Istanbul in 3 minutes

 

Discover Istanbul: 3-minute Tour Of The Largest City In Turkey, Formerly Known As Constantinople

Istanbul is situated in the northwestern Region of Turkey. The city straddles the Bosporus Strait,  which separates the European and Asian parts of Turkey. The confluence of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosporus, and the Golden Horn provide both ideal defense against enemy attack and a natural toll-gate. The city was founded in the 7th century BC. In 330 AD, the Roman emperor Constantine made it his imperial capital, renaming it as Constantinople after himself. The city’s growth, influence, and strategic location made it a beacon along the Silk Road and one of the most important cities in human history. It served as imperial capital for nearly 1600 years and played a pivotal role during the Roman/Byzantine, Latin, late Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. In 1930, the city's name was officially changed to Istanbul. With an area of approximately 1,539 square kilometers It is the most populous European city and the world's 15th largest city. The city has become the most visited city in the world, with more than 20 million foreign visitors in 2023. More than 90% of Istanbul’s population are Sunni Muslims, making it the dominant religious group in the city. Alevism is the second-largest religious group in Istanbul. Beyond Muslims Istanbul is home to various Christian communities. Sephardic Jews have also contributed to the city’s cultural fabric. Turkish is the primary language spoken by the majority of the population in Istanbul. However English is used, in the commercial and tourism sectors. Kurdish is also spoken by some residents in Istanbul.

Istanbul's climate is temperate, Summers are warm to hot and moderately dry, with an average daytime temperature of about 28 °C (82 °F), and less than 7 days of precipitation per month. However, mid-summer is considered moderately uncomfortable, due to high dew points and relative humidity. Winters, are cool, quite rainy, and relatively snow-rich for a city with above-freezing average temperatures. Several picturesque islands are part of the city. There are, more than 50 hills within the city limits. Istanbul's tallest hill, Aydos, is 537 meters (1,762 ft) high.

 Around their slopes are ranged many of the mosques and other historic landmarks that were collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985.Byzantine City Walls are the ancient fortifications encircle the historic city.Istanbul has been a main center for various faiths, including Christianity and Islam. The Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque stand as iconic symbols of this religious heritage. Topkapi Palace Once the residence and administrative headquarters of Ottoman sultans,offers glimpses into Ottoman history. the Galata Tower was once the tallest building in Istanbul. Located in the cobbled district of Galata, it offers panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus Strait.Basilica Cistern is an underground ancient marvel, builtin 6th century It stored water for the Great Palace of Constantinople and features impressive columns specially the Medusa heads at the base of two columns., the Grand Bazaar is a vibrant and historic marketplace. Dating back to the 15th century, it is one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets.Its labyrinthine alleys are filled with spices, textiles, jewelry, and more.Istiklal Street is a hub for shopping, nightlife, and entertainment. Visitors can explore trendy boutiques, international chain stores, cafes, restaurants, bars, and clubs along this bustling avenue. Turkish baths, also known as hamams, are an integral part of Istanbul’s cultural heritage. These historic bathhouses offer a unique and rejuvenating experience.The Galata Mevlevi Museum (tekke) is undoubtedly the most famous Mevlevi Whirling Dervish hall.Istanbul hosts a vibrant music scene with numerous live concerts, festivals, and performances. 

 Istanbul is famous for its delicious street foods that street vendors sell throughout the city. Most popular street foods are Simit (sesame-covered circular bread ring), Döner Kebab (Shwarma), Lahmacun (Turkish pizza) usually served with a glass of cold ayran (a salty yogurt drink),Balık Ekmek (Fish Sandwich), midye dolma (Stuffed mussels), Kokoreç (Grilled Lamb Intestines),Kumpir (Baked Potato),Lokum (Turkish Delight),Dondurma (Turkish Ice Cream),Baklava (Layered Pastry with Nuts and Syrup), halka tatlisi(Deep fried dipped in sugar syrup).Turkish coffee has a strong taste and is usually served in espresso-sized cupsusually with Turkish delight. Whether someone is looking for a romantic dinner overlooking the Bosphorus or a casual lunch by the sea, Istanbul has plenty of Sea view Restaurants.

Istanbul is Turkey’s largest port and the hub of its industry. Textiles, food processing, flour milling, tobacco processing, cement, and glass are the city’s principal manufactures. The tourism and finance sectors are growing sources of income for Istanbul.

