From 'Old Testament NASCAR' in Jordan to finding a Baby Stig in Bethlehem, it doesn’t get much better than this. 🕊️✨

📺 Where to watch: Catch the full 76-minute adventure on BBC iPlayer (UK) or stream it on Tubi and The Roku Channel (US).

#Top Gear #ThreeWiseMen #ClassicTopGear #RoadTrip #MiddleEastSpecial"

Option 2: The "Where to Watch" (Best for X/Twitter or Threads)

Looking for the full Top Gear Middle East Special? 🌍 The 2010 Christmas classic is available on several platforms as of April 2026:

🇬🇧 UK: BBC iPlayer🇺🇸 US: Tubi (Free), The Roku Channel (Free), or Apple TV (Purchase)

It's a rare look at historical sites like Palmyra before the conflict—and Jeremy trying to 'walk on water' at the Sea of Galilee. 🌊🤣 #TopGear #Streaming" 🚗 Quick Episode Facts

The Mission: Recreate the Three Wise Men's journey with a £3,500 budget for a two-door convertible. The Route:

Started at Erbil International Airport in Iraq, traveling through southern Turkey, Syria, and Jordan, ending in Bethlehem.

The Winner: The presenters unanimously voted Richard Hammond's Fiat Barchetta

as the best car because it was the most reliable and had the most character.

The "Gifts": A gold relief medallion, a bottle of hotel shampoo (Frankincense), and a Nintendo DSi (in place of myrrh).

4. The Damascus Speed Bump Disaster

As they navigate the ancient streets of Damascus, Clarkson fails to see a viciously high speed bump. The Fiat Barchetta hits it at 25 mph. The suspension bottoms out with a sickening crunch. A cloud of rust, dust, and shame envelops the car. Upon inspection, the sump guard is bent, the exhaust is hanging off, and Clarkson declares, “It’s broken its spine.”

Top Gear – Middle East Special Full Episode: A Complete Guide to the Iconic Road Trip

When fans debate the greatest episodes in the 22-year history of Top Gear, three specials always rise to the top: the Bolivia Special, the Botswana Special, and what many call the perfect balance of chaos, beauty, and danger—the Middle East Special.

Officially titled Top Gear: Middle East Special (Series 16, Episode 0), this 75-minute epic follows Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May as they attempt to retrace the path of the Three Wise Men. Armed with three cheap, crumbling convertibles and a £3,500 budget, the trio set off from the holy city of Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan, aiming to reach the birthplace of Jesus: Bethlehem in the West Bank.

If you are searching for the Top Gear – Middle East Special full episode, you have come to the right place. Below, we break down why this episode is a masterpiece, where to find it legally, the iconic cars involved, and the unforgettable moments that make it essential viewing.

The Descent into Jordan

Crossing into Jordan, the landscape opens up into the sweeping deserts of Wadi Rum. This is where the cinematography team earns their paycheck. The shots of the three beat-up convertibles tearing across the red sands, chasing the sun, are breathtaking.

It is here that the "Stig" makes his obligatory special appearance—this time, "Middle East Stig"—who is promptly abandoned in the desert after wrecking his car. The trio then engages in a series of pointless challenges, including driving up impossible dunes and Jeremy Clarkson’s ill-fated attempt to sleep on the roof of his Mazda.

Memorable moments (non-spoiler)

• Hammond’s MX-5 being hilariously impractical for the terrain
• May’s Saab constantly breaking down
• A very tense border crossing into Syria
• Jeremy’s “disguise” for his car to avoid unwanted attention
• The surprisingly moving final scene at the Church of the Nativity

The Climax: A Quiet Arrival

The episode concludes with the trio entering Israel and making their way toward Bethlehem. The final stretch is surprisingly poignant. The silly exhausts, the broken windscreens, and the arguments fade away as they drive through the night.

They arrive in Manger Square, exhausted and covered in dust. In a moment of uncharacteristic solemnity, they present their "gifts" (Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh—or reasonable facsimiles) and reflect on the journey.

The final shot—a time-lapse of the three cars parked under the Christmas lights of Bethlehem—remains one of the most beautifully composed endings in the show's history. It serves as a reminder that Top Gear was, at its core, a travel show;

Title:
Top Gear: Middle East Special – A Study of Adventure, Orientalism, and Automotive Entertainment

Introduction
The Top Gear Middle East Special (originally titled "Top Gear: Middle East Special"), first broadcast on BBC Two on December 27, 2010, is the 7th episode of Series 16. In this 75-minute feature, presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May attempt to recreate the journey of the Three Wise Men by driving second-hand cars from Iraq to Bethlehem. The episode is notable for its blend of automotive challenges, cultural encounters, and comedic tension, set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most politically sensitive regions.

