Ibn Battuta

Question 1

Who was Ibn Battuta?

Answer 1

Ibn Battuta was a Moroccan traveler and explorer known for his extensive journeys across the Islamic world and beyond during the 14th century.

Question 2

When and where was Ibn Battuta born?

Answer 2

Ibn Battuta was born on February 25, 1304, in Tangier, Morocco.

Question 3

What was Ibn Battuta’s family background?

Answer 3

Ibn Battuta came from a family of Islamic legal scholars (qadis).

Question 4

At what age did Ibn Battuta begin his travels and why?

Answer 4

Ibn Battuta began his travels at age 21 to perform a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Question 5

What is the name of Ibn Battuta’s travelogue?

Answer 5

Ibn Battuta’s travelogue is called the Rihla, meaning ‘The Journey.’

Question 6

How many modern-day countries did Ibn Battuta visit during his travels?

Answer 6

Ibn Battuta visited over 40 modern-day countries.

Question 7

How long did Ibn Battuta travel?

Answer 7

Ibn Battuta traveled for nearly 29 years.

Question 8

What significant empire and dynasty were established during Ibn Battuta’s life?

Answer 8

The Marinid Dynasty in Morocco and the Delhi Sultanate in India.

Question 9

How did the Mongol Empire influence Ibn Battuta’s travels?

Answer 9

The Mongol Empire created a relatively safe environment for long-distance travel across Eurasia during Ibn Battuta’s time.

Question 10

What devastating event did Ibn Battuta witness during his travels?

Answer 10

Ibn Battuta witnessed the Black Death during his travels.

Question 11

What were Ibn Battuta’s contributions to historical knowledge?

Answer 11

Ibn Battuta’s travel writings documented the geography, cultures, political systems, and social life of the 14th-century Islamic world.

Question 12

What title or profession did Ibn Battuta hold during his time in the Delhi Sultanate?

Answer 12

Ibn Battuta served as a judge under the Delhi Sultanate.

Question 13

What is Ibn Battuta’s legacy?

Answer 13

Ibn Battuta is remembered as one of history’s greatest explorers and his writings offer crucial insights into the medieval world, particularly the Islamic civilization.

Question 14

What is the name of a modern-day landmark named after Ibn Battuta?

Answer 14

The Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai.

Question 15

What controversy did Ibn Battuta face in the Maldives?

Answer 15

Ibn Battuta faced controversy in the Maldives for attempting to enforce stricter Islamic laws, which led to his dismissal as a judge.

Question 16

What challenge did Ibn Battuta face in India under Sultan Muhammad bin Tughluq?

Answer 16

Ibn Battuta narrowly escaped execution and had to flee the Sultan’s court.

Question 17

What was a funny mistake Ibn Battuta made during his travels?

Answer 17

Ibn Battuta once confused a walrus for a mermaid during his travels in the Russian steppes.

Question 18

Which regions outside of the Islamic world did Ibn Battuta visit?

Answer 18

Ibn Battuta visited regions like the Byzantine Empire, Spain, China, and Southeast Asia.

Question 19

How far did Ibn Battuta travel in total?

Answer 19

Ibn Battuta traveled around 75,000 miles during his lifetime.

Question 20

How did Ibn Battuta influence the world of travel writing?

Answer 20

Ibn Battuta’s detailed travel accounts provided one of the most comprehensive views of the medieval Islamic world, influencing geography and history.

Question 21

Which famous travelers are often compared to Ibn Battuta?

Answer 21

Ibn Battuta is often compared to Marco Polo and Zheng He.