Varying modes of rail transportation are found throughout the centre of the city; Maritime services include many forms of transport, from harbour dinghies and small ferries to international liners. Buses provide internal urban transportation, Istanbul Airport, located about 50 km (30 miles) northwest of the city centre, provides both international and domestic service.

Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Istanbul.The Atatürk Olympic Stadium stands as a symbol of sporting excellence and national pride in Istanbul. 

Unveiling a Planet of Giant Beings: Colossal Creativity

 

by Zaheeruddin Babar

Let’s explore the intriguing scenario of humans from a planet where they are three times larger and heavier than Earth-born humans. To achieve such significant differences in size and weight, we’ll consider the conditions of this hypothetical planet:

1. Planet Characteristics:

• Size and Mass: The planet would need to be much larger than Earth to accommodate beings three times our size. Its radius, surface area, and volume would all be significantly greater.
• Gravity: The planet’s gravity would be weaker than Earth’s. If humans are three times heavier, the gravitational force must be lower to allow them to function comfortably.
• Atmosphere: The atmosphere would need to be dense enough to support life but not so thick that it becomes unbreathable for these giant humans.
• Composition: The planet’s composition (rocky or gaseous) would impact its overall structure and surface conditions.

2. Implications for Life:

   • Nutrition: These large humans would require abundant food sources to sustain their increased metabolic needs. The planet must support a rich ecosystem with ample plant and animal life.
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   • Oxygen Levels: Despite the larger size, their oxygen requirements would remain similar. The atmosphere should contain sufficient oxygen for respiration.
   • Temperature and Climate: The planet’s climate would play a crucial role. If it’s too hot or too cold, it could affect their survival.
   • Supportive Infrastructure: The planet’s surface, oceans, and landmasses would need to accommodate their size. Mountains, oceans, and forests would be on a grand scale.

3. Adaptations:

   • Musculoskeletal System: Their bones, muscles, and joints would need to be robust to handle the increased weight. Perhaps they’d have thicker bones and stronger muscles.
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   • Heart and Circulation: Their cardiovascular system would need to efficiently pump blood throughout their larger bodies.
   • Respiratory System: Larger lungs or more efficient oxygen exchange would be necessary.
   • Thermoregulation: Their skin, sweat glands, and internal temperature regulation mechanisms would need to adapt.

4. Social and Cultural Aspects:

   • Society: Their civilization would likely be organized differently due to their size. Buildings, transportation, and infrastructure would be tailored to their needs.
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   • Technology: They might develop tools and technology suited for their massive forms.
   • Communication: Language, gestures, and social norms would evolve differently.

5. Aesthetics and Beauty: Concepts of beauty, aesthetics, and attractiveness would vary. What we find appealing might differ significantly for these giant humans.

In summary, a planet supporting humans three times our size would need a unique combination of gravity, atmospheric conditions, and ecological balance. It would be a world of giants, with adaptations and challenges unlike anything we know on Earth. 

The Myth of Sisyphus Explained

    

                                                     by Zaheeruddin Babar

Sisyphus was a crafty king of Ephyra who had a reputation for outsmarting even the gods. Zeus, the king of the gods, was not amused by Sisyphus' antics and decided to punish him with a task that would seem never-ending. Sisyphus was to push a massive boulder up a steep hill every day, only to have it roll back down at the end of the day, forcing him to start over again for all of eternity.

The punishment was physically grueling and psychologically torturous for Sisyphus. Every day, he pushed the boulder up the steep hill, only to watch it roll back down to the bottom, undoing all of his efforts. This cycle of labor and failure was not only exhausting but also deeply demoralizing.

As Sisyphus continued to push the boulder, he became increasingly aware of the futility of his actions. He knew that no matter how hard he worked, he would never be able to complete his task. This realization led to a sense of hopelessness and despair, as he struggled to come to terms with the fact that his punishment was eternal.

Despite this, Sisyphus refused to give up. He saw his punishment as a challenge to be overcome, a test of his strength and resilience. With each push, he learned to improve his technique and make progress up the hill. He developed a deep sense of determination, knowing that even though his task would never be completed, he could still find meaning and purpose in his struggle.

Sisyphus' punishment served as a reminder of the dangers of pride and deceit. It also demonstrated the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. Though his punishment was severe, Sisyphus was able to find meaning and purpose in his struggle, showing that even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome with the right mindset and attitude.

