The image of Men and Women in Ottoman Provinces in the Travelogues of the Russian-born French writer Lidia Pashkova

Abstract

The article contains the analysis of the works of the Russian-French writer, traveler and journalist Lydia Pashkova. The rich literary heritage of Pashkova and especially her travelogues that were written during her travels to the Ottoman provinces abound with a detailed description of the general structure of the societies living in these regions, as well as the image of men and women. The portrayal of the Muslim Eastern population trying to enter the process of modernization from the point of view of a female writer of that period allows us to trace in detail the changes that have occurred in the social structure of the respective provinces. Besides, the works written by Pashkova show the basis on which the enlightened women of the period built their intellectual identity in the light of the impressions and experiences they received from their travels, the behavior and narrative patterns they used in relation to daily life, and especially in the Middle East. It also allows us to understand how they describe the different regions they travel to. Special attention is paid to Lydia Pashkova's impressions of meeting different people during her travels. She often admired Oriental men. Therefore, the RussianFrench traveller placed a special emphasis in her travelogues on creating a collective portrait of a man of the Ottoman Empire. She also described the differences in both the appearance and character of men and women from different provinces of the state. In addition, the article draws attention to Pashkova's attitude to cross-cultural marriages.