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Turkey Releases Secret Files on 'Lawrence of Arabia'

Published January 7, 2026, 13:18
Turkey Releases Secret Files on 'Lawrence of Arabia'

Turkey has released classified files from its intelligence agency, MIT, concerning Thomas Edward Lawrence, famously known as 'Lawrence of Arabia'. The documents, dating back to 1929, detail Lawrence's activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Palestine, and Sudan, alleging his attempts to influence local populations. The records suggest Lawrence employed aliases and disguises during his missions and resided in various countries under assumed names. In Jerusalem, he reportedly presented himself as both a Muslim religious teacher and a Jewish rabbi, aiming to disseminate 'provocative' messages and impact social and political balances. MIT emphasizes that the release of these documents is part of a broader policy to enhance public access to historical information. Ankara seeks to preserve and showcase Ottoman and early Turkish intelligence memory in the Middle East, responding to growing international demand for historical transparency. This disclosure occurs during a period of heightened interest in the history of the Middle East and the role of foreign powers in the region. The MIT files offer a Turkish perspective on Lawrence's activities and his influence in the area.