Culture
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was passed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1948 to provide an authoritative list of human rights that could serve as an international standard for all peoples and nations.
Voltaire, "Internal Government" (1756)
François–Marie Arouet, who wrote under the name Voltaire, was both the best–known and most tireless advocate of the Enlightenment and also a close associate of several European kings and many French aristocrats.
Teaching Traditional Polynesian Navigation
On the Micronesian island of Satawal, north of Papua New Guinea (about 2000 miles east of the island group of Hawaii), children sit on a canoe watching a ceremony related to the heritage of traditional navigation.
Islamic Empire: Official Document, Jewish Marriage Contract
Within the context of patriarchal societies, women are dependent upon their male relatives to look out for their best interests.
Islamic Empire: Poem, Rabi’a al-‘Adawiyya
In these poetic lines by Rabi’a al-‘Adawiyya, one of the most important founders of the mystical element of Islam, known as Sufism, we see an essential element of Sufi thought, the creation of which is often attributed to her: the ideal of divine love.
Islamic Empire: Miracle Story, Rabi’a al-‘Adawiyya
Rabi’a al-‘Adawiyya from Basra was one of the most important founders of the mystical element of Islam, known as Sufism. The stories about her life and teachings illustrate a woman free from many of the traditional constraints placed on women’s lives.
Islamic Empire: Poem, Abbasid-era
The Abbasid period is known as a time during which women’s public roles became more restricted in the Muslim population (umma).
Islamic Empire: Religious Text, Mosque Customs and Public Behavior
The Hadith, or ways of the Prophet Muhammad, were collected upon his death from those who were close to him in life. Known as the Companions, these people played a key role in filling in the sayings and practices of Muhammad and his behaviors, recording them for future generations.
Islamic Empire: Religious Text, Marriage Customs
The Hadith, or ways of the Prophet Muhammad, were collected upon his death from those who were close to him in life. Known as the Companions, these people played a key role in filling in the sayings and practices of Muhammad and his behaviors, recording them for future generations.
Islamic Empire: Travel Narrative, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu
In the 18th century, European travelers began to enjoy increased access to international destinations, and the Ottoman Empire was a particular favorite for many.