cultural life of coastal communities in Arabia and Persia. Fished in their millions, these pearls became one of the most sought-after luxury commodities globally, driving settlement, trade, and regional influence long before the discovery of oil.
In this updated edition, Dr Robert Carter traces the evolution of pearling, revealing its deep impact on politics, social life, and urban development. Illustrated with archival photographs, maps, and new research, it draws striking parallels between the Gulf’s dependence on pearls and the later rise of the oil industry.
This comprehensive study uncovers the enduring legacy of pearling, showing how it shaped Gulf identity for thousands of years.
OUR NEW TITLES
Sea of Pearls
Before the discovery of oil, the sea was the Gulf’s greatest wealth. Each summer, fleets of wooden dhows sailed out into the turquoise waters, their crews diving deep on a single breath, armed only with a nose clip, a stone weight, and a rope. They returned to the surface clutching oysters, hoping for the prize within pearls so perfect they adorned the crowns of kings and captivated the luxury markets of India and Europe.
Lorimer
In 1908, the British government quietly commissioned a vast and meticulous record of the Arabian Gulf and surrounding regions. Compiled by John Gordon Lorimer, a senior political officer in the Indian Civil Service, The Gazetteer of the Persian Gulf, Oman and Central Arabia became one of the most extraordinary works of intelligence ever produced by a colonial administration.
Julius Euting
In the winter of 1883, German epigraphist Julius Euting and French-Alsatian geographer Charles Huber departed Damascus on a perilous journey into the heart of northern Arabia. Their mission: to uncover ancient inscriptions and reveal the region’s forgotten history.
In Praise of the Artisan
Across the Islamic world, artistry is not only preserved—it continues to evolve. From the rhythmic tapping of stone carvers in Rajasthan to the delicate calligraphy of Istanbul’s masters, from Cairo’s woodworkers to the skilled embroiderers of Makkah, crafts that have shaped homes, mosques, and cities for centuries are still vibrant today.
Bedouin Weaving
In the vast deserts of Arabia, where landscapes appear austere and endless, Bedouin women have for centuries created beauty from the simplest of materials. Using the wool of their camels, sheep, and goats, they wove vibrant textiles—bold geometric designs in deep reds, blacks, and whites—that adorned tents, protected families from the elements, and carried symbolic meaning.
A Journey to Arabia Felix
In the vast deserts of Arabia, where landscapes appear austere and endless, Bedouin women have for centuries created beauty from the simplest of materials. Using the wool of their camels, sheep, and goats, they wove vibrant textiles—bold geometric designs in deep reds, blacks, and whites—that adorned tents, protected families from the elements, and carried symbolic meaning.