Identitate și alteritate în spațiul românesc prepașoptist: aspecte din viața cotidiană a alogenilor evrei surprinse de călătorii și consulii francezi

Identity and Alterity in Pre-1848 Romanian Space: Aspects of the Daily Life of Jewish Communities in the Vision of French Travellers and Consuls Abstract. The accounts of French travellers and consuls contributed to shaping a clear image of Jewish communities in pre-1848 Romanian Principalities. Jews formed the largest minority and a community which, through its economic activity, had an important bearing upon social life. French observers prior to 1848 noted the involvement of Jews in trade, tenancy, craft activities, usury and manufacturing, and observed that many owned houses and booths. Capturing some of the most diverse aspects of the existence of Jewish allogenes (family life, religious organisation, occupations practiced, external appearance, mentalities, the manner in which they related to the natives or were perceived by them, etc.), the writings of French travellers and consuls contribute to the reconstruction of the image of the Jewish communities in pre-1848 Romanian Principalities.