Transformative Journeys: The Travels of Afanasi Nikitin

This chapter explores the remarkable voyage of Afanasi Nikitin, a 15th-century merchant whose journey from Moscow to India leads him to embrace the local culture and convert to Islam. It highlights the experiences of medieval travelers who confronted cultural shocks and navigated their identities while engaging with foreign lands. Additionally, the discussion of medieval travel writing sheds light on how individual narratives intertwine with collective experiences, revealing the complexities of cross-cultural encounters.