Travels in Kordofan : $b Embracing a description of that province of Egypt, and of some of the bordering countries, with a review of the present state of the commerce in those countries, of the habits and customs of the inhabitants, as also an account of the slave hunts taking place under the government of Mehemed Ali

by Ignaz Pallme

"Travels in Kordofan" by Ignatius Pallme is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This work provides a detailed description of Kordofan, a province of Egypt, along with insights into its geography, commerce, and the customs of its inhabitants. It also discusses the grim realities of slave-hunting occurring under Mehemed Ali's regime, reflecting on both the terrestrial implications of trade and the human cost involved. The opening of the book introduces the author's journey to Kordofan, motivated by a commercial mission to explore alternative trade routes. He recounts his nearly two-year stay in Kordofan, during which he immersed himself in the culture and daily life of the locals. Pallme shares his experiences interacting directly with the people, from camel drivers to government officials, noting the challenges and dangers he faced during his travels through this largely undocumented territory. This section sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the social and economic landscape of Kordofan, while also highlighting the oppressive conditions under which the local population lived, amplified by the government’s slave policies.