 bn Batuta's Rihla is a unique tome casting light on the life and maritime technology in the medieval world. It is often considered as an authority on the social and cultural history of Islam. From the Rihla we learn about the workings of the kingdoms of the Mongols under Ujbek Khan, the machinations and politics under Muhammed bin Tughlaq– the Sultan of India, the simplicity of life in the Maldives, the condition in the dhows (cramped for space) and the junks (luxurious if you could afford it. Private cabins for you and your slave women, five course meals), the price of clothes and spices, the unsuccessful attempts of doing away with gold currency, and the vagaries of life across the civilized world.In addition to the portraits of the rich and the famous, the pious and the infidels, we learn about the centrality of trade to the medieval world. We have portraits of maritime traders, of captians, of brigands and pirates, we learn about sea passages and mountain passes, and of the goods that the caravans and the fleets carried. We also learn about gender relations, of immigration issues and the balance of power between the kingdoms.
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One can draw many parallels between Batuta's age and our own world. The defining conflicts of the world are similar, spread of a radical new way of life aided by new technology versus the status quo. Then it was Islam and today it is the culture of consumerism (as Benjamin Barber puts it "Mc World"). The defining technology of both periods is based upon know-how. Back then it was the mastery of sea routes and today it is the routes taken by electrons and photons. Whatever the rallying calls behind the philosophies and the rhetoric, it is clear the central issue remains the same — trade. In Batuta's era the rhetoric of Islam was used to control the trade routes and spread the religion. Today we have the culture of consumerism rallying under the sophistry of 'liberty' or 'free markets'. The rhetoric of liberty and jihad only seeks to obfuscate the true cause of the turmoil — the control of consumer goods, arms and technology trade. Positions of strength may have changed, but the true motives have not. What we see are battles that have been fought many, many times under different guises. But the central issue is the acquisition of wealth and control of existing hegemonies-- not Jihad and not Liberty. Those who have learnt from history have to sit back and watch others commit the same follies and blunders, all over again.
Note: This essay was composed prior to the September 11 WTC attack. |
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The medina of Fés-al-Jdid, nestled between the Rif and Atlas mountains. Click to magnify. In 1354, Batuta returned to settle down in the city of Fez. He stayed in the newer city of Fez-al Jdid, then a bustling medina fashioned after the great Andalusian cities of Granada and Sevilla. He served in Sultan Abu 'Inan court as a consultant. In his later years, the king commissioned him to dictate his Rihla or travelogue. Ibn Juzayy, an acquaintance of Batuta from his visit to Granada would be his scribe and editor. His Rihla was written under the formal title ' A gift to the observers concerning the curiosities of the cities and the marvels encountered in travels.' He lived his last years in the decaying Marinid kingdom of Morocco. The aging globetrotter died in 1369 CE (700 AH). Batuta's Rihla portrays a man of many virtues and failings. He comes across as part sinner and part saint, but nevertheless he was a man of great piety and also a consummate opportunist. |
Bibliography
1. Travels of Ibn Batuta (tr. by H. A. R. Gibb, 3 vol., rev. ed. 1958-71). Continue to read selections from the Rihla …
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