As an African, I’ve always been captivated by the rich history and diverse cultures that have shaped this remarkable continent. But it wasn’t until I delved into the captivating travelogue of the renowned explorer Ibn Battuta that I truly began to appreciate the depth and grandeur of Africa’s past.
Ibn Battuta’s journey through Africa in the 14th century was nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Tangier, Morocco, this intrepid traveler embarked on a remarkable odyssey that would span three decades and cover an astonishing 75,000 miles across four continents. From North Africa, West Africa, Southern Europe and Eastern Europe in the west, to the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, South East Asia and China in the east, Ibn Battuta surpassed a distance covered by his predecessors like Marco Polo. He set out on his journey when he was just 21 years old in the year 1325, initially intending to go on the Hajj to Mecca and return home, but his first travel excursion saw him cover nearly the entirety of the known Islamic World and beyond.
His first stop in Africa, after the Hajj, was Cairo in 1326. When Ibn Battuta arrived in the bustling city of Cairo, he was immediately struck by the vibrant energy and the confluence of cultures that thrived within its walls. He marveled at the towering minarets of the city’s magnificent mosques, the bustling souks that brimmed with exotic spices and wares, and the erudite scholars who gathered in the city’s renowned centers of learning.
But it was Timbuktu, the fabled city of the Sahara, that truly captivated Ibn Battuta’s imagination. As he crossed the vast expanse of the desert, he was awestruck by the sheer scale and beauty of the landscape, with its undulating dunes and the occasional oasis that shimmered in the distance. When he finally set eyes on Timbuktu, Ibn Battuta was struck by the city’s grandeur and sophistication. He described it as “one of the greatest towns in the world,” a thriving center of commerce, learning, and cultural exchange. The city’s grand mosques, bustling markets, and the thriving trade in gold, salt, and manuscripts left a deep impression on the explorer.
Ibn Battuta also visited the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe. Here, he truly witnessed the might and ingenuity of the African people. This impressive stone citadel, built between the 11th and 15th centuries, was once the heart of a powerful medieval kingdom. History records that its walls were approximately 36 feet (11 Metres) high. They were a symbolic show of authority, designed to preserve the privacy of royal families and set them apart from and above commoners. The stone citadel was the Capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, a strong trading empire. Today, the ancient city remains just as important for Zimbabweans. It still attracts residents and worshippers who practice traditional Shona faiths. Ibn Battuta marveled at the sheer scale and complexity of the site, with its intricate stone walls and towering conical towers.
As I retraced Ibn Battuta’s footsteps through these storied African landscapes, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of awe and reverence. In 1354, after returning home from his travels, the Marinid Ruler of Morocco, at the time, the late Abu Inan Faris, suggested to Ibn Battuta to dictate an account in Arabic of his journeys, and that is how the Rihlah, came to be. The stories he recounted in his travelogue, the Rihlah (Or “Travels”) have not only broadened my understanding of the continent’s past but have also ignited a deeper appreciation for the resilience, ingenuity, and cultural richness of the African people. The account is the only source for Ibn Battuta’s adventures.
In a world that is often quick to overlook the contributions of Africa, Ibn Battuta’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of this remarkable continent. Through his eyes, we are given a glimpse into a world that is at once familiar and yet profoundly mysterious, a world that continues to captivate and inspire all who venture forth to explore its wonders, to date.
As I prepare to share this captivating tale with others, I know that among other explorers, the footsteps of Ibn Battuta will continue to guide me, inviting me to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Africa’s history and to uncover the hidden treasures that lie within.
Photo by Kiwihug on Unsplash
One response
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