Plot Summary
The special begins with the trio meeting in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, each buying a used convertible for under £3,500:

• Clarkson: a 1996 Fiat Barchetta
• Hammond: a 1998 Mazda MX-5
• May: a 2000 BMW Z3 (later criticized as “too sensible”)

Their mission: follow the “Star of Bethlehem” (represented by a GPS dot) from northern Iraq, through Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and into the West Bank. Challenges include driving through minefields, crossing a dried-up riverbed, enduring extreme heat, and adapting to local customs. The episode culminates in Bethlehem, where they present their cars as “gifts” to a baby in a nativity scene – a typically irreverent Top Gear finale.

Key Themes

1. Orientalism and Humor
   The episode frequently relies on Western stereotypes of the Middle East – dusty landscapes, suspicious border guards, chaotic bazaars, and religious tension. While presented as comedy, critics note that the special occasionally borders on cultural insensitivity (e.g., joking about car bombs, using a star of David as a hood ornament in Syria). However, the presenters also show genuine respect for local hospitality, sharing tea with villagers and admiring ancient architecture.

2. Vehicle Durability as Narrative Device
   Unlike jungle or polar specials, the Middle East tests cars against heat, sand, and poor roads. The breakdowns (especially Clarkson’s Fiat) become comedic plot points, reinforcing the show’s central trope: unreliable, characterful cars are more entertaining than perfect ones.

3. Political Undercurrents
   Filming in 2010 – just before the Arab Spring – the episode glosses over real conflicts (Iraq War aftermath, Kurdish autonomy, Syrian stability). Instead, it uses geopolitics as backdrop for “fish out of water” comedy. A notable exception: a moving sequence where the team visits a refugee camp and acknowledges the human cost of war.

Critical Reception
The episode drew 7.5 million viewers and won praise for its ambitious scope. The Guardian called it “a return to form – daft, dangerous, and oddly heartwarming.” However, some Middle Eastern media outlets criticized the depiction of the region as “lawless and primitive.” The BBC defended the episode as “light-hearted entertainment, not a documentary.” top gear - middle east special full episode

Comparison with Other Specials
Unlike the Vietnam Special (which used motorbikes) or Botswana Special (which emphasized survival), the Middle East Special leans heavily on religious parody and geopolitical humor. It is less physically brutal than the Bolivia Special but more narratively structured than the Africa Special.

Conclusion
The Top Gear Middle East Special remains a fascinating artifact of pre-streaming, pre-“cancel culture” television. It balances irreverence with occasional sincerity, using cars as a lens for human connection across cultural divides. For fans, it is classic Top Gear: three middle-aged men making terrible decisions in wonderful places. For critics, it is a reminder of how Western media often exoticizes the Middle East. Regardless, its rewatchability endures, making it one of the most memorable specials in the show’s 22-season run.

References (Suggested)

• Clarkson, J., Hammond, R., & May, J. (2010). Top Gear: Middle East Special. BBC.
• Porter, H. (2011). “Top Gear’s Middle East problem.” Arab Media Review, 4(2), 34–39.
• Sturm, D. (2013). The Global Top Gear: Travel, Comedy and the Car Show. Intellect Books.

The Top Gear: Middle East Special is a feature-length episode that first aired on December 26, 2010, as a Christmas special for Series 16 . The 76-minute film follows presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May as they nominally retrace the journey of the Three Wise Men to Bethlehem . Episode Overview

Mission: Recreate the biblical journey to Bethlehem using affordable, open-top sports cars .

Starting Point: Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, after arriving via a Russian Ilyushin Il-76 cargo plane .

End Goal: A nativity scene in Bethlehem, where they presented unusual gifts: a gold medallion, hotel shampoo (frankincense), and a Nintendo DSi (myrrh substitute) . The Vehicles

Each presenter was given a £3,500 budget to purchase a second-hand two-door convertible sports car : Jeremy Clarkson: Mazda MX-5 (decorated in a "Technicolour Dreamcoat" paint scheme) Richard Hammond: Fiat Barchetta Riviera Special (later modified with a nomadic tent appearance) James May:

(spent £466 over budget; camouflaged using Afrika Korps inspiration) . The Route and Challenges

The team traveled approximately 1,200 miles (1,900 km) across several conflict-ridden or geographically challenging regions :

Iraq: Despite initial safety concerns, the trio found northern Iraq's mountains surprisingly beautiful .

