The Image of Woman in Travel Literature: 'The Books of Travels' by Abdullah Ibrahim as a Model (Analytical Study)

Abstract

Modern travel literature serves as a luminous window into the diversity of cultures and identities across the world, where women play a central role as a symbol embodying multiple dimensions of societal identity and enduring values. Through the depiction of women in travel narratives, cultural traditions and social distinctions are illuminated, while also revealing stereotypical perceptions influenced by the traveler’s perspectives and cultural background.

When studying travel literature, it is essential to consider the cultural and psychological dimensions of the traveler. As Shuaib Halifi states, “The image in travel writing, in addition to perception and bridging, creates a sense of harmony that varies from one journey to another, shaping different receptions among readers based on the type of journey, the nature of the narrator, and their intellectual background” (Halifi, p. 270). The writer may be influenced by their cultural heritage, which affects how they portray women. Therefore, these texts must be read critically, taking into account their historical and social contexts. As Halifi further notes, “The image is shaped as a theme in representing the self and the other, influenced by preconceived notions, projections, observations, and interactions with the culture and traditions of the other” (Halifi, p. 263).