• Located off of Swahili Coast in present-day Tanzania
  • When he visited, was quickly developing into center of trade
  • In late thirteenth century, Mahdali dynasty took over island
    • By conquering nearby ports, had monopoly over gold trade

Account

  • One of the finest and most substantially built towns
    • Buildings made of wood, roofed with reeds, rains are frequent
  • People engage in jihad, righteous struggle for religion
    • For the most part, people are religious and upright
  • Sultan was Abu’l-Muzzafar Hasan, also known as Abu’l-Mawahib
    • Gave multitude of gifts and acts of generosity
    • Engaged frequently in raids of land of Zinj people
    • Man of great humility, sits and eats with poor brethren
    • Greatly respects men of religion and noble descent