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Ahmad bin Fadlan explored all over the world. Photo/Islamicity
SOFIA – The figure of Ahmad bin Fadlan is the envoy of the Abbasid Daula to Volga Bulgaria, Russia. He was appointed as a figure who would teach the basics of Islam to all the people of the Kingdom of Saqabilah.
During his travels, he has recorded his experiences and observations on various subjects, including the life of the people in the Volga Bulgaria. These notes became known as “Risale Ahmad bin Fadlan” or “Risalah Ibn Fadlan”.
Biography of Ahmad bin Fadlan
Ahmad bin Fadlan is a man who was born in Baghdad, Iraq around 920 AD. He is known as a famous writer and explorer during the heyday of the Abbasid Caliphate.
In his history, he traveled to European lands to be precise in Bulgaria, Volga Russia in the early 920s. During his travels, he has recorded all the events he has experienced.
While carrying out his mission, Fadlan served as the group’s religious adviser and as a figure who would later explain Islamic law to the Bulgars who had recently converted.
Fadlan and his entourage walked from Baghdad via the caravan route to Bukhara or what is now Uzbekistan.
Instead of following the route, Fadlan and his flock turned north in what is now northeastern Iran.
Leaving the city of Gurgan near the Caspian Sea, they crossed the land belonging to the Turks. Among these were the Khazars, who in the previous century had adopted Judaism.
After a long journey, Fadlan and his entourage arrived on May 12, 992 AD. Upon arrival, he then read aloud the letter from the caliph to the Bulgarian Khan and continued with the turn of the Bulgarians who introduced themselves.
Fadlan started writing stories about his journey after living with the Bulgarian Vikings. One of them is about the depiction of a ship burial for a dead tribal chief.
