Ibn Battuta: The Great Traveler with a Sense of Humor

Ibn Battuta was a famous 14th-century Moroccan traveler who embarked on various journeys around the world. He was born in Tangier in 1304, and rumor has it that he came out of the womb with a backpack on his back.

At the age of 21, Ibn Battuta began his first journey, which lasted for almost 30 years. He traveled to various parts of the world including Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. He visited cities like Cairo, Mecca, Delhi, and Constantinople, just to name a few.

Throughout his travels, Ibn Battuta had a sharp sense of humor that made him stand out from other travelers. He had a way of turning the most boring situations into a comedic moment. For example, during his visit to Mecca, he noted the following:

“I saw a man with a full beard and a big belly trying to climb up the steps to the mosque’s rooftop. He was struggling and gasping, and I thought to myself, ‘If he falls, it will be a great loss for the roof.’”

Ibn Battuta was known for his entertaining and colorful travelogues, which were filled with witty anecdotes and humorous observations. He once described the food in India by saying:

“Their food is mostly a mixture of rice and vegetables, with a lot of spices that make it taste like your mouth is on fire. I had to drink a bucket of water just to put out the flames.”

Despite his comedic nature, Ibn Battuta was a serious traveler who took his journeys as a form of worship. He was also a skilled diplomat who was appointed by various rulers to engage in negotiations on their behalf.

Ibn Battuta’s travels have made him a legend in the history of travel, and his sense of humor has made him a beloved figure in the hearts of many. He died in 1368, and it is said that his tombstone reads, “Here lies Ibn Battuta, who traveled the world and made us all laugh.”