Travelling through Time: Ibn Al Mujawir's Journey in Thirteenth Century Arabia

The thirteenth century was a time of great exploration and discovery, with numerous travellers venturing across the globe in search of new lands, cultures, and knowledge. One such remarkable individual was Ibn Al Mujawir, whose extraordinary journey through Arabia captured the imagination of many during that era and continues to inspire us today.

The Life of Ibn Al Mujawir

Ibn Al Mujawir was a renowned Arab traveller, historian, and scholar who was born in the 13th century. His most famous work, Tarikh Al Mustabsir, documented his extensive travels throughout the Arabian Peninsula during a tumultuous period of political and cultural changes.

A Traveller in Thirteenth-Century Arabia / Ibn al-Mujawir's Tarikh al-Mustabsir (Hakluyt Society, Third Book 19)

by Sabera Rasoolbi (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3744 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	357 pages
Paperback	:	304 pages
Item Weight	:	13.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.12 x 0.87 x 7.8 inches

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From the bustling cities of Mecca and Medina to the vast desert landscapes of Rub' al Khali, Ibn Al Mujawir left no stone unturned in his quest for knowledge and understanding. His keen observations and meticulous recording of details offer us a unique glimpse into the social, economic, and religious aspects of thirteenth century Arabian life.

The Journey Begins

Ibn Al Mujawir embarked on his journey from his hometown in Yemen, where he had received a comprehensive education in various fields of study. Armed with a thirst for knowledge and an insatiable curiosity, he set out to explore the vast expanses of the Arabian Peninsula.

His travels took him across bustling market towns, vibrant oases, and remote Bedouin settlements. Ibn Al Mujawir encountered a diverse array of people, including merchants, scholars, nomads, and rulers. He eagerly engaged in conversations, exchanged ideas, and absorbed the richness of different cultures and traditions.

A Glimpse into Thirteenth Century Arabian Society

Through his meticulous documentation, Ibn Al Mujawir provides us with invaluable insights into thirteenth century Arabian society. He describes the social hierarchy, political structures, and economic systems that shaped the lives of the people during that era.

Moreover, his writings shed light on the role of religion in Arabian life. Islam, being the dominant faith, influenced various aspects of society, including architecture, education, and governance. Ibn Al Mujawir's observations of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, the Hajj, offer a vivid account of the religious fervor and unity that brought together Muslims from different regions.

The Challenges and Triumphs

Travelling through Arabia in the thirteenth century was not without its challenges. Ibn Al Mujawir faced treacherous desert terrains, extreme weather conditions, and encounters with bandits and tribes in conflict. However, his determination to explore and learn pushed him forward, overcoming these obstacles with relentless perseverance.

Throughout his journey, Ibn Al Mujawir also experienced moments of triumph. He discovered hidden treasures of knowledge within ancient libraries, engaged in intellectual debates with esteemed scholars, and witnessed the beauty and grandeur of historical landmarks such as the Kaaba in Mecca.

The Legacy of Ibn Al Mujawir

Ibn Al Mujawir's extraordinary journey and his documentation in Tarikh Al Mustabsir left an indelible mark on the world of travel literature. His work became a valuable resource for future travellers, historians, and scholars, offering a unique perspective on Arabian society during the thirteenth century.

His observations and insights continue to inspire individuals who seek to understand and appreciate the rich cultural history of Arabia. Ibn Al Mujawir serves as a reminder that, even in the thirteenth century, exploration and the pursuit of knowledge were essential facets of human progress.

Ibn Al Mujawir's journey through thirteenth century Arabia was an incredible feat that broadened our understanding of the region's history, culture, and society. His dedication to exploration and his meticulous documentation in Tarikh Al Mustabsir continue to resonate with us, reminding us of the importance of curiosity and open-mindedness in our own journeys.

A Traveller in Thirteenth-Century Arabia / Ibn al-Mujawir's Tarikh al-Mustabsir (Hakluyt Society, Third Book 19)

by Sabera Rasoolbi (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3744 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	357 pages
Paperback	:	304 pages
Item Weight	:	13.4 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.12 x 0.87 x 7.8 inches

FREE

This is the first English translation of the Tarikh al-Mustabsir, written in the early quarter of the thirteenth century by Ibn al-Mujawir. The text is a fascinating account of the western and southern areas of the Arabian Peninsula by a man from the east of the Islamic world, probably from Khurasan in Iran. Ibn al-Mujawir was a man who in all probability followed the age-old Islamic practice of making the pilgrimage to Mecca and thereafter travelling in the area to further his business interests. His route began in Mecca and essentially ran south through the Red Sea coastal plain, Tihamah, down into the Yemen and along the southern coast of the peninsula. He paused long in Aden, where he observed closely the activities of the port to report at some length on its administration, its taxes, its markets, its currency, its weights and measures, and the like. His route then continued along the southern coast of Arabia into the Gulf, and he presumably returned home to the east via Iraq. The author is a wonderful observer of people: their buildings, their dress, their customs, their agriculture, their food and their history. This book is a unique source for the social and economic history of thirteenth-century south Arabia, written with a humour and wit otherwise unknown in the writings of medieval Islam. The text is of major linguistic importance too, written as it is in a far from classical Arabic. This translation is fully annotated with an , appendices, glossary and full index, and contains maps and illustrations.