Over time, Sisyphus became a symbol of perseverance and resilience. He showed that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, it's possible to find meaning and purpose. And though his task may never be completed, Sisyphus proved that it's not the destination that matters, but the journey itself.

As the years passed, Sisyphus came to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of his task. He found solace in the repetitive nature of his work, and he discovered a sense of peace in the rhythmic movement of pushing the boulder up the hill. And though he was doomed to an eternity of struggle, Sisyphus knew that his actions had made him immortal, and that his legacy would live on forever.

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The muses | Greek Mythology | Tales of Muses

"Dead you shall lie, forever, a name that none recall;

For never you gathered roses upon the Muses' tree.

Dim as you were in living, there too in Hades' hall

You shall drift where only phantoms faint and forgotten flee." 

(Sappho of Mytilene, born c. 610 BC; Ancient greek Poet)

Civilizations emerge, rise, reach to climax, and then began to decline and in the end vanish. . .then with the passage of time all the signs of their existence began to fade away, and even the stories of their existence are forgotten from the human mind. But only Muses keep in their memory the stories of the people of the forgotten past. And then only these Muses tell the forgotten stories to the humans, and indirectly transfer the forgotten knowledge in form of myths.  All things originate in the myths, which are the cradle and preview both of those things that are, and of those that should be. But the myths, a Sacred All-embracing True Tale which depends on nothing except language, are told to men by the MUSES.

 Inspiration is a mystical, intangible thing that grasps the artist, the writer, the inventor, and even the scientist. And the muses were deemed to be the source of that inspiration.

Muses are a group of sister goddesses of obscure but ancient origin and are considered the source of the knowledge embodied in poetry, lyric songs, and myths. They are also considered goddesses, who remember all the things that had come to pass.

Hesiod says that the Muses were daughters of the Titaness Mnemosyne, the goddess of Memory.

The Muses spent much of their time on Olympus cheerfully singing and dancing. Sometimes they also came down to earth. Mount Helicon is a mountain in Greece, celebrated in Greek mythology. It is said that two springs sacred to the Muses were located there. One of its springs was created when Pegasus struck his hoof against the ground, causing a spring to emerge. It was at one of its springs where Narcissus fell in love with his own magnificence, but there abound stories of poets, artists, and musicians who all found their creative inspiration at Helicon. It was the place  where Hesiod had been pasturing sheep and met with Muses and was inspired by them to write “The Theogony.”

Hesiod placed a reference to the Muses on the Helicon at the very beginning of his Theogony:

From the Heliconian Muses let us begin to sing,

Who hold the great and holy mount of Helicon,

And dance on soft feet about the deep-blue spring

 and, When they have washed their tender bodies in Permessus

Or in the Horse's Spring or Olmeius,

Make their fair, lovely dances upon the highest Helicon

And move with vigorous feet.

The Muses whisper in the ears of those that invoke them. Their gifts inspire musicians and writers to reach ever greater artistic and intellectual heights. These women inspired all manner of discoveries and creations, from science to art. They discovered letters and the combination of these we call poetry.

Their gifts also help mankind to forget their troubles.  Hesiod states that the Muses were created as an aid to forgetfulness and relief from troubles, perhaps as a balance to their mother, who personified memory.

In “The Theogony,” Hesiod tells us that there were nine Muses – and most authors, especially since Roman times, abide by his account. 

The extraordinary tales told by the Muses are neither to be believed nor disbelieved. Belief belongs to religion, magic, and superstition, and Disbelief belongs to exhaustion, despair, and emptiness. But the myths stand, by the power of Memory and the MUSES, on the golden thread that separates and blends both.

The truth of the MUSES' tales is not a truth of a factual kind. This is why they say in the words of the poet:

 

Algiers in 3 minutes

Algiers is the capital and largest city of Algeria. The city's population is estimated to be around 5 million. It is located on the west side of a bay of the Mediterranean Sea on the slopes of the Sahel Hills in the north-central portion of Algeria. The city forms a large amphitheater of dazzling white buildings that dominate the harbor and the bay. 

The city's name is the French version of the Arabic name al-Jazāʾir (الجزائر), "The Islands". 