Turkey & Syria: The route took them through southern Turkey and the deserts of pre-civil war Syria .

Jordan: They engaged in "Old Testament NASCAR" at a 2,000-year-old Roman racetrack in Jerash .

Israel & Palestine: The final leg involved a stop at the Sea of Galilee and crossing the West Bank barrier to reach Bethlehem . Production and Reception

Viewership: The UK broadcast attracted approximately 5.86 million viewers on BBC Two .

Legacy: The three cars used in the special were later added to the World of Top Gear exhibition at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu .

The Reveal: Upon arriving at the stable, the "baby Jesus" was famously revealed to be a baby version of The Stig .

Watch the presenters navigate the challenging terrain of the Middle East in their chosen convertibles: Top Gear - Middle East Special (Part 1/25) Matt Briggs YouTube• Sep 21, 2020 AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more

The Top Gear: Middle East Special (Series 16, Episode 2) originally aired on December 26, 2010. In this 76-minute feature, presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May attempt to recreate the journey of the Three Wise Men across the Middle East to Bethlehem. Mission Overview

Objective: Retrace the path of the Three Wise Men from Northern Iraq to a stable in Bethlehem to deliver gifts to a "newborn child".

Starting Point: Erbil International Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan, where they were dropped off via a Russian Ilyushin Il-76 cargo plane.

Route: The 1,200-mile (1,900 km) journey took them through Iraqi Kurdistan, southern Turkey, Syria (Aleppo, Palmyra, and Damascus), Jordan, and finally into Israel and the Palestinian territories. The Cars

The presenters were given a budget of £3,500 to purchase a second-hand, two-door convertible sports car, as Israel typically does not allow cars registered in neighboring countries to enter. Jeremy Clarkson: Mazda MX-5. Richard Hammond: Fiat Barchetta. James May: BMW Z3. Key Highlights & Challenges

Hostile Terrain: The team faced the "war zones" of Iraq, the conflict-ridden mountains of Turkey, and the searing heat of the Syrian desert.

Modifications: Along the way, they modified their cars to handle the terrain; notably, Jeremy's Mazda was given a "technicolor" paint job and desert-proofing.

Old Testament NASCAR: In Jordan, they raced their sports cars around a 2,000-year-old chariot circuit in Jerash.

The Ending: Upon arriving at a stable in Bethlehem, they presented gifts of a gold medallion, hotel shampoo (Frankincense), and a Nintendo DSi (Myrrh). They discovered the "baby Jesus" was actually a "Baby Stig". Legacy and Reception

Historical Significance: The episode is one of the few high-definition records of sites like Palmyra before their destruction during the Syrian Civil War, which began shortly after filming.

Critical Acclaim: It is frequently cited as one of the best Top Gear specials. Jeremy Clarkson has described it as the best of their adventures to watch.

Controversy: The episode drew criticism for the trio using niqabs as disguises and for the depiction of a "Baby Stig" as Jesus. Where to Watch The full episode can be found on several platforms:

Where can I rewatch old top gear full episodes? (2002 till 2017)

Top Gear: Middle East Special (Series 16, Episode 2), Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May retrace the 1,200-mile journey of the Three Wise Men from Iraqi Kurdistan to Bethlehem. The Mission & Rules The trio had to buy a second-hand two-door convertible sports car that could survive the varied terrain of the Middle East. Jeremy Clarkson Mazda MX-5 – painted in a "Technicolour Dreamcoat" style. Richard Hammond Fiat Barchetta Riviera

– modified into a nomadic-style tent and frequently pranked with non-stop – camouflaged in Afrika Korps style (and over budget). Expedition Highlights

The route spanned five countries, featuring a mix of historical landmarks and high-risk zones: Iraq Start:

The episode begins with the team being dropped off at Erbil International Airport via a Russian cargo plane. Syrian Detour: Before the Syrian Civil War, the team filmed in and the ancient city of "Old Testament NASCAR":

, Jordan, they raced their beat-up sports cars around a 2,000-year-old Roman chariot racing circuit. The Sea of Galilee:

Jeremy attempted (and failed) to "walk on water" and claimed several mundane occurrences were miracles he performed. The Final Result Upon arriving at the Mount of Olives , they unanimously declared Richard Hammond’s Fiat Barchetta

the best car for its character and surprising reliability. The journey concluded at a nativity scene in Bethlehem where, instead of the baby Jesus, the "gifts" (including a Nintendo DS ) were presented to a

Final Verdict: Why You Need to Watch the Full Episode

If you have never seen the Top Gear – Middle East Special full episode, stop reading this article and go find it immediately. It is not just a car show. It is a travel documentary, a survival guide, a comedy masterclass, and a piece of television history. It proves that the best adventures are not about luxury or speed—they are about buying a £1,000 BMW, praying it starts, and driving toward a war zone with nothing but a GPS and a sense of humor.

