Publisher's Synopsis
""Travels in Syria and the Holy Land"" is a book written by John Lewis Burckhardt, a Swiss explorer who traveled extensively in the Middle East during the early 19th century. The book is a detailed account of his travels through Syria and Palestine, including his observations of the people, customs, and landscapes of the region.Burckhardt's journey began in Cairo, where he disguised himself as a Muslim and set out to explore the region. He traveled through Syria, visiting cities such as Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs, and documenting the architecture, markets, and religious sites he encountered. He also visited the ancient ruins of Palmyra and Baalbek, providing detailed descriptions and drawings of these historic sites.In Palestine, Burckhardt visited Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Nazareth, documenting the religious significance of these places and the customs of the local people. He also traveled to the Dead Sea and the Jordan River, providing vivid descriptions of the landscapes and natural features of the region.Throughout the book, Burckhardt provides insights into the political and social climate of the Middle East during his time, including his encounters with Bedouin tribes and Ottoman officials. His account is a valuable historical document, providing a firsthand perspective on the region during a period of significant change and upheaval.I had intended to sleep at Om Ezzeitoun, but I found the Druses very ill-disposed towards me. It was generally reported that I had discovered a treasure in 1810 at Shohba, near this place, and it was supposed that I had now returned to carry off what I had then left behind. I had to combat against this story at almost every place, but I was nowhere so rudely received as at this village, where I escaped ill treatment only by assuming a very imposing air, and threatening with many oaths, that if I lost a single hair of my beard, the Pasha would levy an avania of many purses on the village. I had with me an old passport from Soleiman Pasha, who, though no longer governor of Damascus, had been charged pro tempore with the government till the arrival of the new Pasha, who was expected from Constantinople.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.