Voyage du marchand arabe Sulaymân en Inde et en Chine rédigé en 851 Suivi de remarques par Abû Zayd Hasan (vers 916), traduit de l'arabe avec introduction, glossaire et index par Gabriel Ferrand

A ninth‑century Arab merchant recounts his long journey across the Indian Ocean, offering a rare glimpse into bustling ports, fragrant spice markets, and the everyday life of peoples far beyond the familiar deserts of his homeland. His observations blend practical trade concerns with keen curiosity, describing the colors of foreign textiles, the architecture of coastal towns, and the rituals that shape daily commerce. The narrative captures the rhythm of caravan and ship, the challenges of navigation, and the hospitality of strangers who share meals, stories, and pearls of local wisdom.

Complementing the travelogue, a later scholar adds notes that clarify geographic names and correct earlier misunderstandings, helping modern listeners trace the merchant’s route from the Malabar coast to the far reaches of China. Together they paint a vivid portrait of early medieval connectivity, where cultures intersected long before modern globalization. Listeners will hear a voice that bridges continents, offering both adventure and a thoughtful record of early cross‑cultural exchange.