Also known as Cheng Ho was raised as Muslim and learned the teachings of Islam. Zheng He's father and grandfather made the pilgrimage to Mecca,. Under the influence of his father and grandfather, the Zheng He developed a curiosity about the outside world. Zheng He's father's direct character and altruistic nature also made a lasting impression on the boy.
Zheng He was commissioned to start his voyage by the first ruler of the Ming dynasty, Emperor Yongle. On the first voyage in 1405, He travelled to Mozambique, Persian Gulf, all around the Indian Ocean, and the Spice Islands of Southeast Asia. By his last expedition in 1431, which he made while in his sixties, He established many diplomatic relations with more than twenty realms of the Indian Ocean .