St John Philby

St John Philby

St John Philby was born on April 3rd, 1885

Full Name: Harry St John Philby
Place of Birth: Badulla, Sri Lanka
Nationality: British
Occupation: Explorer and Colonial Officer
Spouse: Dora Johnston
Children: Kim Philby and others
Education: Trinity College, Cambridge
Notable Work: Crossing of the Empty Quarter

A British colonial administrator and explorer who mapped and traversed the Arabian Peninsula, discovering new routes and gathering valuable intelligence for the British Empire.

Written by: Jack Thompson Jack Thompson

St John Philby: The Enigmatic British Arabist and Adviser to King Abdulaziz

St John Philby, also known as Jack Philby or Sheikh Abdullah, was a British Arabist, advisor, explorer, and writer who played a pivotal role in shaping the modern history of Saudi Arabia. He is best known for his service as an adviser to King Abdulaziz ibn Saud, the founder of Saudi Arabia, and for his instrumental role in the country's unification under Saudi rule.

Early Life and Education

Born on April 3, 1885, in Badulla, British Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Philby was the son of a tea planter. He was educated at Westminster School and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied Oriental languages under the renowned scholar Edward Granville Browne. During his time at Cambridge, Philby befriended Jawaharlal Nehru, who later became the first prime minister of independent India.

Career Highlights and Major Works

Philby's career was marked by his fascination with the Middle East and his fluency in several languages, including Urdu, Punjabi, Baluchi, Persian, and Arabic. He joined the Indian Civil Service in 1908 and was posted to Lahore in the Punjab, where he acquired a deep understanding of the region's politics and culture. In 1930, he converted to Islam and adopted the name Sheikh Abdullah.

Philby's most significant achievement was his role as an adviser to King Abdulaziz ibn Saud, whom he urged to unite the Arabian Peninsula under Saudi rule. He played a crucial part in negotiating with the United Kingdom and the United States when petroleum was discovered in 1938, securing a favorable deal for Saudi Arabia.

Personal Life and Relationships

Philby married Dora Johnston in 1910, with whom he had four children, including Kim Philby, who later became infamous as a double agent for the Soviet Union. After divorcing Dora, Philby married Rozy al-Abdul Aziz, a Saudi Arabian woman, with whom he had three sons, including Khaled Philby, who became a United Nations Resident Coordinator.

Influence on Modern Society

Philby's legacy extends far beyond his role as an adviser to King Abdulaziz. He was a prolific writer, publishing several books on the Middle East and Arab history. His work helped shape the Western understanding of the region and its people, and he was one of the first Westerners to recognize the importance of Saudi Arabia in the global oil market.

Philosophical Contributions and Beliefs

Philby was a socialist and a strong advocate for Arab nationalism. He believed in the importance of unity and cooperation among Arab states and was critical of Western imperialism in the region. Despite his criticisms, Philby remained a British citizen throughout his life and maintained close ties with the British government.

Controversies and Public Perception

Philby's life was not without controversy. He was known for his strong opinions and irascible nature, which often put him at odds with his contemporaries. His son Kim's defection to the Soviet Union in 1963 also tarnished Philby's reputation, leading some to question his loyalty to the British government.

Quotes and Memorable Sayings

Legacy and Historical Context

St John Philby's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a pioneer in the field of Arab studies, and his work helped shape the modern understanding of the Middle East. However, his role as an adviser to King Abdulaziz and his involvement in the region's politics have been subject to controversy and criticism. Today, Philby is remembered as a fascinating and enigmatic figure, whose life and work continue to inspire and intrigue historians and scholars alike.

Timeline
1885
Birth in Cumbria
St John Philby was born in Cumbria, England. He would go on to become a prominent English colonial and explorer.
1908
Joins Indian Civil Service
Philby joined the Indian Civil Service, serving in various administrative roles in British India.
1917
Becomes Advisor to King Ibn Saud
Philby became an advisor to King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia, playing a key role in the countrys early development.
1924
Explores Arabian Desert
Philby led an expedition across the Arabian Desert, mapping previously unknown regions and discovering new archaeological sites.
1960
Death in Beirut
St John Philby passed away in Beirut, Lebanon, leaving behind a legacy as a prominent explorer and diplomat.
St John Philby

St John Philby Quiz

What was St John Philby's primary occupation?

Score: 0/5
FAQ
What was St John Philbys role in the Arabian Peninsula?
St John Philby was a British colonial officer and explorer who played a significant role in the Arabian Peninsula, serving as a advisor to King Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia and helping to establish the modern Saudi state.
What was St John Philbys relationship with King Abdul Aziz?
St John Philby developed a close friendship with King Abdul Aziz, who ruled Saudi Arabia from 1932 to 1953, and served as his trusted advisor on foreign affairs and internal administration.
How did St John Philbys expertise benefit Saudi Arabia?
St John Philbys knowledge of the region and his administrative skills helped King Abdul Aziz to consolidate power, establish a modern administrative system, and negotiate with foreign powers.
What were St John Philbys views on colonialism?
St John Philby was a vocal critic of British colonialism, advocating for greater autonomy and self-determination for Arab states and supporting the emergence of modern nation-states in the region.
What was St John Philbys legacy in the Middle East?
St John Philbys legacy in the Middle East is complex and multifaceted, with some viewing him as a champion of Arab independence and others criticizing his role in perpetuating British influence in the region.

Related People:

Kim Philby

Born in 1912

A high-ranking member of British intelligence who defected to the Soviet Union, revealing secrets and compromising national security. Known for being a notorious double agent during the Cold War.

Guy Burgess

Born in 1911

A high-ranking member of the British intelligence community who defected to the Soviet Union, notorious for betraying his country and compromising national security.

Anthony Blunt

Born in 1907

A renowned art historian who led a secret life as a Soviet spy, betraying his country by passing classified information to the KGB. His espionage activities were only discovered in 1979, sparking a national scandal.

James Jesus Angleton

Born in 1917

A CIA counterintelligence chief who oversaw the agency's efforts to uncover Soviet moles, and was known for his paranoia and intricate theories about Soviet espionage. He was a key figure in the CIA's Cold War operations.

Allen Dulles

Born in 1893

The 5th Director of Central Intelligence was a master spy and diplomat who oversaw the CIA during the Cold War, orchestrating covert operations and shaping global politics. He's infamous for his role in the Bay of Pigs invasion and CIA-led coups.

John Foster Dulles

Born in 1888

A prominent Cold War diplomat who served as Secretary of State under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, known for his anti-communist foreign policy and role in shaping the United States' response to the Soviet Union.