Introduction to Ibn BattutaGeneral remarks on Ibn Battuta (1304-1368 or 1369)The Rihla or travel book: chief characteristicsJourneys: 1234567Key characteristics of Ibn BattutaHistorical issues relating to Ibn BattutaConditions making possible the career of Ibn BattutaMultiple journeys of Ibn BattutaContest: Things to look forHow to read this bookIntroduction to Ibn BattutaCarl ErnstIntroduction to Islamic CivilizationGeneral remarks on Ibn Battuta (1304-1368 or 1369)Example of “the premodern roots of globalization” equal to 44 modern countriesComplete translation of travels in four volumes (1929-1994, Hakluyt Society)Imitated by modern travelers: Tim Mackintosh-SmithNumerous museum exhibits2The Rihla or travel book: chief characteristicsLiterary autobiography and descriptive compendium, “as told to” the scholar Ibn JuzayyChronological problems in the reconstruction of the voyage, nearly 30 years after his departure from MoroccoPortrait of political and cultural elitesEmphasis on cosmopolitan tendencies over local diversity3Journeys: 142536475869710Key characteristics of Ibn BattutaComparison with Marco Polo: an alien in Mongol AsiaIbn Battuta was received by other Muslims as a familiar figureConcept of the “global” Afro-Eurasian Ecumene “inhabited world” (Hodgson, McNeill) opened up by the time of Ibn BattutaRole of nomadic invaders11Historical issues relating to Ibn BattutaProblem of “Eurocentric” history – focuses only on Islam in terms of impact on European institutionsErroneous view of Islam as “irrational” and Europe as scientificImpact of Turkish nomads on Middle EastImpact of Muslim merchants on Indian Ocean 12Conditions making possible the career of Ibn Battuta“egalitarian contractualism” (Hodgson) in Muslim societies acknowledging the shari`aPost-Mongol urban-based society:13Multiple journeys of Ibn Battuta1. Pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina four times2. Visiting Sufi masters, lodges, and shrines.3. Seeking legal scholars and their knowledge in great cities4. Seeking patrons in the great capitals of Asia and Africa.14Contest: Things to look forHow many times, and where, did Ibn Battuta get married?How many times did he make contact with Sufis or Sufi centers? “His traveling career turned out to be, in essence, a grand world tour of the lodges and tombs of famous Sufi mystics and saints.” (p. 24) There will be a prize for the people who answer these two questions correctly15How to read this bookGo back and check locations and dynasties for interesting tidbits to use in journalsConnect the observations of Ibn Battuta to key themes and topics of the course up to this dateFrontiers and bordersSchools and structures of Islamic lawHoly sitesInternational economyPolitical
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