Education is a good thing. This is a generalisation, but one of the very few with which most people would agree. Now, what education delivered to whom, where and how are issues which have led to wars, both verbal and physical, both of epic scale. While, historically, contemplating these questions has been considered a male-brain … Continued
In 2019, my partner and I wanted to travel through Central Asia, by land only. Our mission was to begin in Antalya on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, and travel all the way to Almaty, Kazakhstan, strictly by land, across the Caucasus and Central Asia. No airplanes; just trains, coaches, and boats. One of the most daunting … Continued
Introduction- Between Two Empires The city of Mostar first appeared in history books in 1474.[i] Its strategic location contributed to its fast development and expansion. From once a tiny kasaba (settlement), it has since developed into a strong economic and cultural centre. The city itself has a mixed demographic structure with Muslims, Eastern Orthodox and Catholics … Continued
Since 2015, the world has watched in collective stunned silence the devastation of the nation of Yemen. Torn apart by an Iranian-Saudi proxy war and the residual effects of disease, hunger, and displacement, the nation has been regarded as the world’s most significant humanitarian crisis for several years.[i] The suffering of the children of Yemen … Continued
Our guide had pulled up his van in the Nedžarici district in the east of Sarajevo, opposite to a broken, overgrown building with faded pastel colours blotched across its crumbling structures. An old nursing home he said, or rather, a new nursing home, never used, recently completed before the war broke out. It rests now, … 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
Asfar has just released the Erasmus+ RESOLVE: East Reconciliation for Development Youth Exchange e-Film! Celebrating young peoples’ journey as they develop their reconciliation and peacebuilding skills, life skills, leadership and intercultural skills, while meeting their peers from different countries and launching the youth-wing of the RESOLVE: Network.
Asfar has just released the Erasmus+ RESOLVE: East Social Action e-Film! Celebrating Resolvers’ journey and achievements as they design, plan and organise their own community social action and manage the youth-wing of the RESOLVE: Network. To watch the film, visit – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ_jN-Ev5X8&t=3s
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
The Islamic world occupied the seat of learning in a number of disciplines such as science, mathematics, engineering, and religion for a number of centuries (Nanji, 2006). Paper, one of the most frequently used materials in present-day life, was invented in China presumably as early as the 2nd century BCE (Bloom and Blair, 2009). According … Continued
Published by AsfarEurope in London, UK - ISSN 2055-7957 (Online)