Madagascar is an island lying about 1,000 miles south of Socotra. The people are Saracens who worship Mahomet. They have four sheikhs—that is to say, four elders—who exercise authority over the whole island. . . . It is said to measure about 4,000 miles in circumference. The people live by trade and industry. –“The Middle East,”

Marco Polo

What is the topic of this passage?

What is the author’s purpose for writing this passage?

The topic of the passage is "The Middle East".

Explanation:

The author's purpose for writing this passage is to describe the island of Madagascar and explain the way of life of the people living there.

It describes the belief of the Saracens and the fact that they worship Mahomet.

It also describes the rulers - four sheikhs who rule over the whole island and also the size of the island - 4000 miles in circumference and the fact that the people live by trade and industry.

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