Sufi Traditions, Vijayanagara, and Mughal Rural Society
Similarities and Differences Between Be-Sharia and Ba-Sharia Sufi Traditions
Meaning of Sharia: The Sharia is the law governing the Muslim community. It is based on the Qur’an and the Hadith, traditions of the Prophet including a record of his remembered words and deeds.
- Some mystics initiated movements based on a radical interpretation of Sufi ideals. Many scorned the khangah and took to mendicancy and observed celibacy. They ignored rituals.
- They observed extreme forms of asceticism. They were known
Spain’s 16th Century: Economic Boom, Crisis, and Societal Structure
Economy and Society in 16th Century Spain
Economic Developments and the Price Revolution
Economic developments in 16th-century Spain were marked by significant growth and the Price Revolution. Both Castile and Aragon experienced a major boom across all economic sectors, particularly those related to urban and commodity production, international trade, and port activities. Population growth and increasing demand from America for all types of products further stimulated this demand.
Another important
Read MoreUnderstanding Urbanization and Cultural Landscapes
Lecture 10
Popular Culture: The practices, attitudes, beliefs, traits, and preferences held in common by large numbers of people who are otherwise heterogeneous.
Food, Fashion, Technology
Cultural Groups: Associated with particular foods.
Landscape: The visible human imprint on the land.
Natural/Physical Environment
Human Environment: Urban, rural, suburban, etc.
Cultural Landscape: The outcome of interactions between people (societies) and their environments; a result of cultural adaptation.
Lecture 10
Culture:
Urbanization Stages in Spain: From the 19th Century to Today
The urbanization process is a reflection of the spatial organization of the economy and society in a given territory. Among the factors that may modify this process include the characteristics of the physical environment, stocking density, type of dominant economy, the state of development, the degree of external dependence, lifestyle, political and administrative organization, and cultural and political territorial factors.
Read MoreThe Rise of Islam: From Prophet Muhammad to the Caliphates
The Prophet Muhammad and the Dawn of Islam
Life and Mission
Muhammad, the unique Prophet of Islam, was born in Mecca in the year 571. He was an educated man, devoted to trade and meditation. According to tradition, in 610, he received the first revelation in which the Archangel Gabriel announced his prophetic mission and ordered him to preach the new religion of Allah. The configuration of the Islamic religion took place between this first revelation and Muhammad’s death as the sole prophet of Allah.
Read MorePioneers of Paleontology: Discoveries and Influences
Pioneering Paleoartists
Charles R. Knight (1874 – 1953)
- An American wildlife and paleoartist best known for his paintings of prehistoric animals.
- His works were featured at the American Museum of Natural History (New York City) and the Field Museum (Chicago).
Zdeněk Burian (1905 – 1981)
- A Czech painter, book illustrator, and paleoartist.
- Played an important role in the development of paleontological reconstruction.
- Recognized as one of the most influential paleoartists of all time.