The Muslim Marco Polo

Actually, Ibn Battuta traveled much farther than our favorite Venetian merchant-adventurer. [The Rude Awakening] March 07, 2024 [WEBSITE]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE]( The Muslim Marco Polo *** BREAKING for March 7th *** From a former congressional insider (and one of Jim Rickards' most-trusted colleagues): TONIGHT, during the State of the Union address, Biden is set to say two words that could send a very specific group of stocks skyrocketing. It's all part of [a breaking story]( about how you can follow some of the biggest market moves, that congress has their hands in. What are the two words and how can you get caught up before the market closes today? [Click here for the full details](. [Sean Ring] SEAN RING Dear Reader, I wanted to tell you all about Riyadh. I really did. Somehow, I thought I could squeeze in some exploration while I was here. But as soon as I got off the plane Monday night, I went straight to the hotel, slept a few hours, and then woke up and got to work. When the day was over, I had to return to the hotel to write and prepare for the next day’s lessons. Rinse. Repeat. So, I apologize for not having more on-the-ground intel on this fantastic city. I hope to be back in early summer to get a better picture of the place. In the meantime, I thought I’d write about one of my heroes. He’s from Tangier, Morocco, at the western end of the Muslim world, far from Arabia. If you haven’t heard of him, this should be a treat for you. I know I loved learning about him. Today, we're embarking on a journey through time to trace the steps of one of history's most extraordinary travelers: Ibn Battuta. Buckle up as we dive into the life of a man whose travel resume puts even the most seasoned globetrotter to shame. What Was His Name, Again? Born in 1304 in Tangier, part of modern-day Morocco, Ibn Battuta could easily be dubbed the Muslim Marco Polo, yet his adventures spanned much farther than those of his Venetian counterpart. What drives a man in the 14th century to leave everything behind and embark on a journey across the known world? For Ibn Battuta, it was a mixture of religious duty, curiosity, and the sheer joy of discovering the unknown. The Neverending Hajj Ibn Battuta's journey began in 1325, at the age of 21, with the intention of performing the Hajj, the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. However, what was meant to be a one-off religious duty quickly morphed into an insatiable desire to explore. Over the next 30 years, he traversed the Islamic world and beyond, covering over 120,000 kilometers through North Africa, the Horn of Africa, West Africa, the Middle East, India, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and China. For context, that's like circling the globe three times before airplanes were even a thing! During his travels, Ibn Battuta served as a Qadi (Islamic judge) in the Maldives, Delhi, and the Malian Empire, showcasing his deep understanding of Islamic law. His occupations didn't stop there; he was also an advisor to rulers, a diplomat, and a scholar. He maneuvered through different roles and diverse cultures easily, which says a lot about his adaptability and intellect. A Chronicle of the World Through Islamic Eyes The significance of Ibn Battuta's journey was immortalized through his writings, particularly in The Rihla (The Journey). Dictated to Ibn Juzayy, a scholar he met in Morocco, towards the end of his travels, The Rihla offers a comprehensive glimpse into the medieval world from the perspective of Islamic civilization. His accounts provide invaluable insights into the cultures, people, political systems, and geography of the 14th-century world. The Rihla is not just a travelogue; it's a historical document that gives us a unique view of the interconnectedness of the medieval world, showcasing the flow of ideas, goods, and religions. Why Ibn Battuta's Legacy Endures So, why does Ibn Battuta's legacy continue to captivate us today? For starters, his travels challenge our contemporary understanding of the medieval world as isolated and insular. He showed us the rich tapestry of global connections that existed long before the modern age of globalization. Ibn Battuta's life is a testament to the unquenchable human thirst for knowledge and exploration. His journeys were driven by more than just personal or religious motives; they were fueled by an innate curiosity about the world and its myriad cultures. Moreover, Ibn Battuta's writings are a treasure trove for historians and geographers, providing a wealth of information about different societies in the 14th century. Through his eyes, we see the complexities and diversities of the Islamic world and beyond. His detailed observations have helped debunk myths, filled historical gaps, and provided a more nuanced understanding of the medieval period. In today's world, where travel is often taken for granted, Ibn Battuta serves as a reminder of the transformative power of stepping into the unknown. His life encourages us to view travel not just as a physical journey but as a means of personal growth, understanding, and connection with the broader tapestry of humanity. A Detailed Itinerary Ibn Battuta's travels spanned about 30 years, covering an estimated 120,000 kilometers across the known world of the 14th century. His journey can be broken down into several significant legs, each filled with unique experiences, challenges, and insights into the cultures of the medieval period. Let's map out a detailed itinerary of his extraordinary voyage: 1. North Africa and the Middle East (1325-1330) - 1325: Departed from Tangier, Morocco, aiming to perform the Hajj in Mecca. Traveled across North Africa, visiting cities like Tlemcen, Tunis, Alexandria, and Cairo. - 1326: After spending time in Cairo, he moved to the Levant, visiting Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Damascus, among other places, before reaching Medina and finally Mecca to complete his Hajj. 2. Persia and Iraq (1330-1331) - After completing his first Hajj, Ibn Battuta decided to explore further. He traveled north to visit Mesopotamia, reaching Baghdad, then under the control of the Ilkhanate. He also ventured into Persia, visiting cities like Tabriz. 