The original town was founded by Berbers as a small trading port and was part of the ancient Carthage Empire and the kingdom of Numedia, Ancient Greeks knew the town as Ikósion, According to the Greeks the town was founded by 20 companions of Hercules when he visited the Atlas Mountains during his labors. After the Punic Wars, the Romans eventually took over the administration of the town, which they called Icosium. In the 5th century, the town fell to Vandals, and in the 7th century, Arabs took control of this port and the town was transformed into a city. The city remained under various Arab dynasties. In the 16th century, the Spanish threatened it and the local emir appealed to the Ottoman corsair Barbarossa, who expelled the Spanish and placed Algiers under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Formally part of the Ottoman Empire but essentially free from Ottoman control, and due to its location on the periphery of both the Ottoman and European economic spheres, Algiers became the major base for the Barbary Coast pirates for 300 years; By the 17th century, up to 40% of the city's 100,000 inhabitants were enslaved Europeans.

French invaded and occupied the city in 1830  and Algiers became the capital of French Algeria. Many Europeans settled in Algiers, and by the early 20th century they formed a majority of the city's population. In 1962, Algeria gained its independence.

Algiers has one of the most pleasant climates due to its position in the Mediterranean. 

53% of the population is Arabic-speaking, 44% from a Berber-speaking background, and 3% foreign-born. French is the most common and popular foreign language.

Algiers's rich history can be seen in its architecture, from its Moorish mosques, Ottoman-style palaces, and Berber fortifications to its  French colonial houses, and modern boulevards. 

The Casbah is the citadel of Algiers and the traditional quarter is clustered around it. In 1992, (UNESCO) declared it a World Cultural Heritage site. Jamaa-el-Kebir is the oldest mosque in Algiers first built-in 1097. The New Mosque Jamaa-el-Jedid dates from the 17th century. The Ketchaoua Mosque is located at the foot of the Casbah.

 The cathedral of Notre Dame d'Afrique, the Bardo Museum, a Moorish palace built in 1799, and the new National Library, are notable buildings. Monument des Martyrs is an iconic concrete monument commemorating the Algerian war for independence. Djamaa el Djazaïr (Arabic: جامع الجزائر), also known as the Great Mosque of Algiers houses the world's tallest minaret and is the third-largest mosque in the world.

The most popular markets are in an area known as Didouche Mourad Street. It has a wide range of elegant and international shops.

 Popular Algerian street foods include Garantita which is consumed as a snack and typically served hot. Mahjouba is a traditional Algerian pancake made with semolina. Frite Omelet is fast food that is made with two main ingredients potato and eggs. A popular sweet is “Zlabiya” and is available in many shapes and types.

Kesra or khobz f'tir is a traditional Algerian flatbread.  Mutton is the most eaten meat in the country. Green tea with mint is generally drunk in the afternoon, and thick espresso and black coffee are very popular. 

The airport is located 20 km from the city. Algiers has a variety of public transport services which include the national railroad company, the Algiers Metro, and the Algiers tramway. But still, the Taxis are a fast and cheap way to get around in Algiers. 

Football is the most popular sport, there is an enormous sporting complex and is the center of major sporting events.

Jordan Peterson Maps of meaning, A Short Critical Analysis

             

Jordan Peterson is one of the most influential thinkers, public speakers, and internet celebrities in the Western world. Professionally he is a clinical psychologist, YouTube personality, author, and professor emeritus at the University of Toronto. He has authored or co-authored more than a hundred academic papers on various psychological, cultural, social, political, and religious topics. One of his books 12 Rules for Life is a bestseller in many countries.

His views on cultural and political issues receive widespread attention. He appears frequently as a guest panelist in various popular TV shows. However, his lectures and conversations, are propagated mainly through YouTube and podcasts and attract millions of viewers.

    Peterson was born and grew up in an era When the Western nations were still traumatized from the destructions of the 2nd world war and the post-war world was divided into two opposite blocks. The Soviet Union was at its Peak and the continuous Fear of Nuclear War was lingering in the Western World. Literary works of Soviet writers were shaking and influencing the minds of intellectuals all around the world. The ideologies of Continental Philosophers like Neitzche and Marx were still hot topics in academic circles. And the Existentialists were pushing the Western mind into an individual crisis.

   

     Peterson grew up under the influence of all these Fears  . . . fear of Totalitarianism, fear of Socialism, fear of existential crisis, fear of a nuclear war, and fear of the Destruction of the world. In November 1989 the Berlin wall was demolished and the Soviet Union Collapsed. But soon after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Western powers considered that event not only a political victory but also a social, ideological, and cultural victory.

