Transcript Postcard from Ibn Battuta

Key Characteristics of Ibn Batttuta
• Comparison with Marco Polo: an alien in
Mongol Asia
• Ibn Battuta was received by other Muslims as
a familiar figure
Historical Issues relating to Ibn Battuta
• Problem of “Eurocentric” history – focuses
only on Islam in terms of impact on European
institutions
• Erroneous view of Islam as “irrational” and
Europe as scientific
• Impact of Muslim merchants on Indian Ocean
Conditions Making Possible the Career
of Ibn Battuta
• “egalitarian contractualism” (Hodgson) in
Muslim societies acknowledging the shari`a
• Post-Mongol urban-based society:
Multiple journeys of Ibn Battuta
1. Pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina four times
2. Visiting Sufi masters, lodges, and shrines.
3. Seeking legal scholars and their knowledge in
great cities
4. Seeking patrons in the great capitals of Asia
and Africa.
Postcard from Ibn Battuta
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