Thomas Edward Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) in the struggle of Great Britain and the Ottoman empire for the Middle East

The purpose of the study is to determine the role and place of T. E. Lawrence in the British-Turkish struggle and relations between Great Britain and the Arab peoples during the First World War, based on scientific works and sources. The research methodology is based on the principles of historicism, objectivity, comprehensiveness, integrity and systematicity. Among the applied general scientific methods are the methods of analysis and synthesis, and among the special-historical ones - the problem-chronological method. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the fact that this problem is highlighted in domestic historiography for the first time. Conclusions. Thomas Edward Lawrence, one of the best British orientalists of the early 20th century, played an important role in London's struggle against the Ottoman Empire in the Middle East and in building British-Arab relations. At the beginning of the First World War, as a result of repeated and long expeditions and travels in the Middle East and Egypt, he knew well the behavior and mentality of the Arabs, the Arabic language, had rich experience of communicating with the local population, which made him a valuable specialist for the British intelligence in the Middle East. During the war, Lawrence's work with the Arabs produced important results for British success both on the battlefield and in the preparation and support of the Arab Revolt. Thus, Lawrence found an effective tactic of using Arab units to disrupt the logistics and supply of the Ottoman Empire's troops. Lawrence managed to avoid direct clashes between Turkish and Arab units and at the same time inflict serious losses on the enemy, most of all – losses of material resources. The results of T. E. Lawrence's activities were reflected both on the map of the fronts and, finally, on the borders of the states that emerged after the fall of the Ottoman Empire.