The BBC and the British Council host a public debate in Jordan to discuss the relevance and legacy of the First World War today
One hundred years ago the First World War set the course for the modern world; for the countries that took part nothing would be the same again. In this British Council and BBC World Service series we look at the impact of the war from around the globe.
The Arab Revolt, launched during the First World War by Sharif Hussein bin Ali, Emir of Mecca, unified Arab resistance to Ottomans. It helped end hundreds of years of Ottoman rule of the Arab world and there were strong hopes that victory and peace would lead to a unified Arab state from Syria to Yemen. The Great Arab Revolt succeeded in securing Arab rule over Transjordan, Iraq and Arabia, but wider hopes were dashed. A patchwork of mandates, protectorates and colonial rule followed with a promise from the British Prime Minister that Jewish people would be given a “national home in Palestine”.
Much of the current political map of the Middle East, including the Kingdom of Jordan, has its origins in agreements drawn up at the end of the First World War. Many political traumas of the last century have their roots in this era. How did the First World War change the face of the Middle East? And how does this seismic and controversial period shape the century to follow?
For this special public debate at the Haya Cultural Centre, Amman, the BBC’s Lyse Doucet and a panel of experts will explore the history and legacy of this era with a public audience. Lina Attel, Director General of the National Centre for Culture and the Arts, will present a specially commissioned essay.
A radio recording of The war that changed the world: Redrawing the map of the Middle East will be broadcast across the world by the BBC World Service on Saturday 27th June at 18.00 GMT and Sunday 28th June at 11.00 GMT.
Come and join the debate.
Programme
18.30 Welcome and registration
19.00 The War That Changed the World event begins. BBC recording starts
21.00 Event ends
This event will be in English (we will offer interpretation)
You must register in order to attend this event. Attendance is free of charge.
Should you have any further queries or are having difficulties in registering, please contact us by email WW1info@britishcouncil.org or telephone 06 460 34 20
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