World Traveler Ibn Battuta

World Traveler Ibn Battuta

A Traveler Like None Before Do you like to travel and see new places? Can you imagine traveling for more than twenty years? That's what one of the greatest travelers in history did. Abu Ibn Battuta was born in 1304 in the country of Morocco in northern Africa. He studied law when he was a young man.

The Journeys Begin In 1325, at the age of twenty-one, Ibn Battuta set out on a long journey. He was going to the city of Mecca in what is now the country of Saudi Arabia. Mecca is a holy place for Muslims-people who practice the religion of Islam. Many Muslims try to visit Mecca at least once. Ibn Battuta and his parents were very sad when he left.

After traveling for sixteen months, Ibn Battuta finally reached Mecca. After seeing Mecca, he decided to keep on going. He wanted to visit new places. Many Muslims gave money and gifts to travelers during that time. Ibn Battuta received many gifts to help him on his trips. Ibn Battuta traveled mostly by camel with large groups to stay safe from bandits. The groups often traveled in the cool of the night using torches to light the way.

Beyond Mecca Ibn Battuta went to what is now Iraq and Iran. These countries had once been rich and beautiful but were recovering from attacks by invaders when he visited them. On a trip to Africa, Ibn Battuta heard tales about the ruler of India. The ruler was famous for giving gifts to visitors, but he could also be cruel. Ibn Battuta decided to set off for India.

His path took him through present-day Turkey and the Russian grasslands. He visited the Christian city of Constantinople, the capital of an old empire. Ibn Battuta met the emperor during his stay. Then he continued his journey to India.