The Origins of the Spy Myth: Portrayals of Gertrude Bell in Global and Turkish Historiography

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This article analyses the shifting portrayal of Gertrude Bell in global and Turkish historiography, particularly the association of her travels with espionage. Drawing on a comparison of the literature and a review of the sources of existing studies, it argues that this perception is rooted in historical anxieties rather than concrete evidence. Although early accounts and personal testimonies do not mention espionage as a motivation for her travels, the idea that she was a spy has become prevalent in the global literature since 1978. This shift occurred around the time of the publication of influential works such as Edward Said's Orientalism and H.V.F. Winstone's books, which accused Bell of undermining British policy. Despite the online availability of Bell's archive since the 1990s, many scholars continue to rely on earlier biased sources due to the breadth and complexity of the archive. This perpetuates speculations and distorts perceptions of Bell. It is important to note that the first association of Bell's travels with espionage in Turkish academic circles was in Semavi Eyice's 1978 article. The publication of these critical works suggesting espionage in the same year seems coincidental. However, it can be contextualised within the broader influence of the Cold War and the rise of national concerns. Thus, the recent Turkish academic discourse portraying Bell as a “femme fatale” responsible for the downfall of the Ottoman Empire reflects not only national anxieties surrounding territorial integrity, but also the influence of broader historical interpretations.