Summary

Unused postcard acquired during World War I (1914-1918) published by Cartolina - Carte Postale, labelled '130'. Image of 'Arab Travellers' in Aden, a significant port city during World War I.

Aden is an ancient seaport that rose to prominence in modern times after the completion of the Suez Canal. The Port of Aden came under British control in 1838; in the following year it was used as a base by the East India Trading Company and the Royal Marines to protect English vessels en route to India from pirate attacks. However, the port was mainly used as a tanker port for British Petroleum and as a place where ships could replenish their coal and boiler water supplies.

Port Aden became the main British base in the region in 1956, following Britain's loss of the Suez Canal. The British retained control of the port until 1967 and in 1970 Aden became the capital of the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen.

Description of Content

Two men riding camels in a desert, with a cloudy blue sky in the background. The men sit on material that has tassels which dangle by the camels' sides. The men are dressed in white and their heads are covered.

Physical Description

Unused, rectangular postcard with colour image on one side and off-white/beige background. Divided-back, blue text and lines on other side.

Significance

This postcard is likely to have been made by Lehnert & Landrock, a well known and popular photography company that created postcards with similar themes, along with larger photography prints and greeting cards.

More Information