Subject
Turkey -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800 Books
Best books
Edmund Chishull
Travels in Turkey and back to England
"Travels in Turkey and Back to England" by Edmund Chishull is a travelogue written in the early 18th century. The book recounts Chishull's observations and experiences as he journeys through various regions in Turkey, detailing the customs, landscapes, and historical significance of the places he encounters. The narrative provides an engaging exploration of the cultural and geographical diversity of the region during a period of significant historical interest. At the start of the work, Chishull lays the groundwork for his adventure, explaining his departure from England and arrival in Smyrna, where he served as the chaplain to the Turkey Company. He describes his initial forays into travel within the region, highlighting the companions who join him and their plans to explore places like Ephesus and Magnesia. The opening also details the natural beauty and cultural intrigue of the landscapes they traverse, as well as the ceremonies observed along the way, setting the stage for the rich tapestry of experiences that will follow throughout his travels.
Mary Wortley Montagu
Letters of the Right Honourable Lady M—y W—y M—e Written during Her Travels in Europe, Asia and Africa to Persons of Distinction, Men of Letters, &c. in Different Parts of Europe
"Letters of the Right Honourable Lady M—y W—y M—e" by Lady Mary Wortley Montagu is a collection of travel letters written in the early 18th century. This work captures the experiences and observations of Lady Mary during her journeys across Europe, Asia, and Africa, offering insights into her interactions with various cultures, especially the Turks. It presents a unique perspective on the society and customs of the time, particularly from the angle of a woman navigating through regions traditionally dominated by male travelers. The opening of the book introduces the author’s journey as she writes letters to her friends and acquaintances about her travels, starting with her passage from Rotterdam. Lady Mary shares her reflections on various places she visits, describing the cleanliness and liveliness of Rotterdam, joyful details about her excursions, and her impressions of the Dutch towns. Her letters are characterized by a lively and engaging tone, showcasing her keen observations of local customs, the people she encounters, and her broader thoughts on society as a woman of her era. These initial letters set the stage for a vivid account of Lady Mary’s adventures and her insightful commentary on 18th-century life.
Ogier Ghislain de Busbecq
Travels into Turkey Containing the most accurate account of the Turks, and neighbouring nations, their manners, customs, religion, superstition, policy, riches, coins, &c.
"Travels into Turkey" by Ogier Ghislain de Busbecq is a historical account written in the mid-16th century. This work provides a detailed chronicle of the author's experiences and observations during his travels through the Ottoman Empire, focusing particularly on the customs, politics, and societies of the Turks and neighboring nations. At the start of the narrative, Busbecq relates his preparations and anticipation for a journey to Constantinople and Amasia as an ambassador for the Emperor Ferdinand. He reflects on his former experiences and conversations with Malvezius, a predecessor who succumbed to illness, and details the political intricacies surrounding his own appointment. As Busbecq sets out, he vividly describes his encounters with Turkish officials, providing insights into the social customs and political structures of the time, while his tone remains both personal and observant, blending anecdotal storytelling with keen observations of the cultural landscape he traverses.
Kelemen Mikes
Zágoni Mikes Kelemen törökországi levelei (1. kötet)
"Zágoni Mikes Kelemen törökországi levelei (1. kötet)" by Kelemen Mikes is a collection of 207 fictional letters written between 1717 and 1758. Composed during his Turkish exile following the Rákóczi independence war's failure, Mikes addressed these letters to an invented countess living near Constantinople. The letters chronicle the daily lives of exiles, reflect the author's emotional fluctuations, and include historical anecdotes. They blend descriptions of Ottoman customs with personal reflections, evolving from hopeful expectations of return to resigned acceptance of fate, all expressed through conversational elegance and gentle humor.
Kelemen Mikes
Zágoni Mikes Kelemen törökországi levelei (2. kötet)
"Zágoni Mikes Kelemen törökországi levelei (2. kötet)" by Kelemen Mikes is a collection of fictional letters written between 1717 and 1758. This second volume continues Mikes's correspondence to an invented countess, written during his exile in Ottoman Turkey following the failed Rákóczi uprising. The letters chronicle the daily struggles of Hungarian exiles in Rodosto, weaving together personal emotional reflections, historical accounts, anecdotes, and descriptions of Turkish customs. Through a conversational style marked by humor and melancholy, Mikes captures the fading hopes of return and eventual resignation to fate.
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