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PO Companys Oil Tank, Basra, Iraq, WW1
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PO Companys Oil Tank, Basra, Iraq, WW1
PO Companys Oil Tank, Basra, Iraq, during the First World War.
circa 1916
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Media ID 23074368
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This evocative photograph captures the PO Companys Oil Tank in Basra, Iraq during the First World War, circa 1916. The image offers a glimpse into the wartime industry and the crucial role that oil played in the conflict. The vast oil tank, with its towering height and expansive size, stands as a testament to the technological advancements of the time. The British-owned Anglo-Persian Oil Company, forerunner of BP, had established a significant presence in the Middle East, with Basra serving as a key production and export hub. During the First World War, the strategic importance of oil in fueling military operations became increasingly apparent. The Allied forces relied heavily on oil to power their ships, aircraft, and vehicles. The control of oil fields and supply routes became a major objective in the war, leading to the invasion of the Ottoman Empire's oil-rich territories in the Middle East. The photograph shows the oil tank surrounded by a barren desert landscape, with a few palm trees and mud-brick buildings in the background. The water tower adjacent to the tank suggests that water was also being extracted and stored for use. The image offers a stark contrast between the modern industrial infrastructure and the traditional Middle Eastern surroundings. This photograph provides a unique window into the past, offering insights into the wartime industry and the role that oil played in the First World War. It serves as a reminder of the far-reaching impact of the conflict and the transformative effect it had on the global economy and geopolitics.
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