    

     Western minds began to think that Marxism, Socialism, and Totalitarianism, are nothing but evil ideologies and cause nothing but destruction and then they began to target all those voices which were somehow related or influenced or have an inclination towards, socialism, totalitarianism and were being labeled as evil ones. Not only this, but the End of the USSR also created a sense of superiority in the Western mind regarding their political system, and social and cultural values. These things lead them to ignore the social and cultural problems prevailing within their own societies. 

But people who had clear insights and instincts about the changes in their society were feeling that things were not right, Peterson was one of them. Not only this, there were conflicts and bloodshed in various parts of the world and there was no socialism or soviets to blame.

    In 1999, Peterson published his first book, Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief, which became the basis for many of his subsequent lectures. It took Peterson a long period of 13 years to complete his book.

    The book described a theory of how the mind works and how people construct the meaning of history.Throughout the book, the author attempted to answer a single question, how do social conflicts arise, and why do both individuals and groups get involved in the social conflict? 

    Peterson seems to realize that Western Society is facing serious issues on both individual and social levels,  and he began to highlight some of those issues and he also tries to find out the reasons behind those issues. He succeeded to some extent but overall he appeared hiding or intentionally ignoring the main causes and that resulted in his failure of finding solutions to the problems. 

   

     Peterson himself was under immense social pressure that was forcing him not to criticize or blame the corporate world or capitalism. He intentionally tried to ignore all the problems resulting from the economic injustices in a capitalist society. He tried to deny the Importance of Money or wealth and other material resources in the success or failure of a person's life and tried to ignore their relationship with happiness and miseries in human life. He shuts his eyes from poverty, hunger, growing class differences, and economic injustices in society. because in Western societies it has become a norm that anything against capitalism is instantly labeled as some unforgivable sin, in the same way, as it is to praise something from socialism or other social systems, 

    

    With such compromises, Peterson tried to point out and address the issues in an indirect and obscure manner. Because he couldn't blame the society or economic or political systems, he chooses to blame the individual  . . . and here he commits a crucial mistake . . .he not only blames the Individual but he puts all the burden and responsibility of dealing and solving the situation on the shoulders of the individual.

    According to him personal talents can help an individual to move up in the hierarchy but when it comes to pointing out those personal talents, his answer is very strange and seems completely irrelevant. . . . 

    e.g talents he mentioned are

 the ability to articulate truth.Ability to be competent,ability to make an appropriate moral judgment. When Peterson fully realized that his first book was not able to address the real issues and failed to solve the problems faced by an individual or by Western society, he began to work on his 2nd book. 

End of Part 1

Phoenix Ancient Mythical bird

One of the creation myths from the ancient Egyptian city Heliopolis tells of a Mythical Bird. In that myth, there is an account of the 'first dawn' when the world was said to have emerged from an 'infinite, lifeless sea' called 'Nun', in a distant period known as "the first occasion" when a bird skimmed over the waters of the Nun until it opened its beak and a cry echoed over the waters of the Nun. The world was filled with ‘which it had not known, and then the sun rose for the first time. The cry of the that Bird thus determined what is and is not to be’. that bird was named by Egyptians as Benu Bird and was considered as an aspect of Atum, who brought life and light to the world.

    The Benu’s cry had begun the cycle of time, which the Egyptians believed to be divinely appointed. The Temple of the Benu Bird at Heliopolis was primarily concerned with the regulation of the calendar and the Benu Bird itself became the deity concerned with the division of time. At Heliopolis, where the bird deity Bennu was venerated, it was said to be living on the Benben stone or on the holy willow tree.

    The Greeks named the Egyptian Benu Bird the Phoenix. The earliest clear mention of the phoenix in ancient Greek literature occurs in a fragment of the Precepts of Chiron, attributed to 6th century BC Greek poet Hesiod. In the fragment, the wise centaur Chiron tells a young hero Achilles the phoenix's lifetime is 972 times the length of a long-lived human's:

    Classical discourse on the subject of the phoenix attributes a potential origin of the phoenix to Ancient Egypt. Herodotus, writing in the 5th century BC, provides the following account of the phoenix:

[The Egyptians] have also another sacred bird called the phoenix which I have never seen, except in pictures. Indeed it is a great rarity, even in Egypt, only coming there (according to the accounts of the people of Heliopolis) once in five hundred years, when the old phoenix dies.       Its size and appearance, if it is like the pictures, are as follows: The plumage is partly red, partly golden, while the general make and size are almost exactly that of the eagle. 

