Journeys in Persia and Kurdistan, Volume 1 (of 2) Including a Summer in the Upper Karun Region and a Visit to the Nestorian Rayahs

A vivid, first‑hand account leads listeners into the rugged heart of Persia’s upper Karun basin, where scorching summers give way to soaring cliffs and winding rivers. The narrator, a determined woman traveler of the late nineteenth century, records the rhythm of daily life among the Bakhtiari and Feili Lur nomads, their tents dotting the high plateaus and their customs unfolding in moments of unexpected hospitality. Her observations blend practical details—such as the routes of caravans and the sounds of distant waterfalls—with keen reflections on the landscape’s stark beauty.

The journey then turns toward a remote Nestorian community, offering a rare glimpse into a Christian enclave tucked amid the mountains of Kurdistan. Through crisp descriptions and occasional sketches, listeners can hear the quiet murmur of ancient liturgies, see the weather‑worn stone churches, and sense the interplay of cultures that has shaped the region for centuries. The narrative balances scholarly care with personal adventure, inviting the audience to travel alongside a fearless explorer while she navigates unfamiliar terrain and the occasional hardship of long, weary marches.