Reviewed by Richard Tutin
Students of Ancient History are introduced to two mighty rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates, very early in their studies. After all they are regarded by historians as being the cradle of civilisation. Despite this knowledge, very few westerners have dipped their toes in their waters nor, in some ways, have they really cared about how they are faring in the twenty-first century.
Leon McCarron hopes to ignite some concern for the Tigris given its location and the challenges it, as a natural formation, is facing as it makes its way from the mountains of Turkey to the Persian Gulf. Its journey from source to mouth traverses some of the most volatile areas of the Midde East. Throughout its history, the Tigris has seen it all as civilisations have come and gone. McCarron’s journey during 2021 shows that it is facing challenges that put its past in the shade. He and his companions are, according to the final Author’s note, still recovering from what was, to them, an ordeal rather than a tourist or factfinding wander downriver.
As well as war, the Tigris has had to suffer the effects of climate change as well as the aggressiveness that comes from those who continually want power and the greed that goes with it. The once mighty river has been exploited along its entire length to the point where it’s often more a trickle than a flowing stream.
Even so, McCarron and his companions demonstrate a great love and passion for both the river and the people who call its banks home. The kindness and hospitality that were offered to them far outweighed some of the suffering that had to be endured as they travelled. While enjoying what has been offered through food, shelter, friendship and information, there is a background knowledge that McCarron can move on while the people whom he befriends must stay and cope with the volatile life that living in that part of the Middle East brings.
The effects of war can be seen everywhere along with the realisation that it is not far away and, in many instances, still raging. That, along with the political decisions and follies of leaders and their parties, make people wonder how much longer they can last in their traditional areas or if they do, how safe they will be as the fighting ebbs and flows between warring factions.
McCarron does not offer solutions to these problems. His aim is to raise awareness of what is happening along with the complexity of the relationships that has emerged. What has happened along the banks of the Tigris is not just a local situation, it is global because of the involvement of powerful countries of the West who have sought to exploit the riches that the Tigris and its lands have offered. There is, says McCarron, still hope but we need to act now if the Tigris is to be mighty again.
Leon McCarron is an award-winning writer, broadcaster and explorer from Northern Ireland. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and the Geographical Society of Philadelphia’s Explorer of the Year. He is known for long-distance expeditions and immersive multimedia storytelling.
Wounded Tigris A River Journey Through the Cradle of Civilisation
by Leon McCarron
(2023)
Corsair
ISBN 978 147215 622 8
$32.99; 340pp