"Al-Rawi" engages in a virtual dialogue with Ibn Battuta
As part of its current edition, the Sharjah International Narrator Forum presented a groundbreaking experience that blended storytelling, heritage, and the latest technological advancements. In a remarkable step, the audience had the opportunity to virtually meet the famed traveler Ibn Battuta through immersive virtual reality technology.
This session was not merely a historical reenactment — it was a live dialogue bridging past and present, bringing back the author of "A Gift to Those Who Contemplate the Wonders of Cities and the Marvels of Traveling" to speak in his own voice about the details of his journeys recorded more than seven centuries ago.
Perils of Travel Across Seas and Deserts
The moderator, Jamal Al Shehhi, opened the session with poetic words, introducing the illustrious guest:
"Today, we meet a man who cannot be confined to one city or one era... He left Tangier as a young man in search of wonder, and returned an old man carrying continents in his heart."
The dialogue unfolded in an atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional storytelling majlis, where Ibn Battuta vividly described ancient Tangier, the dangers he faced traveling across seas and deserts, and his experiences with exile, illness, and survival. He even recounted how his passion for discovery remained stronger than fear.
Khor Fakkan, Kalba, and Al-Qurayyat Among His Stops
The discussion also touched on his famous book, dictated to Ibn Juzayy by order of the Marinid Sultan. He clarified that he didn’t record his adventures merely for entertainment, but to document the lives, cultures, and customs of people he encountered.
The session highlighted his visits to Khor Fakkan, Kalba, and Al-Qurayyat, describing the locals as generous and hospitable, living between the sea and desert, speaking in melodious dialects.
“A Journey Is a Lived Wonder”
At one point, the moderator asked a profound question:
“Has travel lost its meaning today?”
Ibn Battuta responded:
“A journey is not a distance you cross, but a wonder you live. A passport opens the door, but it is the heart that unlocks the meaning.”
These words carried a timeless message — that the essence of travel lies not in how far we go, but in our humility before others.
A Living Bridge Between Memory, Heritage, and Innovation
As the session concluded, the audience expressed awe at an experience that brought history to life. It was more than just a technological simulation; it was a living bridge between memory, heritage, imagination, and innovation — a reminder that the narrator will always remain present, as long as there are ears that listen and hearts that seek stories.