The Travels of Ibn Batuta


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.4 stars; 20 reviews)

Ibn Battuta (1304 – ca. 1369), was a Moroccan explorer. Over a period of thirty years, Ibn Battuta visited most of the known Islamic world as well as many non-Muslim lands. His journeys included trips to North Africa, West Africa, the Horn of Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and China. Battuta is generally considered one of the greatest travellers of all time. This is a journal/record of his travels, omitting the translator's note and preface. (Summary modified from Wikipedia)

NOTE: The material contains racial terms and ideas that are objectionable today. The final section speaks of cannibalism with the natives as the victims, for example. (7 hr 12 min)

Chapters

Chapters 1, 2 - Egypt 14:46 Read by Ian Prise
Chapters 3, 4, 5 - Egypt and Syria 23:17 Read by Ian Prise
Chapters 6, 7, 8 - Iraq, Persia and Turkey 34:56 Read by Mayah
Chapters 9, 10 - Arabia, Zanzibar and Persia 26:40 Read by Ernst Schnell
Chapters 11, 12, 13 - Rome, Tartary, Khorsan and Kabul 53:48 Read by DrPGould
Chapters 14, 15 - Hindustan 1:11:18 Read by Rita Boutros
Chapters 16, 17, 18 - Hindustan 1:02:57 Read by Rita Boutros
Chapter 19- Maldive Islands 14:42 Read by Lewis Fletcher
Chapter 20 - Ceylon 16:05 Read by Lewis Fletcher
Chapter 21 - Hindustan 17:15 Read by DrPGould
Chapter 22 - Indian Archipelago, Sumatra and Java 14:33 Read by DrPGould
Chapter 23 - China 43:36 Read by Mayah
Chapter 24 - Sumatra to Spain 14:17 Read by DrPGould
Chapter 25 - Africa 23:53 Read by MLC13

Reviews

The travels of Ibn Battuta


(3.5 stars)

Being non-Muslim I found the incessant tirade of names of sheiks, Imams, caliphs and sultans a little difficult to follow and/or relate to, however, the description of many places and events is definitely interesting. As this narrative is a condensation/extract of the originals, makes me wonder all that was left out as sometimes he mentions being accompanied by dozens of individuals which later on don’t reappear anywhere in the story, though this doesn’t retract the interest of the travel descriptions.

A great read


(5 stars)

excellent assembly of 14th century anecdotes of this mans travels through Asia and North Africa


(5 stars)

A view into our history through the eyes of ibn batata. Great podcast


(5 stars)

Excellent historical records. Very informative and enjoyable. Good Readings!

May I provide a cover for this book?


(5 stars)