Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis, Civilized Yemen vs. Barbaric Arabia

“Immediately after this port (Leuke Kome) starts Arabia, which is extended alongside a large part of the Red Sea. The coastal zone features many groups of huts of the fish–eaters, whereas the inland includes hamlets and pastures, being inhabited by a people who speak two languages and have a perverted character. These people rob those who deviate from their sailing just in the middle of the sea, and come nearby their coasts. They arrest all the shipwrecked, so that they make later use of them as captives. That is why the Kings of Yemen attack them, and hold many of them as prisoners. When we sail south, we navigate in the open sea, and as fast as possible, until we reach the Katakekavmene Neso. Immediately after that island, there are plenty of lands inhabited by civilized people, who have large cattle, and use camels for their trade and transportation“. Periplus of the Red Sea Prof. Megalommatis’ article: Music: Naseer Shamma, Maqamat Ziryab