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Tangier Traveler

Tangier Traveler

What might it have been like to travel in the 1300s? Students will explore the life and journeys of Ibn Battuta, the 14th century Moroccan explorer and scholar.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

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  • Paper

Steps

  • Step 1

    Ibn Battuta (full name Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Battuta) was born in Tangier, Morocco in 1304. He was a scholar and jurisprudent, but is best known as an extensive traveler and explorer. He documented his excursions over a period of almost 30 years that covered around 75,000 miles. Have students learn about his life and journeys. Where did he travel? What meaning did the lands he visited hold for him? What was the focus of his studies? What is a hajj? Have students also locate the regions on a world map.

  • Step 2

    Have students research some of the lands where Ibn Battuta traveled. They can look at images of how the areas would have looked in the 14th century, then create a drawing depicting some of the sights he might have seen on his journeys. 

  • Step 3

    Have students present their drawings and discuss what life was like during the time of Ibn Battuta.

Standards

SS: Culture: Through experience, observation, and reflection, identify elements of culture as well as similarities and differences among cultural groups across time and place. 

SS: People, Places, and Environments: Use maps and other geographic representations, geospatial technologies, and spatial thinking to acquire, understand, and communicate information. 

Adaptations

Have students learn about Tangier, which is at the crossroads of Africa and Europe. How does its location help promote international trade? What languages are spoken there? What is the cuisine like?

Ibn Battuta's primary mode of travel was the camel. Have students learn about this fascinating creature. Why are they called the "ships of the desert"? How does their anatomy and physiology help them survive in the desert? What are their humps made of?