Abdallah Bin Battuta
Abdallah Ibn Battuta, commonly known as simply Ibn Battuta, was a Moroccan traveler and scholar. Born in 1304, he traveled across the known Islamic world, as well as Europe and Asia. He traveled for nearly thirty years, ending his journey in 1354. At the end of his travels he dictated an account of his journey to a fellow scholar. Referred to as the Rihla, it was an account of Battuta’s memories and experiences.
Battuta was born in Morocco in 1304. He studied Muslim law, popular in North Africa. In 1325 he set off on his first journey to Mecca, which took 16 months. This was an important trip for him, setting the pace for the rest of his journeys. During this time he visited Mecca, Cairo, Damascus, and Medina. From there he traveled across Iraq and Persia, then to the Arabian Peninsula and Somalia. After traveling to Asia and China, he began his journey to Morocco. In 1348 he returned to Damascus, intending to retrace the path of his first journey. He learned then that his father had died 15 years before, and so began the theme of death. The Black Plague began, and miraculously, Battuta emerged unscathed by the disease.
He returned from his travels in 1354, and immediately began dictating the tales of his journey. Recorded by Ibn Juzayy, it was a compilation of Battuta’s memory and manuscripts from other travelers. It was completed in 1355, and though comprehensive, the book reveals little about his personal life. The book wasn’t well known for centuries until the 19th century, when copies were published in German and English. After being appointed a judge in Morocco, Battuta died in 1369.
Essay by Hagen A
Battuta was born in Morocco in 1304. He studied Muslim law, popular in North Africa. In 1325 he set off on his first journey to Mecca, which took 16 months. This was an important trip for him, setting the pace for the rest of his journeys. During this time he visited Mecca, Cairo, Damascus, and Medina. From there he traveled across Iraq and Persia, then to the Arabian Peninsula and Somalia. After traveling to Asia and China, he began his journey to Morocco. In 1348 he returned to Damascus, intending to retrace the path of his first journey. He learned then that his father had died 15 years before, and so began the theme of death. The Black Plague began, and miraculously, Battuta emerged unscathed by the disease.
He returned from his travels in 1354, and immediately began dictating the tales of his journey. Recorded by Ibn Juzayy, it was a compilation of Battuta’s memory and manuscripts from other travelers. It was completed in 1355, and though comprehensive, the book reveals little about his personal life. The book wasn’t well known for centuries until the 19th century, when copies were published in German and English. After being appointed a judge in Morocco, Battuta died in 1369.
Essay by Hagen A
