The Voyage
Of Ibn Battuta
Written By
Kamran Pasha
November 2008
Forecast Pictures
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75010 Paris
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F +33 148 244 195
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TENTATIVE CAST
«Ibn Battuta»
Saïd Taghmaoui
« Lost » (guest star in TV Series 2009 - 2010)
« G.I. Joe » (dir. Stephen Sommers, 2009)
« Traitor » (dir. Jeffrey Nachmanoff 2008)
« Vantage Point » (dir. Pete Travis, 2008)
« La Haine » (dir. Mathieu Kassovitz, 1995
«Shihab Al Din/ Old man»
Omar Sharif
«Hidalgo» (dir. Joe Johnston, 2004)
«The 13th Warrior» (dir. J.McTiernan, 2001)
« Lawrence of Arabia» (dir. D. Lean, 1962
«Ibrahim»
Naveen Andrews
«Gizem»
Eva Green
« Lost » (Series, 2008-04)
« Planet Terror » (dir. R. Rodrigues, 2007)
« The Brave One » (dir. Neil Jordan, 2006)
«The Golden Compass » (dir. Chris Weitz, 2007)
«Casino Royale » (dir. M. Campbell, 2006)
«Kingdom of Heaven» (dir. R. Scott, 2005
«Afshan»
Emmanuelle Chriqui
«Afshan’s father»
Ben Kingsley
«You don’t mess with the Zohan» (dir. D.Dugan,
2008)
« August » (dir. Austin Chick, 2008)
« Oliver Twist » (dir. Roman Polanski, 2005)
« Schindler’s List » (dir. S. Spielberg, 1993)
« Gandhi » (dir. R. Attenbourough, 1982)
«Sultan Tugluk»
Hrithik Roshan
« Jodhaa Akhbar » (dir. A.Gowariker, 2008)
« Krish » (dir. Rakesh Roshan, 2006)
« Khabi Khushi Kabhie Ghan » (dir. Karan Johar,
2001)
« Emperor Toghon Temur »
Chow Yun Fat
« Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End » (dir.
Gore Verbinski, 2007)
« The Curse of the Golden Flower » (dir. Zhang
Yimou, 2006)
«Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon» (dir. Lee, 2000)
THE VOYAGE OF IBN BATTUTA
Written By
Kamran Pasha
FADE IN:
OPENING CRAWL:
“Seek knowledge, even if you must go to China.” -- Prophet
Muhammad.
EXT. INDIAN OCEAN - 1340 AD - NIGHT
LIGHTNING flashes across the sky as a thick CURTAIN OF RAIN
crashes down on the churning sea. The ocean heaves and
thunders, a leviathan of fury that knows no master.
As WAVES like mountains roll with primordial fury, one tiny
INDIAN SHIP struggles to stay afloat. But the raging winds
tear its SAIL to shreds, sealing its doom...
EXT. SHIP - NIGHT
Terrified INDIAN SAILORS race across the deck looking for a
way to escape the wrath of heaven and earth.
Several manage to reach a small DINGHY. But as they attempt
to lower the life boat into the sea, a massive WAVE smashes
the side of the vessel, sending the sailors SCREAMING to
their watery graves.
In the midst of this devastation, one man pushes forward. A
man named IBN BATTUTA, who forces his way through the chaos
on the deck, desperately seeking someone.
My love!
IBN BATTUTA
He frantically searches until he sees a YOUNG WOMAN clinging
to a MAST.
IBN BATTUTA
I’m coming!
Ibn Battuta races to her side, throwing his arms around the
terrified woman.
IBN BATTUTA
Hold on to me!
As the world sky and ocean become one, as the horizon
vanishes into a single wave, she look into his eyes. And
smiles.
YOUNG WOMAN
Now you know.
Ibn Battuta
What?!
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
2.
IBN BATTUTA
YOUNG WOMAN
Where all roads lead in the end.
Ibn Battuta stares at her, unable to process her words. And
then he sees A massive WAVE racing toward them. CLOSE on his
eyes as the unstoppable wave reflects deep in his pupils,
filling his vision to infinity...
EXT. BEACH - TANGIER - 1355 AD - DAWN
CLOSE on Ibn Battuta’s eyes as they reflect the churning
water.
PULL BACK to reveal Ibn Battuta as an elderly man, staring
out at gentle waves lapping off the coast of Tangier, the
ancient port of Morocco.
IBN BATTUTA
Now, I know. My love.
His reverie is interrupted by the ISLAMIC PRAYER CALL, which
echoes as the first hint of dawn illuminates the sky.
Towering MINARETS and majestic DOMES sparkle as worshippers
rush to the mosques for Fajr prayer.
FATIMA
Sidi Muhammad! Sidi Muhammad!
The child runs up to Ibn Battuta, who leans down and strokes
her hair.
IBN BATTUTA
What is it habibti?
FATIMA
A man has come! From the Sultan!
He’s asking for you.
INT. GUEST CHAMBER - RIYAD - DAY
Inside an elegant room is seated IBN JUZAYY, a young man
wearing a TURBAN and elegant ROBES. Fatima guides Ibn
Battuta in and then nervously runs off.
Ibn Juzayy rises to greet the old man.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
IBN JUZAYY
Assalamu ‘alaikum, sayyidi. It is
an honor to finally meet you.
IBN BATTUTA
Who are you?
IBN JUZAYY
I am Abu Abdallah Muhammad ibn
Muhammad ibn Ahmad Ibn Juzayy alKalbi.
IBN BATTUTA
I find that men with long names are
usually short on accomplishments.
IBN JUZAYY
I have been sent by the Commander
of the Faithful, Caliph and Imam,
Abu Inan Faris -IBN BATTUTA
May God strengthen him. How can I
help my master the Sultan?
IBN JUZAYY
He wishes to hear your tale.
IBN BATTUTA
I have no tale.
Ibn Battuta turns to walk away.
IBN JUZAYY
But it is said that you have
travelled the world, seen more of
God’s creation than any man who has
ever lived!
IBN BATTUTA
I have seen much. Not all of which
I wish to remember.
IBN JUZAYY
The Sultan commands it.
Ibn Battuta stops.
Turns to face Ibn Juzayy.
IBN BATTUTA
Come with me.
3.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
4.
INT. STORAGE ROOM - DAY
Ibn Juzayy follows his host inside an underground chamber.
IBN BATTUTA
I have spent the past thirty years
wandering. The paths I travelled
were dark ones, and not easily
followed. But if you choose to
tread those roads on the heels of
my memory... perhaps these will
light your way.
Ibn Battuta ignites a TORCH, which reveals a room filled with
priceless ART and ARTIFACTS from all over the world! Ibn
Juzayy looks around in wonder at the stunning collection.
IBN JUZAYY
These treasures would buy a king’s
ransom.
IBN BATTUTA
These are trinkets. What I have
seen would buy worlds.
Ibn Juzayy’s smile fades when he sees a SYMBOL on the walls -a HAND with and EYE emblazoned at the center of the palm.
IBN JUZAYY
I thought you were a man of reason.
And yet you cover your walls with
this pagan symbolism.
IBN BATTUTA
It is the Hand of Fatima, the
daughter of our beloved Prophet.
Her eye watches over my home and
gives it protection.
IBN JUZAYY
A Muslim seeks protection from God
alone.
Ibn Juzayy picks up a GOLD MEDALLION shaped like the Symbol.
IBN JUZAYY
He does not make his home a
sanctuary for superstition.
He moves to toss it aside, when Ibn Battuta grabs his wrist.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
5.
IBN BATTUTA
Don’t touch that!
Ibn Battuta pries open the hand of his startled visitor and
takes the Medallion from it. Tears well in his eyes.
IBN JUZAYY
Forgive me. You are clearly ill.
I will take my leave.
Ibn Battuta grasps his arm.
IBN BATTUTA
I was like you once.
Excuse me?
IBN JUZAYY
IBN BATTUTA
I was a man of reason, immune from
the so-called superstitions of the
common folk. The world was black
and white. East was East and West
was West and never should the
horizons meet. It was a world
without wonder, without magic. And
it was a lie.
IBN JUZAYY
I don’t understand.
IBN BATTUTA
I know. That is why I will let you
hear my tale...
INT. ISLAMIC COURT - TANGIER - FLASHBACK TO 1325 AD
SUPER: Thirty Years Ago
A traditional Islamic Court. Two PETITIONERS are seated, a
YOUNG WOMAN and an OLDER MAN, arguing their case.
PAN to REVEAL a handsome young QADI hearing the petitioner’s
arguments. This is Ibn Battuta as a youth.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
I was a simple boy once, with
simple dreams. My vision of the
world went no further than the
hills beyond Tangier, and my vision
of God went no further than words I
read in books of law...
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
6.
YOUNG WOMAN
My uncle stole my money! My mahr,
the gift my husband gave to me at
our wedding. He has refused to
hand it over to me.
OLDER MAN
The mahr belongs to me. Her father
died and left the girl as my
responsibility. It is the custom
of our village that the mahr should
revert to me, her guardian, as
compensation.
IBN BATTUTA
I am not concerned with your
village customs. As qadi, I must
judge according to the laws of God,
not men.
(beat)
According to the rules of Islam,
the mahr is the property of the
bride, not her family or guardian.
I rule in favor of your niece. You
must return her wedding gift to
her.
OLDER MAN
This is outrageous.
I refuse.
IBN BATTUTA
As qadi, I am an agent of the
Sultan. Do you wish me to advise
the court that you reject the
authority of the Commander of the
Faithful?
The Older Man pales at the implied threat. He grimaces, and
then throws a PURSE of gold, which lands at his niece’s feet
before storming out.
The young woman takes the money and smiles.
YOUNG WOMAN
Thank you, sayyidi.
IBN BATTUTA
Do not thank me. Thank Allah,
whose Word was sent to protect
women and children.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
7.
INT. MADRASSA - DAY
Rows of BOYS sit on the ground, with copies of the QUR’AN in
their hands. They sway back and forth as they recite the
holy book in unison.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
I spoke of children, but I did not
know that I, too, was a child.
They say that children are placed
inside a crib until they are ready
to walk on their own. I did not
know it then, but the bars that
kept me inside my small world were
about to be lifted...
Ibn Battuta smiles at his students.
IBN BATTUTA
Masha-Allah. I’m proud of you
boys. As of today, you have
memorized 20 ajza -- two thirds of
the Holy Qur’an!
The boys look at each other and beam.
IBN BATTUTA
Remember this. Everything you will
ever need to know is in the Holy
Qur’an. Once you have memorized the
entire Qur’an, you will become a
Hafiz and receive great respect
among men.
A boy named YUSUF speaks up.
YUSUF
Then can we become a qadi like you
Sidi Muhammad?
IBN BATTUTA
No, not quite. You will still need
to learn the hadith of our Holy
Prophet -BOYS
May God’s blessings and peace be
upon him!
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
8.
IBN BATTUTA
-- And then you must study the law
books of the great scholar Imam
Malik ibn Anas. Once you know
these sources by heart, you will
know the Shariah, God’s laws for
mankind. And then you can become a
qadi -- a judge over the people.
Another boy named MUSTAFA raises his voice.
MUSTAFA
My neighbor is a Jew. He told me
that they don’t have qadis. Why?
IBN BATTUTA
The Jews have Rabbis. And the
Christians have priests.
MUSTAFA
Why don’t they follow our law?
IBN BATTUTA
Do you remember what the Holy
Qur’an calls Jews and Christians?
MUSTAFA
People of the Book.
IBN BATTUTA
Exactly. The People of the Book
have their own scriptures and their
own law, and we have ours. It is
the will of God.
YUSUF
If Islam is the truth, why did God
make other religions?
Ibn Battuta hesitates, tries to think of a good answer.
IBN BATTUTA
It is a test. You can only know
truth once you’ve seen falsehood.
VOICE (O.S)
So how does one find truth?
Ibn Battuta sees a young man named IBRAHIM in the doorway.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
9.
EXT. MADRASSA - DAY
Ibn Battuta embraces Ibrahim heartily.
Ibrahim!
IBN BATTUTA
When did you return?
IBRAHIM
The caravan from Mali pulled in
just this morning.
EXT. STREETS OF TANGIER - DAY
The two friends stroll through the crowds of Tangier.
Ibrahim looks at the sea of humanity all around him, and then
turns to Ibn Battuta.
IBRAHIM
You still haven’t answered my
question.
Excuse me?
IBN BATTUTA
IBRAHIM
How does one find truth?
IBN BATTUTA
The Holy Qur’an is the path to
truth.
IBRAHIM
Is there no other path to truth?
IBN BATTUTA
Of course not.
IBRAHIM
You have limited your vision, my
friend. Islam is a beautiful path
to truth, but there are others as
well.
IBN BATTUTA
You go to Africa in search of God,
and you come back an unbeliever?
IBRAHIM
I no longer believe.
I know.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
10.
IBN BATTUTA
You sound like a Sufi.
I am.
IBRAHIM
IBN BATTUTA
Sufism is the inner heart of Islam.
It teaches us how to use the
rituals of Islam, its prayers and
fasts, to come closer to God. But
it does not promote heresy.
IBRAHIM
I only repeat what my teacher tells
me. That all religions at their
heart lead men back to their
source.
IBN BATTUTA
Then your teacher is misguided.
IBRAHIM
Perhaps. But then I wonder why he
sent me to you.
IBN BATTUTA
What are you talking about?
IBRAHIM
During my travels, I stopped at an
ancient city named Timbuktu. There
I met a Sufi shaykh who changed my
life, made me see the world through
new eyes. And then he sent me back
with a message for you.
For me?
IBN BATTUTA
IBRAHIM
He told me to remind my friend
Muhammad ibn Battuta of the words
of our Holy Prophet: “Seek
knowledge even if you must go to
China.”
IBN BATTUTA
I don’t understand.
Ibrahim hands Ibn Battuta an AMULET made of GREEN JADE. On
the stone is carved in elegant Arabic calligraphy: “There is
no god but God and Muhammad is the Messenger of God”.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
11.
IBRAHIM
The shaykh wanted you to have this.
Said it would protect you on your
journey.
IBN BATTUTA
What journey?
IBRAHIM
My shaykh told me to travel with
you to Mecca on the sacred
pilgrimage.
Ibn Battuta ties the amulet around his neck.
IBN BATTUTA
It is every Muslim’s duty to go to
Mecca once in his life -- if he can
afford it. Regrettably, I cannot.
Ibrahim removes a PURSE from his robes.
IBRAHIM
These are the profits from my trade
in Africa. They will cover the
journey.
IBN BATTUTA
Thank you, but I cannot accept
this.
Ibrahim smiles, touches the amulet on his friend’s neck.
IBRAHIM
You already have.
EXT. NORTH AFRICAN DESERT - DAY
A PILGRIMAGE CARAVAN spreads out across the unforgiving
desert. A long line of CAMELS, HORSES and DONKEYS carrying
thousands of PILGRIMS westward toward Arabia. CLOSE ON Ibn
Battuta and his friend Ibrahim, seated on HORSES.
IBRAHIM
It is a three month journey. The
caravan will stop at Cairo. From
there, we will turn south under the
protection of the Mamluk guard
until we reach the blessed cities
of Mecca and Medina.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
12.
IBN BATTUTA
I will be glad when reach Cairo.
This is a savage land.
IBRAHIM
I think it’s beautiful. There is a
clarity to the desert. A
simplicity. Sand and sky. Man and
God.
Ibn Battuta glances up at the declining sun.
IBN BATTUTA
I forgot my Asr prayer. I should
do it before the sun sets.
He climbs off his horse and pulls a PRAYER RUG from his bags,
then prostrates toward Mecca. When he has finished, Ibn
Battuta turns back to the Caravan, and then hears something
strange. A CHILD’S LAUGH.
He looks up to see a YOUNG BOY standing in the distance.
boy smiles and waves.
The
IBN BATTUTA
What are you doing there? You
should return to your parents.
But the boy laughs and races away.
Come back!
IBN BATTUTA
The caravan is leaving!
Ibn Battuta chases after the child.
EXT. NORTH AFRICAN DESERT - TIME CUT
Ibn Battuta wanders through the wastes, looking for the
wayward child.
IBN BATTUTA
Where are you? You’ll get lost out
here!
The wind rises and sand begins to swirl all around him. Ibn
Battuta slides on the shifting dune and loses his footing.
The howling wind wraps him in a curtain of sand.
Choking under the barrage of tiny pebbles, Ibn Battuta tries
to find shelter. But everywhere he looks, he sees only a
whirling SANDSTORM...
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
13.
EXT. NORTH AFRICAN DESERT - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta lies on the ground, face down. He is almost
completely covered in sand. The young qadi GROANS and slowly
regains consciousness.
IBN BATTUTA
Ya Allah... please help me...
Ibn Battuta manages to get to his feet. He looks around for
the Caravan. But there is only an ocean of sand around him.
And then he hears the CHILD’S LAUGH, filled with menace
rather than joy. Ibn Battuta whirls, chilled to the bone.
IBN BATTUTA
Who’s there?
The mysterious boy is nearby, watching him with a malevolent
smile. The child turns and runs down a hill.
Wait!
IBN BATTUTA
Ibn Battuta chases the boy. He steps forward in the dark and
his footing gives way! He almost tumbles over the edge of a
cliff. A shower of PEBBLES vanishes into the depths below.
Ibn Battuta scrambles back. And then he sees a FLICKERING
LIGHT inside a small CAVE near a ROCKY PLATEAU. He
approaches the cave cautiously.
IBN BATTUTA
Is anybody there?
VOICE (O.S.)
Yes and no.
An OLD MAN named BURHAN AL-DIN step out of the cave.
Please!
IBN BATTUTA
Help! I’m lost!
BURHAN AL-DIN
I can see that.
IBN BATTUTA
I was separated from my caravan.
But your son guided me here.
BURHAN AL-DIN
That’s funny. I don’t have a son.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
14.
IBN BATTUTA
Can you help me?
BURHAN AL-DIN
No. Only you can help you. What I
can do is feed you. Would you like
some dinner?
INT. CAVE - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta sits inside the cave before a small CAMP FIRE.
Burhan Al-Din roasts some KEBABS over the flame, and then
hands one to his guest. Ibn Battuta hungrily chows down.
Thank you.
IBN BATTUTA
BURHAN AL-DIN
Eat slowly, my son. Savor the
blessing of food that God has given
you. You will miss the taste when
you are dead. It’s funny how we
take these little things for
granted, and then we spend an
eternity remembering them when
they’re gone.
IBN BATTUTA
We must find that boy.
out here alone.
He will die
BURHAN AL-DIN
There is no boy.
I saw him!
IBN BATTUTA
BURHAN AL-DIN
You saw a Djinn. A nasty spirit
that haunts these parts, luring the
unwary to their deaths in the
desert.
IBN BATTUTA
That’s just a fairy tale.
BURHAN AL-DIN
The Holy Qur’an tells us that God
created Djinn and men. Are you a
disbeliever?
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
IBN BATTUTA
No, of course I believe.
BURHAN AL-DIN
That is your problem. You believe.
You do not know.
IBN BATTUTA
Who are you?
BURHAN AL-DIN
I am Burhan Al-Din. And you are
Muhammad Ibn Battuta.
Ibn Battuta gets up, startled.
IBN BATTUTA
How do you know my name?
