Top Gear: Middle East Special Presenters: Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May Car Choice: £3,500 budget for a used convertible (to enjoy the “good” weather) Route: From Northern Iraq (Erbil) to the birthplace of Jesus (Bethlehem, West Bank)
The Top Gear Middle East Special stands as a defining artifact of 2010s television. It successfully balanced the delicate act of mocking the hosts’ ignorance while respecting the sanctity of the setting. top gear middle east special
They drive through spectacular mountain scenery. James’s BMW continues to misbehave (coolant loss, dodgy electrics). Jeremy’s Fiat has a tiny trunk, so he carries his luggage in the passenger seat. Richard’s Mazda is reliable but boring – “a hairdresser’s car in a war zone.” Top Gear: Middle East Special Presenters: Jeremy Clarkson,
These vehicles were not merely modes of transport; they were agents of chaos. By placing inappropriate convertibles in rugged terrains, the producers ensured that mechanical failure would drive the plot, forcing the trio to engage in comedic problem-solving. James’s BMW continues to misbehave (coolant loss, dodgy
Erbil International Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan, where the cars were unloaded from a Russian cargo plane. Wikipedia +1 Iraq & Turkey: Navigating through southern Turkey and the conflict-prone borders of Northern Iraq. Syria: Traversing Aleppo, Palmyra, and Damascus before the onset of the Syrian Civil War. Jordan & Israel: Crossing into Jordan to visit Jerash, then entering Israel to see the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. Destination: The journey ended at the Mount of Olives and a stable in Bethlehem. Wikipedia +4 Notable Incidents & Controversies Injuries: James May suffered a head injury after being hit by a tow rope during a recovery attempt in the desert. The "Baby Stig": Upon arriving at the manger in Bethlehem, the "Three Wise Men" presented gifts of gold, shampoo, and a Nintendo DS to a baby version of the show's mysterious driver,