In the Footsteps of Ibn Battuta|Jan. 07, 2009|Canada | United States|45 Min.|n/A
Genre: Drama;History
Description: In 2009, the film *Journey to Mecca* was released, telling the story of Ibn Battuta, a 20-year-old Muslim scholar from Tangier, Morocco. In 1325, he embarked on a pilgrimage to Mecca, covering over 3,000 miles (4,800 km). The journey, which took 18 months, was filled with challenges, including bandit attacks, rescue by Bedouins, sandstorms, and dehydration.
Ibn Battuta’s travels spanned 29 years, during which he covered an astonishing 75,000 miles (117,000 km), exploring regions across Africa, Spain, India, China, and the Maldives. Upon his return, the Sultan of Morocco asked him to recount his adventures, leading to the creation of *The Rihla (Voyage)*, one of the world’s most renowned travel books. The film, narrated by Ben Kingsley, focuses on the initial 18-month journey to Mecca, blending scenes from modern-day pilgrimages with Battuta’s story. It was filmed in Morocco and Saudi Arabia, featuring English, Arabic, and Berber languages.
During his journey, Battuta faced near-death experiences, including being robbed by bandits. However, upon learning he was a pilgrim, the bandit leader escorted him to Egypt for a fee. Battuta’s path included treacherous camel treks across deserts, sandstorms, and boat trips along the Nile. In Egypt, a Sheikh advised him to seek knowledge in China, inspiring his extensive travels.
Originally planning to reach Mecca by sea via the Red Sea port of ‘Aydhab, Battuta changed his route due to wartime dangers. Instead, he traveled by land through Damascus, joining a caravan of 10,000 pilgrims, eventually reaching Mecca.
Cast director: Bruce Neibaur
Cast actor: Chems-Eddine Zinoune, Hassam Ghancy, Nabil Elouahabi, Nadim Sawalha
Original name: Journey to Mecca