David DiMeo received his Ph.D. from Harvard University, specializing in Arabic Literature and M.A. from Princeton University in Near Eastern Studies. He is an assistant professor and coordinator of the Arabic program at Western Kentucky University.Inas Hassan has a Ph.D. and M.A. in Arabic linguistics from Alexandria University in Egypt and is currently visiting assistant professor of Arabic at Loyola University in Maryland.

"Dimeo and Hassan seamlessly blend critically important historical, religious, and cultural information about the medieval world together with meticulously planned Arabic grammar and vocabulary lessons. Structured around one of the most important texts of classical Arabic—Ibn Battuta's travels through cosmopolitan Islam of the fourteenth century—this text is the perfect springboard into advanced language study and cultural knowledge."—Jonathan Smolin, Dartmouth College"DiMeo and Hassan take an exciting and effective approach to repositioning culture at the center of Arabic-language learning. Instructors will find this textbook a useful, enriching, and valuable asset for their students."—Mbaye Bashir Lo, Duke University"This textbook is unique in its sound pedagogical approach, its rich historical background, its smooth transitioning within and across lessons, and its use of a wide variety of text-handling strategies that enhance students' reading and comprehension skills of authentic material." —Hanada Al-Masri, Denison University"The authentic texts of one of the best known Arabic literary classics combined with a wealth of activities, including vocabulary and writing skill building, comprehension and discussion questions, grammar explanations and exercises, and culture and history notes prepared by two innovative and dedicated teachers make this textbook an indispensable contribution to the field of Arabic language instruction. I will definitely use it in my advanced Arabic classes at Cornell University and I highly recommend it to my colleagues in Arabic-as-a-foreign-language programs." —Munther Younes, Cornell University

• IntroductionLesson 1 – Setting off on the Greatest Journey Lesson 2 – The Lighthouse at Alexandria, one of the Wonders of the World Lesson 3 -The Mamluk Sultan of EgyptLesson 4 – Jerusalem and the Dome of the RockLesson 5 – Damascus, Paradise of the East Lesson 6 - The Hajj Journey and MedinaLesson 7 – The Hajj to Mecca Lesson 8 – Baghdad, City of the Caliphs Lesson 9 – Yemen, the Gateway to East Asia Lesson 10 - The African CoastLesson 11 – Travels along the Arabian Gulf Lesson 12 – The Golden Horde of Mongol RussiaLesson 13 – Constantinople, Capital of the Byzantine Empire Lesson 14 – The Sultan of IndiaLesson 15 – Delhi, the Capital of Muslim India Lesson 16 – Judge in the MaldivesLesson 17 – The Rich Kingdom of China Lesson 18 – Muslim Spain (al-Andalus) Lesson 19 – Return Home Lesson 20 – To Mali and Timbuktu AppendicesGlossaryList of Grammar PointsIndex of PeopleIndex of Places (Arabic and English)Further Reading