Narratives
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: Iran's Supreme Leader and His Resilient Legacy
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been Iran's Supreme Leader since 1989. He sits atop this country with huge influence in this country's government, military, and institutions of faith. Most of this nation's foreign and domestic policy undertaken is through the leadership adopted by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His longevity and influence have placed him at the heart of the country's politics.
By Abhay kumar chauhanabout a year ago in History
Ukrainian Theatre of National Identity - Russia's Nationalist Problem
With that said, I want to set the stage for the rest of this thesis by calling to attention what I will refer to as Soviet Russia’s “Nationalist Problem.” In a multinational empire, assembled after years of war, civil war, and rebellion, the main concern of the Soviet Union was to make the mechanism of a socialist nation function. Political policies were tried and tested in the early years of the USSR. After the nation had stabilized, for example, a policy of Ukrainization was implemented in the Ukrainian lands, offering the Ukrainian people educational and cultural autonomy. This policy was reversed under Stalin, who instead persecuted Ukrainians who explored ideas related to the nation and criticism of the USSR. Culture and politics were inextricably intertwined; in Russia, theate and theatrical spectacles were explored as strategies to propagandize the public into a sense of Soviet pride. Because the arts were so linked to the political mechanism at the time, an artist operating outside or against that political mechanism was subject to excommunication, imprisonment, and/or death. One political party—the Communist Party—dominated, and lack of membership to it was a fast track to pariah status.
By Steven Christopher McKnightabout a year ago in History
Ukrainian Theatre of National Identity - Chapter Breakdown
Chapter Breakdown & Goals In the first chapter, I set up the key facets of nationalism and nation-building in Ukraine, and bring to light the key figures in the Ukrainian literary pantheon which guided the development of Ukrainian culture for the century following their deaths. To define nationalism and its associated terms in specific relation to the drama, I bring in scholars such as Nadine Holdsworth and Kiki Gounaridou, who introduce terms such as “nation under duress,” “state of the nation play,” “cosmopolitanism,” and “national iconography.” These terms are to be kept in mind for future sections while exploring and discussing specific works in the Ukrainian canon. Afterwards, I dive into the history of early Ukraine under control of the Russian Empire, explore the lives of Taras Shevchenko, Ivan Franko, and Lesia Ukrainka, and discuss their contributions to the Ukrainian literary canon.
By Steven Christopher McKnightabout a year ago in History
Ukrainian Theatre of National Identity - Intro
The following is the introduction to my Master's Thesis, The Construction of National Identity through Theatre in Ukraine in the 1920s and 2020s. In the coming days, I will be posting the full thesis, chapter by chapter. I struggled deciding whether or not to post this here, but I decided ultimately that if it were submitted to academic journals, it would be behind a paywall. This information is important to me, and I would like it to be shared as freely as possible. If you would like the full PDF, click here.
By Steven Christopher McKnightabout a year ago in History
The Mystery of the Pingyan Giant Footprint: Fact or Fiction?
For centuries, people have been fascinated by stories of giants. Different cultures have shared legends about huge human-like beings, like the Titans in Greek myths or the Nephilim in the Bible. These stories have sparked our imagination and curiosity. But finding real evidence of giants has always been challenging and controversial. This changed for some people when a massive footprint was discovered in the remote village of Pingyan, China, sparking debates about whether it could be proof of giants.
By Muhammad Waseem about a year ago in History
Should We Change The Past to Fit Our Present?
History is confusing enough; just wait until we add modern politics to it. [Courtesy of Yan Krukau thanks to Pexels.com.] One of the problems with current discussions of history is that too many debaters look at historical events through a modern lens, usually to justify their political bias. This invariably means that the person has to modify the events in order to fit the event, possibly even linking some events that have no actual connection. This allows the historical event to fit the debater's needs better, even if it changes things so much that the past event is almost unrecognizable.
By Jamais Jochimabout a year ago in History
"A Hero's Stand: The Story of Abu Sayeed”. AI-Generated.
Abu Sayeed was born in a quiet village in Rangpur city. From a young age, he was different from others. A brilliant, courageous, and rebellious spirit, with a unique vision of the country, society, and people. His life's goal was not just to secure a good job after studying, but to fight for justice and stand up against oppression.
By Md. Solayman Hossain Sabujabout a year ago in History
The Most Fascinating Unsolved Mysteries of History
Throughout history, countless events and phenomena have puzzled historians, scientists, and the general public. While many questions have been answered with time and research, some mysteries remain unsolved, offering glimpses into the unknown. These enigmas not only challenge our understanding of the past but also inspire endless theories and speculation. Here, we explore some of the most fascinating unsolved mysteries in history.
By Marius Lunguabout a year ago in History
Forgotten Trades of Rural Spain
Driving through much of rural Spain today, it’s hard to picture what it looked like before the mid-20th century. The silent streets, main squares, local fountains and fields have little left to show for their industrious past beyond the lined worn faces of the old men assembled on stone benches watching the cars pass through their village. Tourists on their way to a hiking route may stop, take a photo or two, maybe pop into the local museum, but the scythes, threshing sledges and washing boards hanging on the wall are only a superficial reminder of its rich historic traditions.
By Kimberley Silverthorneabout a year ago in History
