Great Britain’s Stand on Slave Trade in Jeddah Based on the Report by the British Acting Consul in Jeddah, William Burrell 1880 A.D

Abstract

This research is concerned with the study and analysis of Britain’s position towards the slave trade during the late 18th century until the 1880s in general, and particularly the trade activities in Hejaz, specifically in the port of Jeddah. The research is based on a study of one of the reports issued by the British consulate in Jeddah1880 A.D, which reveals the British standpoint regarding slave trade during the specified period. The report discloses an attempt by William Burrell, the British acting Consul in Jeddah, to bring his government’s attention to certain issues needing be dealt with according to British interests in the region. This report is considered an important resource due to the information included within, which includes: slave trade in Hejaz; the main ports on the eastern shores of the Red Sea used in this trade and specifically Jeddah; the stance taken by the Sherif of Makkah, Abdulmutalib bin Ghalib Aal Zayed; the position of the local Ottoman authorities and their employees towards the trade; the deceptions used by the slave traders to avoid the confiscation and liberation of the slaves following the strict measures in Sudan intending to limit the activities of the slave trade in Hejaz, and specifically Jeddah; and finally, the role played by the British Consulate to prevent this trade.