SYKES, Percy Molesworth. Brompton, Kent 28.2.1867 — London 11.6.1945. Sir. British Colonial Officer and Diplomat. Brigadier-General. Son of army chaplain Rev. William Sykes (1829–1900) and Mary Molesworth, educated at Rugby, military education at Sandhurst. From 1888 served in 2nd Dragoon Guards in India, 1895 Lieutenant, 1897 Captain. In 1892 secret mission to Uzbekistan, 1893 returned from home leave to India riding through Iran. In 1902 transferred to Indian Army, served as Consul in Kerman 1895-1905 (in 1901 participated in Boer War), then until 1913 in Mashad. In 1915 Consul General for Chinese Turkestan in Kashgar, then again in Iran until 1918. Retired from army 1924. K.C.I.E. 1915. A photographer. Married 1902 Evelyn Seton (1882–1973), six children.
His sister, Ella Constance Sykes (1863–1939) travelled in Iran, accompanied his brother in Central Asia to Kashgar and wrote several travel books (see Encyclop. Iranica and Wikipedia on her).
Publications: “The Gypsies of Persia. A Second Vocabulary”, JRAnthrInst 36, 1906, 302-311.
– A History of Persia. 19+565 p. L. 1915.
– With Ella Sykes (his sister): Through deserts and oases of Central Asia. 12+340 p. L. 1920; several travel books on Iran.
– A History of Exploration. L. 1934; The Quest for Cathay. 278 p. 1936; Explorers All, Famous Journeys in Asia. 206 p. L. 1939.
– A History of Afghanistan. 1-2. L. 1939-40.
Sources: D. Wright, Encyclop. Iranica online 2008/17; *A. Wynn, Persia in the Great Game – Sir Percy Sykes: Explorer, Consul, Soldier. 2003; Wikipedia with photo.
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