Birth and Background

Ibn Battuta was born in 1304 in Tangier, Morocco and was educated in Islamic jurisprudence

Religious Motivations

Pilgrimage to Mecca

At 21, Ibn Battuta embarked on a pilgrimage to Mecca, which sparked his desire for adventure

Career Goals

Ibn Battuta aimed to become a Qadi, or judge, in the Islamic world

First Pilgrimage

In 1325, Ibn Battuta embarked on his first pilgrimage to Mecca, traveling through the Maghreb and Egypt

Exploration of the Near East

Syria and Palestine

After completing his pilgrimage, Ibn Battuta explored the Near East, including Syria and Palestine

Mongol-controlled Persian Territory

Ibn Battuta also ventured into Mongol-controlled Persian territory during his travels

Journey Down the Swahili Coast

Ibn Battuta traveled down the Swahili Coast, visiting trade centers such as Kilwa in present-day Tanzania

Arrival in India

Around 1333, Ibn Battuta arrived in India and secured a position as a Qadi at the court of Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq in Delhi

Exploration of Eastern Asia

Yuan Dynasty in China

Ibn Battuta traveled to areas under the rule of the Yuan Dynasty in China during his Asian travels

Influence of Islam

Throughout his travels in Asia, Ibn Battuta benefited from the widespread influence of Islam, which facilitated his journeys and interactions

Return to Morocco

In 1349, Ibn Battuta returned to Morocco and discovered that his parents had died

European Experience

Ibn Battuta briefly traveled through the Iberian Peninsula and witnessed the struggles of the Muslim kingdom of Granada against Christian forces

Recording of Travels

The Moroccan Sultan Abu Inan Faris commissioned Ibn Battuta to record his travel experiences, resulting in the monumental work, the Rihla

Legacy of Ibn Battuta

Ibn Battuta's detailed observations and writings have solidified his status as one of history's most renowned travelers and continue to provide valuable insights into the 14th-century world