Travel literature and the writing of Algeria's social history in the modern era

Abstract

Historical writing has undergone an apparent evolution over the ages; it all began with the presentation of images and other geometric forms relating to human needs. During the modern era (XVI-XIX centuries), historical studies saw the emergence of what is known as travel literature. These travel accounts are also a tool for bringing civilisations closer together. It is worth noting that the travelers who visited Algeria in the modern era also had a critical mind.

This type of writing took history beyond the simple recounting of events to criticism. Throughout this study, we wish to showcase this art of writing the social history of Algeria, touching on the individual and society, or even the relationships between society and its institutions with cultural and religious life, and the consequences this has had, such as the rites and traditions that appear during various religious and social occasions.

This proposal also aims to follow the social history of Algeria step by step through the most famous Maghreb and European travelers, to find out how they described the traditions of Algerian families during their social and religious ceremonies.

     The issue at stake revolves around determining the characteristics of travel literature and its place in the writing of history relating to social life in Algeria during the modern era. This issue gives rise to several other secondary questions, such as: how has this genre of literature influenced the development of historical writing? What social issues were addressed by local and foreign travelers? What methodological difficulties arise when using this type of source?

      The methodology used to prepare this study is analytical, which consists of demonstrating the importance of the scientific material contained in travel accounts. Through this methodology, we will be able to compare the content of the writings of Maghreb travelers with those cited by European travelers concerning social life in cities and the countryside in Algeria.

The plan for this study will draw on several travel writings left by North Africans, such as the travels of Sheikh El Houseine El Ouartilani, Ibn Hamadouche, and Abou Salem El Ayachi. Among contemporary academic studies directly related to the topic, we can mention Illyés Saboui's study entitled « l’image de l’Algérie dans la littérature de voyage européenne (17th-18th Centuries) ». Among the European travelers who visited Algeria and recorded everything they saw were Venture de Paradis and Thomas Shaw.

Keywords: Algeria - Historical writing - Travel literature - Social history.Key words : 4 words