BURHAN AL-DIN
The whole world will know your
name.
Why?
IBN BATTUTA
BURHAN AL-DIN
Because you will know the whole
world.
IBN BATTUTA
I’m sorry... I have to go...
Ibn Battuta starts backing out of the cave.
BURHAN AL-DIN
Say hello for me. To my brother.
IBN BATTUTA
Your brother?
BURHAN AL-DIN
He dwells in China. You will meet
him one day.
IBN BATTUTA
You’re mad.
BURHAN AL-DIN
We all are, son. We all are.
Ibn Battuta turns and quickly exits the cave.
15.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
16.
EXT. NORTH AFRICAN DESERT - DAY
Ibn Battuta wanders alone on the empty wastes He staggers
and collapses from heat stroke and dehydration.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
It is said that when death
approaches, the angels Munkar and
Nakir appear at the edge of sight,
ready to guide the soul from one
life to the next...
Ibn Battuta sees two FIGURES clad in white approaching, their
outlines blurred by the curtain of heat.
IBN BATTUTA
La ilaha ill-Allah...
Ibn Battuta falls unconscious, unable to finish the prayer...
INT. PILGRIM’S CAMP - DAY
Ibn Battuta awakes in confusion, then sees Ibrahim.
IBRAHIM
I thought we lost you
So did I.
IBN BATTUTA
How...?
The two BEDOUIN dressed in white step into view. They salute
him in traditional fashion, fingers to the forehead.
IBRAHIM
God must have a plan for you, my
friend. It is not every day that a
man is rescued from the wastes of
Ifriqiya.
IBN BATTUTA
(to Bedouin)
Did the old man send you?
BEDOUIN 1
What old man?
IBN BATTUTA
He lives in a cave to the west,
near the rocky plateau.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
17.
BEDOUIN 2
The plateau is haunted by Djinn.
No one dwells there.
IBN BATTUTA
His name was Burhan Al-Din.
The Bedouin look at each other in surprise.
BEDOUIN 1
There was a shaykh with that name
who lived there once.
BEDOUIN 2
But he died a hundred years ago.
Off Ibn Battuta’s shock...
EXT. NORTH AFRICAN DESERT - DAY
The Pilgrim Caravan continues its trek through the desert.
IBN BATTUTA
Is there no end to this damned
desert?
IBRAHIM
We’re almost to Cairo.
IBN BATTUTA
How can you tell? We’ve been out
here for months, and these wretched
sand dunes look the same as the
ones we crossed yesterday. And the
day before. And the day before
that.
IBRAHIM
Stop looking to the earth for a
sign. Look to Heaven.
Ibn Battuta looks up and his mouth drops open. THE PYRAMIDS
tower above the barren landscape, rising toward the sun...
EXT. CAIRO - DAY
Ibn Battuta steps through the crowded streets of Cairo.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
18.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
Cairo is a city like no other. A
bridge between three worlds -Islam, Africa and the barbarian
lands of Europe.
Ibn Battuta sees MERCHANTS from all over the world haggling
in the markets. There is a THUNDER of HOOVES, and he jumps
aside just in time as a row of MAMLUK HORSEMEN race through
the cobbled streets.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
The Mamluks are the rulers of
Egypt. Turkish warrior slaves who
overthrew their once proud Arab
masters.
EXT. MARISTAN HOSPITAL - DAY
Ibn Battuta stands outside the MARISTAN, the grand hospital
of Cairo.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
The Mamluks are firm rulers, but
they are not without compassion.
The Maristan, the grand hospital of
Egypt, is one of their greatest
legacies.
INT. MARISTAN HOSPITAL - COURTYARD - DAY
Ibn Battuta steps inside the halls of the hospital. His eyes
fall on group of MUSICIANS gently playing string instruments
for some of the patients, bringing smiles to the sick. And
then he sees Ibrahim waiting by an open door.
IBN BATTUTA
Why are we here?
IBRAHIM
To see a patient.
Ibn Battuta glances inside and sees an ELDERLY MAN walking in
circles, muttering. Ibn Battuta gasps.
IBN BATTUTA
Your father.
IBRAHIM
We sent him here for treatment last
year.
(MORE)
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
19.
IBRAHIM (cont'd)
The doctors in Tangier said he was
possessed by Djinn. That’s what
they always say when they have no
answers. Those fools confuse an
illness of the mind with an
invasion of the soul.
I’m sorry.
IBN BATTUTA
Ibrahim approaches the old man.
IBRAHIM
Father... it’s me...
For a moment, the elderly figure gazes at him. And then,
without warning, he lunges at Ibrahim, brutally clawing at
his face!
Ibrahim CRIES OUT in surprise. Ibn Battuta pulls the
struggling old man off his son. At that moment, a robed
DOCTOR runs in.
DOCTOR
It is time for your medicine,
sayyidi.
Ibrahim wipes blood from his face as the Doctor pours some
SALTS into a glass of water and mixes the combination.
The doctor gently brings it to the patient’s lips, pours it
inside his mouth.
The elderly man ceases to struggle. His body goes limp and
his eyes blink. The old man looks around in confusion until
he sees Ibrahim.
My son...
FATHER
Ibn Battuta lets the old man go.
IBRAHIM
Welcome back.
Father and son embrace.
INT. MARISTAN HOSPITAL - COURTYARD - DAY
Ibn Battuta and Ibrahim speak with the doctor in the gardens.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
20.
DOCTOR
Your father cannot be cured
completely, but these salts help
his mind to regain balance for a
short time.
The doctor hands Ibrahim a POUCH containing the medicine. He
pours some of the grey powder into his hand.
Thank you.
IBRAHIM
EXT. CAIRO STREETS - DAY
Ibn Battuta wanders through the streets of Cairo, enjoying
the lively sights and sounds of the thriving metropolis.
And then he sees something strange. The little boy from the
desert, the one who the old man called a Djinn, is standing
nearby! The boy LAUGHS and races down the street.
Hey!
IBN BATTUTA
Wait!
Ibn Battuta chases after the mysterious boy and soon finds
himself alone in a shadowy alley. Suddenly his way is
blocked by a MAN whose face is covered by a KEFFIYEH.
MASKED MAN
These are dangerous streets to be
walking alone.
Two more MASKED MEN emerge from the shadows and surround him.
IBN BATTUTA
I can see that.
MASKED MAN
My friends and I can protect you.
For a fee, of course.
IBN BATTUTA
That won’t be necessary.
MASKED MAN
Oh, but we insist.
Ibn Battuta takes out his PURSE. The masked man moves to
take it -- when Ibn Battuta punches him in the face! Ibn
Battuta tries to run, but the other men quickly pounce.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
21.
He fights back bravely, but he is outnumbered and is reduced
to a bloody pulp.
MASKED MAN
Welcome to Cairo, my friend. I
hope you have a pleasant stay.
The robbers laugh and walk away as the bloodied Ibn Battuta
reels in pain...
INT. OLD RABBI’S HOME - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta awakes and finds himself in a BED, his face
covered in a BANDAGE. He sees the walls of the small room
are covered in beautiful HEBREW CALLIGRAPHY.
Ibn Battuta looks around to see a BEARDED OLD RABBI fussing
over a pot of SOUP that is boiling on a small flame.
IBN BATTUTA
Where am I?
Home.
BEARDED OLD RABBI
IBN BATTUTA
We are in Cairo. My home is in
Tangier.
The old man comes over to Ibn Battuta’s side, holding a bowl
of soup.
BEARDED OLD RABBI
Home is wherever you are safe and
well fed.
Ibn Battuta sips the soup.
BEARDED OLD RABBI
Looks like you put up quite a
fight.
IBN BATTUTA
It was three against one, but I got
in a few good punches.
BEARDED OLD RABBI
And you’re proud of that?
IBN BATTUTA
Shouldn’t I be?
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
22.
BEARDED OLD RABBI
It sometimes takes more courage to
restrain yourself than to lash out.
IBN BATTUTA
They wanted to take my money!
BEARDED OLD RABBI
And take your money they did. But
when you fought, they ended up
taking your blood as well. It
sounds like you had a double loss
there, my friend.
IBN BATTUTA
Doesn’t your Torah say “an eye for
an eye?”
BEARDED OLD RABBI
The Torah is like a chest of
beautiful diamonds, each verse
shining like a mirror. When a man
looks inside, he only sees what is
inside himself.
Ibn Battuta doesn’t know what to make of that. He gets up
and reaches for his CLOTHESLINE, which have been washed of
blood and are drying over the small fire.
IBN BATTUTA
I would pay you for your kindness
to me, but I have no money.
BEARDED OLD RABBI
Don’t worry. You will pay me back
someday.
How?
IBN BATTUTA
BEARDED OLD RABBI
When you drop your sword in the
heat of battle and spare your
enemy, then our debt will be
repaid.
Ibn Battuta looks at the old rabbi as if he were crazy, but
nods...
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
23.
EXT. MECCA - WEEKS LATER - DAY
Sand swirls in a living dance through the desert air. PULL
BACK to reveal THOUSANDS of HAJJ PILGRIMS dressed in WHITE
IHRAM ROBES marching joyfully toward the holy city of MECCA.
PILGRIMS
Labbaik Allahuma, Labbaik!
(translated)
“I respond to Your Call, O God, I
respond to your call!”
CLOSE ON Ibn Battuta as he swims through the sea of
believers, his eyes filling with tears...
INT. MASJID AL-HARAM - DAY
Ibn Battuta moves with the throngs as they circumambulate the
KAABA, the holy of holies of Islam.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
There is no place on earth more
dear to a Muslim’s heart than the
Holy Kaaba. Built by Abraham and
his son Ishmael in ages long past,
it was the first place of worship
for the One God. Even though I had
never laid eyes on its sacred walls
before, I felt as if I had been in
its shade for all eternity. I have
journeyed to every corner of the
earth, seen many wondrous things.
And yet no place on Earth have I
felt closer to the Divine than at
the Kaaba - the House of God. The
home of the soul.
PULL BACK to REVEAL the full extent of the crowd. Ibn
Battuta vanishes as tiny specks of white in a throng that
numbers in the hundreds of thousands...
EXT. PILGRIM CAMP - MINA - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta sits in front of a simple TENT, one of thousands
that are spread out across the desert. He sees the
remarkable diversity of the Muslim Pilgrims: BLACK AFRICANS
mingle with BLONDE TURKS, CHINESE and INDIAN MUSLIMS break
bread with ARABS and KURDS.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
IBRAHIM
You have been silent for hours.
What are you thinking?
IBN BATTUTA
All these Muslims from all over the
world gathered here. Each has
their own language, their own
customs. And yet they are all
united by the hunger for God.
IBRAHIM
It is not just the Muslims who
hunger. Christians, Jews, even
those you would consider idolworshippers, are all seeking the
same truth. My shaykh say that all
faiths are paths leading back to
the One.
IBN BATTUTA
Your crazy shaykh again. Do not
profane the Pilgrimage with his
heresies.
IBRAHIM
It is amazing how much you see, my
friend, and still how little. What
if I were to prove it to you?
IBN BATTUTA
Prove what?
IBRAHIM
Prove that the light at the heart
of Islam is the same light that is
at the heart of all faiths.
IBN BATTUTA
And how would you do the
impossible?
IBRAHIM
Come with me.
Where?
IBN BATTUTA
IBRAHIM
To Baghdad. There you will meet a
Sufi master who can show you
wonders beyond your imagination.
24.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
25.
IBN BATTUTA
I have to return to Tangier.
IBRAHIM
Tangier will still be standing a
thousand years from now.
IBN BATTUTA
I would love to see Baghdad, the
crown jewel of Islam. But I am
expected back at the school with
the returning caravan.
IBRAHIM
Don’t worry. We shall depart on
the northern road to Baghdad. From
there, we will return east by ship
through the ports of Anatolia. You
will arrive in Tangier well in
advance of the caravan.
IBN BATTUTA
That wasn’t the road I planned to
take home.
IBRAHIM
Then you have learned your first
lesson as a traveller. Never take
the same road twice.
Ibn Battuta looks at Ibrahim and finally relents.
He’s in.
EXT. ARABIAN DESERT - DAY
Ibn Battuta and Ibrahim ride north on HORSES.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
My trip to Baghdad would be a quick
visit and then I would return to
the simple life of a scholar in
Tangier next year.
(beat)
Little did I know that “next year”
was a lifetime away...
They enter a rocky valley and dismount, giving their steeds a
chance to graze on a few bushes.
IBN BATTUTA
How much further until Baghdad?
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
26.
IBRAHIM
We are about two days from the
Euphrates. From there, it’s less
than half a day to Baghdad, and -Ibrahim suddenly stops.
something.
Looks around as if he heard
IBN BATTUTA
What’s wrong?
Ibrahim climbs back on his horse.
IBRAHIM
Get moving.
Ibrahim spurs his horse. Ibn Battuta climbs his horse and
moves to follow when he hears a sound like thunder -- HOOVES.
Ibn Battuta stares at an approaching DUST CLOUD and sees
silhouetted HORSEMEN racing toward them.
IBN BATTUTA
Who are they?
IBRAHIM
Tatar raiders!
INT. HILLSIDE - DAY - CONTINUOUS
The two riders desperately turn the bend... and gallop
straight into a waiting gang of TATAR HORSEMEN!
Ibn Battuta reins in his horse, looks around to see that they
are surrounded. The TATAR LEADER rides toward them.
TATAR LEADER
You are trespassing on Tatar lands.
Trapped, Ibn Battuta and Ibrahim climb off their steeds. The
horses are led away by the leader’s men. The two men hand
over LEATHER PURSES containing all their money..
The Tatar leader empties the purses into his hand and smiles
at the take. And then he sees the a small POUCH on Ibrahim’s
belt.
TATAR LEADER
I’ll take that too.
IBRAHIM
It is of no value to you.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
TATAR LEADER
I decide what is of value.
to me.
27.
Give it
IBRAHIM
No.
The Tatar leader pulls out a SWORD and stabs Ibrahim!
IBN BATTUTA
No!
Ibrahim falls to the ground and Ibn Battuta rushes to his
friend’s side.
The Tatar leader opens the pouch and pours its contents into
his hand -- the MEDICINE that healed Ibrahim’s father. The
Tatar throws the purse back, its contents worthless.
IBN BATTUTA
Ibrahim... stay with me...
IBRAHIM
My journey is over...
He hands the
medicine pouch to Ibn Battuta.
IBRAHIM
But yours is just beginning...
Ibrahim smiles.
And then he is still.
Ibn Battuta stares down at his dead friend in shock. And
then something inside him snaps. Overwhelmed with grief and
fury, he tackles the Tatar leader!
Several Tatar horsemen jump on Ibn Battuta and pull him off
their master. They withdraw KNIVES move to kill him. The
Tatar leader, smiles viciously...
... just as an ARROW flies through the sky and tears into his
throat! The Tatars whirl in shock as ARROWS tear at them
from behind.
Ibn Battuta sees several VEILED and TURBANNED WARRIORS
descend on the hillside like masked avengers. SWORD meets
SWORD even as ARROWS and SPEARS rain on the combatants from
all sides.
Battuta crawls over to the body of the dead Tatar leader. He
Ibn sees one of the veiled warriors knocked to the ground by
a Tatar. The bandit raises his weapon to kill his opponent.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
28.
Ibn Battuta grabs a CLUB and knocks the Tatar down, saving
the warrior’s life.
He looks around to see that the battle is over. The Tatars
are all dead or in flight. As Ibn Battuta stares at the
carnage in a daze, the warrior he rescued gets up.
Thank you.
WOMAN’S VOICE
Ibn Battuta turns in shock as the warrior removes turban and
veil -- revealing a BEAUTIFUL WOMAN.
IBN BATTUTA
Who are you?
FEMALE WARRIOR
I am Afshan bint Oljeitu, sister of
Abu Said -- master of this land.
EXT. STEPPES OF IRAQ - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta sits on his horse. He gazes over sadly at the
SHROUDED CORPSE of his friend Ibrahim, tied to another steed.
AFSHAN
The Tatars have been a plague on
this land for many years. Genghis
Khan thought he could turn these
bandits into warriors. But they
turned against their Mongol
masters, betraying the very men
they once fought beside.
IBN BATTUTA
The Mongols are the scourge of this
earth. It is fitting that their
dogs should bite them in turn.
AFSHAN
You hate the Mongols?
IBN BATTUTA
The children of Genghis Khan have
been a spear at the heart of Islam
for a hundred years. May God
destroy them all.
Ibn Battuta stares ahead to a RED GLOW on the eastern
horizon. He lifts a PRAYER RUG from one of his bags.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
IBN BATTUTA
The sun will be up soon.
perform my Fajr prayers.
AFSHAN
It is not the sun.
brother.
29.
I should
It is my
The valley below is alive with THOUSANDS OF CAMPFIRES,
creating the unearthly crimson glow. Ibn Battuta looks down
at the hordes of men milling about the camp. Their chiseled
faces more Asiatic than Semitic.
IBN BATTUTA
Your brother’s men are not Arabs.
No.
AFSHAN
They are Mongols.
Ibn Battuta’s eyes go wide in shock, but Afshan laughs.
AFSHAN
Welcome to the home of Abu Said,
Lord of the Ilkhans. The children
of Genghis Khan.
EXT. ILKHAN CAMP - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta nervously follows Afshan to a large TENT at the
center of the Mongol camp. A young man emerges from the
camp, dressed in an eclectic combination of PERSIAN ROBES and
MONGOL FURS -- the Ilkhan lord ABU SAID. He sees Afshan and
rushes to her side, kissing his sister on the cheeks.
ABU SAID
Afshan! I was worried about you!
You are a princess. Why do you
insist on leaving camp without
word?
AFSHAN
Even a Mongol princess must seek
communion with the earth and the
sky. It is in our blood.
Abu Said sees Ibn Battuta standing behind her.
A captive?
ABU SAID
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
30.
AFSHAN
A wayfarer. We rescued him from
the Tatars.
Ibn Battuta bows nervously to the Mongol lord.
IBN BATTUTA
I am Muhammad Ibn Battuta, a
traveler from Tangier. Your sister
saved my life.
ABU SAID
Then you are part of my family,
traveler from Tangier. Come, I
will prepare lodgings of honor for
you.
Ibn Battuta hesitates. His eyes flash to the horse bearing
Ibrahim’s shrouded corpse.
AFSHAN
His friend did not survive the
raid.
Abu Said nods in understanding.
ABU SAID
I grieve with you.
The Ilkhan sultan turns to his Mongol warriors.
ABU SAID
Gather the men for Salaat alJanaza.
Ibn Battuta is surprised.
IBN BATTUTA
You know the Muslim funeral prayer?
Of course.
ABU SAID
We are Muslims.
IBN BATTUTA
Forgive me. I thought the Mongols
were pagans.
ABU SAID
My forefathers came to this land to
conquer Islam. But instead it has
conquered us.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
31.
EXT. ILKHAN CAMP - DAY
The sun has risen over the barren land, revealing the city of
COLORED TENTS that mark the Ilkhan camp. At its edge,
hundreds of MONGOL WARRIORS stand in perfectly straight lines
before an OPEN GRAVE.
Ibrahim’s shrouded body lies before the grave. Ibn Battuta
joins the line of warriors standing at attention before the
burial mound. Abu Said stands in front, imam of the salaat
al-janaza, the funeral prayer. He raises his hands to his
ears to begin the ritual.
