Can Mount Trebević, a favourite picnic area of many citizens of Sarajevo and host of the 1984 Winter Olympic Games, overcome its dark past of being one of the key positions which held Sarajevo in an almost 4-year long siege (the longest blockade of a capital in modern history)? Mount Trebević, always known for its … Continued
Myths as part of the national identity of the Caucasian People National myths are part of the genetic code of every nation. The 19th century saw the rise of nationalism as many nations sought their national myths, finding connection with their glorious past through historical continuity. Even today, national myths play an important part in … Continued
A Historical Evaluation of Algerian Food Identity. We often hear that too many cooks spoil the broth, but a national food identity in 2020 is exactly the consequence of centuries of cooks contributing to and collaborating in cuisines. Consider the examples of the curry as a national dish of Britain or the European dessert influences … Continued
Introduction The tiny nation of Montenegro underwent a drastic shift after the country’s eleventh parliamentary elections on 30th August 2020. The elections saw the end of a 30-year era in which the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) had held power, and the defeat of its increasingly-authoritarian President Milo Djukanović. Djukanović has been widely suspected of … Continued
You would not be able to tell unless you knew, of course. It does not matter where you are – in an air-conditioned hotel room; a pre-booked taxi or an Uber; a fancy restaurant hidden in lush greenery just off Al-Rainbow Street or in a falafel shop with plastic cutlery – but a bottle of … Continued
Dear Reader, It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to this new edition of the Asfar e-Journal. It has been a long 18 months which seem to have witnessed it all; indeed, many of us have already had enough of 2020. Undoubtedly, much has happened; yet, equally, some would claim not enough has … Continued
Skip Casablanca. That is what many of the guidebooks tell you about this city once you open the first Moroccan guidebook you get your hands on. There is Marrakech, the ancient Saharan desert city with its beating heart that is Djema el-Fnaa – the vibrant square of snake charmers and street vendors with its music … Continued
‘Music can echo into social debate over what a place has been, what it is, and what it might be.’[i] Music is a space for freedom and expression. In many ways it can completely defy societal norms, often molding the historical makeup of a given place. Within this space, however, exist both oppression and marginalization. … Continued
Since the presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the United States and Saudi Arabia have engaged in a complicated relationship of protection, support, and need despite stark differences in cultural values and norms of behavior. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has presented its share of challenges for American leaders of both parties, from Nixon to Obama, … Continued
I have always had a fondness for the small town, greatly preferring it to the large city. I grew up in provincial England and have, perhaps, taken this bias towards towns with me to Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a foreigner in Bosnia, I live in Sarajevo and am, of course, extremely fond of that wonderful … Continued
In his book A History of Islam in 21 Women, Hossein Kamaly aims to offer a refreshing view of women’s often overlooked role in Islamic, historical discourse. Through 21 biographical chapters, the concise, 300-page read brings to light the rich lives of some of the greatest women in Islamic history. The Professor’s approach[i] is extensive, … Continued
The miracle of Christianity in Georgia The Georgian brand of Christianity is distinctive, and it is popular. The Georgian Orthodox Church (GOC) is one of fourteen autocephalous (independent) churches in the Eastern Orthodox family of churches, and occupies a prominent position in Eastern Orthodox hierarchy: second-most senior of the Junior Patriarchates, the second tier of … Continued
Welcome to the latest edition of the Asfar e-journal, a collection of works celebrating diversity, cross-cultural knowledge, and a celebration of commonalities over differences. I write this post on the one hundredth anniversary of the armistice of World War One, the calamity that took millions of lives and created the conditions for the rise of … Continued
TO THE REPUBLIC I’ll don a hejab If you let me drink from Pahlavi’s water wells Build castles in your sand dunes And inscribe Rumi’s verses upon your minarets I’ll pardon you for your executions If you resurrect the king and queen I’ll convince your enemies to love you If you fill … Continued
As thousands of children starve in Yemen, it seems as if the world has selected to ignore their suffering. (Photo credit: The Guardian) Visiting Yemen in late November, World Food Program’s Managing Director David Beasley came away with the following summary of what he saw: “Yemen is the stuff of nightmares, of horror, of deprivation, … Continued
Published by AsfarEurope in London, UK - ISSN 2055-7957 (Online)