A merchant’s account of his travels through an independent African state

Muhammad ibn 'Umar al-Tunisi (d. 1274/1857) belonged to a family of Tunisian merchants trading with Egypt and what is now Sudan. Al-Tunisi was raised in Cairo and a graduate of al-Azhar. In 1803, at the age of fourteen, al-Tunisi set off for the Sultanate of Darfur, where his father had decamped ten years earlier. He followed the Forty Days Road, was reunited with his father, and eventually took over the management of the considerable estates granted to his father by the sultan of Darfur. In Darfur is al-Tunisi’s remarkable account of his ten-year sojourn in this independent state.

In Volume Two al-Tunisi describes the geography of the region, the customs of Darfur’s petty kings, court life and the clothing of its rulers, marriage customs, eunuchs, illnesses, food, hunting, animals, currencies, plants, magic, divination, and dances. In Darfur combines literature, history, ethnography, linguistics, and travel adventure, and most unusually for its time, includes fifty-two illustrations, all drawn by the author.

In Darfur is a rare example of an Arab description of Africa on the eve of Western colonization and vividly evokes a world in which travel was untrammeled by bureaucracy, borders were fluid, and startling coincidences appear almost mundane.

A bilingual Arabic-English edition.

A merchant’s account of his travels through an independent African state

Muhammad ibn 'Umar al-Tunisi (d. 1274/1857) belonged to a family of Tunisian merchants trading with Egypt and what is now Sudan. Al-Tunisi was raised in Cairo and a graduate of al-Azhar. In 1803, at the age of fourteen, al-Tunisi set off for the Sultanate of Darfur, where his father had decamped ten years earlier. He followed the Forty Days Road, was reunited with his father, and eventually took over the management of the considerable estates granted to his father by the sultan of Darfur. In Darfur is al-Tunisi’s remarkable account of his ten-year sojourn in this independent state.

In Volume One, al-Tunisi relates the history of his much-traveled family, his journey from Egypt to Darfur, and the reign of the noted sultan 'Abd al-Rahman al-Rashid. In Darfur combines literature, history, ethnography, linguistics, and travel adventure, and most unusually for its time, includes fifty-two illustrations, all drawn by the author.

In Darfur is a rare example of an Arab description of Africa on the eve of Western colonization and vividly evokes a world in which travel was untrammeled by bureaucracy, borders were fluid, and startling coincidences appear almost mundane.

A bilingual Arabic-English edition.

Community Development Through Craft Heritage and Creative Tourism: Prospects and Challenges explores the intersection of traditional craftsmanship, cultural identity, and sustainable development. Rooted in the belief that craft heritage—both tangible and intangible—is a living reflection of community identity, the book examines how creative industries and tourism strategies can serve as tools for revitalisation and empowerment. Through critical analysis and case studies, the authors delve into the role of artisans as cultural custodians, investigate community participation in policymaking, and evaluate sustainable tourism as a vehicle for preserving artisanal knowledge and fostering social and economic resilience in marginalised areas.

A number of key issues are addressed, including: How can creativity coexist with the authenticity of traditional craft? What drives the evolving demand for craft heritage in the market? Is community engagement a byproduct of creative tourism, or does it require a more structured approach? With a focus on four key themes—craft heritage, community, creative industries, and tourism—the authors offer a global perspective on the dynamics of cultural sustainability, supply chain integration, and heritage valorisation. The work contributes a holistic framework for empowering communities through tourism-informed strategies, bridging indigenous knowledge with contemporary economic opportunities.

Explore the rich history and culture behind Tokyo's most interesting districts and iconic sites—on foot!

This is the first comprehensive walking guide to Tokyo, presenting 29 easy-to-follow tours through the city's most historic and lively precincts. Experience the true spirit and culture of Tokyo—the feudal capital of the Shogun in the era of samurais and geishas—as you wander historic back streets where remnants of the past survive in the shadow of shiny skyscrapers, a fascinating contrast of old and new!

You will learn about the founding of Tokyo, the celebrated geisha quarters of the "floating world" and the city's ancient samurai culture. Visit the sublime Imperial Palace Gardens and the glitzy shopping districts of Ginza and Shibuya. Then explore the traditional craft districts and temples of Asakusa—the beating heart of the old city.

This book is a labor of love by John and Phyllis Martin, historians and museum curators who taught courses in Japanese history and culture. They highlight unique temples, museums, gardens and shrines for quiet meditation, as well as meccas for lovers of Japanese art and popular culture.

Each step of the way, the Martins recount interesting stories from Tokyo's past. Among the many exciting places you'll visit are:

• Famous sites like the Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine and Tsukiji Fish Market
• Unusual museums like the Sword Museum, Hokusai Museum and the Kite, Tobacco and Salt Museum
• Spooky cemeteries where the famous 47 Ronin warriors are buried and the controversial Yasukuni Shrine to Japan's war dead
• Trendy Harajuku, Omotesando and Akihabara where you can buy the latest fashions and geeky gear
• Serene Japanese gardens nestling amidst the sleek skyscrapers in Tokyo's bustling business districts
• Sacred shrines like the Hill of Masakado's Head, the Statue of Kiyomaro and the Yushima Tenjin Shrine
• Scenic daytrips to nearby Yokohama, Kamakura, Hakone, Mt. Fuji, Nikko and Kawagoe ("Little Edo")

This book is packed with invaluable information and illustrated with over 100 color photos and 50 full-color maps. Each walk has a QR code that loads it automatically into Google Maps on your phone!

The Hotel: The TRIBE Hotel Belo Horizonte is remarkable in many ways. It is in a revitalized old building in the heart of Belo Horizonte. While the hotel itself is not a historic landmark, it occupies a unique position amidst a collection of culturally significant and historically listed buildings, creating a harmonious dialogue between the past and the present. The hotel’s revitalization was carried out with a strong commitment to sustainability and regional identity, using exclusively local materials such as stones, marbles, and iron. This thoughtful approach not only honors the architectural heritage of Minas Gerais but also reinforces the connection between the building and its surroundings. 

 The Brand: TRIBE Hotels are defined by the lifestyles of modern travelers as an affordable luxury where you can check in, kick back and experience the destination authentically. TRIBE Hotels bring together contemporary interiors, useful design details, comfortable spaces and unpretentious luxuries. The TRIBE Hotel Belo Horizonte is a perfect example of this philosophy. It offers striking modern design and hospitality in a special surrounding. 

The Book: Rebirth tells the exciting story of a special hotel. It presents the architectural and cultural-historical background of the surrounding area. It also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the planning and construction of the hotel, which stands out with its modern design. Informative text and impressive photography ensure that this book is a delight for anyone who enjoys unique design, exceptional hospitality, and contemporary travel.