The camel is a symbol of resilience and cultural continuity. Under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, this heritage symbol is receiving renewed attention. In 2024, the Kingdom marked the Saudi Year of the Camel, and the United Nations declared 2024 the International Year of Camelids. There is also World Camel Day, celebrated in June.
Lavish Concepts is pleased to offer Camel Through the Ages, created by Dar Layan Culture in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Public Library. The book formed the foundation for the Camel Through the Ages exhibition at the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra) in 2024. Together, they present a clear and focused study of camel heritage.
The Camel Through the Ages is a scholarly project that aims to enrich our knowledge of significant aspects of human cultural heritage from distant eras. This legacy centres on the intimate relationship between humans and camels, and the Arabian Peninsula has a substantial share of this rich heritage one that was built, flourished, and spread across the world thanks to this bond.
This work is the result of joint scientific and cultural cooperation between Dar Layan Culture and the King Abdulaziz Public Library. We present it to researchers, scholars, and those interested in the enduring Arab heritage tied to the camel and humanity. It is published in two volumes, in both Arabic and English, and includes a variety of scholarly articles written by specialists from Saudi Arabia and abroad.
It also contains valuable images of archaeological discoveries and artistic artefacts from numerous museums around the world and specialised scientific institutions that depict the camel’s history across the ages, particularly recent archaeological findings about camels in the Arabian Peninsula.
The camel carries a quiet yet confident presence. It has moved across vast landscapes for centuries, guiding travellers through heat (and cold) and open space. Its steady rhythm has shaped human stories and inspired many desert journeys, also beautifully portrayed in film.
The publication includes images of archaeological discoveries and artistic objects from museums and scientific institutions worldwide. These materials trace camel history across different eras, with particular attention to recent findings from the Arabian Peninsula. The result is a clear and comprehensive reference for readers and researchers interested in camel heritage.
In the United Kingdom, camel history has long appeared in scholarly and museum collections. Expedition records at the Royal Geographical Society and archaeological material in the British Museum’s Middle East collections reflect this ongoing interest. The Camel Through the Ages adds a contemporary Saudi voice to this wider field of study.
A collectible title and meaningful book for university libraries, cultural organisations and heritage collections. It also suits a personal library and readers who value depth in cultural works.
Explore the title here.