‘Vast, echoing, and God-like’ are the famous words that Lawrence of Arabia used to describe Wadi Rum. Lawrence loved our desert. Everybody who visits our homeland will understand why he used those words. In this blog, we share some information about Lawrence of Arabia and places in Wadi Rum that are related to him.
Lawrence of Arabia
Thomas Edward Lawrence (1888-1935) was a British liaison officer. He served with rebel forces during the successful Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Turks (1916-1918). Many men of our tribe, the Zalabieh, fought alongside Lawrence of Arabia. Lawrence wrote an autobiographical book about this period called ‘Seven Pillars of Wisdom‘. In the 1960s, David Lean made the famous movie ‘Lawrence of Arabia‘ based on this book.
Places related to Lawrence in Wadi Rum desert
Wadi Rum desert breaths ‘vast, echoing and God-like’. Just by going on a jeep tour or camel ride will already give you the experience to understand what Lawrence of Arabia means. Unfortunately, not many places are that well described by Lawrence that we know for sure he was there. Still, there are some places you want to visit.
- Seven pillars of wisdom
Just behind the visitor center, you can see an imposing rock formation. These days, this mountain is known as the Seven pillars of wisdom. The relation between the mountain and Lawrence is unclear. - Ain Shalaleeh spring
Ain Shalaleeh is a beautiful spring close to Rum village. It is one of the few places describes so clearly by Lawrence that we are sure he was there. An easy walk brings you to the spring. During the hike, you can enjoy some beautiful views of Rum village and the valley. - Lawrence spring
This spring, located between Rum village and Khazali canyon is named after Lawrence of Arabia. But it is not the spring he visited and described in his book. Still, this spring is more than worth a visit. Not for the spring itself, but the mesmerizing views which you have from spring height over Wadi Rum desert. - Lawrence house
There are stories that he both stayed and stored weapons here. The current structure is a bunch of unimpressive rubble. It is built upon the remains of a Nabataean building. It is uncertain whether this was, in fact, Lawrence’s house. Despite all this, it is a place you want to see, as it is located in another beautiful spot in the desert. Standing on the rock behind the house, you have fantastic valley views, and you can test the echo between the impressive mountains in this area.
