Ibn Battuta: The legendary medieval Muslim adventurer

Ibn Battuta (1304–1368) was a Muslim Moroccan explorer. During his life, He traveled extensively across North Africa and Asia, eventually reaching Mongol-ruled China, the furthest place from his homeland known at the time. After coming back home after 24 years, he left once again to visit Andalusia to the north, and Mali and Niger to the south.

Ibn Battuta traveled more than any other explorer in pre-modern history. His record Totals around 117,000 km (72,000 miles), surpassing Zheng He’s with about 50,000 km (30,000 miles) and Marco Polo’s with 24,000 km (15,000 miles).

Near the end of his life, he dictated an account of his journeys, titled ‘A Gift to Those Who Contemplate the Wonders of Cities and the Marvels of Travelling’, or simply ‘Riḥla (Travels)’.

For more specialized information, please download our Webzine SILKROADIA VOL.2 NO.2, and read ‘Ibn Battuta–The emir of travels’ written by Davide Rizz, a professor at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Italy.

ⓒ 2020. Davide Rizz All Rights Reserved.