Viaggi di Ali Bey el-Abbassi in Africa ed in Asia, v. 1

Through the eyes of a young Egyptian bey who spent his youth as a captive of Caucasian raiders, this travelogue traces a remarkable circuit of the Near East between 1803 and 1807. After being sold across the Caspian shores, he journeys through Persia, Bagdad, Bassora, Damasco, Aleppo and the bustling ports of Smyrna and Constantinople before reaching Cairo, where he finally joins the elite corps of the Mameluke aristocracy.

From Cairo he receives the honor of leading the holy caravan to Mecca, entering the Kaaba and recording the solemn rites with a mix of reverence and critical curiosity. His narrative blends vivid descriptions of markets, mosques, and courtly life with thoughtful commentary on religion, law and science as he encountered them, all complemented by richly colored copper engravings that bring the scenery to life.