Which country did British archaeologist Gertrude Bell help establish in the 1920s?

Gertrude Bell (1868-1926) was invited to attend a series of meetings between 12th and 30th March 1921 to discuss the geographic and political future of Iraq, previously known as Mesopotamia. Officially known as the 'Middle East Conference held in Cairo and Jerusalem', the meetings were attended by many British officials, including the newly appointed Secretary of State for the Colonies Winston Churchill (1874-1965). The minutes of the meetings record Bell as the 'Oriental Secretary for High Commissioner of Iraq'.

During the Cairo Conference, Bell provided significant input in the discussions about Iraq’s creation and recommended Faisal bin Hussein (1885-1933), a former commander of the Arab forces, as the first King of Iraq. Bell tried to ease Faisal into the role, teaching him about tribal geography and supervising the election of government officials. The Arabs called Bell “al-Khatun”, which means a Lady of the Court who keeps an open eye and ear for the benefit of the State.

Gertrude Bell was an author and archaeologist, who became highly influential to British officials during the establishment of Iraq following the First World War. She knew the area due to previously travelling extensively through Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, and Arabia. Trusted by both the British and the Arabs, Bell is often described as “one of the few representatives of His Majesty’s Government remembered by the Arabs with anything resembling affection”.