Narrating the Unknown: Arabic Travel Literature and Cultural Discovery

Join Dr. Newman as he explores the rich tradition of travel in Islamic culture, grounded in both the Qur'an and hadith, which emphasize the pursuit of knowledge as a duty for all Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad famously encouraged believers to "Seek knowledge, even if it is in China," underscoring the importance of travel as a means of observing and reflecting upon Creation, the wonders of the world, and the power of God.

The traditional view is that medieval Muslims did not show any interest in the non-Muslim world, the so-called ‘Dar al-Harb’. However, the reality is quite different. This talk will discuss some of the key figures and features of the Arabic travelogue (rihla) literature, which has been a prolific genre from the 10th century until the present day, with special emphasis on encounters with the non-Muslim Other.

Hosted by: Professor Daniel Newman FRGS, Chair, Arabic Studies

University of Durham, School of Modern Languages and Cultures

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