Jean Chardin was a French explorer, jeweler, and traveler who lived in the 17th century. He is best known for his extensive travels throughout the Middle East and Persia, which he documented in his journals. Chardin was born in Paris in 1643 and was the son of a wealthy jeweler. He was educated in the sciences and languages, and at the age of twenty-one, he set out on his first journey to the Middle East.
Chardin’s travels began in 1664, when he set out from Marseille to Constantinople. He then traveled to Aleppo, Damascus, and Baghdad, before arriving in Isfahan, Persia. During his travels, Chardin documented the customs, cultures, and religions of the people he encountered. He also wrote about the political and economic conditions of the countries he visited. Chardin was particularly interested in the trade between Europe and the Middle East, and he wrote extensively about the goods that were exchanged between the two regions.
In 1671, Chardin returned to France and published his first book, Voyages de Jean Chardin en Perse et autres lieux de l’Orient. This book was an account of his travels and included descriptions of the people, places, and customs he encountered. The book was a success and was translated into several languages.
In 1673, Chardin set out on his second journey to the Middle East. This time, he traveled to India, Persia, and the Caucasus. He also visited the court of the Shah of Persia, where he was presented with a diamond necklace. Chardin wrote about his experiences in his second book, Voyages de Jean Chardin en Inde et autres lieux de l’Orient.
In 1677, Chardin returned to France and published his third book, Voyages de Jean Chardin en Turquie et autres lieux de l’Orient. This book was an account of his travels to Turkey, Armenia, and Georgia. Chardin also wrote about the political and economic conditions of the countries he visited.
In 1681, Chardin set out on his fourth and final journey to the Middle East. He traveled to Egypt, Syria, and Palestine, and wrote about his experiences in his fourth book, Voyages de Jean Chardin en Egypte et autres lieux de l’Orient. This book was an account of his travels to Egypt, Syria, and Palestine.
Chardin’s travels and writings had a profound impact on European understanding of the Middle East and Persia. His books were widely read and translated into several languages. Chardin’s writings provided Europeans with a detailed account of the customs, cultures, and religions of the people he encountered. His writings also provided Europeans with an understanding of the political and economic conditions of the countries he visited.
Chardin died in 1713, but his legacy lives on. His books are still widely read and his writings are still studied by scholars. Chardin’s travels and writings have provided us with a unique insight into the Middle East and Persia in the 17th century.