Across the Sahara Tracks, Trade and Cross-Cultural Exchange in Libya

• Other Authors: Braun, Klaus (Editor), Passon, Jacqueline (Editor)
• Format: Electronic Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Springer Nature 2020
• Subjects: Economics; Historical geography; African history; Geographical information systems (GIS) & remote sensing; Cultural studies; African Economics; Historical Geography; History of North Africa; Remote Sensing/Photogrammetry; African Culture; Economy-wide Country Studies; Caravan Trading in the 19th century; Libyan Sahara; Central Sahara; Open Access; Atlas of Caravan Tracks; Historical Maps; Concepts of Spacial Orientation; Trade Networks; Caravan Routes; 19th century Trade in the Sahara; Trans-Saharan trails; Historic Oases; Geographical information systems & remote sensing
• Online Access: OAPEN Library: download the publication; OAPEN Library: description of the publication

This open access book provides a multi-perspective approach to the caravan trade in the Sahara during the 19th century. Based on travelogues from European travelers, recently found Arab sources, historical maps and results from several expeditions, the book gives an overview of the historical periods of the caravan trade as well as detailed information about the infrastructure which was necessary to establish those trade networks. Included are a variety of unique historical and recent maps as well as remote sensing images of the important trade routes and the corresponding historic oases. To give a deeper understanding of how those trading networks work, aspects such as culturally influenced concepts of spatial orientation are discussed. The book aims to be a useful reference for the caravan trade in the Sahara, that can be recommended both to students and to specialists and researchers in the field of Geography, History and African Studies.