ARMENIA: A Year in Erzeroom On the frontier of Russia, Turkey and Persia

By Robert Curzon

Originally printed in 1854, this book is an absorbing account of Ottoman provincial life, before the final demise of the Ottoman state. Written by a scholar, statesman, and old style imperialist, Curzon reflects on the harsh uplands of Ottoman Armenia. Humorous throughout, he tells us about the virtues of tezek, the pitfalls of winter travel, trout fishing at Tortoum, as well as relations between local Armenians, Kurds and Turks. Some of his notions about the history of the region, even when erroneous, give us insights into European perceptions at that time.

Sterndale Classics (2003)