Karl Benedikt Hase’s Journey to Algeria. Notes from the Diary of 1839

Abstract This article focuses on Karl Benedikt Hase’s 1839 journey to Algeria, documented exclusively in his personal diary. While scholars know of his stay through correspondence, official records, and Dübner-Reinach’s summary, the full diary remains unpublished and offers unique insights into Hase’s writing and his distinctive use of Greek. This study reconstructs his itinerary — challenging due to cryptic transliterations — to assess whether his travels align with established routes and reflect his scholarly priorities as an editor of epigraphic finds. It examines (1) the sites visited in relation to Hase’s academic interests; (2) the motivations behind his journey within the context of the ‘Commission Scientifique pour l'Exploration de l’Algérie’, supported by archival correspondence; and (3) his interaction with the Maghreb, considering the influence of French colonialism. By situating this overlooked document within colonial and political frameworks, the article offers fresh perspectives on Hase’s role as both scholar and colonial agent.