Ibn Battuta in Black Africa
by Ibn Battuta
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Description
Abu Abdalla Ibn Battuta (1304-1354) was one of the greatest travelers of pre-modern times. He traveled to Black Africa twice. He reported about the wealthy, multi-cultural trading centers at the African East coast, such as Mombasa and Kilwa, and the warm hospitality he experienced in Mogadishu. He also visited the court of Mansa Musa and neighboring states during its period of prosperity from mining and the Trans-Saharan trade. He wrote disapprovingly of sexual integration in families and of show more hostility towards the white man. Ibn Battuta's description is a unique document of the high culture, pride, and independence of Black African states in the fourteenth century. This book is one of the most important documents about Black Africa written by a non-European medieval historian. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
Ibn Battuta was a North African Arab scholar who made extensive travels throughout Muslim lands during the 14th century. His full account has been published, though this edition focuses on only two portions of his journey. The book was fairly interesting and clear to read, but I felt like I lacked the knowledge of the underlying geographical and historical backgrounds to make this a truly informative read. The footnotes didn't provide much help to my understanding, either.
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Common Knowledge
- Important places*
- Mauritanië
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Classifications
- Genres
- Nonfiction, Travel, History, General Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Biography & Memoir
- DDC/MDS
- 916.704 — History & geography Geography & travel Geography of and travel in Africa East Africa
- LCC
- DT365.2 .I262513 — History of Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania Africa History of Africa Eastern Africa
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 117
- Popularity
- 277,452
- Reviews
- 1
- Rating
- (3.09)
- Languages
- Arabic, English
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 5
- ASINs
- 2
