"Dao Li Bang Guo Zhi -- A Translation Series of Famous Works on Sino-foreign Relations"

Author: Hulduzbihe by Hulduzbihe, translated and annotated by Song Xian
Publisher:
Publishing Date: Not available
Features: "Ibn Hulduzbihe can be considered the pioneer of classical Arabic geography. He established the style and model for writing geographical literature in Arabic, especially the geographical works of the Iraqi school." This book provides important materials for studying the East-West trade routes, the history of Central Asia, and the medieval international trade history. The Book of Roads and Kingdoms provides a detailed account of folk customs, religious and cultural practices, historical relics, economic specialties, and the distances between countries from the west of France and Spain to the east of China, Shira, Japan, Ma-i, to the north of Rus (ancient Russia), and to the south of the islands in the Indian Ocean. It depicts the international trade routes of the 9th century. The book elaborates on the active role of Jewish merchants, Rus merchants, and Muslim merchants of the Islamic Empire in international trade. Particularly, the descriptions of China's ports, rivers, products, and maritime routes provide valuable materials for studying the history of Sino-foreign trade during the Tang Dynasty.