Human Circus: Journeys in the Medieval World Nasir Khusraw 3: Makkah and the Way Home
Mar 31, 2025
The conclusion of Nasir Khusraw's pilgrimage is filled with harrowing and enlightening moments. He faces physical and spiritual challenges while traveling through drought-stricken areas and deserts. The journey to Mecca includes rich landscapes and dangerous encounters with factions. Post-pilgrimage, Nasir reflects on his contrasting views of Taif, revealing the subjectivity of travel. Amid his hard journey toward home, he establishes a center of learning in exile, making profound contributions to philosophy and poetry.
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Egypt as Intellectual Hub
- Nasir paused his travels to study in Fatimid Egypt, immersing in Ismaili scholarship. - Egypt was where he found the wisdom that shaped his later work and missionary role.
Desert Crossing by Instinct
- Nasir Khosraw and his brother crossed the desert to Idab on camels guided almost instinctively without roads. - They endured harsh conditions with little water, relying on known stopping points like wells and burning camel dung for fuel.
Painting Poetry Saves Them
- Nasir used poetry painting with blue and red paint to win favor from local bandits and obtain food. - This creative approach earned him a large payment in dates, sustaining them during harsh times.
