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Showing posts with the label Arabic travel literature

Ibn Battuta: The Legendary Arab Traveler and His Timeless Books

  A Name That Crossed Continents In the rich fabric of Islamic and world history, few names shine as brightly as Ibn Battuta . Born in Tangier, Morocco , in 1304 CE, Ibn Battuta’s name became synonymous with adventure, learning, and diplomacy. Long before the age of airplanes and digital maps, this man ventured across deserts, oceans, and mountains — not for conquest, but for knowledge, culture, and faith. His travels spanned over 75,000 miles , covering more than 40 modern countries , from North Africa to China. But Ibn Battuta was more than just a traveler. He was a writer, historian, and cultural bridge between civilizations. His book, Rihla (الرحلة), remains one of the most fascinating travelogues in Arabic literature and global heritage. In this post, we’ll explore the life of Ibn Battuta , the importance of his book , and why his story still matters in the 21st century. Early Life and Motivations for Travel Ibn Battuta , whose full name was Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Abd...