3. The Arabian Peninsula and East Africa (1331-1333) - Ibn Battuta returned to Mecca for a second Hajj and spent some time in the city before exploring the Arabian Peninsula further. - He then sailed down the Red Sea to Yemen, and, from there, traveled to the Horn of Africa, visiting cities in modern-day Somalia and the Swahili Coast of Kenya and Tanzania. 4. Anatolia, the Golden Horde, and Central Asia (1333-1334) - Heading north, Ibn Battuta crossed the Arabian Peninsula to reach the Anatolian region of Turkey, then under the control of the Seljuk Turks. - He ventured into the lands of the Golden Horde (modern-day Russia and Ukraine) and traveled eastward, reaching Bukhara and Samarkand in present-day Uzbekistan. 5. South Asia (1334-1341) - Ibn Battuta's travels took a significant turn when he decided to head to India. He first arrived at the Sind region (modern-day Pakistan) before reaching the court of the Sultan of Delhi, where he served as a Qadi and advisor. - He explored much of northern India, possibly venturing as far east as Bengal and south to the Malabar Coast. 6. Southeast Asia and China (1341-1346) - Leaving India, Ibn Battuta sailed to the Maldives, where he again served as a Qadi. He then traveled to Sri Lanka, the Bengal region, and the Andaman Islands. - His journey took him further to Southeast Asia, including Sumatra, and then to the Majapahit Empire in Java, before finally reaching the Yuan Dynasty's China, visiting places like Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and possibly Beijing. 7. Return via Central Asia and the Middle East (1346-1349) - On his return journey, Ibn Battuta retraced his steps through Southeast Asia to India and then headed north to Central Asia, crossing through the war-torn regions again. - He traveled through Persia again and visited Iraq, Syria, and Egypt on his way back. 8. The Maghreb and Sub-Saharan Africa (1351-1354) - After a brief stay in North Africa, Ibn Battuta embarked on his final adventures to the Kingdom of Granada in the Iberian Peninsula, then under Muslim rule. - He then crossed the Sahara Desert to visit the Mali Empire in West Africa, reaching the fabled cities of Timbuktu and Gao. 9. Return to Morocco and Final Years - Ibn Battuta finally returned to Morocco around 1354, where he was commissioned to dictate an account of his travels to the scholar Ibn Juzayy. This account, The Rihla, remains one of the world's most famous travel logs. - After being appointed a judge in Morocco, he eventually died in 1369. Little is known about his life during this late stage. Ibn Battuta's itinerary reveals the vastness of his travels and the interconnectedness of the medieval world. His journey through diverse cultures, kingdoms, and empires provides an invaluable window into the global history of the 14th century. The Modern-Day Ibn Battutas As we wrap up this journey through Ibn Battuta's life, it's worth pondering how his spirit of exploration manifests in today's world. In an age where digital technology allows us to "explore" the globe from the comfort of our homes, Ibn Battuta's travels remind us of the value of firsthand experiences and the irreplaceable insights gained through real-world interactions. If the travel bug bit you, Ibn Battuta's story is a powerful inspiration to go beyond the tourist trails and seek out the stories, people, and experiences that shape our world. Whether you're a writer, teacher, banker, or simply a curious soul, there's a bit of Ibn Battuta in all of us, urging us to explore, learn, and connect. Wrap Up So, here's to Ibn Battuta, the medieval traveler who continues to inspire wanderlust and curiosity centuries after his epic journey. May we all embrace his adventurous spirit in our lives, exploring the world around us and the vast landscapes of our potential. Safe travels, fellow explorers, and remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, perhaps even more so. Have a great day! All the best, [Sean Ring] Sean Ring Editor, Rude Awakening X (formerly Twitter): [@seaniechaos]( In Case You Missed It… Warpig Nuland Falls On Her Skewer [Sean Ring] SEAN RING It’s no exaggeration to say that Victoria Nuland destroyed Ukraine right before our eyes. Victoria Nuland was the worst of the worst. Luckily, she's no longer at the State Department, thanks to her timely “retirement.” According to noted journalist Glenn Greenwald, Nuland served as Dick Cheney’s top advisor for the Iraq War, oversaw the NATO expansion for Dubya, and ran Ukraine for both Obama and Biden. As I’m in the Middle East, I wanted to share my experiences here. But her retirement surely matters more. The Failed Tenure of Victoria Nuland Few figures stir as much contention in the annals of American diplomacy as Nuland, whose career trajectory has intersected with some of the most volatile moments in recent geopolitical history. As we peel back the layers of Nuland's professional life, it's essential to approach critically and understand the controversies that have defined her time in service. The Ukrainian Chessboard Nuland's most notorious spotlight moment came during the Ukrainian crisis of 2014, a geopolitical powder keg that pitted Western pipe dreams against Russian territorial security. As the Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Nuland embodied U.S. interference in Ukraine's political turmoil. Her open support for the Euromaidan protests not only signaled a blatant disregard for Ukrainian sovereignty, but also underscored the U.S.'s aggressive posture towards Russia. The leaked phone call with U.S. Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt, where Nuland infamously remarked, "F*ck the EU," exposed a cavalier attitude towards European allies, revealing a preference for unilateral American intervention over collaborative diplomatic efforts. This episode raised serious questions about Nuland's respect for international partners and diplomatic decorum. And what about that time in 2022 when Senator Marco Rubio asked Nuland if [Ukraine had chemical or biological weapons]( Ukraine has biological research facilities which, in fact, we are now quite concerned Russian troops…. Russian forces may be seeking to gain control of. So, we are working with the Ukrainians on how they can prevent any of those research materials from falling into the hands of Russian forces should they approach. Benghazi and the Fog of Diplomacy Nuland's role in the aftermath of the Benghazi attack in 2012, which led to the death of U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three other Americans, added another layer of controversy to her career. Her involvement in the shaping and editing of talking points for public consumption painted a picture of a diplomat more concerned with narrative control than with transparency. Critics argue that Nuland's actions after the tragedy exemplified a broader culture of obfuscation and politicization within the State Department, undermining trust in U.S. foreign policy narratives. [A.I. 2.0 to Open a Brief "Wealth Window"?]( [Click here to learn more]( Genius investor James Altucher is predicting a new generation of A.I. will create a brief "wealth window" in America. It could make crypto look like pocket change. [Click here now for more details](. [Click Here To Learn More]( A Doctrine of Interventionism Throughout her career, Nuland has championed an interventionist approach to foreign policy, often advocating for U.S. involvement in overseas conflicts under the banner of democracy promotion. While her supporters may argue that such interventions serve global stability and democratic values, critics see a pattern of overreach and a propensity to engage in conflicts with questionable outcomes for the nations involved. This interventionist stance raises important debates about the role of U.S. power on the world stage and the ethical implications of foreign interventions. Regime Change Karen This year, Nuland made headlines again when she accidentally revealed the true aim of the West in Ukraine. She complained that Putin's Russia is "not the Russia we wanted." This led to her being dubbed "Regime Change Karen," which, let's be honest, isn’t the most flattering nickname. Nuland has been the subject of numerous tweets and articles discussing her role in the Ukraine conflict and her various mishaps. Legacy in the Balance Victoria Nuland's career is a testament to how low American diplomacy has sunk. Her tenure has been marked by moments of stark controversy, raising essential questions about the principles and practices of U.S. foreign policy. As we reflect on Nuland's dreadful impact, it's crucial to engage in a broader conversation about the direction of American diplomatic efforts and the values that should guide them. Nuland's tarnished legacy reminds us of the delicate balance between pursuing America’s greater good abroad and respecting international norms and partnerships. Wrap Up That Victoria Nuland retired is the greatest sign yet the West has failed in Ukraine. That makes her responsible for the loss of an entire generation of Ukrainian men and women who didn’t deserve it. Nuland was among a group of co-conspirators who convinced a sovereign country that America would always have its back when most Americans couldn’t point out the country on a map. Once Ukraine and the rest of Europe wake up to this reality, America will have difficulty keeping its vassals in check. All the best, [Sean Ring] Sean Ring Editor, Rude Awakening Twitter: [@seaniechaos]( [Paradigm]( ☰ ⊗ [ARCHIVE]( [ABOUT]( [Contact Us]( © 2024 Paradigm Press, LLC. 1001 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. By submitting your email address, you consent to Paradigm Press, LLC. delivering daily email issues and advertisements. To end your Rude Awakening e-mail subscription and associated external offers sent from Rude Awakening, feel free to [click here.]( Please note: the mailbox associated with this email address is not monitored, so do not reply to this message. We welcome comments or suggestions at feedback@rudeawakening.info. This address is for feedback only. For questions about your account or to speak with customer service, [contact us here]( or call (844)-731-0984. Although our employees may answer your general customer service questions, they are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular investment situation. 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