Pioneers of the travel world: Schwarzenbach and Maillart as UNESCO heritage!

Pioneers of the travel world: Schwarzenbach and Maillart as UNESCO heritage!

In 1939, the two journalists Annemarie Schwarzenbach and Ella Maillart embarked on a remarkable journey that took them across the hinterland of Anatolia to Iran. Their adventure, which began in June, started in Geneva with a converted Ford Roadster Deluxe, sponsored by Alfred Emil Schwarzenbach. The Bavarian Radio reports in her radio play “All paths are open” that the two women traveled over 7,000 kilometers and stopped in Turkey, Afghanistan and India.

The two expedition members traveled alone and without any knowledge of Turkish, which only increased the challenges on their route. Nevertheless, they documented their experiences through photographs and diary entries and discussed the magic of nature and the joy of being on the move. At the same time, they recorded social and political changes before the Second World War. They were surprised by a positive reception in Afghanistan, where they received hospitality, accommodation and food from locals.

Historical significance of the trip

Schwarzenbach and Maillart's journey had far-reaching effects. They are considered pioneers of the travel diary and revolutionized a genre that was previously heavily dominated by men. Their work was recognized by UNESCO as a World Memorial Heritage Site in April 2023. Their papers are not only significant, but can also be found alongside documents of great historicity such as the papers of Charles Darwin and Friedrich Nietzsche, as well as the documents of the Geneva Conventions. According to the New Zurich newspaper This shows how important their legacy is for historical research and memory.

In Afghanistan, however, Schwarzenbach and Maillart had only limited contact with Afghan women, who they mostly only saw from a distance. However, one time they spoke to women who were looking for help making clothes. Despite the serious subject matter, the trip was not without its personal struggles, especially for Annemarie Schwarzenbach, who struggled with addiction issues during the trip. These difficulties intensified after the Nazi invasion of Europe.

Aftermath and legacy

After returning, the paths of Schwarzenbach and Maillart opened up. While Maillart stayed in India until 1945, Schwarzenbach returned to the USA and later to the Engadin. Her estate is now managed by the Swiss Literary Archives in Bern and the Bibliothèque de Genève. To properly celebrate the UNESCO award, a festive recognition ceremony will take place on May 13th at the Swiss National Library in Bern.