Rating: 10/10 (and a gold-plated jerry can for James May).

Did we miss your favorite moment from the Top Gear Middle East Special? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And if you found this guide useful, check out our deep dives into the Bolivia Special, the Burma Special, and the final Grand Tour specials. The Top Gear Middle East Special (Series 16,

The Top Gear Middle East Special, originally aired on December 26, 2010, is widely considered one of the most ambitious and visually stunning episodes in the show's history. Spanning approximately 1,200 miles, the 76-minute extended episode follows Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May as they retrace the biblical journey of the Three Wise Men across the Middle East to Bethlehem. Episode Overview and Premise

Presented as a Christmas special, the trio was tasked with purchasing second-hand two-door convertible sports cars for under £3,500. Their journey began in Erbil, Iraq, after being dropped off by a Russian cargo plane with no prior knowledge of their starting location. Car Selected Jeremy Clarkson Mazda MX-5 Richard Hammond Fiat Barchetta Riviera James May The Route: From Iraq to Bethlehem

The route took the presenters through a diverse and often dangerous landscape, crossing several international borders during a period of relative regional stability just months before the Arab Spring.

Iraq: Starting in the Kurdish region, they encountered hospitality and military history, including a drag race at an Iraqi air base built by Saddam Hussein.

Turkey: The team navigated the mountainous terrain of southern Turkey, which tested the limits of their low-slung sports cars.

Syria: This segment is now a poignant historical record, featuring high-definition footage of the ancient city of Palmyra and the bustling streets of Damascus before the Syrian Civil War.

Jordan and Israel: The journey concluded by passing through the Roman Hippodrome in Jerash and eventually reaching the West Bank barrier and the Mount of Olives. Key Challenges and Highlights

The special is remembered for its blend of humor, mechanical failure, and cultural exploration:

Modifications: To survive the terrain, the cars were heavily modified. Hammond's Fiat was turned into a "nomadic tent," Clarkson’s Mazda featured a "Technicolour Dreamcoat" paint job, and May’s BMW was camouflaged.

James May's Injury: During filming in Syria, May suffered a concussion after being knocked over by a tow rope. He was famously collected from the hospital by Clarkson and Hammond, who were disguised in burqas.

The "Miracles": Upon reaching the Sea of Galilee, the presenters joked about performing "miracles," including an unsuccessful attempt by Clarkson to walk on water.

The Ending: Following a beam of light to a stable in Bethlehem, the trio presented their gifts—a gold-relief medallion, "Frankincense" shampoo, and a Nintendo DSi—to find that the "baby Jesus" was actually a Baby Stig.

Watch the iconic moment where the team's questionable modifications and mechanical repairs are put to the test in the desert heat: Top Gear Middle East Special - Jeremy Fixes the Mazda Megan T (Muggs8787) YouTube• Nov 22, 2015 Legacy and Reception

The Middle East Special was a ratings success, watched by approximately 7.68 million viewers in the UK, making it one of the top ten most-watched episodes of the series. Jeremy Clarkson has since described it as the best of the adventures to watch, and it remains a staple of holiday television marathons. Today, the three main cars from the special are part of the World of Top Gear exhibition at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.

The Legacy

The Middle East Special represents the "Golden Age" of Top Gear. It was the perfect balance of the three key ingredients:

1. Automotive passion: We learned about convertibles, engine cooling, and suspension travel.
2. Adventure: It was a genuine journey across a continent.
3. Humanity: It was funny, frustrating, and occasionally touching.

It proved that you didn't need supercars or explosions to make great television. You just needed three friends, three terrible cars, and a map. As the credits rolled to the sound of Silent Night, viewers realized they hadn't just watched a car show; they had watched a Christmas story for the petrolhead generation.

What are your memories of the Middle East Special? Was James May's BMW the true hero, or did Hammond's Fiat deserve more credit? Let us know in the comments.

The Top Gear Middle East Special remains one of the most ambitious and culturally significant episodes in the history of the BBC franchise. Released during Series 16, this feature-length adventure saw the iconic trio—Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May—attempting to follow the path of the Three Wise Men to Bethlehem.

