Ibn Battuta in Sri Lanka by Ameena Hussein

A read that tries to trace the explorer’s travels in Sri Lanka. Ameena Hussein’s travelogue-ish book about Ibn Battuta in Sri Lanka is a fascinating read.

Through our history the travellers have been a great source of information and validation of some of the marvellous places & sights of our human world. Though descriptions were sometimes wildly exaggerated and judgements were passed easily, they were us, about things they didn’t understand or approve - the travels were astounding.

Battuta, Ibn was an early 14th century Moroccan traveller who managed to live to tell the tale, he dictated (all that he remembered and embellished) to his assistant. The book was called, “Rihla- a gift to those who contemplate the wonders of the cities and the marvels of traveling” - the book has been translated many times over - Ameena followed his path in Sri Lanka (as much as possible given the limited documentation) with the help of the translated works, her family connections, the mosques ( Ibn was devout Muslim so has mentioned many mosques and saints) and ordinary people who have heard his stories.

She starts each chapter with how he might have traveled and finishes with sharing her travel of the same path. We need a course in history on just the travellers.

My limited notes, so much more in the book.