Tangier: Ibn Battouta, a renowned Moroccan scholar and traveler, embarked on an extraordinary journey that spanned 38 countries worldwide. Beginning his travels in 1325, Battouta left his hometown of Tangier at the age of 21, driven by a desire to expand his Islamic teachings and gather new knowledge.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, Battouta's first significant pilgrimage was to the holy land of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. While in Mecca, he reflected at the tomb of the Prophet Mohammed and documented the various stages of the mosque's renovation. His devotion led him to visit all the holy sites associated with the Prophet's journey before reaching Mecca.
During his extensive travels, Battouta ventured as far as China, where he admired the local craftsmanship in porcelain making, silk weaving, and portrait drawing. He explored numerous Islamic cities across China before eventually longing for his homeland. His travels, which covered over 100,000 kilometers, took 29 years, concluding in 1354.
In his travelogue, Battouta narrated the artifacts and knowledge he discovered, as well as the beauty of the countries he visited. Upon returning home, he served as a judge in Tangier until his death at the age of 73. Today, his mausoleum and museum in Tangier stand as tributes to his legacy, attracting hundreds of tourists daily and contributing to the city's economy through tourism.