Патување по поречјето на Дрин и Вардар

J. G. Han’s Journey Through the Drin and Vardar River Basins, translated into Serbian by Mihailo Ilić in 1876, documents the author’s 1865 journey through the Drin and Vardar river basins, undertaken with the endorsement of the Imperial Academy of Sciences. Han, an Austrian consul, aimed to explore these little-known regions, describing their geographical and cultural landscapes. Starting from Durrës, he navigated through areas like Tirana, and Ohrid, providing detailed travel notes on the terrain, settlements, and historical significance of these regions.

The book delves into the complex socio-political dynamics of the Balkan Peninsula, emphasizing the need for unity among its peoples, particularly Serbs and Albanians, to overcome historical divisions fostered by Ottoman rule and foreign influences. Han’s observations highlight the cultural richness and challenges of the Albanian tribes, including their struggles against poverty and external propaganda. The translator, Ilić, underscores the importance of fostering mutual understanding among Balkan nations to secure a prosperous future, reflecting on the shared destiny of these communities.

Beyond travelogue, the book includes chorographic notes and scientific measurements, such as astronomical points and water temperatures, to map the uncharted regions accurately. Han’s work also covers historical and economic aspects of Albania, detailing Catholic bishoprics, customary laws of the Mirdita tribe, and trade practices. Accompanied by a skilled naval officer and a photographer, Han’s expedition aimed to establish a scientific foundation for understanding European Turkey, with a vision for future connectivity, such as the proposed Belgrade-Thessaloniki railway, highlighting the region’s strategic importance.