Touring Ottoman Lands: Murray's Routes for Southwest Asia, 1850-1900

Description

Abstract:

During the 19th century, major developments in transportation and the broad distribution of travel literature reshaped the principles of global travel, marking this period as a pivotal moment in the evolution of tourism. Within this context, the Ottoman Empire emerged as a prominent destination for the burgeoning tourist classes. Guidebooks, notably John Murray's Handbooks for Travellers, played a crucial role in structuring and refining the tourist experience, offering curated routes and comprehensive descriptions of key destinations. Through a diachronic visualization, the project aims to present a comprehensive look at the evolving tourist landscapes within the Ottoman Empire and beyond in Southwest Asia during the second half of the 19th century.