ABU SAID
Allahu Akbar.
As the worshippers follow Abu Said’s lead, a tear rolls down
Ibn Battuta’s cheek.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
Ibrahim was more than a friend. He
was a teacher. And he died trying
to teach me that my vision of the
world was too small. As I stood
shoulder to shoulder with men I
once considered savages, I could
not help but think my friend was
looking down and smiling. Even in
death, he was able to give me one
last lesson.
EXT. ILKHAN CAMP - DAY
The Mongol tents have been folded away, and the MAHALLA, the
massive CARAVAN of the Sultan, organizes for departure.
DRUMS beat as the CAVALRY divides into perfect formation
around Abu Said.
The young ruler mounts his horse, and the AMIRS, Ilkhan
noblemen, ride forward individually and salute the Sultan.
BANNERS are raised and MUSICIANS in rich robes play on REED
PIPES.
Ibn Battuta sits on the hard earth, watching the pageantry in
awe. He smiles as Afshan comes to sit beside him.
IBN BATTUTA
Where is the caravan headed?
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
32.
AFSHAN
The mahalla is leaving for our new
capital of Sultaniya in Persia.
The Sultan gives a signal and the caravan begins moving east.
IBN BATTUTA
You should get moving or you’ll be
left behind.
AFSHAN
I will not be going. I have some
obligations to attend to here.
(beat)
What will you do now?
IBN BATTUTA
Return home, I suppose.
AFSHAN
What about Baghdad?
IBN BATTUTA
There is nothing for me there.
AFSHAN
Baghdad is the center of the world.
There is something for everyone
there.
IBN BATTUTA
Even so, I have no guide.
AFSHAN
We all have guides. Some unseen,
some standing right before us. Or
sitting as the case may be.
IBN BATTUTA
Are you offering to take me to the
city?
AFSHAN
I am a princess of the Ilkhans. I
make no offers. I issue commands.
IBN BATTUTA
So you’re commanding me?
AFSHAN
As it happens, my obligations
require that I journey to Baghdad.
(MORE)
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
33.
AFSHAN (cont'd)
But the roads are still plagued by
Tatars and worse. A lady requires
a gentleman’s escort in these
troubled times.
She winks and Ibn Battuta smiles...
EXT. IRAQI PLAIN - DAY
Ibn Battuta and Afshan ride north.
the greying sky nervously.
Ibn Battuta looks up at
IBN BATTUTA
A storm is coming.
AFSHAN
We are almost there. Baghdad lies
just beyond those hills
IBN BATTUTA
I have longed to see this city my
whole life. Ever since I heard the
tales of Shahrazad and the Thousand
and One Nights. Baghdad the
radiant, the city where all roads
meet.
AFSHAN
The city has changed much since the
days of Aladdin and his Genie.
Afshan rides up the hill.
She stops at the summit.
AFSHAN
There she is. The crown of Islam.
Ibn Battuta gallops up after her excitedly, a broad smile on
his face. A smile which vanishes when he sees BAGHDAD for
the first time.
The city lies in ruins.
Bisected by the TIGRIS RIVER, the once sprawling metropolis
is a devastated relic of CRUMBLING HUTS, BROKEN WALLS, and
TOPPLED MINARETS.
IBN BATTUTA
What... who did this?
AFSHAN
My grandfather.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
34.
EXT. STREETS OF BAGHDAD - DAY
LIGHTNING FLASHES, followed by a dreadful CLAP of THUNDER.
As sheets of RAIN pour down up on them, Ibn Battuta walks
with Afshan through the ruined streets of the city.
AFSHAN
Hulagu Khan, grandson of Genghis,
vowed to reduce Baghdad to a
forgotten memory. He was a man who
always kept his word.
IBN BATTUTA
I knew that the Mongols attacked
Baghdad and killed the Caliph, but
I had no idea they were capable of
this.
AFSHAN
My forefathers were capable of much
worse.
She leads him through a ravaged gate, toward the remains of a
public square. Ibn Battuta’s eyes widen in disbelief.
IBN BATTUTA
Auzubillahi minash-Shaytan-irRajeem.
(translated)
I seek refuge in God from Satan the
outcast.
PULL BACK to REVEAL a PYRAMID OF SKULLS rising from the
center of the square, soaring a hundred feet above the ruins.
AFSHAN
These are the heads of all the
poets and philosophers of Baghdad.
Hulagu decreed that they should
stand here for all time. A symbol
to warn mankind against resisting
the Mongols.
IBN BATTUTA
Your grandfather was a monster.
AFSHAN
Yes. He was. But even monsters
serve a purpose.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
35.
IBN BATTUTA
What purpose could such savagery
serve?
AFSHAN
Light can never be known without
darkness.
EXT. BAGHDAD ALLEYS - DAY
The rain intensifies. The two travelers try to find shelter
under the remains of a STONE ARCH.
IBN BATTUTA
You lied to me.
AFSHAN
What do you mean?
IBN BATTUTA
You said that there is something
for everyone in Baghdad. But there
is nothing for me here.
AFSHAN
Well, what are you looking for?
Ibn Battuta hesitates and looks around the rain-soaked ruins.
IBN BATTUTA
I don’t know.
AFSHAN
Then Baghdad is as good place as
any to find it.
Afshan steps out from the shelter of the arch. She looks up
into the rain, lets the storm strike her head on. Ibn
Battuta watches in fascination as the water cascades down
Afshan’s body.
AFSHAN
Are you just going to stare or will
you come join me?
Ibn Battuta blushes, embarrassed at being caught gawking. He
steps out tentatively into the downpour, shivering under the
icy water and fierce winds.
AFSHAN
Embrace the rain.
Water is life.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
36.
IBN BATTUTA
It will be our death if we stay out
here.
Afshan takes his hand.
AFSHAN
You have to die to be reborn.
There is an electric moment between them. And then Afshan
laughs and breaks free. She races off down another alley.
IBN BATTUTA
Where are you going?
AFSHAN
To show you what you’re looking
for.
Afshan approaches a CRUMBLING WALL. She runs her hands
across the ancient stones, as if searching for something.
IBN BATTUTA
That wall will not provide us
shelter.
AFSHAN
That’s your problem. You only see
things as they appear to be. Not
as the really are.
Afshan pushes the stone, and it slides in. And then the wall
SLIDES OVER to reveal a small OPENING to a dark PASSAGEWAY.
Afshan steps inside, escaping the unrelenting downpour. But
Ibn Battuta hesitates.
AFSHAN
Are you coming?
IBN BATTUTA
What’s in there?
AFSHAN
Only what is inside you.
Afshan disappears inside.
Ibn Battuta follows.
INT. TUNNEL - DAY
Afshan lights a TORCH, illuminating the tunnel.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
IBN BATTUTA
Where does this lead?
AFSHAN
Where do you want it to go?
IBN BATTUTA
Why do you answer every question
with a question?
AFSHAN
Why do you have so many questions?
IBN BATTUTA
You’re just like Ibrahim.
AFSHAN
He always loved riddles.
IBN BATTUTA
How did you know that?
Know what?
AFSHAN
IBN BATTUTA
That Ibrahim loved riddles.
AFSHAN
You told me.
IBN BATTUTA
No, I didn’t.
Ibn Battuta stops.
IBN BATTUTA
Who are you?
AFSHAN
I am Afshan bint Oljeitu, sister of
Abu Said -No.
IBN BATTUTA
Who are you? Really.
Afshan smiles.
AFSHAN
I am a mirror.
Afshan runs down the tunnel.
37.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
Afshan!
38.
IBN BATTUTA
Wait!
The torch goes out, plunging the tunnel into darkness.
Afshan!
IBN BATTUTA
Ibn Battuta frantically crawls through the dark tunnel.
stumbles and CRIES OUT in fear, trapped in the dark.
He
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
I don’t know how long I stayed
there. I cursed Afshan for having
led me to my tomb. I cursed my
adventurism that brought me on this
fool’s errand to Baghdad. I cursed
my stars for my fate. And then,
when I had cursed all, I was left
empty. No more anger. No more
grief. Just darkness.
(beat)
And then I learned that it is only
by passing through darkness that we
can find the light.
Ibn Battuta forces himself to climb through the darkness.
And then he glimpses it. A hint of LIGHT further down the
tunnel. He crawls toward the glow.
Finally he sees it -- an opening in the passage, where the
light is broken by the SILHOUETTES of figures waiting.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
It is said that at the moment of
death, men see a great light. And
a Voice calls out to them,
beckoning them to judgment.
A VOICE calls out to him from the light.
VOICE
Muhammad Ibn Battuta.
Am I dead?
Come forth.
IBN BATTUTA
VOICE
There is no death here.
Ibn Battuta steps into the light...
Only life.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
39.
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
... and emerges into a beautiful GARDEN. The sun shines
warmly down upon him and he blinks, trying to clear his eyes.
The silhouettes merge into blurred figures, then finally come
into focus. An OLD MAN stands before him, dressed in WHITE
ROBES. Ibn Battuta looks around to see several younger MEN
and WOMEN dressed in white.
And then his eyes go wide to see Afshan standing amongst
them. She smiles at him, but he looks away in anger.
IBN BATTUTA
Who are you people?
OLD MAN
I am Abdal Noor, leader of the
Qadiri Sufis.
(beat)
We have been expecting you.
EXT. STREETS OF BAGHDAD - DAY
Abdal Noor guides Ibn Battuta through a different section of
Baghdad, where the destroyed buildings have been rebuilt and
the streets are lined with GARDENS and TREES.
Ibn Battuta looks at Afshan with a resentful gaze.
IBN BATTUTA
Is that woman one of your
disciples?
ABDAL NOOR
As was your friend Ibrahim.
IBN BATTUTA
You... you were the Sufi master he
wanted me to meet.
Abdal Noor smiles and says nothing. In Battuta looks around
and sees a towering BLUE DOMED MOSQUE.
IBN BATTUTA
Where are we?
ABDAL NOOR
The home of my master, the Friend
of God, Shaykh Abdal Qadir alJilani.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
40.
INT. JILANI MOSQUE - DAY
Ibn Battuta enters the spacious mosque. And then he sees a
GOLDEN CAGE in the center of the hall, covered in a GILDED
BARS. A crowd of SUFIS kneels before the cage, many weeping.
Curious, Ibn Battuta approaches. He sees through the golden
bars a stone CENOTAPH inside -- the TOMB of Abdal Qadir alJilani.
Abdal Noor approaches the cage, and the other Sufis part
respectfully. The old man bows his head to the tomb, and then
whispers to himself as if praying.
Afshan steps up to Ibn Battuta, her hair covered by a modest
HEAD SCARF. Ibn Battuta looks away, still irritated.
IBN BATTUTA
Your master prays to the dead.
is that Islamic?
AFSHAN
He’s not praying.
conversation.
How
He’s having a
IBN BATTUTA
With a dead man?
Afshan nods nonchalantly.
Ibn Battuta shakes his head.
IBN BATTUTA
You’re all mad.
Abdal Noor rejoins Ibn Battuta.
ABDAL NOOR
My master welcomes you and wishes
you peace.
IBN BATTUTA
That’s... that’s very kind of him.
ABDAL NOOR
He says you have a great journey
ahead, and he has asked me to
prepare a feast for you tonight -IBN BATTUTA
That won’t be necessary. I’ve
taken enough of your time. I
should be heading back to Tangier.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
41.
ABDAL NOOR
Tangier is not your home.
All right.
IBN BATTUTA
Then where is my home?
ABDAL NOOR
I have no idea. And neither do
you. That is why you must stay and
feast with us tonight. Perhaps you
will find the answer.
IBN BATTUTA
Do I have a choice?
ABDAL NOOR
Yes and no.
Abdal Noor winks and leads the other Sufis away.
IBN BATTUTA
Are you all crazy? Or am I?
Afshan smiles, takes him by the hand guides him out.
INT. SUFI LODGE - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta enters large, empty hall that is covered in RUGS
but has no other furniture. He sees a large group of SUFI
MEN sitting in a circle at the center of the hall. He
glances up to see a BALCONY, where SUFI WOMEN gather.
His eyes fall on Afshan, who smiles at him from above.
A SUFI guides Ibn Battuta to the center of the circle, where
Abdal Noor sits.
ABDAL NOOR
Come join me.
IBN BATTUTA
What is this?
ABDAL NOOR
We are gathered to remember.
Abdal Noor raises his hand, and several Sufis begin playing
DRUMS, gently at first, and then with increasing passion.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
42.
ABDAL NOOR
God says in the Holy Qur’an:
“Remember Me and I will remember
you.” This is a zikr -- a ceremony
where we remember God.
Ibn Battuta watches as the Sufis begin to sway under the
rhythm. FLUTES add to the harmony. Abdal Noor begins to
sway back and forth. As he does so, his actions are imitated
by the Sufis.
ABDAL NOOR
La ilaha ill Allah... La ilaha ill
Allah...
SUFIS
La ilaha ill Allah... La ilaha ill
Allah...
Ibn Battuta tries to resist, but he soon finds himself
swaying and chanting with the others.
IBN BATTUTA
La ilaha ill Allah... La ilaha ill
Allah...
As the music and the chanting intensifies, reality seems to
shift. Ibn Battuta watches in amazement as the walls shimmer
and move as if they were made of water.
Ibn Battuta sees several Sufis rise as if in a trance.
begin to spin in circles, their hands outstretched.
Join them.
They
ABDAL NOOR
IBN BATTUTA
Dancing is a sin.
ABDAL NOOR
To dance for the body is sin. To
dance for God is joy. Join them.
Ibn Battuta rises as if mesmerized. He begins to spin, his
hands outstretched. The world shifts and melds as if in a
dream. Ibn Battuta spins faster, fear and confusion on his
face.
IBN BATTUTA
What is happening?
ABDAL NOOR
God is remembering you.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
43.
And the room around him fades and he sees a MYSTIC VISION...
EXT. THE HEAVENS - IBN BATTUTA’S VISION
Ibn Battuta imagines that he is soaring through the heavens.
Still whirling in his mystic dance, the mountains and seas
diminish beneath his feet until he is hovering above the
globe.
And soon the Earth itself disappears under his feet, a
sparkling blue pebble circling the sun, followed by the outer
planets -- Mars, Jupiter, Saturn.
And then the sun diminishes to a pinprick of light in a web
of stars circling the Milky Way, which itself vanishes in a
cluster of spiral galaxies spinning all around him.
The revolving universe accelerates into a swirl of dancing
light. Ibn Battuta smiles in ecstasy as the light covers
him, the sound of the zikr still echoing all around him.
SUFIS
La ilaha ill Allah... La ilaha ill
Allah...
And then for a second, the spinning light that surrounds him
takes form, and he sees a WOMAN’S FACE outlined in the
heavens.
Ibn Battuta stares in awe at her starry beauty.
Afshan?
IBN BATTUTA
The mysterious stellar woman raises a HAND, and Ibn Battuta
sees a glorious EYE swirling in the center of the palm -- a
celestial Hand of Fatima.
And then the visage shatters into a swirl of RAINBOW LIGHT.
The spectrum transforms into BLINDING WHITE as Ibn Battuta’s
form blurs and then vanishes into oneness...
INT. SUFI LODGE - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta’s eyes fly open. He lies on his back, staring up
at the curious looks on the faces of his Sufi hosts.
IBN BATTUTA
What... what happened?
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
44.
ABDAL NOOR
You remembered.
IBN BATTUTA
Where am I?
ABDAL NOOR
The better question is where did
you go?
IBN BATTUTA
Everywhere.
ABDAL NOOR
Then you have found your home.
EXT. GARDEN - SUFI LODGE - DAY
Ibn Battuta wanders through the garden. He sees a ROSE and
touches it gently, breathing in its scent deeply.
AFSHAN (O.S.)
You act as if you have never seen a
a rose before.
He looks up to see the Ilkhan princess and smiles.
IBN BATTUTA
Not one so beautiful.
He reaches over and takes her hand. She appears surprised at
his sudden familiarity, but she smiles uncertainly.
AFSHAN
You’ve changed since the zikr.
Have I?
IBN BATTUTA
AFSHAN
You have dropped the act.
What act?
IBN BATTUTA
AFSHAN
The pretense that you are a grumpy
old judge who finds joy only in
books and rules.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
45.
IBN BATTUTA
It was not a pretense. I was that
man. Until I turned with the
dervishes.
AFSHAN
What happened in your vision?
IBN BATTUTA
Two things. First, I saw a world
far greater than I ever imagined.
AFSHAN
And the second?
Ibn Battuta moves closer to her.
I saw you.
IBN BATTUTA
Moved by rising passion, Ibn Battuta kisses Afshan.
breaks free of him, shock on her face.
But she
AFSHAN
I... I cannot do this...
IBN BATTUTA
Don’t you understand? We are meant
to be together. I saw you in the
vision!
Afshan backs away from him, tears suddenly in her eyes.
AFSHAN
It was not me you saw.
What?
IBN BATTUTA
AFSHAN
I am to be married tomorrow!
Ibn Battuta freezes, stunned at her revelation.
AFSHAN
The shaykh has chosen my husband
for me.
Who...?
IBN BATTUTA
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
46.
AFSHAN
His son Omar. The shaykh will
preside over the ceremony tomorrow
night.
IBN BATTUTA
And you’re just going to do what he
says? You’re a princess!
AFSHAN
Be it princess or slave, when you
join the order, you make a vow of
obedience to your shaykh. Even if
it means giving up everything you
hold most dear.
Ibn Battuta stares at her in shock, and then storms off.
INT. SUFI LODGE - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta watches from a corner as Afshan, dressed in a
flowing WEDDING GOWN and VEIL, is led out for the nuptials by
her HANDMAIDENS.
It is a lavish ceremony. The Handmaidens paint Afshan’s
hands with HENNA. They adorn her with GOLD JEWELRY as DRUMS
and FLUTES bring fill the hall with music.
The ritual climaxes when the Shaykh leads his young son OMAR
to sit beside Afshan. Abdal Noor lifts his hand in prayer,
and then blows on the two, blessing them with his breath.
The shaykh looks around among the throng of wedding guests
and then frowns.
ABDAL NOOR
Where is the qadi?
An ATTENDANT steps forward nervously.
ATTENDANT
The qadi has been delayed. The
roads to Baghdad have been plagued
by bandits. He may not arrive
until tomorrow morning.
ABDAL NOOR
Then we must cancel the ceremony.
But I am sad. It is an ill omen to
delay a wedding once the bride and
groom have laid eyes upon each
other.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
There is a MURMUR of disappointment in the crowd.
Battuta sees the sadness in Afshan’s eyes.
47.
Ibn
IBN BATTUTA
I am a qadi trained in the Maliki
school. I will officiate if you
permit.
Afshan looks up at him in surprise, but Ibn Battuta does not
meet her eyes. Ibn Battuta sits beside her and Omar. He
looks at Omar, continuing to avoid Afshan’s gaze.
IBN BATTUTA
Have you drawn the marriage
contract?
Omar nods hands him the CONTRACT.
Ibn Battuta studies it.
IBN BATTUTA
Your witnesses?
Two male WITNESSES step forward.
IBN BATTUTA
Then everything is in order. All
that is now required under the holy
Shariah is the bride’s free
consent, given three times.
Ibn Battuta faces Afshan.
