Abstract
This article studies the presence of the marvelous in Ibn Battuta's The Marvels of the Observer in the Strange Lands and Wonders of Travel. It analyzes the forms, meanings, and narrative functions of the marvelous, and examines how they affect the interpretation of the journey in both past and present readings. The study first traces the concept of the marvelous in classical Arab culture and its relationship with the strange. It then distinguishes between realistic marvels and supernatural marvels, including miracles, magic, and sorcery. The article concludes that Ibn Battuta's travel account is shaped by two influential and sometimes conflicting positions: the political position associated with Abu Inan, who promoted the journey and glorified Morocco, and the position of the traveler, who praises and admires the East.
Recommended Citation
Chebbi, Assil
(2025)
"The Marvelous East in The Marvels of the Observer in the Strange Lands and Wonders of Travel by Ibn Battuta,"
Soroud: The journal of Literacy Criticism: Vol. 8:
Iss.
1, Article 18.
Available at:
https://scholarhub.univh2c.ma/soroud/vol8/iss1/18