« La rivière du paradis aux jets dorés ». La perception du Nil dans les récits de voyage et de pèlerinage russes

A. AKSENOVA, " ‘La rivière du paradis aux jets dorés’. La perception du Nil dans les récits de voyage et de pèlerinage russes", in L. PLEUGER (ed.), « Du Nil à la mer. L'Égypte au fil de l'eau – From the Nile to the Sea. Egypt along the Water » (CEA, 24), Brussels, 2024.

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The article explores the perception of the Nile by Russian travelers in the 14th and 15th centuries during their ventures into Egypt. These subjective accounts contribute to the initial portrayal of Egypt in Russia, revealing ethnographic, cultural, and geographical aspects. The Nile takes a central role, captivating Russian travelers who attribute various meanings to it, ranging from divinity to economic resource. The article analyzes the evolution of Egypt's image in Russian travel narratives from the 17th to the 19th century, examining Russians' experiences in Egypt, debates on the Nile's source, the river's economic role, its representation as a natural and cultural boundary, its influence on Russian art, and the comparison with the Volga as an essential means of understanding a different culture. This study provides insights into attitudes toward Egypt, its impact on Egyptomania, and the emergence of Egyptology, while considering otherness and cultural differences.

 

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