Social Life in Andalusia and Morocco as Depicted in Lesan-Din Ibnal - Khatib Journey

Abstract

This research aims at revealing aspects of social life in Andalusia and Morocco, as appears in ibn al-Khatib’s Khaṭratal-ṭayf:riḥlātfī al-Maghrib wa al-Andalus, and in his other observations. These observations show the diversity of cultural landmarks in various aspects of life and reflect a clear picture of the conditions of the people whom he visited, along with their customs and traditions. Additionally, they reflect the image of women in the eighth century A.H. Ibn al-Khatib analyzed those people psychologically, their life-styles and the impact of place on their nature. By doing this, Ibn al-Khatib was not only a historian, but also a sociologist, who could demonstrate the individual’s historical, economic and social features precisely and honestly. Accordingly, his journeys and observations are an important part of the social history of the people in Morocco and Andalusia. Furthermore, this research explores artistic features of ibn al-Khatib’s journeys mentioned above.