    According to various Greek accounts, Phoenix is a legendary bird without parents and offspring. It nurtured itself in sunlight and sea spray. Brilliant in appearance, its feathers were gold, red, and white; its eyes were green as the sea. A semi-immortal being, the Phoenix had a lifespan of 500 years and when about to die, it drew new life from the primal elements of fire and water and was born again. It would build its nest in the form of a funeral pyre and a single clap of its wings would ignite it. Then, when consumed by the flames, a young Phoenix would arise from its own ashes. The Greeks considered the appearance of the Phoenix as a herald of important events to come.

    Scholars have observed analogs to the phoenix in a variety of cultures. These analogs include the Persian Simorgh, the Arabian Anqa, the Turkish Konrul, the Russian firebird, the Georgian Paskunji, Chinese Fenghuang, the Hindu  Bherunda, and the Japanese Hō-ō.

by Zaheeruddin Babar

Sanaa in 3 minutes | Capital of Yemen | Largest city of Yemen | Oldest ...

Sana'a is the capital of Yemen, located at an elevation of 7,500 ft, it is one of the highest capital cities in the world.It has a population of over 4 million, making it Yemen's largest city. Its urban area makes up about 10% of Yemen's total population.

Sanaa is located at the narrowest part of the plain, nestled between Jabal Nuqum to the east and the foothills of Jabal an-Nabi Shu'ayb, Yemen's tallest mountain, to the west.

Sanaʽa features the very rare mild version of a desert climate. As a result of its lower latitude and higher elevation, UV radiation from the sun is much stronger than in the hotter climates farther north on the Arab peninsula.The city experiences many microclimates from district to district because of its location and uneven elevations throughout the city.

Sana'a is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world, and is believed to have been founded by Sam, the son of Noah. As a result, the city has the nickname of "Sam City".It remained an important center of the ancient civilizations  of Sabaeans and Himyarite. Sanaa was an Arabian centre for Christians and Jews before it was converted to Islam.Because of its location, Sanaa was positioned at the crossroad of two major ancient trade routes linking Ma'rib in the east to the Red Sea in the west. The Ottomans conquered Sanaa in 1547 . Sanaa became the national capital of independent Yemen after Ottoman defeat in World War I. 

Population is overwhelmingly ethnic Arab and Afro-Arab.Muslims constitute 99% . Arabic is the official language.

Generally, Sanaʽa is divided into two parts: the Old City District ("al-Qadeemah") and the new city ("al-Jadid.") . The old fortified city has been inhabited for more than 2,500 years and contains many intact architectural gems. . Massive old city wall is pierced by numerous gates. Most notable  is the Bāb al-Yaman. The Old City of Sanaa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a distinctive architectural character, most notably expressed in its multi-storey buildings , all built before the 11th century ce.

Souk Al-Milh, literally meaning ‘The Salt Market’ ,located in the very heart of Old Sanaa. it is divided into the specialised markets, some of which have their own names.

Sanaa in 3 minutes | Capital of Yemen | Largest city of Yemen | Oldest city of the World

by Zaheeruddin Babar

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Anomie | Normlessness | Breakdown of social values

A norm is an expectation of how people will behave in a society, Norms  encourag positive behavior or discourage negative behavior. Norms also shape interests. But norms are distinct from "ideas", "attitudes", and "values", which can be held privately, and which do not necessarily concern behavior. 

Norms exert a form of social pressure that encourages individual to act and interact in certain ways. Norms determine what is considered moral and ethical behavior; they structure the difference between right and wrong. A law is also a norm that is formally inscribed at the state or federal level and is enforced by police or other government agents. Thus Norms are important because of  their contribution to create social order.

    A situation in which the social norms that regulate individual conduct have broken down or are no longer effective as rules for behaviour” is called Anomie.It is a breakdown of social bonds between an individual and their community, in which individuals do not feel bound by the moral restrictions of society.

This aspect refers to the  . . . inability to identify with the perceived dominant values of society. 

Anomie occurs during and follows periods of drastic and rapid changes to the social, economic, or political structures of society.

    Anomie arise when an individual's actions are mismatched, or not integrated, with a system of social norms and practices. It is the result of the weakening of traditional institutions, in particular the reduced authority of such institutions in the economic sphere, as well as changes in the principles underlying social inequality. More generally, when there is a significant discrepancy between the ideological theories and values commonly professed and what was actually achievable in everyday life. 

