WESTERN MUALAFS AND DEVILS IN ARABIA DESERTA

 Years ago the vast desert of Arabia was forbidden territory for infidels more so (and still is) for Mecca, centre of the Muslim world. The vast uncharted desert inhospitable except for the bedouins presents a deadly challenge itself but to get into and out of Mecca incognito and in one piece was deadlier still. Pelgrave, Thesiger, Philby and Burton were among the early western adventurers who risked their lives to the challenge spying in most cases the Arabian Peninsula.

Richard Burton is said to be a convert and made pilgrimage to Medina and Mecca disguised as an Afghan medical practitioner and published a two volume book about the journey.