The role of journeying in shaping history : a study in Edward Wilmot Blyden's journey to the Middle East

الملخص EN

Much has been said about the history of the Middle East and its physical andintellectual character in the nineteenth century.

Yet, few studies could consider the role ofjourneying in providing accurate description of the land and people at the time.

Edward WilmotBlyden was among the notable Afro-Americans who showed nascent interest to know about theMiddle East.

The importance of Blyden's journey did not only evince through mere description ofthe physical landscape of the region, but also revealed through giving an account of the religious, social and political life of the people.

This article tries to expose life in the Middle East throughBlyden's journey as to provide a much newer reading of the history of the land and people.