If you are searching for the Top Gear Middle East Special full episode, this guide covers the highlights, the cars, the controversy, and where you can legally stream it today. 🚗 The Premise: A Journey of Biblical Proportions

The episode begins with the presenters being dropped off at an airport in Iraq. Their mission? Travel 1,200 miles through Turkey, Syria, and Jordan to reach the birthplace of Jesus in Israel. True to the show's format, they were restricted by a modest budget and a requirement that their vehicles be open-top two-seater sports cars. The Iconic Cars

The trio chose three vastly different machines for the desert terrain:

Jeremy Clarkson: A Mazda MX-5 (NA). Known for its reliability, Jeremy gave it a custom "desert camo" paint job.

Richard Hammond: A Fiat Barchetta. Despite its front-wheel-drive layout, it proved surprisingly resilient.

James May: A BMW Z3. James focused on luxury and "modest" modifications, though it struggled with mechanical issues. 🌍 Key Locations and Challenges

The Middle East Special is praised for its stunning cinematography, capturing landscapes rarely seen on Western entertainment television at the time.

Northern Iraq: The journey began with the presenters wearing bulletproof vests and helmets, highlighting the real-world tension of the region.

The Syrian Desert: The team crossed into Syria, showcasing the incredible Roman ruins of Palmyra and the bustling streets of Aleppo.

The Sea of Galilee: The episode featured a memorable "water-walking" stunt and a campsite debate over the nature of the "Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh" gifts.

The Arrival: The finale takes place in Bethlehem, where the "manger" contains a surprise that only Top Gear could conceive. ⚠️ The Controversy: The Stig and Safety

The episode was not without its hurdles. During a segment in the desert, James May suffered a serious head injury after being knocked over by a tow rope. He was rushed to a local hospital, providing a rare moment of genuine concern and somberness in an otherwise comedic show.

Additionally, this episode served as a major plot point for the identity of The Stig. After the "White Stig" (Ben Collins) was outed in his autobiography, this special introduced the "Baby Stig" found in the manger, signaling the arrival of a new driver for the following season. 📺 Where to Watch the Full Episode

Due to licensing and copyright, finding the "Top Gear Middle East Special full episode" for free on platforms like YouTube can be difficult, as they are often removed. To watch the high-quality, uncut version, check these official sources: BBC iPlayer: Available for viewers in the UK.

Discovery+: The current home for the Top Gear library in many regions, including the US.

Amazon Prime Video: Available for digital purchase or via the MotorTrend add-on.

DVD/Blu-ray: Many fans prefer the physical "The Great Adventures" box sets for the unedited soundtracks.

The Middle East Special stands as a testament to the chemistry of the original hosts, blending automotive testing with travelogue storytelling and a touch of irreverent humor. It remains a "must-watch" for any petrolhead or fan of adventure television.

If you'd like to dive deeper into this era of the show, I can help you with: A complete list of every Top Gear special in order

Details on the modifications made to the MX-5, Barchetta, and Z3 A guide on how to visit the filming locations safely today

Which part of the Top Gear history are you most interested in?

The Top Gear Middle East Special (Series 16, Episode 2), which first aired on December 26, 2010, follows Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May as they drive convertible cars from Northern Iraq to Bethlehem. The 76-minute, 1,200-mile journey involved navigating challenging terrain in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan, ultimately concluding with the Fiat Barchetta identified as the most robust vehicle. Read more details at Top Gear Wiki

Top Gear - Middle East Special Full Episode: A Complete Guide to the Clarkson, Hammond, and May Masterpiece

For millions of car enthusiasts and comedy lovers around the world, the name Top Gear evokes images of roaring engines, ludicrous challenges, and three middle-aged men bickering their way across impossible terrain. While the trio’s adventures in Botswana (the "Oliver" episode) and Vietnam (on scooters) are legendary, one special stands out for its perfect blend of danger, beauty, and automotive misery: The Top Gear - Middle East Special. The hosts tackle the infamous sand dunes of

If you have been searching for the Top Gear - Middle East Special full episode, you are looking for more than just a car show. You are looking for a 75-minute cinematic road trip that stretches from the holy cities of Iraq to the glowing shores of the Jordanian Riviera. Released as part of Series 16 (Season 16), Episode 0 (often aired as a standalone Christmas Special in 2010), this episode represents the pinnacle of the Clarkson, Hammond, and May era.

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the episode: where to find it, what makes it a classic, the cars they drove, the major challenges, and why it remains a forbidden fruit on streaming services.