Perzië, Chaldea en Susiane
 De Aarde en haar Volken, 1885-1887

by Jane Dieulafoy

"Perzië, Chaldea en Susiane" by Jane Dieulafoy is a travel narrative exploring the author's journey through Persia (modern-day Iran), Chaldea, and Susiana in the late 19th century. Written during a period of growing Western fascination with the East, the work captures the landscapes, cultures, and people encountered by Dieulafoy and her husband during their extensive travels. The text is particularly significant for its vivid descriptions of Persian architecture and customs, as well as for the unique perspective provided by a woman's travel account in a largely male-dominated genre. At the start of the narrative, the author introduces the context of their journey, detailing how she accompanied her husband, an engineer tasked with studying Sassanian monuments. The opening describes the duo's arrival in the city of Erivan and the immediate impressions they receive of the local architecture, culture, and people. Dieulafoy’s keen observations highlight contrasts in their surroundings, from the beauty of gardens to the challenges of communication with the local populace. The narrative sets a rich context as the couple prepares for their adventure, revealing their day-to-day experiences of travel, including encounters with locals and the challenges posed by the rudimentary accommodations available to them in this less familiar part of the world.