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Maps of the Ancient Lands

Page history last edited by Rachel Chapman 13 years, 11 months ago

 

Maps of the Ancient Lands of

"The Thousand and One Nights"

 

 

 

 

     Geography is an important concept when reading The Thousand and One Nights, because the region's culture during this time period reflected many scientific and historical occurrencesWithin the work, several of the stories are centered in the city of Baghdad, in modern day Iraq. By the 8th century, Muslim lands expanded from the Atlantic Ocean to the borders of China, and from the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean. These lands included a diversity of peoples, landscapes, climates, and customs. The stories within The Thousand and One Nights exemplify this rich variety of cultures (Cities of Light). 

 

     During the time that the stories were written, geography was thriving field in Islamic society. One famous geographer was Ibn Hawqal, who traveled for over thirty years and wrote about the places and people he saw while traveling. In 956 CE, Ibn Hawqal recorded his data into his own encyclopedia of geography and history called Meadows of Gold and Mines of Precious Stones. During this time, there was still a dispute that the earth was round (Cities of Light).

 

     Another important geographer was Ibn Battuta, who spent 28 years of his life traveling and recording information about people, places, cities, roads, seas, and caravan routes. These maps assisted merchants on following trade routes from other countries, such as Egypt, to Damascus and Baghdad. In the story, The Tale of the Porter and the Young Girls, several commodities are specified that were imported from different countries. Trade routes were an important function for the success of a society (Cities of Light).

 

     Readers should explore the historical regions and apply their knowledge when interpreting the stories. Doing so will add to the enjoyment and understanding of The Thousand and One Nights.

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