中世纪文书所见阿拉伯东方远航贸易的商品与经营

Merchandise and the Management of Arab Voyages to the East Recorded in Medieval Documents

中世纪阿拉伯的东方远航贸易,对世界海洋史发展具有重要意义。中国的丝绸、陶瓷和香料成为巴格达、福斯塔特等地的热销产品,刺激了阿拉伯商人的远航。犹太商人也是海洋贸易的重要参与者,他们是阿拉伯人的商业伙伴。从格尼扎(Geniza)、库塞尔(Quseir)文书可见阿拉伯的海事管理,以及犹太商人、阿拉伯商人成熟的海洋贸易经营方式。犹太商人、阿拉伯商人通过寄送详细的船货清单、确认函等文书,保持贸易伙伴间信息的畅通,并及时处理财务上的纠纷。当遇到船难等不幸事件时,遇难商人的亲友会报告给族群部落,由部落负责搜救、善后,在一定程度上解决了远航商人的后顾之忧。这是阿拉伯东方远航的成功之道。

Arab voyages to the East during the Middle Ages had great significance in the development of global maritime history.China's silk,porcelain,and spices became hot-selling products in places such as Baghdad and Fustat,thereby motivating Arab merchants to sail for long distances.As business partners of the Arabs,Jewish merchants were also important participants in maritime trade.As the documents found in Geniza and Quseir reveal,these merchants enjoyed an unimpeded exchange of information by keeping detailed records,including lists of shiplots and confirmation slips,and handling financial disputes in a timely manner.In the event of unfortunate incidents,such as shipwrecks,the relatives and friends of the victims would report to the community.The community would then take responsibility for search and rescue,thereby reducing risk.