Education as Soft Power and Beyond

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

From Alat to Aktau on the Caspian Sea

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

Aleksa Santic – Poet of the Balkan Soul, a Signpost of Unity

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

The Allure of Casablanca

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

U.S.-Saudi Relations Entering a New, More Complex Phase

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

The Bridge under the Bridge

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

History Revisited: The Forgotten Women of Islam

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

1700 Years of the Grapevine Cross: Christianity in Georgia

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

RESOLVE: East – Youth Exchange e-Film launched!

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.  

RESOLVE: East – Social Action e-Film launched

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

Editorial Note – December 2018

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

All writers' views in articles are their own and do not necessarily represent the opinion of the AsfarEurope team.

Published by AsfarEurope in London, UK - ISSN 2055-7957 (Online)