Blog #9 Islamisation

Common definitions of terrorism refer only to those violent acts which are intended to create fear (terror), are perpetrated for  religious, political or ideological goals, deliberately target or disregard the safety of civilians, and are committed by non-government agencies.

I enjoyed reading this week articles very much. First of all, Gunn’s article mainly talks about Uzbekistan!!!!   Secondly, it talks about what is really going on there. Thirdly, all the articles showcase a social issue which is another great interest of mine. Lastly, all three pieces got me thinking really hard.

So if terrorism refers to violence perpetrated for religious, political or ideological goals and is not committed by government agencies …what is going on in Uzbekistan then? What I got from Gunn’s article “Shaping Islamic Identity” is that Uzbekistan is caught in between. On the one hand is gaining Islamic identity and separating itself completely from the past and Soviet Union and anything that has Russian identity. On the other hand,  tries to become a modern state and  doesn’t follow the same path as Afghanistan did, because of fear that C.A.   will become  a new battleground, with an excuse to its religious superiority. By doing so the government is suppressing many other religions that are not “official Islam” which can lead to the rise of Islamist movements. In Uzbekistan democracy seems to be the blanket that is covering complete totalitarianism in the eyes of the rest of the world. I would agree with the term “clash within civilization” but I would add that it is because of the fear of that  more powerful civilizations will be clashing onto C.A. and blaming it for its religious and cultural war. Colombia vs. Afghanistan was a good example.

It seems that everyone is blaming Islam for all the troubles in the world from 9/11 to Women’s lack of rights .That is what E. Said refers to  as Clash of Ignorance. He says that there is a big problem with the identifying labels.

What is Islam?   What is West? Does all Islam means is jihad, or it’s just a bunch of crazy fanatics? And how many Muslims live around the world, in U.S. in particular?

After all that we probably need a new definition for terrorism, as it appears governments and politicians are the ones who are creating terrorism   at its grassroots.

Blog # 7 Cosmopolitan Chang’an

Summing up in his article the history of the Tang Dynasty that was ruled by Li family from the 7^th century to the 10^th, Schafner refers to it as constantly changing times in Chinese history. He believes that the best way to differentiate them is by looking at the commerce and art of that period.

The 7^th century can be referred to as the era of conquest and settlement. In that period the prices were low, economy was stable, new taxes were introduced. Also, it could be viewed as the era of a social change when through official examination system (writing skills of candidates were tested) one could achieve a higher socio-economic status by passing the exam. That is probably why so many nations and races migrated at that time. At the end of the 7^th century Buddhism and Indian culture were at their peak.

The 8^th century was known as the “Fullness of T’ang”. Reign of Hsuan Tsang made China wealthy, safe and open for commerce. Yang-chou and Canton were the most popular centers of commerce at that time.

Then, the money economy came - people were using cash and thereafter the “Double Tax” reform was introduced, which in turn caused a collapse of independent farmers and rise of the merchant class.

The second half of the 8^th century was the time of decline and drop in population numbers due to deaths. It was a difficult time for the Chinese nation as it was surrounded by stronger neighbors such as Burma, India that did not want to gave up its independence, Uyghur, Turks, Khitans, Tibetans, Muslims with Arab pirates. It was also known as the century of tolerated foreign faiths. Bundy’s article is about the Nestorian missions in China, that is when the first Church of the East was approximately established. That was a perfect timing for someone of a foreign religion to approach the emperor asking to allow the preaching on the alien territory. Of course, it was difficult to sustain and rise when one competes with well established Buddhism or Manichaeism. Other factors were taken in consideration as well - some scholars say that they were “too foreign for superior culture”, or their abilities in translations did not satisfy the royalty (and made it hard for today’s scholars to study). Later on, Nestorians tried to tie in Middle-Eastern traditions with the local ones,which Chinese rulers highly encouraged foreigners to do. Perhaps Nestorians took a wrong approach as Bundy refers to it as apologetic. Perhaps due to the distance from the home land, Nestorian preaching did not reach high popularity within the locals, although some churches were built on territory of Chang’an  T’angs capital. I would probably agree and say that they were too foreign for the Chinese, the religion missed that exotic twist, the mysticism that attracted them so much.

By the 9^th century everything goes downhill with the ruling age of Huang Chao. It is known as the most fatal of human disasters in that century. Huge massacre of foreigner merchants at Canton in 879c.e. only shows negative impact on the trade. 

The 10^th century house of Li and Tang disappeared.

Obviously, China has been known for it’s obsession with political power, religion and commerce. Many wanted to migrate there, the most popular type of new comers were envoys, clerics and merchants. People traveled on land with caravans, from mountains and by sea. Port Canton was the most popular stop for “barbarians”. Canton was known for its pirate raids, corrupt officials and murderers – therefore, some preferred other ways of reaching the superior land.

