The history of Baghdad in the 18th and 19th centuries had predominantly been written by two groups. The first group is Baghdadi scholars, and the second group is travellers. These two resources complement each other; while the literature of Baghdadi scholars provides insights from inside, travelogues provide observations from outside. By implementing this interlocking method of investigation, we can reach a comprehensive understanding of the history of Baghdad. Having investigated some sources from inside in my previous book; Baghdad: an urban history through the lens of literature, the focus of this book is on travel literature. The history of travelogues throughout different periods of Baghdad’s history is highlighted, with a particular focus on 18th and 19th century travelogues. This period was a critical epoch of change, not just in Baghdad, but across the world. Nevertheless, this book does not intend to provide a documentary of the travellers who visited Baghdad. It is rather an analytical study of the colonial literature in relation to the historiography of Baghdad.
Author(s): Iman Al-Attar
Series: Routledge Focus on Literature
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 123
City: New York
Cover
Half Title
Series Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations
Author’s Note
Introduction
Chapter 1 The Context of Travel Writing
Chapter 2 Baghdad and the Ottoman Empire
One Name and Multiple Locations
A Unique City with a Mysterious History
The Ottoman Empire
The Perception of Ottoman Cities in Historiography
The Mamluks’ Rule of Baghdad
Chapter 3 Travelogues and History Representation
Travelogues’ Methods and Attitudes
Travelogues and Orientalism
Travelogues and Islamic Studies
Travelogues and Heritage Understanding
Chapter 4 Diverse Travellers before the 18th Century
Regional Travellers
European Travellers
Chapter 5 European Involvement in the 18th Century
Mapping Efforts of Carsten Niebuhr
The Novels of Guillaume Antoine Olivier
Chapter 6 British Intervention Intensifies
The Arabian Nights
Political Focus of Claudius Rich
Lifestyle Conditions by Mary Rich
City Descriptions by James Silk Buckingham
Colonial Interests in Heude’s Writings
Chapter 7 Summary
Bibliography
Index
