According to Rahyafte(the missionaries and converts website): Imam Reza shrine in Ibn Battuta’s words First descriptions of Imam Reza shrine and holy city of Mashhad can be found in Ibn Battuta’s logbook as he was Muslim and able to enter the holy shrine at a time when no non-Muslim foreigner had the right to enter the place. Before Ibn Battuta’s visit to Khorasan, some other famous travelers including Benjamin and Marco Polo had come to Mashhad but they wrote nothing on the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS).
Based on historical records, Abu Abdollah Ibn Mohammad Tanji known as Ibn Battuta arrived in Mashhad in 1333. Torbat-e Jam is the first place about which Ibn Battuta spoke while heading to Tous through rubbles of Mongol Invasion. He describes Iranian people’s victories against Mongol army in Tous, Sarakhs, and Zaveh. The interesting point in writings of Ibn Battuta is his usage of expression of Imam Reza (AS) when referring to Mashhad.
He always describes this land with holy name of Imam Reza (AS). He also counts and introduces parentage of the eighth Imam (AS)”. In some parts of his book, Ibn Battuta talks about his meeting with the leader of the city whose name was Mohammad Shah.
Continuing his descriptions on Mashhad, Ibn Battuta mentions: “Mashhad of Imam Reza (AS) has got many domes. Holy grave of Imam Reza (AS) is located in a corner with a mosque and a school in its vicinity. All these structures have been built in a very beautiful way and decorated by tiles.
There is a wooden chamber on the holy grave with silver plates on it. Interior part of the main room has been covered by different carpets. Harun al-Rashid’s grave is located in front of the Imam’s grave”. Keywords: Ibn Battuta, Travel, Shrine, Imam Reza, Mashhad.
Hashemitabar / mossavi
