Researcher explores Gulf history through primary sources

KUWAIT: Independent researcher and PhD holder in modern history Dr Mohammad Al-Kharashan delivered a thought-provoking lecture on Monday titled “Primary Sources in the Modern History of Kuwait and the Gulf,” at the Kuwait National Library. The event was held as part of the 17th Cultural Summer Festival, organized by the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL). Moderated by history researcher Nader Al-Wathir, the lecture shed light on the concept and significance of primary sources — often overlooked in traditional academic frameworks — as foundational tools for deepening understanding of Kuwait and the wider Gulf region’s historical narratives.

Dr Al-Kharashan posed three central questions guiding his exploration: How can primary sources be identified and located? What methods are best suited for analyzing and referencing their components? And can such sources be integrated into the historical records of later eras, particularly the modern period? Using a combination of documentary examples and archival materials, Al-Kharashan employed a critical and dialectical methodology that balanced deductive and inductive reasoning. He also engaged with past academic legacies, proposing a classification system for researchers based on their approaches to primary source material.

Among his key conclusions was a call for the reclassification of historical references to prioritize primary sources as essential scholarly resources. He also emphasized the importance of reviving previously overlooked documents and urged deeper exploration of source material rooted in authentic historical records. The 17th edition of the Cultural Summer Festival kicked off last Wednesday and runs for seven weeks, featuring a wide spectrum of cultural and artistic events aimed at enriching public knowledge and engagement across all age groups. — KUNA