He sees tears in her eyes.
IBN BATTUTA
Afshan bint Oljeitu, sister of Abu
Said, do you agree to marry Omar
ibn Abdal Noor for a mahr of 10,000
dirhams?
She looks at him for a long moment and then nods.
IBN BATTUTA
You must speak out loud.
Afshan hesitates, and her voice cracks as she speaks.
Yes.
AFSHAN
IBN BATTUTA
I ask again. Afshan bint Oljeitu,
do you agree to marry Omar ibn
Abdal Noor for a mahr of 10,000
dirhams?
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
Yes.
48.
AFSHAN
IBN BATTUTA
I ask again, and if you answer yes
a third time, know that your
marriage will be sealed before God
and the hosts of Heaven. Afshan
bint Oljeitu, do you agree to marry
Omar ibn Abdal Noor for a mahr of
10,000 dirhams?
Afshan locks eyes with Ibn Battuta as if to say sorry.
smiles gently with encouragement.
... Yes.
He
AFSHAN
Ibn Battuta looks down.
IBN BATTUTA
May God bless your union in this
world and the life to come.
As the crowd reacts with APPLAUSE and congratulations, Ibn
Battuta gets up and walks away without another word...
EXT. JILANI MOSQUE - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta sits alone by the tomb of the Sufi master Abdal
Qadir al-Jilani, staring into space. He does not stir even
when Abdal Noor joins him.
ABDAL NOOR
You surprised me today.
IBN BATTUTA
I thought Sufis could read men’s
hearts.
We can.
me.
ABDAL NOOR
That is why you surprised
IBN BATTUTA
I did it for her.
ABDAL NOOR
Then you are ready.
For what?
IBN BATTUTA
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
ABDAL NOOR
The next stage of your journey.
IBN BATTUTA
I am going home.
ABDAL NOOR
Did you learn nothing at the zikr?
Your home is everywhere.
IBN BATTUTA
No! My home is in one place -Tangier. I should have turned back
many months ago, before...
before...
ABDAL NOOR
Before you met Afshan.
Yes.
IBN BATTUTA
ABDAL NOOR
Do you regret your time with her?
IBN BATTUTA
Of course not. But I have lost too
much on this journey already. My
best friend. And now my heart.
ABDAL NOOR
Those are the risks we face when we
go outside the boundaries of the
familiar.
IBN BATTUTA
The ridiculous thing is I don’t
even know why I am here. What I’ve
been looking for.
ABDAL NOOR
I think you know.
IBN BATTUTA
Here we go again. Why can’t you
speak straight?
ABDAL NOOR
Because the world is not straight.
It is curved, bringing us always
back to where we began.
49.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
50.
IBN BATTUTA
If every road brings us back to the
beginning, why bother?
ABDAL NOOR
It is not the destination that
matters. It is the man who
arrives. You could return to
Tangier now, but what will you
bring back with you except pain?
Whatever it is that you have been
seeking, I am guessing a broken
heart is not it.
IBN BATTUTA
So you expect me to keep wandering
through the Muslim world until I
find whatever it is I am supposed
to be seeking?
ABDAL NOOR
Not at all. I expect you to go
beyond the Muslim world to find it.
IBN BATTUTA
Are you joking? The lands outside
Islam are wild and savage.
ABDAL NOOR
Where else to hide a treasure
except in the wilderness?
Abdal Noor hands Ibn Battuta a PURSE of GOLD COINS.
ABDAL NOOR
For your journey. Wherever you go,
remember that you are not alone.
The Sufis will always be there to
guide you.
EXT. STEPPES OF ANATOLIA - DAY
Ibn Battuta rides north, into Anatolia. He passes through a
TURKISH VILLAGE and smiles at the crowds of CHILDREN that
come out to gawk at the newcomer.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
The roads to Egypt were teeming
with Tatar bandits, so I turned
north into the land of the Turks.
(MORE)
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
51.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.) (cont'd)
I sought the coastal city of
Alanya, from where I could find sea
passage back to Tangier. But fate
had a different plan for me.
Ibn Battuta rides out into the hills.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
Anatolia is a land torn asunder
between Muslims and Christians.
Here the warriors of the Prophet
struggle with the last of the
Byzantines who stubbornly refuse to
surrender to Islam.
He approaches a FOREST just as SNOW begins to fall. Ibn
Battuta reaches out to touch the snowflakes. He looks at
wonder at the intricate crystal formations and smiles...
... when an ARROW tears through the sky and hits his horse in
the side! The terrified animal throws Ibn Battuta off,
before falling to its side, dead.
Ibn Battuta manages to get to his feet, stunned. And then he
sees the source of the projectile. An ARMY of BYZANTINE
SOLDIERS is advancing through the hills, their shields
emblazoned with the CROSS!
A BLAST of TRUMPETS echoes through the valley, followed by
the steady rhythm of WAR DRUMS. Ibn Battuta runs away in
terror. He climbs up a hillock, only to see a TURKISH ARMY
rushing toward him from the opposite side!
And then all hell breaks loose.
The Turkish warriors stream down the hill, their voices
rising in terrible WAR CRIES. They are met by the onward
rush of the BYZANTINE forces. SWORD meets SCIMITAR in a
deadly dance of empires.
As BLOOD flows in rivers across the battlefield, the SCREAMS
of dying men met with SHOUTS of jubilation or vengeance, Ibn
Battuta flees the madness into the safety of the trees...
EXT. FOREST - NIGHT
A terrible silence hangs over the woods. Snow falls through
the trees covering the gnarled roots with a blanket of ice.
Ibn Battuta manages to pile a small collection of TWIGS under
the cover of massive OAK TREE. He lights a small fire, when
he hears A CRACK. Ibn Battuta looks around warily.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
52.
IBN BATTUTA
Anyone there?
No answer. Ibn Battuta takes a strip of MEAT from a pouch
and cooks it in the flame before eating. He does not see a
SHADOW moving closer to him through the woods...
INT. FOREST - NIGHT - TIME CUT
Ibn Battuta lies asleep by the dwindling camp fire. The
gentle rhythm of his SNORES is interrupted by the CRUNCH of
footsteps on the snow as someone approaches. A FIGURE wrapped
in darkness crawls toward his prone form.
A HAND reaches for the FOOD POUCH on his belt. It grasps the
leather purse... when Ibn Battuta’s hand springs forward and
grabs the intruding figure by the wrist!
Got you!
IBN BATTUTA
The intruder is dressed in TORN RAGS. Its face is hard to
see clearly and its hair is covered in an old CLOAK. Ibn
Battuta struggles with the figure. With a CRY of animal
fury, it BITES down on Ibn Battuta’s arm until he lets go.
The figure grabs the food pouch and races away. Wincing from
the bite, he gives chase. The figure moves fast, but slips
against the snow and tumbles down a small hill. Ibn Battuta
jumps down on top of the intruder and two struggle viciously.
Suddenly the figure raises a KNIFE. Ibn Battuta dodges as
his assailant tries to stab him. He twists the figure’s
wrist, causing it to drop the knife in pain.
Ibn Battuta grabs the knife and holds it against the figure’s
neck. And then the moon emerges from behind a cloud...
revealing the face of a YOUNG WOMAN with haunting GREEN EYES.
Ibn Battuta stares in shock.
IBN BATTUTA
Who are you?
WOMAN
Put the knife down and I’ll tell
you.
IBN BATTUTA
How about you tell me, and then
maybe, just maybe, I’ll put down
the knife.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
53.
WOMAN
My name is Gizem.
Ibn Battuta sees something shimmer around her neck. A GOLD
MEDALLION of a HAND with an EYE engraved on the palm -- the
HAND OF FATIMA.
IBN BATTUTA
Where did you get this?
GIZEM
My mother gave it me, before she
was killed in the war between the
Turks and the Greeks.
IBN BATTUTA
You are a Muslim?
Ibn Battuta lowers the blade, but he is still wary.
IBN BATTUTA
I’m sorry. I had to make sure you
weren’t a Byzantine spy.
GIZEM
If I were a Byzantine spy, I would
have killed you in your sleep.
IBN BATTUTA
What do you want?
GIZEM
Food. I saw you had some. I
haven’t eaten in three days.
Ibn Battuta offers Gizem the pouch, which fell on the ground
during their struggle. She chews a piece of cold meat.
GIZEM
How did you know?
Muslim, I mean.
That I was
IBN BATTUTA
Your medallion. The so-called
“Hand of Fatima.” The common
people in the Muslim world revere
that symbol, believing that it will
protect them from evil.
GIZEM
The common people. But not a man
of great wisdom such as yourself.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
IBN BATTUTA
I believe in God and his Prophet,
not in village superstitions.
GIZEM
Call it superstition if you want.
All I can say is that something has
protected me in the middle of this
war, and I don’t question what
works.
IBN BATTUTA
What are you doing out here in the
middle of this war in the first
place?
GIZEM
I was with the Byzantine army.
a slave.
I’m sorry.
As
IBN BATTUTA
GIZEM
I was captured during a raid on a
Turkish village three years ago. I
finally managed to escape when the
Greek commander I served was killed
in battle.
A moment of silence as Gizem finishes eating.
GIZEM
So what’s your story, Arab?
IBN BATTUTA
It’s a long tale. Suffice it to
say I was on a journey home and was
forced to take refuge in these
woods due to the war.
(smiles)
So I guess we have something in
common.
GIZEM
I guess we do. What now?
IBN BATTUTA
Since I don’t think either of us
fancies being captured by the
Greeks, perhaps we can find a way
out of here and into safe
territory.
54.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
55.
GIZEM
To the east dwells Ozbeg, the Khan
of Kipchak. He is a Mongol who
embraces Islam, but has married a
Byzantine wife. He has remained
neutral in the wars of this region,
and both Arabs and Turks are
treated as equals in his land.
IBN BATTUTA
Then perhaps we will find refuge
there.
GIZEM
There is no “we”, Arab.
Ibn Battuta shrugs and gets up to walk away.
IBN BATTUTA
Suit yourself. You’re good in a
fight, but if one of those soldiers
stumbles into these woods, your
little knife trick won’t be of much
use. Good luck.
She watches him go, then shakes her head in fury.
Damn you.
GIZEM
Gizem follows after Ibn Battuta...
INT. FOREST - DAY
The sun sparkles on the snow-covered trees as the two
unlikely companions trudge through the forest. Gizem
glimpses something ahead. Her face breaks into a joyous
smile.
GIZEM
Look! The eastern edge of the
forest!
Ibn Battuta sees snow covered plains ahead through the trees.
IBN BATTUTA
We made it!
The two race out of the woods. They see a group of men on
horses, their Asiatic faces and armor familiar -- MONGOLS.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
56.
IBN BATTUTA
Those must be the men of the Khan!
They run to the KIPCHAK CAMP, SHOUTING for help. The KIPCHAK
WARRIORS look up, startled. And then they draw SWORDS!
EXT. KIPCHAK STEPPES - DAY
CLOSE on a pair of HANDS bound by ROPE. PULL BACK to REVEAL
Ibn Battuta sitting on a horse with Gizem. Both have been
tied to the beast, which is led by the Kipchak Warrior.
IBN BATTUTA
I thought you said that both Arabs
and Turks are treated as equals in
this land!
GIZEM
Apparently we are all treated with
equal contempt.
Ibn Battuta sees a row of majestic TENTS on the horizon,
surrounded by HORSES, SHEEP and CATTLE. The Pavilions bear
some similarity to those of Abu Said in Iraq, but with a more
rugged and primitive look. SKULLS of animals -- and men -hang from posts around the Mongol camp.
EXT. KIPCHAK CAMP - DAY - TIME CUT
Ibn Battuta and Gizem are dragged past leering KIPCHAK TROOPS
toward the center of the camp.
IBN BATTUTA
Listen to me! I am a friend of the
Khan’s kinsmen! Abu Said of the
Ilkhans! His sister Afshan -- I
officiated at her wedding! Please,
let me speak with Ozbeg!
His cries are met with LAUGHTER.
KIPCHAK WARRIOR
Now that is the best story I have
heard from spies in weeks.
Spies?
GIZEM
We’re not spies!
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
57.
KIPCHAK WARRIOR
The forest is forbidden territory.
The only ones who cross into the
Khan’s lands from there are spies.
And the penalty for spying is
death.
IBN BATTUTA
I am an Arab. The woman is a Turk.
Why would we be working together to
spy on our fellow Muslims?
KIPCHAK WARRIOR
That is the question, isn’t it?
Perhaps the kingdom of Osman and
the amirs of Iraq are uniting
against the forces of the Great
Khan.
IBN BATTUTA
You’re not making any sense!
GIZEM
Don’t bother. He is mad.
A shadow falls over her. She looks up to see OZBEG, the grimfaced ruler of the Kipchaks.
Mad?
OZBEG
What do you know of madness?
A silence falls over the crowd. The Kipchak soldiers quickly
fall to their knees before their master.
OZBEG
You speak of madness, but I do not
think you know what true madness
is. Perhaps we should show you.
A MURMUR of assent spreads through the Kipchak camp.
OZBEG
Take our guests to the house of the
mad. Perhaps they will learn to
measure their words more carefully.
The warriors grab Ibn Battuta and Gizem and drag them toward
a BLACK TENT on the outskirts of the camp...
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
58.
INT. BLACK TENT - DAY
Ibn Battuta and Gizem are thrown into the center of the
spacious tent, where they see ROWS of CAGES. But instead of
animals, each cage houses a MAN or WOMAN.
Several of the prisoners start SCREAMING when they see the
newcomers. Others BABBLE incoherently. Some roam freeing in
their cages and shake bars in fury, while others are tied to
small BEDS.
OZBEG
Behold those who have been touched
by God!
The Warrior throws Ibn Battuta and Gizem into a CAGE in the
middle of the madness. Gizem tries to crawl away from the
enraged, drooling faces of the inmates, but wherever she
turns, hands reach out to her from behind the bars,
scratching her and clawing at her hair.
If you
you in
me the
skulls
OZBEG
still have your wits about
the morning, you will tell
truth. Otherwise your
will adorn my tent.
Ozbeg and the Kipchak Warriors leave the two alone...
INT. BLACK TENT - NIGHT
SCREAMS reverberate throughout the tent as darkness falls.
Gizem curls up in a fetal position, her hands desperately
covering her ears.
GIZEM
I can’t take any more of this....
Tell them whatever they want to
hear...
IBN BATTUTA
It doesn’t matter. They’ve made up
their minds. Whatever we say,
they’re going to kill us.
Ibn Battuta looks around in despair. And then he
something strange. A YOUNG BOY sits quietly in a
nearby, rocking back and forth, Unlike the other
the asylum, he is passive, calm, but his eyes are
It is a look Ibn Battuta has seen before...
sees
cell
inmates of
unfocused.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
59.
INT. BLACK TENT - SUNRISE
Gizem and Ibn Battuta lie on the floor as the first rays of
sunlight pour in. At that moment, Ozbeg returns with his
warriors, who hold SWORDS.
OZBEG
Now, tell me. Who sent you and
what was your mission?
IBN BATTUTA
I told you -- we’re not spies!
The Kipchak Warrior step forward, sword raised.
IBN BATTUTA
I am Muhammad ibn Battuta, qadi of
Tangier. If anyone has sent me
here, it is Allah. But for what
purpose, I cannot answer.
KIPCHAK WARRIOR
He blasphemes.
OZBEG
If you are a qadi, you know the
penalty for blasphemy.
Ibn Battuta and Gizem are dragged kicking and screaming out
of their cages. Ibn Battuta is forced to kneel on the
ground, his neck bared for execution.
At that moment, Ibn Battuta sees the quiet young boy watching
from his cell. Ozbeg turns to one of his men.
OZBEG
Cover the boy’s eyes.
wish him to see this.
Wait!
I do not
IBN BATTUTA
I can help him!
OZBEG
What did you say?
IBN BATTUTA
The boy in that cell. I have seen
his illness before, in the Maristan
of Cairo. I have medicine that can
help him.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
60.
KIPCHAK WARRIOR
It’s a trick. Don’t listen to him.
The soldier lifts his sword, when Ozbeg raises his hand.
OZBEG
Prove what you say and I may spare
you.
Ibn Battuta reaches for the MEDICINE POUCH that once belonged
to Ibrahim.
IBN BATTUTA
The doctors of Cairo have found
that it can heal diseases of the
mind. I just need to mix it with
water.
KIPCHAK WARRIOR
It is no doubt poison, my lord.
will kill the boy!
It
OZBEG
He is already dead.
Still, Ozbeg takes precautions. He hands a pinch of the
powder to Ibn Battuta to test it. The Arab swallows it,
showing that it is not harmful.
Satisfied, Ozbeg nods to a GUARD, who brings Ibn Battuta a
CUP of WATER. He pours some of the medicine in the cup and
mixes it. The guard hands the cup to Ozbeg.
OZBEG
Whatever happens to him, will
happen to you. Do you understand?
Ozbeg enters the cage of the quiet young man, whispers
something to him. The boy does not move. The Khan lifts his
chin and pours the medicine into the boy’s mouth.
Moments pass with no effect.
up in confusion at Ozbeg.
Father?
And then the boy blinks, looks
BOY
Tears well in Ozbeg’s eyes.
OZBEG
Release them.
He turns to the Kipchak Warrior.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
61.
INT. KIPCHAK TENT - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta and Gizem have been relocated to a more luxurious
tent where they are no longer prisoners, but guests.
GIZEM
So what now?
IBN BATTUTA
We wait until the Great Khan
decides what to do with us.
WOMAN’S VOICE (O.S.)
The decision has actually been
made.
They turn to see a stunning WOMAN dressed in regal ROBES.
IBN BATTUTA
Who are you?
WOMAN
I am Princess Bayalun, wife of the
Great Khan. Thank you. For saving
my son.
GIZEM
You said a decision has been made.
About us.
Fear not.
BAYALUN
You are free to go.
GIZEM
Thank you. It’s just that... I
really have nowhere to go.
BAYALUN
You are a Turk?
Gizem nods.
Bayalun sighs sadly.
BAYALUN
This war between your people and
mine has broken my heart. My
father, Emperor Andronicus of
Byzantium, wishes for peace, but
there are many in his court who
oppose him.
(beat)
You saved my son’s life. I am in
your debt.
(MORE)
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
BAYALUN (cont'd)
You may stay here under my
protection if you wish. As a free
woman, not as a slave.
Tears well in Gizem’s eyes.
She kisses Bayalun’s hand.
GIZEM
Your handmaiden is at your service.
Bayalun smiles and turns to Ibn Battuta.
And you?
BAYALUN
IBN BATTUTA
I will return to my home in
Tangier.
BAYALUN
You have come a long way. And
regrettably, you may have a longer
way back.
IBN BATTUTA
I don’t understand.
BAYALUN
The war between the Turks and the
Byzantines is worsening. The roads
to the Muslim lands are impassable.
Ibn Battuta’s face falls.
BAYALUN
But there is another way.
By sea.
IBN BATTUTA
But how can I reach the ports if
the roads are blocked?
BAYALUN
There is one port that is still
free from the war -- despite your
people’s best efforts to conquer
it.
Ibn Battuta’s eyes go wide with understanding.
IBN BATTUTA
Constantinople.
62.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
63.
