Image of Persia in the Russian Documentary Prose of the XIX century ("Journey to Persia" by A.D. Saltykov)

Abstract

Relations between Russia and Persia have a long history, but the problem of their mutual understanding and perception still stays under explored. Documentary witnesses on socio-political and cultural contacts between Russia and Persia are of the most interest in this aspect. An important source here is notes, letters and itineraries of Russian travelers who have visited Persia in XVIII-XIX centuries. One of such documents depicting the first-hand impression of meeting with “wonderful” and “fantastic” East is the note by Aleksey Saltykov "Journey to Persia". This book was written during the author’s journey to Persia in 1838-1839. "Journey to Persia" and all notes of such kind are the most valued for the “living details” of the author’s reflection of meetings and travelling observations. These natural details and intimate impressions have provided the basis for the oriental text in Russian literature.‌