Riyadh: The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) has published an Arabic translation of the rare historical book 'Kamran,' written by French physician Anakreon Stamatiades and translated by Dr. Najah Mohammed. The book recounts Stamatiades's practical experience in 1902 as a member of the medical mission stationed at the Kamaran quarantine facility in the southern Red Sea, which served pilgrims arriving from Asia. It offers valuable insights into the quarantine procedures and methods used to prevent infectious diseases, particularly cholera, which posed a serious threat to thousands of pilgrims during that period.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the 126-page book also includes detailed notes on pilgrims from various Islamic countries, highlighting their cultural and social diversity. Additionally, it features linguistic and folkloric elements, such as traditional folk songs chanted by the local population.
Darah emphasized that this book is part of a series of publications aimed at reviving rare historical documents and sources, translating them into Arabic to make them accessible to researchers and anyone interested in the region's history and the service of pilgrims throughout the ages.