November 16

Jean Chardin was born in 1643 and trained as a jeweler before turning his attention to exploration. He spent several years at the Safavid court in Persia, gaining the trust of Shah Suleiman and documenting local customs. His travelogues, published as "The Travels of Sir John Chardin", became celebrated works of ethnography and geography. Chardin translated and studied Persian texts, contributing to European understanding of Muslim cultures. He died in 1703, leaving an enduring record of 17th-century Persia.

Alexander Kolchak was an Imperial Russian admiral and polar explorer known for his Arctic expeditions in the early 20th century. He served with distinction in the Russo-Japanese War before leading scientific voyages to the far north. After the Bolshevik Revolution, Kolchak emerged as a key figure in the White Movement, declaring himself Supreme Ruler of Russia. He led anti-Bolshevik forces in Siberia before his capture and execution in 1920. His complex legacy remains a subject of historical debate in Russia.

Tahir Shah was born on November 16, 1966, in London, England. He is best known for his travel books, including 'In Arabian Nights' and 'The Caliph's House', which explore the mystique of Morocco. As a journalist, Shah has contributed essays and articles to publications like The Guardian and The Financial Times. His work combines immersive storytelling with deep cultural research, offering vivid portraits of remote communities. Shah has undertaken expeditions across North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, documenting his adventures. He founded the literary prize Contingent of Future Writers and promotes new voices in travel literature. Shah's engaging blend of adventure and scholarship has earned him a devoted international readership.