Such conditions led individuals to pursue egoistic ends rather than seeking the good of a larger community. Sometimes  rapid change of the standards or values of societies  often erroneously seem as normlessness. 

    Complex modern societies, directly cause anomie by depriving the individual of self-determination and a relatively small reference group to relate to, such as the band, clan or tribe. 

It may also arise from the lack of a social ethic, which produces moral deregulation and an absence of legitimate aspirations. Similarly, a society with too much rigidity and little individual discretion could also produce a kind of anomie.

    Because anomie is the discrepancy between common social goals and the legitimate means to attain those goals. it means, an individual suffering from anomie would strive to attain the common goals of a specific society yet would not be able to reach these goals legitimately because of the structural limitations in society. As a result, the individual would exhibit deviant behavior.

    Such normlessness causes both personal anxiety and a disruption in the rhythm of social life. 

At a personal level, it creates  alienation, isolation, emotional emptiness and despair. In such situation striving is considered useless, because there is no accepted definition of what is desirable.  As norms become less binding for individuals. individuals lose the sense of what is right and wrong.  Individuals may feel that community leaders are indifferent to their needs, that society is basically unpredictable and lacking order, and that goals are not being realized. They may also have a sense of futility and a conviction that associates are not dependable sources of support. 

     when society does not provide the necessary legitimate and legal means that allow people to achieve culturally valued goals, people seek out alternative means that may simply break from the norm, or may violate norms and laws. 

    Periods of anomie are unstable, chaotic, and often rife with conflict because the social force of the norms and values that otherwise provide stability is weakened or missing.

Anomie | Normlessness | Breakdown of social values

by Zaheeruddin Babar

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Casablanca in 3 minutes | largest city of Morocco

Casablanca is the largest city of Morocco with a population of almost 4 million. Located on the Atlantic coast,in the central-western part of Morocco, it is the second largest city in the Maghreb region.The closest permanent river to Casablanca is Oum Rabia, 70 km to the south-east.

Casablanca has a mediterranean climate with warm summers, pleasant winters and moderate rainfall (415mm or 16.3 inches). 

It is blessed with very good summers, due to being located in the west coast of the Atlantic, which gives very refreshing breezes.

The modern city of Casablanca was founded by Berber fishermen in the 10th Century BC and was subsequently used by the Phoenicians, Romans, and the Merenids as a strategic port called Anfa. The Portuguese destroyed it and rebuilt it under the name Casa Branca, only to abandon it after an earthquake in 1755. The Moroccan sultan rebuilt the city as Daru l-Badya.The French occupied the city in 1907, establishing it as a protectorate in 1912 however it gained independence with the rest of the country in 1956. Since independence the European population has decreased substantially. Now 99.9% of the population of Morocco are Arab and Berber Muslims. Arabic, Berber and  French are the main languages.

The medina of Casablanca is the oldest part of the city. Two of the original gates of the old city walls still survive. Other attractions include an 18th-century fortress, a jewellery market, and the tomb of Sidi Allal el-Kairouani.Outside the walls of the medina is the town built by the French.  

Muḥammad V Square, near the gateway of the old medina, and United Nations Square are the business and administrative centres of the town. Farther south, are the gardens of the Park of the Arab League, and the white Cathedral of the Sacré Coeur.

The neighborhood of Anfa is the most upper-class and westernized in the city.

The Hubous is one of the older neighborhoods and is a cultural and religious center as many traditional and historic buildings are located here. Most prominent of these is  Mahkamat al-Pasha. 

The Ḥasan II mosque, situated along the coast, is one of the largest and most ornate mosques in the world. The Ain Diab is a commune located in the west of the Hassan II Mosque. It is affluent and famous for the fashionable stretch of coastline known as the Corniche. There are numerous hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and Lalla Meryem Beach and Ain Diab Beach. There is also the ribat and island of Sidi Abderrahman. The Port of Casablanca is one of the largest artificial ports in the world. In the Ain Diab area, "Morocco Mall". is the largest shopping mall in Africa.  

. West of the park and stretching toward the coast are the gardens and villas of residential districts, such as Anfa. El Hank Light house is the highest lighthouse in the Morocco.

The 1942 American film Casablanca is set in Casablanca and has had a lasting impact on the city's image. Casablanca has many movie theaters.

