Ibn Battuta

Medieval Muslim explorer who traveled farther than Marco Polo

Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Battuta (1304-1369) journeyed over 75,000 miles across Africa, Asia and Europe for 30 years - three times farther than Marco Polo. Starting from Morocco at 21, his travels included:

• Makkah pilgrimage routes
• Mali Empire in West Africa
• Byzantine Constantinople
• Indian Sultanate courts
• Chinese Yuan Dynasty ports

His Rihla ('Journey') manuscript provides crucial insights into 14th-century Islamic world. Unique observations include:

• Detailed accounts of Indian Ocean trade networks
• First recorded description of the Niger River's course
• Cultural practices from the Maldives to Volga Bulgaria

Modern scholars use his records to study medieval epidemiology, urban planning, and legal systems. The Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai celebrates his legacy through architectural motifs.