Documentary

Travels with a Tangerine

Arabic scholar Tim Mackintosh-Smith journeys 75,000 miles through 40 countries in the footsteps of 14th century traveler Ibn Battutah, who was born in Tangiers, North Africa, and traveled the world for thirty years.

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Created By

Status

Ended

Original Name

Travels with a Tangerine

First Air Date

November 1, 2007

Last Air Date

November 15, 2007

Seasons

1

Episodes

3

Language

English

Production Companies

Networks

BBC Four

S01E03

Trade Winds

Travel writer and Arabist Tim Mackintosh-Smith explores the place of Islam in Hindu-dominated India and Communist China, and tells the story of the glittering Islamic trade empire of the 14th century. Travelling from Gujarat to Calicut he witnesses the ritual dance of the Indian Abyssinians, which culminates in a fire-walking frenzy. In the Maldives, Tim explores Ibn Battutah's claim that he had discovered the secret of formidable sexual prowess. Taking to the Maritime Silk Route, Tim heads to China. He meets a clan who trace their ancestry back to Arabs, and witnesses an illegal Arabic lesson - the authorities are quick to equate learning Arabic with Islamic fundamentalism. Ibn Battutah's journey across the world ended with an encounter with a hermit mystic in a cave outside Guangzhou. Will Tim find the cave, hidden in the forests of White Cloud Mountain?

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