«Io ci vidi molti saracini». La rappresentazione del mondo musulmano del Vicino Oriente nell’odeporica di pellegrinaggio tardo medioevale

Abstract

This essay examines the depiction of the Muslim world of the Near East in late medieval pilgrimage literature from Florence. It delves into the concept of ethnic and religious otherness as seen through the narratives of medieval travelers. The essay emphasizes the dual nature of pilgrimage diaries, combining elements of narrative and memoir, which provide significant insights into the perceptions and representations of the East by medieval pilgrims. These diaries, often overlooked for their documentary value, reveal the travelers' firsthand experiences and reflections, balancing traditional literary motifs with personal observations. This blend offers a unique perspective on the cultural exchanges and confrontations of the time.