Faith, Commerce, and Cultural Exchange in the World of Ibn Battuta: Travelling Islam (Palgrave Series in Indian Ocean World Studies)

This book offers a nuanced historical analysis of the profound impact of Ibn Battuta’s extensive travels across Asia, Africa, and Europe.As one of the most significant figures of medieval Islamic history, Ibn Battuta’s journey not only documents his personal experiences but also serves as a lens through which we can examine the complex interrelations of faith, commerce, and cultural exchange that shaped the medieval world.This volume adopts integrating perspectives from history to explore the enduring legacy of his observations.The volume is divided into five thematic sections. The first focuses on the economic implications of Ibn Battuta’s travels, particularly his observations on trade, finance, and their influence on economic networks, with particular attention to the Indian Ocean trade routes.The second section examines the histrory of religious pilgrimage, especially the Hajj, in facilitating the movement of people, ideas, and religious practices across vast distances, shaping dee