Ibn Battuta's Journey Across the Sahara in 1352

Background

• Ibn Battuta, a renowned traveler of the Islamic world.
• Previous adventures: shipwrecked, kidnapped, detained by a sultan, traveled during Black Plague.
• Aim: Secure a judicial appointment in Mali.

Starting the Journey

• Began in Northern Sahara.
• Joined a Berber trading expedition.

Trade and Commerce

• Oasis City: Hub of trade including textiles, books, jewelry, perfume, Arabian horses, and cowrie shells (used as currency).
• Salt Mines: Enslaved people mined salt; crucial for gold miners in rainforests.
• Trade Routes: Stretch of 500 miles with minimal oases; required hiring scouts for water transport.

Challenges

• Harsh desert conditions and possibility of getting lost.
• Cultural shocks and misunderstandings.

Arrival in Mali

• City of Walada: Entry into the Mali Empire.
• Cultural Observations:
  • Partial Islamic conversion; Islam was for merchants and ruling classes.
  • Traditional African religions practiced by farmers and miners.
• Cultural Clashes:
  • Gender relations were different from other Islamic regions.
  • Women had high autonomy; not veiled.

Social and Religious Observations

• Admired piety: observed prayer, cleanliness, Quran memorization.
• Secure and disciplined justice system.
• Strong military presence maintaining trade route safety.

Capital's Culture

• Influences of African religion in court culture.
• Religious tolerance and pluralism.
• Disappointment with the Emperor's welcome gift.

Mali's Economic Security

• Controlled exposure to foreigners; protected gold mines' locations.
• Gold was exchanged at trading hubs.
• Major supplier of gold to the world.

Journey to Timbuktu

• East along the Niger River.
• Timbuktu: Hub between desert and river trade.
• Exports: gold, ivory, kola nuts, ostrich feathers, resin, enslaved people.

Conclusion

• Mali maintained its cultural identity while being religiously pluralistic.
• Ibn Battuta's reactions offer insights into Mali's societal structure and priorities.