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0EURASIAN JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH
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THE SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE OF TRAVEL REPORTS Nursultan Tabisxanov
Karakalpak State University https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14575250
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Received: 24th December 2024 Accepted: 29th December 2024 Online: 30th December 2024
KEYWORDS Tra velogues, Scien tific
importance, Exploration, Geography, Flora and fauna, Ethnography, Humboldt,
Darwin, Wallace, Merian, Knowledge expansion,
Observation, Discovery,
Cultural understanding,
methodology, in travelogues,
Research Technology Data collection.
Nursultan Tabisxanov's article discusses the scientific importance of travelogues, which document the observations and findings of explorers studying different regions. These reports combine adventure with scientific research, expanding knowledge in various fields. Travelogues provide valuable data on geography, flora, fauna, and culture, contributing to science and education. The article highlights the influence of explorers like Humboldt, Darwin, Wallace, and Merian, whose work in biology, geography, and ethnography shaped scientific thought. Despite modern technology, traditional methods of documenting observations remain essential for research.
Travel reports play an outstanding role in the history of science and document the observations, experiences and findings of researchers who have studied different countries, cultures and landscapes. These reports combine the adventurous spirit of travel with the precision of scientific research and thus contribute to expanding knowledge in numerous disciplines.
Scientific travel reports are written documentation that systematically records information about the geography, flora, fauna, culture and climate of a region. They are the result of research trips and contain comprehensive observations, analyses and conclusions. They serve to discover and describe new regions, expand scientific knowledge and transfer knowledge in the professional world and public education.
Travel reports have their roots in antiquity, for example in the reports of Herodotus or Marco Polo. With the discovery of new continents in the Age of Discovery, they became important sources for European science and society. From the 18th century onwards, scientific standards in travel reports increased, influenced by figures such as Carl von Linné and the Enlightenment.
Travel reports are often written from the perspective of the traveller, which can lead to cultural distortions or a colonial view. Scientific analyses of these texts deal with their influence on the perception of foreign cultures and their contribution to the legitimization of colonial rule.
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Some historical travel reports contain valuable data on weather and climate conditions that can be used today for climate research. Humboldt, for example, documented altitude measurements and temperatures that are still important today.
Ethnographic notes in travel reports helped develop ethnology as a science. The reports provided the first descriptions of languages, rituals and social structures of indigenous peoples.
The use of scientific instruments such as sextants, barometers and later cameras revolutionized the accuracy and meaningfulness of travel reports. Today, these are supplemented by satellite data and AI-supported analysis tools.
Modern scientists reflect critically on the subjectivity and political contexts of historical travel reports. In particular, they examine how scientific results were influenced by personal, religious or ideological motives.
Travel reports have inspired not only science, but also art and literature. They served as the basis for novels, poems and visual representations, which in turn promoted interest in other cultures.
Scientific travel reports are characterized by specific characteristics. They strive for an unbiased and accurate presentation of the data collected. Various scientific disciplines such as natural sciences, social sciences and humanities are combined. Precise documentation of observations, measurements and samples is essential, as is the systematic scientific evaluation of the information collected. "Travel reports are the interface between adventure and science."
[3]
Travel reports contributed significantly to the expansion of human knowledge by discovering new species, aiding geographical mapping, and documenting cultural diversity. Many biological and zoological discoveries came from such reports, and expeditions helped to create maps of previously unexplored areas. Ethnological studies of indigenous peoples and their ways of life were recorded in travel reports. "Travel is a dialogue with the world - it shows us not only how others live, but how we ourselves exist in the world." [1]
Alexander von Humboldt was a pioneer in geography and biology with his work "Journey to the Equinoctial Regions of the New Continent". Humboldt combined observations of nature with cultural studies and influenced generations of scientists. Charles Darwin documented his observations during his voyage around the world in "The Voyage of the Beagle". These reports formed the basis for his theory of evolution. Alfred Russel Wallace wrote "The Malay Archipelago", which contains groundbreaking research on biogeography and offers detailed insights into the flora and fauna of Southeast Asia. Maria Sibylla Merian revolutionized entomology with her work "Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium", documenting the metamorphosis of insects in Suriname. "Nature must be felt, and whoever wants to describe its works must also wander through it, with all its wonders and secrets." [2]
The creation of scientific travel reports takes place in several steps. It begins with the planning of routes, equipment and scientific questions. Observations are made on site, interviews are conducted with locals, samples are collected and photographic documentation is created. Diaries, sketches, maps and technical instruments are used for precise documentation. Finally, the collected data is scientifically evaluated and published.
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Even in the age of modern technology, travel reports remain important. With the help of GPS, drones and digital data collections, documentation is more precise. Nevertheless, the principles of traditional travel reports are still essential, especially when conducting field research in remote or little-explored areas.
Scientific travel reports are indispensable tools for knowledge transfer and discovery. They enable researchers to gain new insights into the world and offer insights into the diversity of nature and culture. By combining a spirit of adventure and scientific methodology, they have had a lasting impact on our understanding of the world.
References:
1. Mary Kingsley - Travels in West Africa
2. Alexander von Humboldt - Journey to the equinoctial regions of the New
3. Veronika Sandbichler - "On the trail of nature"
4. Alfred Russel Wallace - "The Malay Archipelago":
5. Christoph Lorke - "The 'Balkans' in German-language travel reports (ca. 1800-1880)
6. Peter Halm - "European travel reports of the late Middle Ages
7. Heinz-Dietrich Fischer - "Travel journalism":
