Erwin von Bary
Le dernier rapport d'un Européen sur Ghât et les Touareg de l'Aïr : $b (Journal de voyage d'Erwin de Bary, 1876-1877)
"Le dernier rapport d'un Européen sur Ghât et les Touareg de l'Aïr" est a travelogue written in the late 19th century. The work, authored by Erwin de Bary, offers an account of his observations and experiences during his travels in the Sahara, particularly focusing on the region of Ghât and the Tuareg people of the Aïr. It aims to shed light on the cultural, social, and environmental aspects of a relatively uncharted territory at that time. The opening of the narrative sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of Ghât, describing its fortress-like appearance and the lifestyle of its inhabitants, including the practices of the Tuareg people. De Bary portrays the city as a vibrant yet cautious place, filled with visitors eager to meet a doctor, and illustrates the social dynamics at play, especially the interactions between the local Tuareg tribes and the Turkish overseers. The text introduces key characters, including the governor, Es-Safi, and various Tuareg figures, while detailing the customs and laws governing this unique desert society. Through firsthand accounts of daily life and challenges faced by travelers in this remote region, the author aims to document the landscape and human behaviors with a scientific yet personal lens.