Georg Jacob (1862 - 1937) was a scholar of Islamic studies and an Orientalist, holding a chair in Oriental studies at the University of Kiel. Jacob was the first translator and editor of modern Turkish literature in the German-speaking world. In the first half of the Middle Ages, the Arabs seem to have played the same role as that related nation in antiquity as a trading people. There are multiple accounts from the time of the emergence of Islam regarding the great trade caravans. Based on coin finds, trade activities in various countries can be evidenced. In addition to the treasures of the Far East and Africa, the trade routes of the Arabs extended to the farthest coasts of China. Reprint of the original edition from 1887.