by Manish Vaidya Rumi and Augustine both espouse a state of bliss achieved through oneness with the divine, yet their prescribed paths to attain this state are strikingly different. Rumi draws upon Sufi mystic traditions, emphasizing the importance of indulging in dance and music to lose oneself in devotion, thereby incorporating the body into the…
Al-Zarqali and the Astrolabe in al-Andalus
(Essay submitted to complete requirements for the class HIS189: Muslim Spain: Philosophy and Culture., Fall 2020, Stanford Continuing Studies) Manish S. Vaidya Prof. Vincent Barletta HIS189 Al-Zarqali and the Astrolabe in al-Andalus Muslim rule began in the Iberian Peninsula at the start of the eighth century CE. After a period of conquest and subsequent consolidation…
Prague: A Perfect Blend of History, Romance, and Modernity
TL;DR: Prague is a stunning, history-rich, and welcoming city. It’s incredibly affordable, with easy public transportation and plenty of walkable charm. Get to the Charles Bridge early, tour Prague Castle, and don’t miss the Museum of Communism Introduction Prague! A city where Gothic spires pierce the sky, centuries-old bridges span the Vltava River, and cozy…
Book review: Red Heat: Conspiracy, Murder, and the Cold War in the Caribbean by Alex von Tunzelmann
Epic, sweeping & meticulously researched saga An epic, sweeping, and meticulously researched saga recounting the tumultuous 20th-century history of the Caribbean islands. Alex invests a tremendous amount of effort in crafting this historical account for her readers, and it undeniably shines through. I also appreciate her ability to humanize the historical figures rather than reducing…