EXT. ROAD TO BYZANTIUM - DAY
The great ORDU, or military camp, of Ozbeg moves forward into
the Christian territories. A WAGON TRAIN consisting of
hundreds of COVERED CARRIAGES is led by Bayalun’s retinue.
Ibn Battuta and Gizem ride horses just behind Bayalun.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
Bayalun was with child, and the
Great Khan allowed her to return to
her father’s palace in
Constantinople to give birth. She
permitted me to join her train of
attendants on the voyage to the
ancient city.
Ibn Battuta glances down at a small SCROLL in his hand
bearing the SEAL of the Great Khan.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
I feared for my safety as a Muslim
in the land of the Christians, but
Ozbeg provided me with the
credentials of an Ambassador.
And then Ibn Battuta sees it. Majestic TOWERS rise over the
horizon, linked by massive STONE WALLS that fortify the
length of the BOSPHORUS STRAIT where Europe meets Asia.
An ARMADA of BYZANTINE SHIPS, military vessels and trading
galleons, pour through the strait, their colorful SAILS
contrasting with vibrance against the grey walls.
Ibn Battuta gazes at the bustling metropolis of
CONSTANTINOPLE with astonishment.
IBN BATTUTA
It’s... it’s beautiful.
GIZEM
Is it everything you imagined?
No.
IBN BATTUTA
It is more.
EXT. STREETS OF CONSTANTINOPLE - DAY
Bayalun’s ordu travels through the cosmopolitan streets of
the Byzantine capital. CROWDS watch the Kipchak retinue with
interest as it passes through the cobbled alleys.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
64.
Ibn Battuta looks at the BYZANTINE CITIZENS with their pale
skin and colorful robes in absolute fascination.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
There is no city like
Constantinople. For seven hundred
years, the Muslims have sought to
conquer this last Christian refuge.
But its people have survived siege,
starvation and disease for
centuries behind its majestic
walls. I had often wondered why
they refused to cede this one city
when all other Christian lands had
fallen. But when I saw the arches
and the towers, the color and the
pageantry, I understood.
Constantinople is more than a city.
It is a dream. Men will relinquish
land. But they will never
surrender their dreams.
Ibn Battuta eyes fall on their destination -- a majestic
PALACE covered in COLUMNS and ARCHES, surrounded by gardens.
INT. BYZANTINE PALACE - DAY
Ibn Battuta kneels before EMPEROR ANDRONICUS III, the lord of
Christendom. A CROWD of COURTIERS look at the Arab newcomer
with curiosity.
ANDRONICUS
Rise, emissary, and present your
credentials.
Ibn Battuta hands his credentials to the PRIME MINISTER.
PRIME MINISTER
He bears the seal of the Great Khan
Ozbeg, my lord.
ANDRONICUS
My daughter says you have travelled
from Tangier, the city at the end
of the world.
IBN BATTUTA
Yes, my lord.
Why?
ANDRONICUS
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
IBN BATTUTA
I... cannot say for certain.
ANDRONICUS
You have journeyed across the
world, and you do not know why?
IBN BATTUTA
My heart has been looking for
something I cannot explain or
describe.
Andronicus smiles thoughtfully.
ANDRONICUS
You seek that which is the Master
of us all, but which has no master.
You are seeking God.
Ibn Battuta hesitates as if afraid to speak up.
IBN BATTUTA
Forgive me, Your Majesty. But I
already know God. I am a believer.
ANDRONICUS
A priest once said to me that
believing in God is never enough.
IBN BATTUTA
Your priest sounds like some of the
Sufis I have met.
ANDRONICUS
Wisdom is one, whether it comes
from the mouth of a Christian or a
Muslim.
IBN BATTUTA
The Emperor is a man of great
vision.
ANDRONICUS
No. Just a man who has fought your
people long enough to know that I
am fighting none other than myself.
Andronicus turns to his Prime Minister.
ANDRONICUS
Here is a man who is seeking God.
Show him our beautiful city, for he
may find his answers here.
65.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
PRIME MINISTER
My lord, is that prudent?
infidel.
66.
He is an
ANDRONICUS
I am Emperor. I decide what is
prudent.
EXT. STREETS OF CONSTANTINOPLE - DAY
Ibn Battuta wanders through the crowded streets of the
capital, escorted by several BYZANTINE SOLDIERS. His TURBAN
and ROBES draw curious -- and hostile stares.
EXT. HAGIA SOPHIA - DAY
He turns a corner, and then his eyes widen with awe as he
comes across a massive DOMED CHURCH that towers above him -THE HAGIA SOPHIA.
IBN BATTUTA
It’s remarkable...
MAN’S VOICE (O.S.)
It should be. It is the largest
cathedral on earth.
He sees an OLD MONK watching him. At the sight of the monk,
the Byzantine guards tense and step back.
OLD MONK
The Hagia Sophia was built by the
Emperor Justinian to honor the
victory of Christianity over the
Roman Empire. Alas, the Empire is
only a shadow of the past, but the
church still stands.
The CHURCH BELLS ring melodiously.
OLD MONK
I love those bells. I will miss
them when they are replaced by your
muezzins some day.
IBN BATTUTA
You believe the Muslims will take
this city?
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
67.
OLD MONK
Your people have been trying to
take Constantinople for seven
hundred years. I’ve lived long
enough to know if men want
something that bad, they will get
it eventually. But the only
question I have is why?
IBN BATTUTA
Our Holy Prophet Muhammad said
Constantinople would be Muslim one
day, and the soldiers that took it
would be the most revered men in
all of Islam.
OLD MONK
Well, that explains it. Your
Prophet knew human nature. Give
men such a challenge and they will
compete eternally for the honor.
Come, walk with me.
The monk strides up to toward the church. Ibn Battuta
glances back and sees his guards looking extremely nervous.
The monk points to the massive city walls in the distance.
OLD MONK
The walls are fortified and have
withstood Muslim siege for
centuries. But I expect that your
people have been planning a means
to bypass them. Possibly by
digging tunnels beneath the
foundations, while launching a
simultaneous naval attack through
the Bosphorus. Yes, that is how
Byzantium will fall one day.
IBN BATTUTA
You seem very sanguine about the
loss of your empire to the Muslims.
OLD MONK
I have already lost my empire once.
Why should I care if it is lost
again?
IBN BATTUTA
I don’t understand.
The Old Monk glances back at the nervous soldiers and smirks.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
68.
OLD MONK
Of course, they didn’t tell you. I
am Michael Palailogos... the former
Emperor of Byzantium. My son
Andronicus deposed me and told the
world I was dead. So I wander the
streets as an anonymous monk now,
wasting my days chatting with
visitors such as yourself. No one
takes me seriously. It is his
Prime Minister’s idea of a merciful
end.
Ibn Battuta is flabbergasted at the outlandish claim.
IBN BATTUTA
Ah yes.... well, I should be
going... It was a pleasure meeting
you...er... Your Majesty...
He quickly walks away. The old man shrugs and disappears
inside the church. Ibn Battuta turns to the BYZANTINE
SOLDIER near him and chuckles conspiratorially.
IBN BATTUTA
What a crazy old man.
indeed!
Emperor
The Byzantine Soldier does not meet his eyes...
INT. PALACE HALLS - NIGHT
Gizem walks through the palace halls when she hears VOICES.
MAN’S VOICE (O.S.)
... Ibn Battuta knows.
She freezes, peeks around a corner and sees the Prime
Minister and the Byzantine Soldier who escorted Ibn Battuta.
PRIME MINISTER
How could you let this happen?
BYZANTINE SOLDIER
The Emperor’s orders were to show
him the city. We did not expect to
run into the old man.
PRIME MINISTER
I should have killed him when we
took the throne. But Andronicus
felt sorry for his father.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
69.
BYZANTINE SOLDIER
The monk is definitely losing his
mind. He shared with Ibn Battuta
our strategic concerns about the
walls and our vulnerability to
naval attack.
PRIME MINISTER
Kill the old fool. Make it look
like an accident.
BYZANTINE SOLDIER
And the Arab?
PRIME MINISTER
We cannot let him take such vital
intelligence back to the enemy.
(beat)
Take care of it tonight.
Gizem pales...
INT. GUEST CHAMBER - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta climbs into bed wearing only a thin ROBE.
DOOR flies OPEN and Gizem rushes in.
What...?
Get up!
IBN BATTUTA
GIZEM
She pulls the startled man to his feet.
IBN BATTUTA
This is highly inappropriate -GIZEM
I think you will find having your
head cut off even more
inappropriate!
IBN BATTUTA
What are you talking about?
GIZEM
I don’t know what you’ve stumbled
into, but the Prime Minister has
dispatched his assassins.
The
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
IBN BATTUTA
You are out of your mind.
diplomatic immunity --
70.
I have
He shifts toward her... and a DAGGER flies by his head,
barely missing him! He turns in shock to see the Byzantine
Soldier who escorted him standing in the doorway.
GIZEM
It’s been revoked.
The assassin steps forward, SWORD raised. And then Gizem
moves like lightning. She grabs the dagger embedded in the
wall behind them and flings it at the approaching soldier.
The blade buries itself deep in the startled man’s throat.
GIZEM
We have to go! Now!
Ibn Battuta looks around the room in panic.
IBN BATTUTA
There’s no way out! We’re trapped!
Gizem sees the window.
She looks down.
GIZEM
Can you swim?
Ibn Battuta sees the waters of the BOSPHORUS churning a
hundred feet below.
IBN BATTUTA
You’re insane!
GIZEM
And you’re dead, unless you follow
me!
Gizem climbs on to the ledge and leaps off the window! Ibn
Battuta watches as she plunges toward the water and SPLASHES
far below. He hesitates, terrified to join her...
... when BYZANTINE SOLDIERS storm in, weapons raised!
IBN BATTUTA
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem...
(translated)
In the Name of God, the Merciful,
the Compassionate...
And he leaps just as the soldiers fling their DAGGERS at him!
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
71.
EXT. BOSPHORUS - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta SCREAMS as he plummets toward the inky waters.
He SPLASHES hard and vanishes beneath the surface. Ibn
Battuta struggles valiantly against drowning. He tries to
push himself back to the surface, but he is losing strength.
And then he sees Gizem swimming toward him, her hands
outstretched to take his as darkness takes him...
EXT. COAST OF BYZANTIUM - DAY
Darkness is replaced by brilliant light. Ibn Battuta is
lying on a BEACH, staring up at a blue sky.
IBN BATTUTA
Is this... Paradise?
And then he sees Gizem looking down at him with a smile.
GIZEM
Sorry. No virgins here.
maybe you...
Unless,
She winks at him and he blushes. He gets up and looks
around. On the horizon he can see the WALLS of
CONSTANTINOPLE crowned by the HAGIA SOPHIA.
IBN BATTUTA
The assassins...
GIZEM
They are looking for us. I saw a
boat searching the water for our
bodies. They’re gone now.
IBN BATTUTA
So we’re safe.
GIZEM
You’ll never be safe again. The
Byzantines will track you down,
even if it takes years. I should
have just let you drown and saved
them the trouble.
IBN BATTUTA
So why didn’t you?
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
72.
GIZEM
You could have killed me in that
forest. But instead you gave me
food. That has to count for
something.
IBN BATTUTA
So where do we go now?
GIZEM
You’re the world traveller.
tell me.
You
IBN BATTUTA
We need to get away from Byzantium.
GIZEM
Obviously. But the roads south are
blocked by the war.
IBN BATTUTA
There is another way. East. If we
can get to the Indian Sea, we can
charter boats anywhere we wish.
EXT. PLAINS OF CENTRAL ASIA - WEEKS LATER - DAY
Ibn Battuta and Gizem ride in WAGONS covered by YURTS, along
with a group of NOMADIC HERDERS and their SHEEP.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
And so we ventured East into lands
that neither Christian nor Muslim
had conquered. And on our journey,
we met a kind and hospitable people
called the Bakshirs. They knew not
the God of Abraham, but worshipped
the trees and the sky. Infidels
they were, yet their hearts were
filled with generosity.
EXT. PLAINS OF CENTRAL ASIA - NIGHT
A huge BONFIRE sets the plain alight. BAKSHIR TRIBESMEN and
WOMEN play music on REED FLUTES and dance around the fire.
Ibn Battuta watches them with interest when Gizem approaches.
GIZEM
Why don’t you join them?
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
73.
IBN BATTUTA
Dancing is a sin.
GIZEM
Do you really believe that?
IBN BATTUTA
Dancing for the flesh is sinful.
But dancing for God is not.
GIZEM
That is what they are doing.
Dancing for God.
IBN BATTUTA
They don’t worship our God. The
God of Abraham. They worship the
earth, the rocks, the streams.
GIZEM
Where do you think “our” God is?
On a throne in the sky somewhere?
He dwells in all life. In the root
of the tree, in the blade of the
grass. In the heart of man.
She takes him by the hand. He is startled, and then follows
her. She leads him out to the fire and begins swaying like
the tribesmen.
Ibn Battuta hesitates, and then gradually gives in. They
dance around the fire to the sound of DRUMS and FLUTES. The
sparks from the bonfire circle them and the moment becomes
magical. The world fades way, and it is as if the two of
them are dancing alone among the stars.
And then Ibn Battuta sees the sparks from the bonfire
circling the Gizem’s beautiful face and he REMEMBERS his
vision in the zikr.
IBN BATTUTA
It was you...
GIZEM
What’s wrong?
Nothing.
IBN BATTUTA
And everything.
GIZEM
You’re beginning to sound like a
Sufi.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
I’m glad.
74.
IBN BATTUTA
The sparks descend on them like glittering rain. It is
romantic, ethereal. And they kiss under the blazing fire...
EXT. MOUNTAINS OF AFGHANISTAN - DAY
Ibn Battuta and Gizem climb the AFGHAN MOUNTAINS.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
And so it was that an Arab man and
a Turkish woman found love on a
journey through the wilderness. We
passed through the tribal lands and
headed south into the mountains of
the Hindu Kush. Hidden in its
treacherous slopes is the famed
Khyber Pass, the road that connects
Asia with India. Once we found the
pass, our journey would be nearly
over. Or so we thought.
GIZEM
Do we have to go this way?
are about to fall off.
My legs
IBN BATTUTA
The tribesmen said that this is the
shortest way to the pass. The long
way will delay us for many days.
Gizem sits on a rock.
She looks around... and smiles.
GIZEM
Have you ever seen anything so
beautiful?
Ibn Battuta sees snow-covered MOUNTAIN PEAKS, and a rolling
VALLEY with gentle STREAM shimmering far beneath them.
Yes.
IBN BATTUTA
I have.
He leans forward and kisses her. And then ground around them
begins to RUMBLE, and a shower of PEBBLES cascades down the
mountain, forcing them to duck for.
GIZEM
What’s happening?!
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
Avalanche!
75.
IBN BATTUTA
A river of EARTH and SNOW thunders down the mountain toward
them The two race away in terror. But Gizem loses her
footing tumbles toward the edge of a CLIFF!
Ibn Battuta grabs her by the wrist. Gizem dangles off the
edge of the cliff. The avalanche pours snow into a RAVINE a
thousand feet below. He strains to pull her up.
GIZEM
Don’t let go!
IBN BATTUTA
I’ll never let you go.
Gritting his teeth, he pulls Gizem up back to safety.
GIZEM
Let’s take the long way.
Ibn Battuta laughs and kisses her.
EXT. AFGHAN DESERT - BAMIYAN - DAY
The two travellers have climbed down the mountain and are
making their way through the Afghan desert. The SUN beats
down hard on them.
GIZEM
I don’t know what is worse. Being
crushed by an avalanche or dying of
thirst in the desert.
IBN BATTUTA
This was your idea.
GIZEM
My idea! Whose idea was it to head
to India to escape the people
trying to kill him?
IBN BATTUTA
I would never have been in
Constantinople if it hadn’t been
for you!
GIZEM
No. You’d be starving to death in
the forest walking in circles!
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
76.
They both stare at each in fury, then laugh.
IBN BATTUTA
We’re sounding like an old married
couple.
GIZEM
Except we’re not married. How
would your “religious” friends feel
about you carrying along with me?
IBN BATTUTA
They would be green with envy once
they saw you.
He kisses her. She leans into his embrace and holds him
close. And then she sees something over his shoulder.
Look...
GIZEM
Ibn Battuta turns. And his eyes go wide. On a STONE WALL
behind them, he sees TWO MASSIVE BUDDHA STATUES carved into
the rock.
The Buddhas tower over them, one over 180 feet tall and
painted RED, the second 120 feet tall and MULTI-COLORED.
They approach the massive statues and examine them up close.
IBN BATTUTA
What are they?
MAN’S VOICE (O.S.)
They are icons of the Lord Buddha.
They both whirl to see a BUDDHIST MONK in simple orange robes
standing behind them. He greets them with a small bow, hands
meeting at the palms.
GIZEM
Who are you?
BUDDHIST MONK
Your guide.
To where?
IBN BATTUTA
BUDDHIST MONK
My master’s home. He has been
expecting you.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
77.
INT. BUDDHIST MONASTERY - NIGHT
The visitors dine inside a massive COLUMNED HALL before
BUDDHIST MONKS and their elderly MASTER. Ibn Battuta
finishes his bowl and smiles gratefully.
IBN BATTUTA
That was wonderful. Thank you.
BUDDHIST MASTER
Now that the meal is over, what
have you learned from the
experience?
GIZEM
I have learned that porridge is
particularly tasty after wandering
in the desert without food for a
week.
The Buddhist Master LAUGHS warmly.
He eyes Ibn Battuta.
BUDDHIST MASTER
And what else?
IBN BATTUTA
I’m not sure what you want me to
say.
BUDDHIST MASTER
The answer is right before you.
Ibn Battuta stares down at the bowl.
Looks at its emptiness.
IBN BATTUTA
The meal has ended. The bowl is
empty.
Exactly.
BUDDHIST MASTER
Come.
EXT. BUDDHA STATUTES - NIGHT
An elderly BUDDHIST MASTER leads his guests to the giant
Buddha statues, now lit by TORCHES in the cliff wall.
BUDDHIST MASTER
There is one principle the Buddha
taught which contains all of his
wisdom. Everything ends. All that
remains is Enlightenment.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
78.
IBN BATTUTA
In the Holy Qur’an, God says:
“Everything on earth will perish,
except the Face of your Lord, full
of Majesty and Bounty.”
BUDDHIST MASTER
Different words, but the truth is
the same.
(beat)
One day, these Buddhas will be
destroyed. Whether it be the
inexorable forces of time, or the
wrath of those who see them as
false gods, they will come to an
end. And I am sad, for I am
attached to them.
GIZEM
But if you know they will end, why
not enjoy every moment you have
with them?
BUDDHIST MASTER
I ask you two the same thing.
Ibn Battuta and Gizem look at each other and understand.
INT. BUDDHIST MONASTERY - DAY
A WEDDING CEREMONY takes place, uniting Ibn Battuta and
Gizem. As MONKS CHANT, their marriage is blessed by the
Master.
BUDDHIST MASTER
Remember this always. All that
appears to the senses is
impermanent. Everything will
vanish. Only love remains.
They look at each other with love. He reaches over and
touches her Hand of Fatima medallion. She reaches over and
touches his Jade Qur’anic Amulet...
