An Analytical Comparison of Travelogues and Books of Wonders in Terms of Content

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD student in Persian language and literature, Tarbiat Modares University

2 Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Tarbiat Modares University

10.29252/kavosh.2026.23136.3700

Abstract

This study presents an analytical comparison of travelogues and wonder literature (Aja’ib-nameh) with a focus on their content and narrative structures. Both genres occupy a significant place in classical Persian and Arabic literature and often share thematic overlaps, particularly in describing distant lands, unfamiliar peoples, and marvelous phenomena. However, they differ in their primary objectives and degrees of realism. Travelogues are generally based on the author’s personal observations and empirical experiences, aiming to present realistic descriptions of places and historical contexts. In contrast, wonder literature emphasizes extraordinary events, mythical creatures, and marvelous phenomena, aiming to evoke fascination and curiosity in readers. By examining selected examples from well-known texts such as Naser Khosrow’s Safarnameh and Qazvini’s Aja’ib al-Makhluqat, this study identifies the main similarities and distinctions between the two genres. The analysis shows that, while travelogues function as documentary narratives grounded in observation, wonder literature combines imagination with traditional beliefs. Ultimately, the two genres represent complementary approaches to the unknown, reflecting the complex socio-cultural worldview of the pre-modern era regarding geographical and cultural “Otherness”.
 

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Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Kavoshnameh in Persian Language and Literature
Volume 27, Issue 68
June 2026
Pages 9-37

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