TARIKH TUESDAY
The great geographer of the 10th century and historian al-Masudi (d.956) mentions an account of Muslims travelling from Islamic Spain to an unknown land in the west.
The sailors set off from Delba (the same port as Columbus) and sailed for months until they reached an unknown landmass.
They traded with locals and later returned home.
Al-Masudi created a world map and included this in his 10th century map!
The 12th century atlas of al-Idrisi makes mention of a voyage over the Atlantic by a group of sailors.
They sailed for 31 days and were captured by natives and were eventually released when an Arabic speaking local negotiated their release.
Did you know?
The king of Mali, Mansa Abu Bakr decided to travel accross the Atlantic Ocean.
200 ships had set sail earlier to explore with only 1 returning.
He decided to set off with a fleet of 2000 ships but was never heard of again.
His brother Mansa Musa then took the throne after him.
Further information / sources
Lost Islamic History by Firas Alkhateeb
