History of Kuwait

This escaped the historian's memory

Author's name: Hisham Al-Awadi

This book offers a different narrative, broadening the lens through which the past is viewed and emphasizing the multiplicity of voices in Kuwait—voices that historians must listen to, regardless of their number, social standing, or place of residence. The work examines two groups of Kuwaitis: those who lived outside the city walls, the Bedouin, villagers, and islanders, and those who lived within the walls, a group often overlooked by traditional historians. The book also stresses that the desert was not merely a barren expanse, as some might assume, but rather played a vital role in saving the city from collapse during its period of crisis between the pearl boom and the discovery of oil. Furthermore, the Bedouin played a central role in the founding of the state and the defense of its borders. The villages were not simply "backyard gardens" for leisure, but active centers that contributed to pivotal events, such as the Battle of Jahra. And the islands were not merely isolated outposts, but a decisive factor in shaping the final borders of the State of Kuwait. But in the heart of the city lived groups that were rarely highlighted, including: Arab Persians, slaves, non-Muslims, the poor, the sick, and all those absent from the popular narrative.