EXT. KHYBER PASS - DAY
Ibn Battuta and his new wife Gizem follow a CARAVAN across
the KHYBER PASS from Afghanistan into India.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
79.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
And so we continued our journey
into India as husband and wife. My
time with the Master was short, yet
he changed my life. Made me
realize how fleeting existence was,
how every moment must be savored.
His words guided me as I went with
Gizem through the timeless Khyber
Pass, through which Alexander the
Great once marched into India.
Gizem stares at the flowing hills and valleys of India.
GIZEM
Now that we have reached India,
dear husband, how exactly do you
plan to secure a ship home? Last I
checked, we barely had enough money
between us to buy two chickens.
IBN BATTUTA
I have heard that the Sultan of
Delhi is looking for a qadi. I
will seek an audience with him and
offer my services as a judge.
EXT. YAMUNA RIVER - DAY
Ibn Battuta approaches the great YAMUNA RIVER and looks out
at the DHOWS, small boats which glide upon the water.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
Delhi is situated at the edge of
the great Yamuna River. It is here
that Turkish slave warriors
established the first Muslim empire
in India under Sultan Aybak a
hundred years ago.
EXT. QUTB MINAR - DAY
Ibn Battuta gazes up in wonder at the towering QUTB MINAR,
standing at almost 240 feet tall.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
The sultan erected the Qutb Minar,
the world’s highest minaret, to
celebrate the victory of Islam.
(MORE)
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
80.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.) (cont'd)
And yet even today, Muslims are a
small minority of the people, most
of whom follow the ancient religion
of the Hindus.
INT. HINDU TEMPLE - DAY
Ibn Battuta and his wife watch in fascination as Hindus
perform sacred rites before ICONS of INDIAN DEITIES. A HINDU
PRIEST approaches them.
HINDU PRIEST
Welcome to the House of God.
IBN BATTUTA
You speak of God as if you
worshipped One. Yet I see many
gods here.
HINDU PRIEST
The Christians believe in Father,
Son and Holy Ghost. They are
three, yet they worship One God.
GIZEM
My husband is a strict Muslim. He
does not have patience for what he
deems as Christian heresy.
HINDU PRIEST
(to Ibn Battuta)
Tell me, my friend, does not Allah
have 99 names? Yet you say He is
One.
IBN BATTUTA
That’s not the same -HINDU PRIEST
If you seek difference, then you
will find difference. If you seek
unity, then you will find unity.
The Hindu Priest turns to Gizem. He shows her THREE ICONS.
HINDU PRIEST
Like the Christians, we have a
Trinity. Brahma is the Creator,
the aspect of the Divine which
brings into being. Vishnu is the
Sustainer, that aspect of God which
protects and nurtures creation.
(MORE)
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
81.
HINDU PRIEST (cont'd)
And Shiva is the Destroyer, that
which ends creation so that
something new may take its place.
It is an eternal dance between
three faces of God. Each name is
merely a point on a circle that has
no beginning or end.
Ibn Battuta considers his words and looks at Gizem, who
smiles. And then the sound of TRUMPETS blaring echoes from
outside, followed by a steady rumble like and earthquake.
IBN BATTUTA
What is that?
HINDU PRIEST
The great Sultan Muhammad Tughluq
returns to Delhi from his winter
capital to the south.
EXT. DELHI - DAY
Ibn Battuta stands in a massive crowd watching as the
procession of the royal court approaches. An ARMY of
ELEPHANTS and HORSES thunders forward, leading thousands of
HINDU WARRIORS brandishing elegant SWORDS.
At a majestic DAIS in the center of the procession sits
SULTAN TUGHLUQ, a powerful looking man dressed in extravagant
SILK ROBES and covered in JEWELS.
As his humble subjects catch sight of him, they fall to their
knees and prostrate. And then an elegant man, the GRAND
VIZIER, stands and his voice echoes all around.
GRAND VIZIER
All praise is due to Allah, who has
appointed His servant Muhammad
Tughluq king of the world and
guardian of Islam. The Sultan
returns today to Delhi like the
rain clouds after a long draught,
bringing life and prosperity to all
his beloved slaves! Rise and
receive the bounty of your glorious
Sultan!
And then a group of ELEPHANTS move forward and Ibn Battuta
sees that small CATAPULTS are attached to their backs. The
Grand Vizier raises his hand and the catapults swing forward.
But instead of missiles, they shower the crowds with COINS of
GOLD and SILVER!
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
82.
There is immediate pandemonium as the heavens rain down
treasure. The procession continues down the streets of Delhi
as the catapults fling their priceless payloads into the
delighted gathering.
Ibn Battuta scrambles to grab some of the coins, pushing back
the jostling crowd as everyone competes for a share of the
largess. He fills his pockets with riches and smiles in
delight at Gizem.
And then Ibn Battuta sees something strange. An OLD MAN,
clean shaven with long white hair stares at him from across
the crowd. The figure does not join in the chaotic dash for
treasure, but stands aloof.
IBN BATTUTA
Who is that man? I feel like I’ve
seen him before.
What man?
GIZEM
Ibn Battuta looks back and sees that he has vanished...
EXT. SULTAN’S PALACE - DAY
Ibn Battuta approaches the mighty GATES of the SULTAN’S
PALACE, followed by Gizem who is now dressed in a flowing
GOWN, her face hidden by a silk VEIL.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
And so it was that I went to the
grand palace of the Sultan and
offered my services as a qadi.
INT. THRONE ROOM - DAY
Sultan Tughluq sits on a majestic GOLD THRONE encrusted with
GEMS. Ibn Battuta kneels before the Sultan and kisses his
hand seven times in ritual obeisance.
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
Welcome, O learned scholar of the
Maghreb. Be at ease, for your
arrival is blessed. I shall show
compassion to you and shower you
with bounties the like of which
have never been seen by your
countrymen.
Sultan Tughluq turns to his Grand Vizier.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
83.
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
Add the name of my slave Muhammad
ibn Battuta to the rolls of the
judges of the realm.
GRAND VIZIER
As you command, king of kings.
The Sultan turns back to Ibn Battuta.
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
And we shall out of our munificence
provide you an annual salary of
12,000 silver rupees, to be
collected as a tax from the
peasants of four villages outside
Delhi that we give to you as a
landlord.
Ibn Battuta looks at the veiled Gizem, whose eyes are wide in
shock.
IBN BATTUTA
My lord’s bounty is everything I
have heard and more so.
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
Welcome then, and may your judgment
in the way of God’s Law bless this
realm with His Divine Favor.
Ibn Battuta and Gizem bow low.
INT. IBN BATTUTA’S HOUSE - DAY
Ibn Battuta and Gizem stand alone in a sprawling MANOR that
will be their new home. The floors are richly carpeted and
furnished with luxuries, including SILK-CUSHION COUCHES, GOLD
VASES, and CRYSTAL MIRRORS.
IBN BATTUTA
I have seen such wealth in the
palaces of kings, but never in the
houses of lowly courtiers and
judges. Sultan Tughluq is a man of
immense generosity.
GIZEM
Maybe he is too generous.
IBN BATTUTA
What do you mean?
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
84.
GIZEM
A king does not give anything away
unless he expects more in return.
IBN BATTUTA
I will give him my best judgments
according to the Holy Qur’an. What
more could he ask of me?
GIZEM
Something tells me we’ll find out
soon enough.
There is a KNOCK on the door and he OPENS it to see a
MESSENGER from the royal court.
MESSENGER
His Majesty the King of Kings
requests your company on the royal
hunt this afternoon. He has sent a
carriage to bring you to the
grounds.
Ibn Battuta nods and turns to his wife.
IBN BATTUTA
I have to go. We’ll continue the
discussion when I return.
GIZEM
No we won’t. You’ve already made
up your mind.
EXT. ROYAL HUNTING GROUND - DAY
Ibn Battuta rides a horse beside the Sultan through the
verdant countryside. They are followed by a long retinue of
GUARDS and COURTIERS.
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
I hear that you have seen much of
the world.
IBN BATTUTA
Indeed I have seen some of it, my
lord.
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
Of all the royal courts you have
attended, who has the grandest
palace?
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
85.
IBN BATTUTA
The only one that comes within a
shadow of the gory of Delhi is the
court at Byzantium.
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
So I have heard.
IBN BATTUTA
But it is a waning glory, my lord.
The West is in twilight and soon
darkness shall fall. The future
belongs to Islam.
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
The Christian world has been on the
defensive for seven hundred years
since the rise of Islam. Much of
it has fallen to our swords, and
many more lands will soon succumb
to the warriors of Allah. Perhaps
even the great Constantinople will
fly the flag of the Prophet one
day. And yet everything comes to
an end. And one day the tide will
turn against us, and the West will
seek to rule the Muslim world.
IBN BATTUTA
May the angels protect us from that
day.
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
It will not be the angels that will
protect us, but our own ingenuity.
That is why I seek to bring the
greatest minds from all over the
world to Delhi. Men like yourself.
To build a base of knowledge that
will insure our people’s survival
when the armies of the Cross bear
down upon us.
At that moment, a GAZELLE darts out in front of them.
Tughluq smiles in delight a spurs his horse.
Sultan
EXT. WOODS - DAY
Sultan Tughluq chases after the gazelle, laughing with
delight like a little child. Ibn Battuta rides up next to
him and sees that the Sultan appears unarmed. He holds out a
BOW.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
IBN BATTUTA
Take my bow, your Majesty!
the gazelle escapes!
86.
Before
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
I won’t need that.
And then he pulls out what looks like a long metal CYLINDER.
The Sultan aims the strange object at the fleeing animal and
SHOOTS.
There is an explosion of FIRE and SMOKE from the cylinder and
the gazelle goes down! Ibn Battuta stares in shock as the
Sultan rides up next to the carcass, a steaming hole burned
into the side of the dead animal.
How...?
IBN BATTUTA
The Sultan holds up the cylinder, which is clearly a
primitive RIFLE.
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
A little trick I learned from our
friends in China. A powder that
burns like fire. Remember what I
said about the power of knowledge,
my friend. Soon the bow and the
arrow by which Genghis Khan
conquered the world will be
forgotten. And the throne of India
will be set even in the halls of
Constantinople.
Ibn Battuta gazes in wonder at this devastating new
technology. And then the woods echo with a mighty ROAR!
The Sultan’s horse bolts in fright, leaving the king standing
in the middle of the woods. And Ibn Battuta’s own mount
rears in fright and throws him off before galloping away.
Tughluq looks around, more curious than afraid. And then Ibn
Battuta sees a strange, almost mad glint in his eye. He
drops the smoking rifle and pulls out a SWORD.
And at that instant, a LION races out from the trees!
Ibn Battuta CRIES OUT in horror as the monstrous cat rushes
toward the Sultan, who raises his weapon, ready to slay the
beast without fear. The lion ROARS and pounces, flying down
toward the Sultan with its terrifying jaws bared.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
87.
And then there is a deafening BOOM and the lion goes down and
falls on its side. Ibn Battuta turns to see that the retinue
of ROYAL GUARDS has arrived, and one of the men has shot the
beast with a RIFLE.
IBN BATTUTA
Praise God! The Sultan is safe!
But the Sultan turns to face the GUARD in fury.
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
The kill was mine! Mine!
The Guard blanches and climbs off his horse, falling to his
knees before the outraged king.
GUARD
Forgive me, Your Majesty!
Sultan Tughluq storms over to the cowering Guard. And then
he raises his sword and cuts off the Guard’s head!
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
No one takes from me what is mine.
Ibn Battuta pales at the Sultan’s cruelty...
INT. THRONE ROOM - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta sits in a position of honor among the courtiers
as DANCING GIRLS whirl before the Sultan. Brightly clad
MUSICIANS play FLUTES and DRUMS, while SINGERS croon
passionate love songs.
The courtiers are all enjoying the festivities. All except
for Ibn Battuta, who sits beside the veiled Gizem, his face
troubled by the Sultan’s brutality.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
The horror I saw in the forest was
just the beginning. The Sultan was
a man of two faces. At his best,
he was a noble philosopher and an
accomplished poet, a generous
patron of science and the arts.
But he was also a demon of
monstrous cruelty when it fancied
him.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
88.
EXT. SULTAN’S PALACE - DAY
Ibn Battuta watches from a DAIS beside the Sultan as
PRISONERS in chains are brought forth by the ROYAL GUARDS.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
Every morning, Sultan Tughluq would
force me to preside over the
punishment of men he deemed as
criminals. Some were indeed
robbers and killers. But most were
scholars and imams, good men who
had the audacity to question his
policies or the wisdom of his
decrees.
The prisoners are subjected to horrific tortures. Some are
CRUCIFIED, others are BURNED ALIVE. Some are FLAYED, their
skin stripped from their bodies.
And others are thrown in a PEN with raging ELEPHANTS, SWORDS
attached to their TRUNKS. The great beasts fling them up in
the air and impale them with the blades.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
My heart was heavy with horror and
I prayed for an escape from this
madness.
EXT. VILLAGE - DAY
Ibn Battuta walks alone among the desperate poor in a small
VILLAGE. He sees emaciated PEASANTS working the field while
the Sultan’s goons WHIP them mercilessly.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
One day I went to the villages that
the Sultan had given me as payment
for my service. And there I saw
the cruel origins of the wealth and
comfort that I had taken for
granted. And I was ashamed.
He looks at the dead eyes of the peasants, and turns away
disgusted. And then he sees an OLD MAN, clean shaven with
flowing white hair. It is the same strange man he saw at the
Sultan’s procession.
OLD MAN
Seen enough?
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
IBN BATTUTA
Who are you?
OLD MAN
An old friend.
IBN BATTUTA
Have we met before?
OLD MAN
Yes and no.
IBN BATTUTA
Let me guess, you’re a Sufi.
you have a name?
Do
OLD MAN
I have many. But you can call me
Shihab Al-Din.
IBN BATTUTA
I assume you already know my name.
SHIHAB AL-DIN
You’re learning.
IBN BATTUTA
I’ve learned too much. Seen too
many things. There is much I wish
to forget.
SHIHAB AL-DIN
Ah. The Sultan’s justice is not to
your taste.
IBN BATTUTA
I want to leave. To escape this
world full of violence and hate.
SHIHAB AL-DIN
You can leave the court. You can
even leave India and go back home.
But you won’t escape the violence
and the hate. The violence will
follow you wherever you go, as it
is part of you.
IBN BATTUTA
That’s nonsense! I’m not a violent
man.
SHIHAB AL-DIN
Are you sure?
89.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
90.
Confused, Ibn Battuta storms away.
INT. THRONE ROOM - DAY
Ibn Battuta sits at the base of Sultan’s throne, presiding in
judgment over cases.
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
Bring forth the next case.
The mighty DOORS swing open and the GUARDS bring in a
terrified WOMAN dressed in rich robes of a princess. There
is a terrible MURMUR among the courtiers and CRIES of shock.
IBN BATTUTA
Who is she, Your Majesty?
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
She is Nazaneen, the daughter of
the Grand Vizier. She stands
accused of adultery.
Ibn Battuta blanches. He looks up to see the grief-stricken
face of the Grand Vizier, who bows before the Sultan.
GRAND VIZIER
My lord, pease spare my daughter
this shame. Take my life here and
now in exchange, but preserve her
honor.
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
You are like a brother to me. But
the Law of God cannot be partial to
those who enjoy my favor.
Nazaneen’s fate will be determined
by the qadi.
All eyes are on Ibn Battuta, who realizes the terrible weight
on his shoulders.
IBN BATTUTA
Who accuses this woman?
A powerful-looking MAN steps forward.
Nazaneen’s HUSBAND.
HUSBAND
I am Behrouz Khan, and she is my
wife who has betrayed me.
IBN BATTUTA
What evidence do you bring?
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
91.
BEHROUZ KHAN
I bring the evidence of my own
eyes. I walked in on her in the
arms of her lover. I killed him on
the spot, and have now brought her
here to meet the punishment decreed
for an adulteress in the Shariah -stoning by death!
There are loud OUTCRIES in the court, some calling for
Nazaneen’s death. Others pleading for mercy.
Silence!
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
The hall immediately settles down into pin-drop silence.
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
What say you, qadi of the realm?
Ibn Battuta looks down at the terrified woman.
clearly guilty. And yet he is torn.
IBN BATTUTA
(to husband)
Where are your other witnesses?
BEHROUZ KHAN
I don’t understand.
IBN BATTUTA
The Holy Qur’an clearly states that
in the case of alleged adultery,
the accuser must bring four
witnesses to the act.
BEHROUZ KHAN
I saw her with my own eyes!
with her lover!
In bed
IBN BATTUTA
Then you have only one witness.
You need three more if the
punishment of the Law is to be
enacted.
BEHROUZ KHAN
This is outrageous!
IBN BATTUTA
Speak your next words carefully,
unless you wish to be found guilty
of blaspheming the Holy Law.
She is
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
I... I...
92.
BEHROUZ KHAN
And then he stops, his eyes on the GUARDS who are watching
him carefully, their hands on their SWORDS.
IBN BATTUTA
Since you have failed to produce
four witnesses, I am forced to
release this woman.
Nazaneen looks up at him in shock, tears of gratitude
streaming down her face.
BEHROUZ KHAN
Your Majesty, the honor of my house
is at stake!
IBN BATTUTA
There is more at stake than that,
my friend. Under the law of Islam,
any man who falsely accuses a
chaste woman of adultery is
condemned to receive 80 lashes.
The husband’s mouth drops open in shock.
IBN BATTUTA
But I do not think the interests of
justice will be served today by
such a punishment. So I rule that
you will both be set free, and your
marriage is hereby dissolved in the
best interest of both parties. May
God have mercy upon both of you.
The qadi turns to the Sultan, who nods his acceptance of the
ruling. Nazaneen throws herself at Ibn Battuta’s feet and
kisses his toes, but he shakes his head and helps her stand.
The Grand Vizier comes to his daughter’s side and embraces
her. And then he turns to Ibn Battuta.
Thank you.
GRAND VIZIER
Ibn Battuta nods. And then his eyes fall on Behrouz Khan,
the outraged husband. The man looks at him with pure fury,
and then turns and storms out of the Throne Room...
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
93.
INT. IBN BATTUTA’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta relaxes with Gizem at his side.
GIZEM
I’m proud of you.
She kisses him softly. He embraces her passionately in his
arms. But Gizem pushes him back, a smile on her lips.
GIZEM
Careful, my love.
Why?
IBN BATTUTA
GIZEM
For it is not just I whom you
embrace.
IBN BATTUTA
You... you are with child?
GIZEM
Muhammad ibn Battuta is about to
begin a new journey. As a father.
He leans in to kiss Gizem, this time far more gently. He
places a hand on her waist, his eyes wide with wonder.
And then their intimate moment is rudely interrupted by an
urgent KNOCK. Ibn Battuta OPENS the door and is stunned to
see the Grand Vizier at the threshold.
GRAND VIZIER
I apologize for the late visit.
But I must speak with you.
IBN BATTUTA
You do not need to thank me
further.
GRAND VIZIER
I am not here to thank you.
here to save you.
IBN BATTUTA
I don’t understand.
I am
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
94.
GRAND VIZIER
My son-in-law is plotting revenge
for his humiliation today. You
must leave Delhi immediately.
Leave?!
GIZEM
Where shall we go!
GRAND VIZIER
I have brought two of my fastest
horses. They have been stocked
with enough food to get you to the
port of Cambay. There you may take
a ship anywhere you wish to go.
