Ibn Battuta (1304-1368/1369) was a Moroccan scholar and traveler who spent nearly 30 years journeying across the Islamic world and beyond, covering an estimated 75,000 miles, more than any other explorer before the age of steam. His account, the Rihla, provides invaluable firsthand descriptions of the medieval Islamic world.

Where Did Ibn Battuta Travel?

Ibn Battuta visited North Africa, the Middle East, East Africa, Central Asia, India, Southeast Asia, and China. He served as a judge in the Maldives and Delhi, survived shipwrecks and bandit attacks, and visited the courts of dozens of rulers. His journey began as a hajj to Mecca and expanded into a lifetime of exploration.

What Is the Rihla?

The Rihla (Journey) was dictated by Ibn Battuta to the scholar Ibn Juzayy upon his return to Morocco. It describes the societies, customs, and rulers he encountered across the medieval world, providing historical information found nowhere else.

How Does Ibn Battuta Compare to Marco Polo?

Ibn Battuta traveled roughly three times the distance of Marco Polo and visited far more countries. However, Polo's account was more widely known in Europe. Both travelers provided unique windows into the medieval world from their respective cultural perspectives.

What Is Ibn Battuta's Legacy?

Ibn Battuta's Rihla is one of the most important travel accounts in history and an invaluable source for understanding the medieval Islamic world. Chat with Ibn Battuta on HoloDream about the road, the places you have never imagined, and why the journey never really ends.