The pilgrim IBN BATTUTA
This week-end, I went to a shopping mall dedicated to Ibn Battuta.
Ibn Battuta is a famous 14th century traveler. A pilgrim.
He started his travels when he was 20 years old in 1325.
His main reason to travel was to go on a Hajj, a Pilgrimage to Mecca, as all good Muslims are required to do.
But his traveling went on for about 29 years and he covered about 75,000 miles, visiting the equivalent of 44 modern countries which were then mostly under the governments of Muslim leaders.
He met many dangers and had many adventures along the way. He was attacked by bandits, almost drowned in a sinking ship, was almost beheaded by a tyrant ruler, and had a few marriages and lovers and fathered several children on his travels!
Near the end of Ibn Battuta's life, the Sultan of Morocco insisted that he dictate the story of his travels to a scholar. So today, we can read translations of that story called "Rihla - My Travels". Much of it is fascinating, but some of it seems to be made up and even is inaccurate about places we know about. However, it is a valuable and interesting record of places which add to our understanding of the Middle Ages.
The shopping mall is separated in “courts” representing the different countries Ibn Battuta visited (Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India, China), including architectural details and historical exhibits.
The Mall is forever long, so walking shoes are in order!
Knowing me and my love of travel to exotic places, you must realize I thought I’d be in heaven; but at Ibn Battuta mall, shopping for 21st century items and taking a Starbuck coffee break make for a very weird and somewhat exciting experience indeed… I thought I’d try to capture some of this air-conditioned Middle-East world tour to share with you…
Taking a Starbucks break under an exquisite Persian Dome - the tiling might be accurate but the feeling is 'Starbucks-ish' .... and it left me... 'disenchanted'.
I had an american breakfast of eggs and bacon at the Havana cafe, right here, in this Taj Mahal wannabe ...
Can it get any more weir than that?
Yes it can! These very modern Emiratee women are crossing into the Chinese court, shopping for very modern Rolex... while a full size replica of a chinese dhow stands, full sails out, in front of a 'lamb-roast-and-frangrant-spices-smelling' Iranian restaurant!
I baught a Peruvian woven hat at Ibn Battuta mall. I spent the rest of the weekend indoors because of a sand storm that made driving treacherous and breathing strenuous.
Life is definitely not dull in Dubai.
Ibn Battuta is a famous 14th century traveler. A pilgrim.
He started his travels when he was 20 years old in 1325.
His main reason to travel was to go on a Hajj, a Pilgrimage to Mecca, as all good Muslims are required to do.
But his traveling went on for about 29 years and he covered about 75,000 miles, visiting the equivalent of 44 modern countries which were then mostly under the governments of Muslim leaders.
He met many dangers and had many adventures along the way. He was attacked by bandits, almost drowned in a sinking ship, was almost beheaded by a tyrant ruler, and had a few marriages and lovers and fathered several children on his travels!
Near the end of Ibn Battuta's life, the Sultan of Morocco insisted that he dictate the story of his travels to a scholar. So today, we can read translations of that story called "Rihla - My Travels". Much of it is fascinating, but some of it seems to be made up and even is inaccurate about places we know about. However, it is a valuable and interesting record of places which add to our understanding of the Middle Ages.
The shopping mall is separated in “courts” representing the different countries Ibn Battuta visited (Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India, China), including architectural details and historical exhibits.
The Mall is forever long, so walking shoes are in order!
Knowing me and my love of travel to exotic places, you must realize I thought I’d be in heaven; but at Ibn Battuta mall, shopping for 21st century items and taking a Starbuck coffee break make for a very weird and somewhat exciting experience indeed… I thought I’d try to capture some of this air-conditioned Middle-East world tour to share with you…
Taking a Starbucks break under an exquisite Persian Dome - the tiling might be accurate but the feeling is 'Starbucks-ish' .... and it left me... 'disenchanted'.
I had an american breakfast of eggs and bacon at the Havana cafe, right here, in this Taj Mahal wannabe ...
Can it get any more weir than that?
Yes it can! These very modern Emiratee women are crossing into the Chinese court, shopping for very modern Rolex... while a full size replica of a chinese dhow stands, full sails out, in front of a 'lamb-roast-and-frangrant-spices-smelling' Iranian restaurant!
I baught a Peruvian woven hat at Ibn Battuta mall. I spent the rest of the weekend indoors because of a sand storm that made driving treacherous and breathing strenuous.
Life is definitely not dull in Dubai.
posted by Nam Myoho Renge Kyo | 11:08 AM
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