Ibn Battuta also know as Muhammad Ibn Battuta was known as the greatest traveler of the pre modern world. The Moroccan Muslim explorer started travelling in 1325 in search for Mecca on a trip that turned out to last 29 years over the span of what is now 44 modern countries from North Africa to China. Today we can read Battuta’s travels in the book "Il Rihla", literally meaning “The Journey” because Ibn Battuta was told to relay his stories to a scholar after his trip had ended.
I haven’t traveled to as many places as Ibn Battuta this summer but I have seen some incredible places in my time in the Middle East. Here is some of my summer Rihla –
Beirut, Lebanon:
Undoubtedly one of the most if not the most westernized city in the Middle East. I stayed downtown in Saifi; a downtown area that’s golden hued stones line freshly paved streets, a modernized Souk (market place), and a variety of restaurants wasn’t here 10 years ago. While walking through the Beirut Souks with my father the other night he stopped at a window between designer stores and showed me the stones inside, a small preservation of an ancient city crumbled after so many years by a devastating civil war beginning in the 1970s. There is traffic almost every night of the week and visitors can be found smoking Hookah on a café patio, paying a visit to the 2008 built Mohammad Al-Amin Sunni Mosque, or lounging in a leather recliner at the neon-lit Cinema City movie theatre.
Jeita Grotto, Harissa, and Byblos:
Jeita Grotto: Spanning the length of over five and a half miles these limestone caves are just about 10 miles north of Beirut in the mountains. The lower cave, which can only be travelled through by boat, was discovered in 1836. It wasn’t until 1958 that speleologist (cave explorers) discovered the upper cave that now has a series of stairs and walkways to accommodate tourists. Unfortunately, no pictures can be taken inside in wishes to preserve the stones.
Harissa: Perched at the top of a mountain about 15 miles north of Beirut proudly stands Our Lady of Lebanon – an 8.5 meter high statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The patron saint marks the Marian shrine that attracts thousands of Christians and Muslims each year to look out on panoramic views of Lebanon and reflect on their religion.
Byblos: Believed to have been first inhabited between 8800 and 7000 BC this Mediterranean town is the site of the first city of Phoenicia. Byblos is still home to one of the oldest souks in the world, temples, a mosque and a church. It is bordered by the Byblos Port, which is known to be the oldest functioning port in the world. It was mainly used by Phoenicians to ship wine and wood from the infamous Lebanon Cedars.
Deir al-Qamar and Beit ed-Dine:
Deir al-Qamar: This old village is known for its red-tiled roofs and beautiful architecture. During a civil war in 1860 the town was set ablaze and was completely destroyed, however was rebuilt by a French contingent and later became a site for the Ottoman Empire.
Beit ed-Dine: Just a steep valley away is this Ottoman Palace built by Emir Bashir II in 1788. Translated to “The House of Faith,” this castle is ornately crafted with gold, mosaics, jewels, wood and stone. My favorite part was the large bathroom consisting of three different rooms for three different temperatures: tepid, hot and cold. Modeled after a Turkish bathroom this castle was innovated with the times and consisted of toilets, a bathtub, and even a heated floor. The two welcoming rooms were lined with elaborate woodcarvings, stones and gems, and verses from the Quran. The palace is also home to ancient mosaics of animals and nature representing religious scenes or symbols.
Bonus: One of my favorite places this summer was Beirut’s Sporting Club Beach:
Surrounded by towering cliffs, a rocky cavern, and miles of Mediterranean blue I will never forget how peaceful it was to lay out on this little blue square and reflect on Lebanon’s beauty. The beach club had three pools, an outdoor bar, and an indoor restaurant. My friends and I spent all of our time outside taking in the sun and the amazing views.
