Ibn Fadlan and a By-passed remark on an imaginary geographical Topos: some observations on the decreasing factual credibility regarding the caucasus area of the silk road
Abstract:This article looks at some aspects of Ibn Fadlan's journey to the steppe during the 10 th Century to ostensibly establish friendly relations between the Abbasid Caliphate and the Volga Bulgars. He left a detailed account of his trip, which includes remarks on the mythical people of Gog and Magog, traditionally considered the eschatological enemies of the civilized world. Ibn Fadlan was somewhat incongruent regarding his portraits and opinions of the Slavic or Turkic people he found in the steppe. The main cont… Show more
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