Ibn Battuta looks to Gizem, who is pale with fear...
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta and Gizem ride out through the hills.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
For three days and three nights we
rode like the wind. The fire in
our hearts was lit by the fear of
Behrouz’s assassins, or worse, the
Sultan’s guards come to reclaim us
for madness of his court.
EXT. DESERT - DAY
The emerald pastures have been replaced by SAND DUNES and
BOULDERS. As they ride through the wilderness, Ibn Battuta
suddenly hears something deeply chilling -- A CHILD’s LAUGH.
IBN BATTUTA
Did you hear that?
Hear what?
GIZEM
The LAUGH echoes in his ears, and then he looks up to a sand
dune. The GHOSTLY DJINN CHILD looks down at him with a
menacing grin. The wind blows a curtain of SAND between
them, and the child is suddenly gone.
IBN BATTUTA
We have to turn back.
What?
GIZEM
Why?
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
95.
IBN BATTUTA
Just do it!
Ibn Battuta rears his horse and turns it around.
Muhammad!
GIZEM
Wait!
There is RUMBLE, like the approach of thunder, even though
the sky is clear. And then WARRIORS on HORSES explode from
behind the dunes and race toward the two travelers!
The men surround Ibn Battuta and Gizem, and then their LEADER
rides forward.
LEADER
Are you from the court of the great
Sultan Tughluq?
IBN BATTUTA
No. We are just travelers through
this land.
LEADER
You lie! Those horses are branded
with the Grand Vizier’s insignia!
The men immediately draw SWORDS.
GIZEM
Wait! We were with the court, but
we have taken our leave.
LEADER
No one takes their leave of the
Sultan unless it is in a coffin.
IBN BATTUTA
You’re right. That is why we are
running away.
LEADER
Running away? So the Sultan’s
grand court, with all its pageantry
and wonder, has lost its charm for
you?
Yes.
IBN BATTUTA
LEADER
Then you are in good company, my
friend.
(MORE)
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
LEADER (cont'd)
For all of India has grown weary of
his madness and caprice. Everyone
wishes to flee his tyranny, but few
men have the strength to face it
down. Men of nobility, like my
master Ahsan Shah.
IBN BATTUTA
The governor of Madurai? But he
was appointed by the Sultan as his
chief minister to the south!
LEADER
And now he has appointed himself
chief rebel against the north.
Soon Ahsan Shah will sit on the
golden throne of Delhi.
GIZEM
We wish your master success in his
fight. But it is not ours. Let us
go in peace and God may grant you
His favor.
LEADER
You have a brave tongue for a
woman.
(beat)
You are not from India. Are you
Persian?
Turkish.
GIZEM
LEADER
Ah. My master has always remarked
on the beauty of Turkish women. He
would be pleased to meet you.
IBN BATTUTA
That will not be possible, as my
wife and I are due for Cambay on
the coast.
LEADER
It is an insult to turn down an
invitation to meet the great Ahsan
Shah.
The armed men ride closer, their weapons at he ready.
96.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
97.
GIZEM
Forgive my husband, he lacks proper
manners. We would be honored to
accept your invitation to Madurai.
LEADER
Excellent. But it is long journey
to my master’s palace. Your horse
looks weak and tired. You may ride
with me. Does that please you, my
lady?
He looks at Gizem with clear lust.
but Gizem plays it cool.
Very much.
Ibn Battuta flushes red,
GIZEM
She joins the rebel leader on his mount. He holds her close
to him and then runs a hand through her hair.
IBN BATTUTA
Don’t touch my wife!
And then one of the rebels hits Ibn Battuta across the head
with a CLUB and his thrown off his steed. He lies on the
ground bleeding as the rebels surround him. One of the men
raises a SWORD to finish him off.
No!
GIZEM
Please! Don’t!
The rebel leader raises his hand and the men stop.
LEADER
You must learn to control your
temper, my friend. It will be your
undoing.
And with that the rebels start riding away, taking Ibn
Battuta’s horse with them.
GIZEM
You can’t leave him out here!
He’ll die!
LEADER
And then you will be a widow and it
will be lawful for my master to
marry you if he so wishes.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
98.
Gizem spits in his face, but he merely laughs. Ibn Battuta
lies on the ground, blood pouring from his head wound. He is
unable to stop as the rebels ride off with his wife.
Muhammad!
GIZEM
She calls out to him, but her voice becomes faint as they
disappear over the dunes...
INT. TENT - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta wakes up and finds himself inside a small TENT.
He looks around and sees the clean shaven old Sufi named
Shihab al-Din looking down at him with a smile.
IBN BATTUTA
What are you doing here?
SHIHAB AL-DIN
Saving you. As always.
IBN BATTUTA
What are you talking about?
SHIHAB AL-DIN
You don’t remember me.
IBN BATTUTA
You are Shihab al-Din, the Sufi I
met in Delhi.
SHIHAB AL-DIN
Yes and no.
IBN BATTUTA
Here we go again.
SHIHAB AL-DIN
You have met me many times, in many
forms, on many roads. In Africa.
In Baghdad. In Afghanistan
Wherever you have sought a teacher,
I have been with you.
(beat)
Even in a lonely alley in Cairo.
Ibn Battuta looks at him in surprise.
wide in recognition.
And then his eyes go
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
99.
IBN BATTUTA
You... you were the man who helped
me when I was robbed... How is that
possible?
SHIHAB AL-DIN
After everything you’ve seen, you
still ask that question?
Ibn Battuta looks closely at the man, his eyes wide.
IBN BATTUTA
It is you. The rabbi from Cairo.
Forgive me, I didn’t recognize you
without your beard.
SHIHAB AL-DIN
The great Sultan Tughluq had it
plucked out, hair by hair, when I
refused to pay homage to his
corrupt regime. I’m lucky he
didn’t kill me, but I’m sure he’ll
get around to it soon enough.
IBN BATTUTA
I don’t understand. You were a
rabbi in Cairo, and now you are a
Sufi in India. Who are you,
really?
SHIHAB AL-DIN
I am whatever you need me to be.
Ibn Battuta blinks in confusion.
And then he remembers.
IBN BATTUTA
Gizem... oh my God... the rebels
have her. I have to go rescue her.
He gets up and starts to dress.
SHIHAB AL-DIN
She will be safe. Ahsan Shah will
not harm her.
IBN BATTUTA
You can’t know that.
SHIHAB AL-DIN
I know that if you go out and seek
revenge, you will lose her.
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Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
100.
IBN BATTUTA
I can’t sit around and do nothing!
SHIHAB AL-DIN
Yes you can. Trust in God and she
will be returned to you in time.
IBN BATTUTA
That’s easy for you to say! You
wander the world preaching
platitudes. But do you even know
what it means to be human? To
love?
SHIHAB AL-DIN
I love everyone.
IBN BATTUTA
Then you love no one.
EXT. TENT - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta steps out and sees that there are TWO HORSES
tethered nearby. He unties one and leaps into the saddle.
Shihab al-Din emerges and looks at him sadly.
SHIHAB AL-DIN
Do not give in to your anger, my
son. Whatever victories it will
bring you will be followed by loss.
Ibn Battuta ignores him and rides off...
INT. THRONE ROOM - DAY
Ibn Battuta prostrates low before Sultan Tughluq.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
And so it was that I returned to
the service of the mad Sultan
Tughluq. He was angry at me for
leaving without his permission, but
when he learned of Ahsan Shah’s
betrayal, his rage turned toward
the rebels of the south.
Ibn Battuta rises and sees his enemy Behrouz Khan watching
him. And then, to his surprise, the man who had sought to
kill him comes over and shakes his hand.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
101.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
In that moment the rivalries of the
palace died. We were all one,
united against a threat far greater
than the scheming of the courtiers.
For war was upon us and the future
of India itself was at stake.
EXT. BATTLEFIELD - WEEKS LATER - DAY
Two massive ARMIES meet in the desert, as the forces of
Sultan Tughluq and the rebel Ahsan Shah clash. Ibn Battuta
rides a HORSE out into the middle of the fighting.
ELEPHANTS face down mighty STALLIONS as the cavalry of each
side races toward confrontation.
The rebels fire ARROWS at the advancing Delhi army, and are
met by the explosion of GUNFIRE from Tughluq’s men. And then
smoke erupts over the battlefield as Tughluq unleashes his
newly-invented CANNONS on the enemy forces.
The rebels are stunned by the explosive firepower of the
guns. Many flee, while others fight on desperately.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
I joined the battle, but my aim was
not to fight for either side. It
was only to find my beloved Gizem.
Ibn Battuta strikes out against the rebels, killing many as
he races toward his goal -- the GRAND PAVILION of Ahsan Shah,
high on a hill.
Ibn Battuta finally breaks through a line of defenders at the
base of the hill and then leaps off his horse. He kills a
REBEL with his sword, and then changes into the man’s TURBAN
and UNIFORM. Dressed like one of the enemy, he climbs the
sheer rock face to the top.
INT. PAVILION - DAY
Ibn Battuta searches through the chaos of commanders rushing
around and barking orders, and then he finds what he is
looking for.
Gizem -- dressed in beautiful ROBES of an Indian princess,
wearing heavy GOLD NECKLACES. She does not appear frightened
or maltreated. And her waist is beginning to show the first
signs of pregnancy.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
102.
Ibn Battuta slides up to her and whispers.
Gizem...
IBN BATTUTA
She looks up at him in shock.
GIZEM
My love... you came for me...
IBN BATTUTA
Yes... and I brought the Sultan’s
army to avenge your capture.
GIZEM
No... you brought this war upon us?
IBN BATTUTA
What do you mean, “us”?
GIZEM
These people are rebels but they
are not evil. They are seeking to
save India from Tughluq.
IBN BATTUTA
I don’t care about India.
about you!
I care
LEADER (O.S.)
How touching.
They both look up to see the Rebel Leader standing there,
SWORD drawn. Behind him is AHSAN SHAH, the Rebel Governor,
dressed in flowing white robes.
AHSAN SHAH
I must commend you for your
ingenuity, spy. I didn’t think
Tughluq’s men were smart enough to
get in here.
LEADER
He is not one of Tughluq’s men. He
is the husband of the girl. The
one I should have killed in the
desert.
Ahsan Shah turns to Ibn Battuta.
AHSAN SHAH
You must love her dearly to risk
your life in this fashion.
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103.
IBN BATTUTA
More than anything in the world.
AHSAN SHAH
Then you have the better claim to
her. I, too, have grown to love
this Turkish rose, but she remains
second in my heart. My first love
will always be India.
Ahsan Shah turns to the Rebel Leader.
AHSAN SHAH
Escort them under a herald’s flag
to Tughluq.
LEADER
You’re letting them go?!
Yes.
AHSAN SHAH
LEADER
But he has seen our command center!
We cannot let him bring
intelligence about our defenses to
the enemy.
AHSAN SHAH
It no longer matters. The battle
is lost. We cannot stand against
Tughluq’s weapons of fire. It is
time to retreat.
Retreat?
victory!
LEADER
But you promised us
AHSAN SHAH
Victory lies in the hand of God.
And today, His hand is closed
against us.
LEADER
You’ve betrayed us! All for love
of this Turkish whore!
And then, before anyone can act, the Rebel Leader STABS Ahsan
Shah in the gut!
No!
GIZEM
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104.
The stunned governor collapses to the ground as the Rebel
Leader turns his fury on Ibn Battuta. The two men fight
bravely, their swords clashing with rage. Ibn Battuta is
knocked off his feet and the Rebel Leader raises his sword
for the kill.
At that instant Gizem throws herself at him and knocks the
man’s blow aside. The blade misses Ibn Battuta’s head by
inches, and the Moroccan swings upward with his own sword,
impaling the Rebel Leader in the chest.
Gizem leans down over the dying Ahsan Shah.
GIZEM
Please... stay with us... India
needs you...
Ahsan Shah smiles and looks at Ibn Battuta.
AHSAN SHAH
Perhaps... but he needs you more...
And then India’s last hope against the tyrant Tughluq, dies.
Gizem looks up at Ibn Battuta and there is blame in her eyes.
He looks down and drops his sword, suddenly ashamed...
INT. THRONE ROOM - DAY
Ibn Battuta and Gizem sit in the royal chamber near the
victorious Sultan. There is a painful distance between them.
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
With the rebels defeated and India
united under our command, we have
purged this great nation of its
enemies. All, except one.
GRAND VIZIER
Who is it that would still dare to
oppose you, King of Kings? Give us
his name and we shall scour the
earth until his head is brought to
you.
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
There is no need. He has
surrendered and shall be brought to
justice presently.
The DOORS OPEN and an old man is led inside by GUARDS. Ibn
Battuta GASPS when he sees that it is the Sufi Shihab al-Din!
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
105.
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
Do you know this man, qadi?
IBN BATTUTA
Yes, my lord. But he is just a
harmless old man. He is no threat
to your divine authority.
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
He is a heretic who masquerades
behind the robes of a holy man. A
so-called Sufi who spreads
dissension among the young and
ignorant by telling them that they
owe no loyalty to an earthy throne,
only to the Throne of Heaven. Such
blasphemies are dangerous enough.
But when they come from the mouth
of a man who pretends to speak for
God, they can easily mislead men
into open rebellion.
IBN BATTUTA
Under the law of Islam, one accused
of blasphemy must be offered a
chance to repent.
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
Speak, old man, and save your life
if you can.
SHIHAB AL-DIN
I have nothing to say. I bow
before no man, especially not a
tyrant who spills the blood of
innocents.
His words are met by CRIES of outrage from the COURTIERS.
SULTAN TUGHLUQ
You have sealed your fate with your
blasphemy.
The Sultan gestures to the Guards, who push the old Sufi on
his knees. An EXECUTIONER steps forward with a mighty SWORD.
Ibn Battuta leaps to his feet.
No!
IBN BATTUTA
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
106.
The Sultan gives him a dangerous look. There is terrible
tension in the courtroom, and Ibn Battuta sees Shihab al-Din
shaking his head, warning him to stay back.
And then Ibn Battuta’s eyes fall on Gizem and he realizes
that he is endangering her life and that of their unborn baby
with his rebellion. Ibn Battuta steps back in anguish,
knowing that there is nothing he can do to save his friend.
The old man nods to his executioner with dignity, ready for
the death blow. And then, in his final moment, he turns to
Ibn Battuta with a smile on his face.
SHIHAB AL-DIN
You still owe me for that day in
Cairo...
And then the Sword swings and Shihab al-Din is no more.
INT. IBN BATTUTA’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta and Gizem sit apart.
other.
Neither looks at each
IBN BATTUTA
I have made arrangements for us to
leave Delhi. The Sultan has asked
me to serve as his ambassador to
China.
China?
GIZEM
IBN BATTUTA
Yes. He obviously doesn’t trust me
after my support for Shihab al-Din,
and he wants to get me away from
the court. But it’s politically
troublesome to simply kill me and
be done with it.
GIZEM
Of course. After all, you’re a
“hero of the realm” for helping him
crush the rebellion.
IBN BATTUTA
Will you never forgive me for that?
I did what I did for you.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
107.
GIZEM
I know. And I have long since
forgiven you.
He moves to sit by her, takes Gizem’s face in his hand.
IBN BATTUTA
Then why do you no longer speak to
me? Why are we strangers in our
own bed?
GIZEM
Because I have not forgiven myself.
IBN BATTUTA
For what?
GIZEM
For giving in so easily. I let
them take me prisoner, let them
leave you alone in the desert to
die. I should have fought them
until they were forced to kill me
or let me go.
IBN BATTUTA
You did the right thing. That is
why you are alive now. That is why
we are here together.
Gizem’s eyes tear.
And they finally kiss after ages apart.
EXT. CAMBAY PORT - COAST OF INDIA - DAY
Ibn Battuta and Gizem walk through the PORT OF CAMBAY. They
look over a series of INDIAN SHIPS called DHOWS until the
find their vessel, which bears the FLAG of the SULTAN.
GIZEM
Are you sure about this?
IBN BATTUTA
Once I fulfill my diplomatic
mission to China, we will charter a
ship that will take us to the
eastern horn of Africa. From
there, we can easily join a caravan
back to Tangier.
Your home.
GIZEM
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
108.
IBN BATTUTA
It will be your home, too.
GIZEM
I don’t think your family will be
too pleased to meet your wife, a
Turkish slave.
IBN BATTUTA
You are not a slave anymore.
they will love you as I do.
And
GIZEM
I hope you’re right.
IBN BATTUTA
I know you. You couldn’t care less
about what my family or anyone else
thinks. What is this really about?
GIZEM
It’s about you.
IBN BATTUTA
I don’t understand.
GIZEM
You are a traveller at heart. I
fear that once you return to your
home, you will be unhappy. You
will feel trapped and restless.
And then you will blame me.
IBN BATTUTA
You’re talking nonsense.
you.
I know.
road.
I love
GIZEM
But you also love the
IBN BATTUTA
All my roads lead back to you.
Gizem smiles faintly, but she is clearly not convinced...
EXT. INDIAN OCEAN - DAY
The INDIAN SHIP sails south from Cambay, carrying Ibn Battuta
and Gizem toward China.
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109.
EXT. SHIP - DAY
Ibn Battuta sits on the deck, staring out at the coast of
India disappearing over the horizon.
Gizem comes up beside him. She puts her hand on his arm
lovingly. The wind rises and the sky darkens. She suddenly
sees concerns on her husband’s face.
GIZEM
What’s wrong?
IBN BATTUTA
A storm is coming.
They look out as BLACK CLOUDS roll toward them. LIGHTNING
FLASHES and THUNDER ROLLS across the suddenly turbulent
ocean...
EXT. INDIAN OCEAN - NIGHT
It is a repeat of the opening scene. The sea churns
violently and the tiny Indian ship struggles to stay afloat.
As terrified SAILORS attempt to escape on a DINGHY, a massive
WAVE tosses them into the watery grave.
EXT. SHIP - CONTINUOUS
Ibn Battuta struggles against the raging elements to find his
wife, who is lost in the chaos.
My love!
IBN BATTUTA
He frantically searches, tearing through the curtain of rain
and foam, until he sees Gizem clinging to a MAST.
IBN BATTUTA
I’m coming!
He manages to reach her, throwing his arms around the
terrified woman.
IBN BATTUTA
Hold on to me!
As the world sky and ocean merge into one, she look into his
eyes. And smiles.
Ibn Battuta
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110.
GIZEM
Now you know.
What?!
IBN BATTUTA
YOUNG WOMAN
Where all roads lead in the end.
Ibn Battuta stares at her, not comprehending.
sees the massive WAVE racing toward them...
And then he
EXT. INDIAN OCEAN - NIGHT - LATER
The ship has been destroyed, leaving behind only shattered
PLANKS, cracked BEAMS and dozens of CORPSES bobbing in the
ocean. And yet amid the devastation, a spark of life
remains, Floating in the watery graveyard are two survivors.
Ibn Battuta clings with one hand to a WOOD PLANK while
holding his pregnant wife tightly with the other. Gizem is
pale and weak, her face heavily gashed and bleeding.
IBN BATTUTA
Hold on, my love. We will get
through this.
GIZEM
No... we won’t...
IBN BATTUTA
Don’t say that! Where is your
faith? God is with us.
GIZEM
I know... I can see the angels...
they are floating right beside
me...
Gizem!