The Casablanca Tramway is the rapid transit tram system in Casablanca. A network of buses and taxis provide services. There is also a railway line that runs northeastward to Tangier—and eastward into Algeria and Tunisia. The Casablanca-Nouaceur airport, to the east of the city, provide international services.

The traditional Moroccan bread is called Khobz. There are plenty of small shops all around town selling rotisserie chicken, grilled meats, or grilled sausages. In Casablanca, fish tagines are a particular specialty. Pastilla is a delicious Moroccan sweet and savory meat pie. Cooked in huge steaming pans of broth, snails are a favorite Moroccan street food.

Casablanca has a large number  of famous coffee shops and cafés. Wine and liquor are available, but only when eating in the restaurant. Many western-style nightclubs exist in the Maarif and Gironde neighborhoods. Soccer has been the most popular sport.  Mohammed V Athletic Complex situated in the heart of the city of Casablanca.

Anomie | Normlessness | Breakdown of social values

by Zaheeruddin Babar

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Cairo in 3 minutes | Capital of Egypt | Cairo City

Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt. With a population of over  9 million spread over 453 km2 Cairo is by far the largest city in the Arab World. Situated near the Nile Delta , Cairo was founded in 969 AD during the Fatmid  Dynasty. The land composing the present day city is associated with ancient  Egypt, as the famous Giza Pyramid complex and ancient city of Memphis are located in its geographical area.

City is located in northern part of Egypt, 165 kms sounth of Mediterranean Sea and 120 kms West of the Suez Canal along side the Nile River.

 The Climate is a hot desert climate, Wind storms can be frequent, bringing Saharan dust into the city. In summer the temperature rarely surpass 40 C and lows drop to about 20 C. From March to May the air often becomes uncomfortably dry but most of the Summer months have high humidity due to its coastal location . Winter is short, rainfall is sparse and only happen in the colder months. Cairo’s population is  predominantly Muslim. Arabic is the commonly spoken language.

Cairo holds one of the greatest concentrations of historical monuments of Islamic architecture in the world. The Citadel is located east of the city centre around Islamic Cairo, which dates back to the Fatimid era. The Fatimids built Cairo as a  palatial city which contained their palaces and institutions of government. It was enclosed by a circuit of walls, parts of which survive today at Bab Zuwayla in the south and Bab al-Futuh and Bab al-Nasr in the north. One of the most important and lasting institutions founded in the Fatimid period was the Mosque and University of al-Azhar, founded in 970 AD. The Mamluks, and the later Ottomans,  built caravanserais, the most famous example still intact today is the Wikala al-Ghuri, which nowadays also hosts regular performances by the  Egyptian Heritage Dance Troupe. The famous Khan al-Khalili is a commercial hub which also integrated caravanserais. Established as a center of trade in the Mamluk era , the bazaar district has since become one of Cairo's main attractions for tourists.

Downtown Cairo  has been the urban center of Cairo, since the late 19th century, when the district was designed and built by French architects. It is dominated by wide boulevards, open spaces, and modern architecture and was once home to the prosperous elite of late 19th and early 20th century Cairo. 

Qasr El Nil Street is a street in downtown Cairo, is one of the biggest streets in Cairo, with many businesses, restaurants, and an active nightlife. Most popular nightlife  activities, include Bellydance performances, and  Nile dinner cruise. 

The Cairo Tower is a free-standing tower with a revolving restaurant at the top.

The Qasr El Nil Bridge is a famous bridge that connects Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo to the modern Cairo Opera complex toward the southern end of Gezira Island.

The Egyptian Museum, is home to the most extensive collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities in the world. 

Cairo International Airport is the principal international airport of Cairo and the busiest airport in Egypt.

Ramses Railway Station  also called Misr Station is the main railway station of Cairo.

Cairo has an extensive road network, rail system, subway system and maritime services.

In Cairo there's a coffee shop on every corner. Koshary is a uniquely Egyptian street food that is made of a mixture of rice, macaroni or spaghetti, lentils and chickpeas, covered with a spicy tomato sauce. 

Egyptian flat bread is called aysh baladi or shami based on whole wheat flour or just flour. Beaf is the most common meat. Fuul is an Egyptian kind of falafel with fava beans, it can be found at nearly every street vendor in Cairo.

Football is the most popular sport in Egypt. Naser Stadium, is the second largest stadium in Egypt.

Cairo in 3 minutes | Capital of Egypt | Cairo City

by Zaheeruddin Babar

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