Hist 3450

Reading about Ibn Battuta, what was the most shocking aspect of his journey, in your opinion? Why?  In the video, Islam, Empire of Faith, the story of Suleyman and Hurrem Sultan (aka Roxelana) was a striking departure from the Ottoman habit of the mother of the Sultan influencing who ruled the empire (and with whom the Sultan kept company.) How are the gendered aspects of this story told, and why are they significant?  Islamic societies in Africa, like those in other parts of the world. were hallmarked by their cosmopolitanism. Had you learned about these societies before, and if so, in what context? If not, why do you think not?