This research examines the biography of Caliph Harun al-Rashid from the perspective of the English Orientalist Edward Henry Palmer (1840-1882), who is considered one of the most prominent Orientalists interested in Islamic and Arabic studies. He made significant contributions in the fields of authorship and translation and was proficient in the Eastern languages of Arabic, Persian, and Hebrew. Despite his scholarly achievements, he worked for the British government on intelligence and diplomatic missions.

One of his most notable works is his book, Haroun Alraschid Caliph of Bagdad, in which he addressed the history of the Abbasid era and the life of the Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid from an Orientalist viewpoint. He presented a selective reading of Islamic history that portrays Caliph al-Rashid in terms of luxury and extravagance, neglecting the important political and scientific aspects of his reign.

The Orientalist Palmer focused on the literary heritage, particularly the tales of One Thousand and One Nights, which had been translated by Galland in the eighteenth century. Palmer's style was narrative and anecdotal in order to attract the European reader. His works thus remained valuable in shaping the Western perception of Islamic history in the nineteenth century.

Palmer undertook several exploratory journeys to the Middle East, especially to Syria, Palestine, and Egypt, where he studied customs and traditions and interacted with Bedouin tribes. He served as a translator and advisor on Eastern affairs for the British government and the Palestine Exploration Fund. Palmer died in 1882 while on a secret mission in Sinai for the British government.