al-Rihla al-Shamiya
- Author died
- 1374 AH
- Editions
- دار السويدي للنشر والتوزيع
al-Rihla al-Shamiya (The Syrian Travelogue) is a travel book attributed to the Egyptian prince Muhammad Ali Pasha (1292–1374 AH / 1875–1955 CE), recording his tour through various regions of the Levant in 1328 AH (1910 CE) .
Background and Composition
In the work's opening, the author explains that after spending roughly thirty summers touring Europe and visiting East Asian nations such as Japan and China—an expedition he detailed in his earlier travelogue al-Rihla al-Yabaniya (The Japanese Journey)—he felt a longing to visit Islamic lands that remained under Muslim rule, prompting his travel to the Levant .
According to Khayr al-Din al-Zirikli, Prince Muhammad Ali maintained a habit of recording concise personal notes and observations during his travels; he would subsequently entrust these memoirs to Arabic writers who drafted, embellished, and expanded them with relevant excerpts and translations for publication under his name .
Itinerary and Contents
The narrative details the journey across several Levantine cities and landmarks:
- Beirut and Mount Lebanon: The tour began with his arrival by sea at the port of Beirut on Saturday, 22 Rabi' al-Awwal . The text describes the geography, climate, population demographics, military garrisons, and institutional visits in the city, including an official reception at the Royal School (al-Madrasa al-Malakiyya) . It also records his inquiries into acquiring purebred Arabian horses through local contacts and regional tribes .
- Damascus: Traveling inland by narrow-gauge railway across the mountains, he reached Damascus, recounting its history, surrounding gardens (Ghuta), and reception by local officials and notables . During his stay, he met with prominent local figures, including Prince Ali, son of Amir Abd al-Qadir al-Jaza'iri, before departing the city amidst public farewells .
- Baalbek, Homs, and Hama: The itinerary included the ancient ruins and colossal stone structures of Baalbek, the village of Ya'at and its historic column, and the city of Homs, where he was hosted by Abd al-Hamid Pasha al-Durubi, before continuing past Hama .
- Aleppo and Tripoli: He journeyed north to Aleppo, departing from it on 4 Rabi' al-Thani 1328 AH . The work also covers Tripoli, recording its population, religious communities, trade, silk and soap manufacturing, and agricultural surroundings .
The book concludes with a dedicated overview summarizing the author's reflections on Syrian economic life, agricultural fertility, landscape, and social traditions .
Publication
The work was first printed at the Bulaq Press in Cairo in 1911 CE, comprising 233 pages . It was later reissued in modern editions, including one edited by Ali Ahmad Kan'an published in 2002 .
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