DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2706-6185/51/57-68
Hamdadou Benamar
University of Oran1 Department of History (Algeria)
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0334-6042
hamdadou.benamar@univ-oran1.dz
Larbi Bouamama
University of Mostaganem
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5563-8552
bouamama.larbi@univ-mosta.dz
Bouslah Faiza
Higher School of Teachers
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6958-5322
bouslah.faiza@ens-oran.dz
Knowledge and Communication in Travel Writings During Epidemic and Disaster Crises in the Maghreb: A Reading of the Manuscript by AbūḤāmid al-ʿArabī al-Mushrifī (d. 1895 CE)
Abstract
Travel literature functions as a truthful mirror reflecting the social and economic conditions of the communities visited by travelers. These narratives document the living standards of populations, commodity prices, the prevalence of diseases, and aspects of everyday life. In addition, they provide detailed accounts of social structures and the imbalances affecting particular regions. Through the careful observations and subjective impressions of travelers, historians have been able to reconstruct key societal developments, such as famines and epidemics, making these narratives valuable primary sources that vividly portray the intricacies of historical life.
Among the most influential literary genres in Islamic societies, travel literature holds a privileged place due to its empirical nature and ability to capture complex social realities. In particular, Maghrebi travel writing experienced notable growth during the 13th century AH / 19th century CE, emerging as an important medium for the transmission of knowledge and the facilitation of cultural exchange. These texts serve as detailed records of social change, with meticulous accounts of economic, social, and health-related conditions, especially during periods of crisis.
Within this framework, the travel manuscript of AbūḤāmid al-ʿArabī ibn ʿAlī al-Mushrifī represents a distinct example of crisis documentation in the Maghreb. His account provides a nuanced and historically grounded portrayal of poverty, disease outbreaks, and the disintegration of economic structures. This study seeks to shed light on the epistemological and communicative functions of travel literature in times of crisis by analyzing al-Mushrifī’s manuscript through an anthropological lens that explores how societies perceived and responded to epidemics and disasters.
Keywords: historical anthropology, communication, knowledge, crisis documentation