In the years preceding World War I, the Mesopotamian region—under the rule of the Ottoman Empire—drew the attention of European powers, particularly the British government, due to its geopolitical significance and abundant oil resources. The region’s proximity to the Persian Gulf, which held immense economic value for Britain, further motivated the British to exert control over the ports of Basra and the oil-rich areas of Mosul and Kirkuk. To achieve this, Britain employed all its resources and influential agents in the region to shape the destiny of Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) and detach it from Ottoman sovereignty.



This study aims to explain the role of structure and agency in shaping Britain's actions in the region. The research follows a descriptive-analytical method. The findings indicate that although Britain's approach to securing its economic and political interests in the region directly influenced the actions of British statesmen such as Lord Curzon, McMahon, Calouste Gulbenkian, and Lawrence of Arabia, the conduct of these figures also significantly impacted Britain’s political decisions in the area. The official views of these agents and the economic activities of Calouste Gulbenkian in the region serve as evidence supporting this claim.