Desert devil: Who is Thomas Edward Lawrence?

One of the most extraordinary spies in history was Thomas Edward Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia. Born on August 16, 1888, Lawrence became an illegitimate child due to the complicated family relations of his father, a British nobleman. His father, Baron Edward Robert Chapman, left his first wife before he was born and settled in Dublin with Sare, who worked as a nanny for his four daughters. Baron Chapman had to change his surname because his first wife caused difficulties in the divorce proceedings. Thus, Father Robert's surname Chapman became Lawrence. Edward Lawrence was also born to Robert Lawrence's second wife, Sare.

This complicated relationship situation would shake the famous spy deeply throughout his life. He struggled with psychological disorders for many years due to the problems he had with his father. This problem would reveal itself from time to time under his interest in the Arab geography.

Thomas Edward Lawrence (16 August 1888 – 19 May 1935) was a British archaeologist, army officer, diplomat, and writer who became renowned for his role in the Arab Revolt (1916–1918) and the Sinai and Palestine Campaign (1915–1918) against the Ottoman Empire during the First World War. The breadth and variety of his activities and associations, and his ability to describe them vividly in writing, earned him international fame as Lawrence of Arabia, a title used for the 1962 film based on his wartime activities.

On the other hand, he was only a small child when he ran away from home due to problems with his father. His father placed him in the army, but Lawrence could not hold on there either. He was in conflict with his father throughout his life. When Spy Lawrence once visited the famous English writer Bernard Shaw, those present thought he was Shaw's son. Lawrence was very proud of this and the phrase he used most throughout his life was "Shaw's Son".

Unlike his father, the historical stories told by his mother, Sare, who had a great influence on Lawrence, were decisive in his life. His mother's stories had given Lawrence a great interest in history since his childhood. This extensive history of his mother was due to his being a Christian Calvinist. Young Lawrence had a great admiration, especially for the Crusades and the knights. The Middle East and the 'Holy Lands' had been his dreams since his childhood. These dreams would open the door to completely different worlds for him when he passed the exam held by Oxford University.

Espionage studies started at the university

Lawrence met David George Hogarth during his university years. Hogart, who served as the Director of the Ashmolean Museum, was not only interested in history; he was also doing intelligence work in the Middle East for the British Secret Service. He took the young archaeologist Thomas Lawrence with him for many of the studies he carried out in the Ottoman lands.

During these studies, Lawrence met Gertrude Bell, who taught him almost everything he knew about espionage. The two got along so well that they became like mother and son.

From his master Bell, Lawrence learned how to integrate with the local people and many vital issues about the desert.

After these studies, Lawrence's interest in Arabic increased. When he returned to England, he improved his knowledge on this subject.

Gertrude Bell recommended Lawrence to British intelligence

When World War I began, the Cairo Office was established under the auspices of British politician Churchill. The main duty of this office was to carry out intelligence work in the Ottoman geography.

One of the important members of the office was Gertrude Bell. Bell was someone who gained the trust of British Intelligence thanks to the activities he carried out in Ottoman geography under the name of archaeological studies. He ensured that the topography and manpower were mapped in favor of the British, especially with the photographs he took.

One of Bell's most critical contributions to British intelligence was ensuring that Lawrence was appointed to the Cairo office.

After being appointed here, Lawrence managed to establish close relations with the Hashemite dynasty and organize the militia forces against the Ottoman Empire.

As a result, after persuading Sharif Hussein, Lawrence, with the militia forces they established, took action against the Ottoman soldiers, such as bombing, destroying water wells, and rendering train tracks unusable.

The capture of Aqaba from the Ottomans by Lawrence enabled the famous British Commander Allenby to support Lawrence.

His death is a mystery like himself

After the war, Lawrence changed his name and joined the British Air Force. He wanted to write his memoirs, but economically he didn't have the money to publish them. In fact, the first publication of his work, which he made to find supporters, mysteriously disappeared. Years later, he published these memoirs under "Seven Pillars of Wisdom".

On May 13, 1935, he had an accident with his motorcycle and was seriously injured.

Lawrence, who was taken to the hospital, died due to severe brain trauma. Years later, a man appeared in Italy and claimed to be Lawrence. Various allegations like these were frequently discussed in British newspapers and Turkish media.

According to some, Lawrence was portrayed as having died for another mission, while according to others, the British Secret Service eliminated Lawrence, who knew too much.