Old photographs of the Gulf fascinate the observer. Few places in the world have changed so much, so quickly, and it is interesting to scrutinize a faded black and white image for telltale points of reference - a watchtower, a fort, an old bridge. Gulf-based photographer John Nowell has always had an eye for an old photo, and recently turned his interest to researching old pictures and recording the modern differences.
     "I realized that there are a lot of people with memories of places as they were," says Nowell. "Equally there are an increasing number of people -- including many nationals - who are interested in what things looked like in earlier times, from the '60s right back to the '30s.
     His interest was kindled when, as a young RAF pilot, he came across the aerial survey photography done by aircrews pioneering the original "flying boat" routes from Europe and India and beyond. In addition to his flying duties, he was responsible for the squadron's photo album and the monthly operation records. "At the time," he recalls, "I remember thinking that there had to be a book or two in all those old pictures."
     The fruits of his most recent labors have just been published in "Now & Then - Bahrain," which follows his successful "Now & Then - The Emirates." Included in his latest book are hundreds of old and new photos, some of which are reproduced here, depicting the changes that Bahrain has undergone while celebrating the achievements of the island's ruling family and citizens.
     "Now & Then - Bahrain," describes a country of growth. "Its transformation has been dramatic. Where there were tracks in the sand, there are now six-lane highways and cloverleaf interchanges. Where there were simple houses built of palm fronds and coral blocks, there are glass and steel skyscrapers.
     Where there was a small population, there is now a cosmopolitan mix of nationalities living in a healthy and prosperous environment."
     Aerial photography, Nowell says, is 90 percent about flying and 10 percent about getting your exposure right, which he says is more difficult than one would imagine.
     For the cover of the book, a photo of the traditional sailing boat with Le Royal Meridien as the backdrop, which is shown at the back of this report, the logistics were daunting. First, Nowell coaxed one of Bahrain's oldest "nakoudahs," or dhow captains, 96-year-old Salman Dawood Saade, out of retirement to step the mast and hoist the sail of Bahrain's only remaining lateen rigged "jalbout." Salman had commissioned this boat in 1935 and it is still in active service carrying tourists to Bahrain's outer islands.
     That was the first step, says Nowell. "The picture had to be taken at high tide to allow the dhow to maneuver in the Le Royal Meridien lagoon. The helicopter had to be available. It had to be taken at 8:30 in the morning for the best light, when the wind was alight northerly to fill the sail, and when the weather was clear." As it happened, only the wind didn't cooperate, but here experience paid off. "We asked the nakoudah to start his engine and put the boat in slow reverse, which, of course, filled the sail enough for the shot."
     The Washington Times is fortunate to display a series of Nowell's "Now & Then -Bahrain" in this special report on Bahrain.