Recording available. 
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Professor Birgitt Hoffmann, Iranian Studies, University of Bamberg will speak.

The Qajar period (1796-1925) saw a remarkable increase in Persian travelogues describing journeys abroad, pilgrimages and domestic trips. So far scholarly attention has concentrated rather on Iranians touring Europe and beyond in the context of the first diplomatic missions, students’ delegations, official visits of ruling monarchs and private trips of lesser celebrities. Studies mostly focus on the impression Europe made on these travellers and how they expressed their experiences through the writing of travelogues. In contrast this paper will deal with the more neglected travel accounts written by Iranians who for whatever reason roamed their home country and put their impressions into writing. Systematic perusal and evaluation of these texts will not only contribute to a better assessment of local conditions but also to a better understanding of modes of perception and ways of thinking.

This event is co-hosted by the University of Durham and the British Institute of Persian Studies.   All are welcome, but places are limited.   PLEASE BOOK YOUR PLACE BEFORE WEDNESDAY 22 MARCH by emailing bips@britac.ac.uk.

Image: by kind permission of the Freer Sackler, Washington:  FSA_A.4_2.12.Up.40 People and Animals outside a Caravanserai, Sevruguin, Antoin, 1870-1928, 22.3 x 16.7 cm Bement Smith Collection: Antoin Sevruguin Photographs. Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Archives. Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C. Gift of Katherine Dennis Smith, 1973-1985