Geographical Location and Escape: Selim Aga

What was slavery Like in the place where the author was held?

   The place where he was being held was not very nice and neither were the slave traders. Not only was Aga beaten upon resistance but he was also tied up and set to walk in a certain direction with his master following behind him with a whip. Once they arrived at his new masters house he was secured with iron chains that were around his feet and was never permitted to go too far from the house. He and another slave women that he recognized from home named Medina were kept there until their owner joined a caravan consisting of merchants and travelers left the village of Tegla and arrived in a large town called Kordofan, which was under the jurisdiction of the Pacha of Egypt. After pitching tents for the night Aga and Medina continued their journey with their master to a village called Albaharr or as seen on their map a place called Albeit. During their time in Albeit Aga and Medina were taken to a Turk camp where his master had them examined. They checked their tongues and teeth and had all of their limbs thoroughly examined. Aga’s master “disposed” of both him and Medina to an Arab man who they ended up living with for 3 days. After they stayed with the Arab they were then given to a Turk who Aga said was one of the cruelest men in existence. There Aga was beaten severely for every little thing.  Aga was sold about 10 times before he ever got a chance to read, write or see freedom.


What can you find out about life in the place where he or she escaped?

    Aga never escaped from slavery. However he was sold to a nice family who taught him how to read and write. He said that him and his friend Medina had talked about escaping and once he had even managed to escape his ankle chains but was afraid to run because he felt that he would end up getting caught.