After watching the “Snowy Day Assignment” youtube videos, I got to thinking about how beautiful those palaces were, and how incredible it was that there were not as publicized as other wonders of the world. These architectural feats are amazing, like the commentator said himself, yet, few of us non history buffs know so little about these incredible landmarks. The restoration, or up keeping of Esfahan is also outstanding, considering the age of these buildings, and the historical and political changes the country has been through. It is so sad that political aspirations and ensuing conflicts keep so many people in the dark about so many wonderful cultures. So far, all I thought my only impressions of Iran were from the Kite Runner (which was really helpful in understanding the current situation), and from the news reports of possible nuclear armament. I find it deplorable that because of ongoing conflict of interest, only a certain part of history is kept alive, and is constantly revisited (such as that of Ancient Rome or Greece) while other parts are pushed into the corner, rarely touched upon by those feel “unrelated” to the “other side”. The western civilization has always been considered to have contributed the most to our world, and evidently, no great feat of its history is left unmentioned in textbooks. However all other civilizations are briefly touched upon in mainstream classrooms, and those who are interest have to read between the lines to find out what really happened. I find this “partial” education even more dangerous than ignorance, as those who do not know, feel as though they do, as they have been thought very little and ignore it is only the tip of the iceberg. If only everyone could have the chance to see the full picture, or at least a greater, fairer, portion of what happened in the past, the next generations would be better off. I think.
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I completely agree! How come we never learn about this in school? I feel like by learning about the Middle East it's broadening a whole new world that I had no idea about. I've always disliked history but it's because I can't grasp it from multiple points of view, only from America's point of view. After being taught the same point of view through out all of my years in school get boring. Matter a fact I don't remember learning anything about the Middle East except for when 9/11 happened. And even then, the head of schools told teachers not to talk about what happened. And as a student that leaves us with only getting our information from the media, which we have quickly learned, is not reliable.
ReplyDeleteI also agree. As for someone who believes that there should be other sides to the story to be taken into consideration, it frustrates me to still see how we are taught in our schools about the Ancient Egypt, Greeks, Romans, but not about the Ottoman or Safavid Empires, which both have had great significance in world history. I remember taking a history course in this exact school on Italy, and seeing how the professor gave little importance to the Ottomans and how they ruled some parts of the area. Thankfully I had previously learned about it, but it was upsetting because it was obvious no one else in the class had any knowledge about it. After so many years we are not progressing as quick enough to correct how we are taught in schools. It’s like the age old story of how Columbus found America, but yet he wasn’t the first. And I agree, there is something captivating about the Islamic art in the mosques, buildings, etc. But I would also like to point out that the Kite Runner did not take place in Iran it took place in Afghanistan.
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