IBN BATTUTA
Stay with me!
GIZEM
My journey is over... yours is just
beginning...
Ibn Battuta chokes on his tears.
GIZEM
Don’t cry... our paths will cross
again...
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
When?!
111.
IBN BATTUTA
GIZEM
When our hearts are reunited...
She reaches over weakly and touches his chest, where his Jade
Qur’an Amulet hangs. She takes it from him.
GIZEM
Take my Medallion...
IBN BATTUTA
I can’t and still hold you.
GIZEM
Then let me go...
IBN BATTUTA
Remember what I said at the cliff?
I’ll never let you go!
GIZEM
I know... but now I am asking you
to... my love, let me go...
Tears blinding him, he releases his hold on Gizem’s arm. Ibn
Battuta takes the gold Medallion from her breast. The water
current rises, takes her away from him.
Gizem!
IBN BATTUTA
GIZEM
Remember what the Prophet said...
seek knowledge, even... even if...
She never finishes the words. Her body goes still and floats
away into the darkness, her hand still holding his amulet...
EXT. CEYLON BEACH - DAY
Ibn Battuta wakes up on the beach. Debris from his destroyed
ship lies all around him. But he is alone.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
And so I awoke upon the distant
shores of Ceylon, an island to the
south of India. I was alone, more
alone than I have ever been. For
my heart had died in the dark
waters of that infernal sea.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
112.
EXT. CEYLON JUNGLE - DAY
Ibn Battuta, his beard wild and rugged, trudges through
jungle. His eyes are dead and he walks aimlessly.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
I don’t know how long I stayed
there in the wilderness. I walked
to and fro, wandering aimlessly and
without reason. I lived, ate and
slept like an animal, not a man.
He grabs a SQUIRREL with his bare hands and kills it, chewing
on the uncooked flesh without revulsion.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
I had wandered all those years in
search of something I could not
name. But now I just wandered,
seeking nothing.
He enters a clearing and looks up.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
And that was when what I had been
seeking found me.
PULL BACK to REVEAL Ibn Battuta gazing up at a majestic
MOUNTAIN that towers alone above the jungle canopy.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
Sri Pada. I had heard of it in
many legends. At the top of that
ancient mountain in Ceylon is a
rock in which a giant footprint can
be seen. The Buddhists say that it
is the print of Lord Buddha. The
Hindus say that Shiva left his mark
on the mountain when he danced the
world into being. And Muslims
believe that the footprint belongs
to Adam, who descended on to the
mountain after being expelled from
Paradise.
EXT. SRI PADA - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta climbs the side of the mountain.
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113.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
Like Adam, I too had known perfect
joy. And then I lost it as
punishment for my sins. Like Adam,
I had been thrown into the world
naked and without purpose. And
like Adam, I would find meaning
again at the peak of Sri Pada.
EXT. SRI PADA PEAK - NIGHT
Exhausted, bruised and bleeding, Ibn Battuta makes it to the
mountain top. He stumbles about in confusion until he sees
THE FOOTPRINT -- a depression in the rock nearly six feet
long and three feet wide.
Ibn Battuta stumbles toward the sacred indentation and
finally collapses inside its heel.
IBN BATTUTA
Gizem... show me the way...
And then he hears it.
My love...
A voice echoing through the stones.
GIZEM (O.S.)
He looks up stunned to see the Spirit of Gizem standing
inside the giant Footprint, sparkling like the moon.
IBN BATTUTA
Gizem... I can’t go on without
you...
The Spirt of Gizem begins to fade and become translucent.
IBN BATTUTA
Don’t leave me. Please.
again.
Not
GIZEM
I await you my love...
Where?
IBN BATTUTA
Where I can find you?
GIZEM
Where the beginning meets the
end...
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
114.
And then she raises her right hand, the palm facing Ibn
Battuta. He sees that there is a beautiful GOLDEN EYE in the
center of her hand, like the EYE OF FATIMA.
A he stares at it in wonder, the Eye grows larger and Gizem’s
spirit vanishes into its golden light. And then the eye
becomes a GLOBE of the EARTH, exuding a beautiful light that
grows brighter and brighter, until it’s blinding brilliance
erases everything else...
EXT. SRI PADA PEAK - SUNRISE
Ibn Battuta wakes up and sees the sun breaks over the eastern
horizon. He looks beyond the borders of Ceylon and stares at
the ocean and the world all about him in wonder.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
I had been seeking an answer to my
pain, a knowledge that might
explain my loss and heal my grief.
And then I remembered the words of
our Holy Prophet, the last words
Gizem had tried to tell me: “Seek
knowledge, even if you must go to
China.” And I knew where my answer
lay.
Ibn Battuta stands tall, the despair vanishing from his face.
EXT. CEYLON BEACH - DAY
Ibn Battuta emerges from the jungle and approaches a group of
surprised FISHERMAN with BOATS.
IBN BATTUTA
My friends, I need your help.
have one more road to take.
I
EXT. BAY OF BENGAL - DAY
A VESSEL carrying Ibn Battuta approaches the EASTERN COAST of
INDIA. It turns southeast and moves past the shores of
SUMATRA.
EXT. COAST OF JAVA - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta stands on the deck of the ship, looking out at
the moon shining over the water.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
115.
And then he hears his worst nightmare. A CHILD’S LAUGH. Ibn
Battuta turns and sees the evil Djinn child standing on a
deck above.
No.
IBN BATTUTA
Not this time.
Ibn Battuta rushes over to the ship’s CAPTAIN.
IBN BATTUTA
We must turn north! Now!
CAPTAIN
The currents are against us.
IBN BATTUTA
Then have your men row against the
current!
CAPTAIN
This is my ship! You don’t tell me
what to do!
Ibn Battuta looks to the sea beyond.
IBN BATTUTA
If I don’t, they will.
Who?
CAPTAIN
The Captain turns and his eyes go wide in terror.
VESSELS bear down on them from all sides!
Pirates!
Three
CAPTAIN
The Captain turns to his FIRST MATE.
CAPTAIN
Sound the alarm! Arm the men for
battle!
IBN BATTUTA
We’re outnumbered! If we fight,
we’ll be slaughtered!
The Captain pushes Ibn Battuta aside as his SAILORS race
around the deck, ready to defend themselves. The First Mate
offers Ibn Battuta a SWORD. He hesitates and then takes it.
Suddenly the ship LURCHES violently as the Pirate vessels ram
against it.
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116.
SHOUTS of terror erupt through the night as PIRATES leap
across decks and board the ship.
Ibn Battuta races for safety as SWORDS clash all around him.
He tries to run for the Passenger Hold when his way is
suddenly blocked by a TEENAGE BOY wielding a SWORD.
IBN BATTUTA
Drop the weapon, boy.
to hurt you.
I don’t want
The boy moves to cut him down, when Ibn Battuta kicks the
teenager’s legs from under him. He holds his sword at the
boy’s neck, but the teen does not flinch.
At that instant Ibn Battuta sees the terrifying Djinn child a
few feet away, LAUGHING maniacally. And then he remembers
the words of Shihab al-Din in Cairo.
SHIHAB AL-DIN (V.O.)
When you drop your sword in the
heat of battle and spare your
enemy, then our debt will be
repaid.
Ibn Battuta tosses his sword across the deck.
IBN BATTUTA
I have paid my debt.
The Djinn child SCREAMS in rage and vanishes into the
shadows...
EXT. JUNGLES OF JAVA - DAY
Ibn Battuta has been taken prisoner by the Pirates and is
being pushed through the jungle in chains.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
And so it was that my refusal to
fight that night saved my life.
The Pirates overran the ship and
killed any man who was armed. I
alone survived and was taken
prisoner to meet their leader.
The pirates force him through the thick foliage. And then
they come upon a clearing and he gazes up at wonder at a
monument before him...
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
117.
EXT. BOROBUDUR - DAY
Ibn Battuta stands before a mighty BUDDHIST TEMPLE that rises
like a pyramid out of the jungle. Six square platforms are
topped by three circular ones, with the entire building
covered in hundreds of ornately carved BUDDHA statues.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
The natives called it Borobudur. I
have never seen a place of such
wondrous beauty, such mystery. In
days long past I would have
dismissed it as a pagan temple.
But now I could feel the presence
of God there. Whatever name these
people may have called Him, this
was one of His Homes.
EXT. ROOF OF BOROBUDUR - DAY
Ibn Battuta is led up to the roof of the great temple where
the PIRATE CHIEF awaits him. The Pirates free Ibn Battuta
from his bonds, then leave the two men alone.
IBN BATTUTA
Thank you for sparing my life.
PIRATE CHIEF
You spared my son’s life. It would
have been dishonorable to do
otherwise.
IBN BATTUTA
Your son is a hearty warrior.
PIRATE CHIEF
Yes, but you bested him.
let him live. Why?
And then
IBN BATTUTA
I have acted before out of anger,
and it has only brought me loss.
So I chose differently this time.
PIRATE CHIEF
It was a choice that could have
cost you your life.
IBN BATTUTA
A life bought through cruelty is
not worth possessing.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
PIRATE CHIEF
There are many who say I am cruel.
Are you suggesting my life is
without value?
IBN BATTUTA
That is for you to determine.
PIRATE CHIEF
You do not fear me.
No.
Why?
IBN BATTUTA
PIRATE CHIEF
IBN BATTUTA
A man feels fear when he has
something lose.
PIRATE CHIEF
And you have nothing?
IBN BATTUTA
Everything I had that mattered was
swallowed by the sea.
The Pirate Chief looks at him closely.
PIRATE CHIEF
At first I thought you were Indian.
But now I realize that you are not
from these lands.
IBN BATTUTA
I am an Arab.
PIRATE CHIEF
You are far from your home.
IBN BATTUTA
No. My home is here.
everywhere.
And
The Pirate Chief looks at him curiously.
PIRATE CHIEF
Since you saved my son’s life, I am
in your debt. Ask of me what you
wish and it will be granted.
118.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
119.
IBN BATTUTA
I would be honored if your men
could help me finish my journey.
PIRATE CHIEF
And where does your journey end?
IBN BATTUTA
Where the world itself ends.
EXT. SHIP - SOUTH CHINA SEA - DAY
Ibn Battuta stands on the deck of the PIRATE SHIP and gazes
out at the approaching the SOUTHERN COAST of China.
EXT. CHINESE HILLS - DAY
Ibn Battuta travels with a company of MERCHANTS through the
rolling hills of China. And then he sees something on the
horizon which takes his breath away.
The GREAT WALL spreads across the landscape in all its
majesty. Tears of awe fall from his eyes...
EXT. BEIJING - DAY
Ibn Battuta walks through the crowded streets of BEIJING.
looks in wonder at the vibrant city life in this world so
different from his home.
He
He stops to taste the unusual foods offered in the markets,
and struggles with CHOPSTICKS, to the amusement of the shop
owners.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
And so it was that I came at last
to China, a land so vast that it is
a world unto itself. I spent
months wandering through this
beautiful nation, seeking only the
humble life of an anonymous
traveler. But it has never been my
destiny to remain anonymous for
long.
Ibn Battuta watches OLD MEN playing a game of MAH JONG on a
street corner, when IMPERIAL GUARDS suddenly grab him.
IMPERIAL GUARD
Come with us, barbarian.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
120.
IBN BATTUTA
Where?
IMPERIAL GUARD
The Emperor requires your presence.
EXT. THE FORBIDDEN CITY - DAY
Ibn Battuta gazes in wonder as walks through MASSIVE GATES
into the plaza of the FORBIDDEN CITY. He is led by the
guards toward the towering IMPERIAL PALACE. The Muslim
traveler nervously climbs the steps until...
INT. IMPERIAL THRONE ROOM - DAY
He kneels before the CHINESE EMPEROR TOGHON TEMUR.
TOGHON TEMUR
Rise and speak, Arab.
IBN BATTUTA
My tongue is tied by the glory of
your presence, Your Majesty.
TOGHON TEMUR
I have heard that you have
travelled the world, from its
western-most end to its eastern
edge.
IBN BATTUTA
I have, Your Majesty.
TOGHON TEMUR
Why?
IBN BATTUTA
I have been looking.
For what?
TOGHON TEMUR
Ibn Battuta pauses and he knows now that he has the answer.
IBN BATTUTA
For The Truth.
I see.
TOGHON TEMUR
Have you found it?
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
IBN BATTUTA
Yes, Your Majesty. I have.
TOGHON TEMUR
Tell me, for I am most curious.
IBN BATTUTA
The Truth is that each one of us
carries a truth in our heart. It
is a truth that is real to us, even
if it be real to no one else. That
Truth, that which our heart finds
meaning in, is the only Truth that
matters.
TOGHON TEMUR
You are wise. In this land, we
have a similar idea. We call it
the Tao. It can neither be named,
nor spoken, and yet it dwells
within each of us. A jewel inside
the heart that makes man, guides
him and gives him meaning. Is this
Tao the Truth you have discovered?
IBN BATTUTA
Yes, Your Majesty. It has many
names. Allah. God. Brahman.
Enlightenment. The Tao. But it
needs no name. It cannot be
spoken, nor described. It can only
be felt. And yet each man tastes
it differently. Truth is One, and
it is infinite. Each man must
journey on his own to find it. But
it is not a journey by land or sea.
It is a journey within the heart.
The Emperor smiles.
TOGHON TEMUR
I am pleased by your words. Ask
anything that you desire and I
shall give it to you.
IBN BATTUTA
I have only one request, Your
Majesty.
Name it.
TOGHON TEMUR
121.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
122.
IBN BATTUTA
To see the Eastern Ocean with my
own eyes. I was born looking at
the Western Ocean that girds the
world. If I see its sister in the
East, then I, first of all mankind,
will have seen the whole world.
TOGHON TEMUR
It will be done.
EXT. CHINA COAST - SUNRISE
Ibn Battuta stands alone on a sandy beach in China, watching
the SUN RISE over the Pacific Ocean.
MAN’S VOICE (O.S.)
You finally made it.
Ibn Battuta turns to see an OLD CHINESE MAN beside him.
Excuse me?
IBN BATTUTA
OLD CHINESE MAN
My brother said you were coming to
visit me. I didn’t think it would
take you this long.
IBN BATTUTA
Your brother?
OLD CHINESE MAN
You met him at the beginning, and
now you meet me at the end.
And then Ibn Battuta REMEMBERS the mysterious Sufi Burhan alDin in the desert of Africa. He is suddenly frightened.
IBN BATTUTA
Who are you? Have you come to take
my soul? Are you the angel of
death?
The Old Chinese Man LAUGHS.
OLD CHINESE MAN
You fear death so much. Why?
IBN BATTUTA
Because it is the end.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
123.
The Old Chinese Man shakes his head wearily.
OLD CHINESE MAN
You’ve come all this way and you
still haven’t figured it out.
IBN BATTUTA
Figured what out? What was I
supposed to understand?
OLD CHINESE MAN
You tell me. You came to China
looking for knowledge. What have
you learned?
Ibn Battuta closes his eyes. Lets the experiences of the
years run through him. And then he speaks from the heart.
IBN BATTUTA
There is no death. Only the end of
one journey, and the beginning of
another. That is they way it has
always been, and always will be.
The journey never ends.
OLD CHINESE MAN (O.S.)
So what is there to fear about
death?
Ibn Battuta suddenly smiles, his eyes still closed.
Nothing.
Good.
IBN BATTUTA
OLD CHINESE MAN (O.S.)
You finally understand.
Ibn Battuta opens his eyes joyfully, and then steps back in
surprise. The old man is gone. The beach is empty.
Ibn Battuta looks down on the ground where the Chinese Sufi
had stood. And carved into the sand is a beautiful HAND with
an EYE at its center...
INT. RIYAD - TANGIER - 1355 AD - DAY
CLOSE ON Gizem’s Hand of Fatima Medallion. Pull back to
REVEAL the charm in the hand of Ibn Battuta, now an old man,
as he finishes telling the tale to Ibn Juzayy.
The younger man jots down notes on PARCHMENT with a QUILL
PEN. He looks up from the pages, awe in his face.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
IBN JUZAYY
And you never saw him again?
Ibn Battuta smiles, his eyes twinkling.
IBN BATTUTA
Yes and no.
IBN JUZAYY
I don’t understand.
IBN BATTUTA
Suffice it to say that we never
lose anyone who has come into our
life. They are connected by bonds
that surpass the body, bonds of the
soul.
IBN JUZAYY
What did you do next?
left China?
After you
IBN BATTUTA
I journeyed back. The wanderlust
still ruled my veins, and I
ventured north to Andalusia and
then south to Mali before I finally
returned to Tangier. Thirty years
had passed since I first left home.
My parents had died, as had many of
my childhood friends. But I do not
grieve, for I will see them again
soon enough.
IBN JUZAYY
There is so much I want to ask you,
so much that I would like you to
explain -IBN BATTUTA
Another time perhaps. I am an old
man, and I weary of talking.
IBN JUZAYY
I understand. I can’t wait to tell
the Sultan. He will be so pleased
that you have shared your story
with the world.
IBN BATTUTA
It was the least I could do. After
all, the world shared its story
with me.
124.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
125.
Ibn Battuta rises. The younger man bows to the old traveler
as he walks outside...
EXT. BEACH - TANGIER - SUNSET
The sun vanishes over the Western horizon, its rays leaving a
crimson halo over the Atlantic Ocean. The ISLAMIC PRAYER
CALL echoes over Tangier as Ibn Battuta gazes out at the
water.
IBN BATTUTA
Now I know, my love, where all
roads end.
He opens his hand, revealing Gizem’s GOLD MEDALLION - The
Hand of Fatima. Ibn Battuta looks at it for a moment, and
then drops it into the sea.
IBN BATTUTA
Our paths will cross again, when
our hearts are reunited.
Ibn Battuta watches the Medallion float out into the ocean,
the currents taking it west toward the horizon...
INT. BED CHAMBER - NIGHT
Ibn Battuta lies down to sleep.
He looks up to see the Moroccan Sufi BURHAN AL-DIN and the
OLD CHINESE MAN standing at the foot of his bed, smiling
warmly.
IBN BATTUTA (V.O.)
It is said that when death
approaches, the angels Munkar and
Nakir appear at the edge of sight,
ready to guide the soul from one
life to the next...
Ibn Battuta smiles at the two spirits and reaches out to
them.
IBN BATTUTA
I am not afraid. After all, it’s
just another journey...
They move toward him and Ibn Battuta hears echoes of the old
Sufi chant all around him.
Ibn Battuta
Written By Kamran Pasha 9-1-08 Draft
126.
SUFIS
La ilaha ill Allah... La ilaha ill
Allah...
His eyes sparkle with wonder as the room fills with beautiful
LIGHT...
EXT. SOMEWHERE IN THE OCEAN - DAY
Gizem’s Medallion floats across the endless blue expanse.
And then the currents bring it closer to another sparkling
trinket lost in the sea.
It is Ibn Battuta’s Jade Qur’anic Amulet.
The two symbols of faith circle each other in the tide, their
chains intertwining until they become one...
FADE TO BLACK.
CLOSING CRAWL:
Ibn Battuta’s travels took him to 46 countries. He journeyed
nearly three times the distance of Marco Polo, and was the
first man known to have seen both the Atlantic and Pacific
Oceans in his lifetime.
He is buried in Tangier, Morocco.
THE END