Ibn Battûta(1304 — 1368)
Ibn Battuta
Maroc
7 min read
Muslim explorer and geographer of the 14th century, born in Tangier (Morocco). Ibn Battûta undertook a journey of over 120,000 km across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, becoming the greatest medieval traveler. His accounts, recorded in the Rihla (the Journey), bear witness to the richness of the Muslim civilizations of his time.
Frequently asked questions
Key Facts
- 1325: Departure from Tangier on a pilgrimage to Mecca, marking the beginning of his 30 years of travels
- 1326–1354: Traversal of trade routes across North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and India
- 1352–1354: Journey to Mali and discovery of the Songhai Empire, an important Sahelian commercial center
- 1368: Return to Morocco and composition of the Rihla, an account of his travels
- 120,000 km: Estimated distance traveled, constituting the longest documented medieval journey before the modern era
Works & Achievements
Travel account dictated by Ibn Battuta to Ibn Juzayy on the orders of the Marinid sultan. It is the most comprehensive testimony about the Islamic world and beyond in the 14th century, covering more than 40 present-day countries.
Anecdotes
In 1326, Ibn Battuta arrived in Mecca to perform the pilgrimage, but he was so fascinated by the lands he had crossed that he decided not to return home. This first journey, planned as a simple hajj, transformed into an odyssey of nearly thirty years across the Islamic world.
At the court of the Sultan of Mali, Mansa Suleyman, Ibn Battuta was shocked by certain local customs that seemed to him contrary to Islam, such as women who appeared unveiled. He did not hide his disapproval, which earned him a reprimand from the sultan himself, who reminded him that these practices were ancient in his country.
Ibn Battuta crossed the Crimean desert in the depths of winter in a cart covered with furs, pulled by horses and camels. The severity of the cold surprised him so much that he noted in his account that he had never experienced anything like it, despite having crossed the burning deserts of Arabia.
During his stay in India, Sultan Muhammad ibn Tughluq offered him the position of judge (qadi) in Delhi, along with a considerable salary and lands. Ibn Battuta accepted, but lived a turbulent relationship with this unpredictable and brutal sultan, narrowly escaping disgrace and death on several occasions.
Upon returning to Morocco after nearly twenty-eight years of absence, Ibn Battuta learned that his mother had died a few months earlier, and his father many years before. Shortly after his return, on the orders of the Marinid sultan Abu Inan, he dictated all his memories to a scholar named Ibn Juzayy, giving birth to the Rihla.
Primary Sources
I set out alone, with no companion to cheer me and no caravan whose route I could follow, driven by an overmastering impulse within my soul and a long-cherished desire in my heart to visit these illustrious sanctuaries.
It is an immense city, which nature has favored on all sides; around it the sea embraces it on three sides. The markets are numerous and spacious, and the streets are wide.
The sultan of Mali is a man who loves justice and righteous people. He shows no leniency toward wrongdoers, regardless of their rank. The country is safe: neither the traveler nor the resident need fear the thief or the brigand.
China is the safest and finest country for the traveler. One can journey through it for nine months without fearing for one's life or belongings.
Key Places
Ibn Battuta's birthplace, the starting and ending point of his travels. It was there that he dictated his memoirs after nearly thirty years of absence.
The initial destination of Ibn Battuta's journey and the spiritual heart of Islam. He performed the hajj there several times throughout his wanderings.
Capital of the Delhi Sultanate where Ibn Battuta served as a qadi for several years. He experienced both wealth and fear there under the reign of Sultan Muhammad ibn Tughluq.
Ibn Battuta crossed the Sahara to reach the court of Mansa Suleyman, leaving a unique account of this prosperous West African empire.
A major seaport of medieval China and a key stop on Ibn Battuta's journey to the Far East. He describes the intense commercial activity there and the presence of Muslim merchants.
Capital of the Byzantine Empire visited by Ibn Battuta in 1332. He was received at the imperial court and described with wonder the churches, markets, and grandeur of the city.
Liens externes & ressources
Références
Œuvres
Rihla (Tuhfat al-nuzzar fi ghara'ib al-amsar wa-aja'ib al-asfar)
1355
