New Books Network Fahad Ahmad Bishara, "Monsoon Voyagers: An Indian Ocean History" (U California Press, 2025)
Nov 6, 2025
Fahad Ahmad Bishara, an associate professor specializing in Gulf and Indian Ocean maritime history, dives into his new book, *Monsoon Voyagers*, detailing a dhow's journey in the 1920s. He discusses how this microhistory uncovers broader networks of trade and cultural exchange. Bishara shares insights on Kuwait's transformation into a vibrant maritime hub, the significance of debt as a business tool, and the legal complexities faced by merchants. His exploration of navigation techniques and the cultural life aboard the ship enriches our understanding of this dynamic oceanic world.
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Childhood Visit Sparked Research
- Fahad Bishara recounts visiting his grandfather's refurbished ship at Kuwait's National Science Center as a child, which planted the seed for his maritime interests.
- He later realized Gulf maritime history was missing from standard narratives and pursued it academically.
Microhistory Reveals Oceanic Worlds
- Bishara uses a microhistory of a single dhow to reveal broader Indian Ocean circulations that larger national narratives miss.
- The approach lets him center captains, merchants, and sailors and their documentary practices across places.
Choosing El-Fel For A Rich Archive
- Bishara chose the nukhida El-Fel for his rich family archive and links to Mansur al-Kharaji rather than his own grandfather.
- This allowed him to trace navigational manuals, contracts, and itineraries across ports.
