Journal Name:
- Sosyoloji Dergisi
| Author Name | University of Author | Faculty of Author |
|---|---|---|
Abstract (2. Language):
This article questions whether Marco Polo's book titled, "Travels of
Marco Polo", one of the most outstanding masterpieces of its era, the thirteenth
century, can be read as an "utopia". Our analysis is based upon the term
"utopia" conceptualized by Sir Thomas More in 1516 as a dream republic
reflecting one's longing for a happy life as opposed to the existing social
system. Similar to this, Marco Polo, explores in his manuscript a community, a
state, an administrative system and civilization which is geographically
distant, and distinct in social environment from his own society. Polo, describes
in his work a wealth society, happy people governed by a powerful and just
ruler. His descriptions must have been difficult for his people to visualize the
civilized, prosperous life of a community far away and regard this as real. Thus,
it is possible to conclude that Marco Polo's work can be read as an utopia.
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