Manuel Iradier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Manuel Iradier y Bulfi
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Journalist and explorer
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Manuel Iradier y Bulfi
6 July 1854 Vitoria-gasteiz, Álava, Spain
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| Died | 19 July 1911 (aged 57) Valsaín, Segovia, Spain
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Manuel Iradier (born in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, in 1854 and died in 1911) was a brave Spanish explorer. He loved learning about philosophy and books. He was inspired by another famous explorer, Henry Morton Stanley, and decided to explore Africa himself.
Contents
Exploring Africa
From 1868 to 1874, Manuel Iradier spent many years getting ready for his big trips to Africa. He even started a company to work with other people who wanted to explore too.
First Big Journey
In 1874, Manuel Iradier began his first important journey. He started near the Gulf of Guinea and planned to travel deep into the continent.
During this trip, Iradier was joined by his wife, his sister-in-law, and other people. They traveled almost 1,900 kilometers (about 1,180 miles) from a place called Aye all the way to the Muni River. While on this amazing adventure, his wife gave birth to their daughter, Isabel.
He tried to follow the Utamboni River to reach the Great Lakes and the mouth of the Muni River.
The expedition explored several islands, like Corisco and Elobey Grande. They also visited the Utongo and Bathe rivers, and saw the Paluviole and Saw of Crystal mountain ranges. The group had to turn back when many of their local guides left. Sadly, Isabel, his daughter, passed away during this journey.
When Iradier returned to Spain, he had drawn detailed maps of the areas he visited. These maps were later published by a company in Madrid that focused on African exploration.
Second Expedition
Manuel Iradier's second journey began in late 1877. This time, he carefully wrote down words and grammar from the languages of the tribes he met. He also made many notes about the stars, local cultures, weather, and trade in the regions he explored.
Third Expedition
The exploration company helped fund Iradier's third expedition, which started in July 1884. Dr. Ossorio joined him as a representative of the company.
This trip went through areas Iradier had already explored. They reached the end of the part of the Utongo River that boats could use. From there, they followed the Congue River to the Muni River. They then traveled down the Muni River to the coasts of Buru, which is northeast of Corisco's Bay.
Iradier became very sick with a high fever and could not continue. He had to return to Spain, arriving on November 28, 1884.
In February 1885, he gave many important papers to the company in Madrid. These papers included agreements and official documents that placed the lands around the Muni River under Spanish control. It was said that 101 local leaders had agreed to this. These lands, covering about 14,000 square kilometers (about 5,400 square miles), later became known as Spanish Guinea. They remained under Spanish rule until 1968.
His Published Works
Manuel Iradier wrote many books and articles. In these works, he shared all the amazing things he learned and experienced during his adventures in Africa.
See also
In Spanish: Manuel Iradier para niños
- Isabel de Urquiola, his wife