Yang-chou, on the other side, was known as the jewel of China. Rich businessmen wanted to be there as it was the banking centre of China.

Chang’an can bee seen as racist in today perspective, as the rules and policies of the city could change on the spot depending on the race of the foreigners. The city was separated by “zones”. Western Market was for foreigners – it was more violent, but exotic. Strict surveillance was enforced all around the city, but was significantly higher in that area. Eastern Market, located closer to palace was richer and less crowded.

Chinese obsession with everything exotic was reflected in almost everything from fashion and art to their literature and religion.

Blog entry # 6 Dunhuang Caves

Presented articles by S.Fraser and Ma Shichang describe the decoration techniques and specific locations of the caves discovered in Dunhuang. This fascinating discovery helps us to understand the religious life of people during Tang dynasty. Themes such Magic Competition (murals presented in 16 caves-shrines, that took over 90 years to complete ), The Cave of the Thousand Buddhas at Magao caves and other Buddhist motifs demonstrate that Buddhism played a major role at that time and thereafter. This could be seen from the amount of effort that was put into the decoration of the caves. The caves served for variety of purposes - from meditating, storing sacred scrolls and utilizing them as workshops for artists to appropriating them as homes for locals. This is even more helpful in studying Chinese history today. Around 500 caves were discovered in the region, most of which were decorated by professional artists that worked at these workshops. The artists used variety of techniques from sketching to copying paintings and others. Sketches made a very important discovery - looking at them, one can see how the mind of the artist worked, as they were made more freely and spontaneously. In the copying techniques, pouncing and paper cutting were used. Even though some of the caves were not made for the purpose of evident demonstration, all of them were thoroughly decorated. The techniques that were used were well developed, and professional artists were sometimes hired by local ruling families such as Zhang and Cao clan to work on them. Once again, that proves that Buddhism was as important for common citizens as it was for the upper class.

Sogdiana. blog entry #5

Who were the Sogdians ? What impact have they made on the Silk Road? And how did neighboring countries influenced those people?

Sogdiana was located between Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers in modern Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Even though Samarkand  was considered the capital, Sogdiana was actually much larger, defined by the areas where Sogdian language was spoken. The language itself was Eastern Iranian and was highly popular along the Silk Road.

Sogdians were known as a great merchants and traders along the Silk Road. The Chinese even told anecdotes about Sogdians’ merchant race.

Sogdians didn’t have a single polity and were controlled by more powerful rulers from Hephthalites to Turks; which didn’t stop them from thriving. Sogdiana was perfectly located in a heart of the Silk Road with access to west (Sassanian Empire); north (Russian steppes);south( India and Afghanistan) and east(China). Sogdian rulers, whether Hephthalites or Turks  supported their  mercantile activities and even offer a protection to caravans(which also helped Buddhist monks to travel safely along those caravans  ).

In terms of religion Sogdiana  was mainly influenced by Iran , which religion at that time was Zoroastrianism. Therefore,  Sogdians worshiped Zoroastrian gods , but also several other deities. Goddess Nana (influence of Hindu); small communities of Christianity and Buddhism also existed.

Even though highly influenced by others, Sogdians still had their own culture and played a major role in developing of Silk Road relationships. They were know for  their silk textiles, language abilities(many Sogdians used to be translators), and artisans (Sogdian dancers were very popular with Chinese).

Being born in Uzbekistan, Tashkent I’ve traveled to Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and other regions. One striking  thing that I have noticed that the people are very proud of their culture and the funny thing that they are in some way still the same as they were many centuries ago. When you get of  the station people are running to you trying to sell you things from breads and sweets to cars and whatever.

They  looooveeee to bargain and  I think it became their culture.

Blog entry #4 Pilgrim

Diplomatic, cultural and religious relationships between China and India are getting limited attention by some scholars. However, if we do not look closely many important facts from developing of  these countries can be missed. For example, China in particular played a great role in developing political and military affiliation of Sino-Indian contacts. In addition, it is important to notice that motives of individuals were  the main force of developing of such relations. Sometimes it is hard to apprehend that one can make the difference in the world , but articles by S.H. Wriggins and Tansen Sen can prove   that is one wrong.

Xuanzang - a brave young Buddhist pilgrim who travelLed a great distance to find out the “true” Buddhism. His motives were so pure, it seems that nothing could convince him otherwise or stop him from accomplishing his mission. His high intelligence and determinism from the young age helped him along the way and by the end of his journey he became a legend and a hero in his home country. Interestingly to notice that at first he had to escape by night to start his quest for scriptures, but by the end emperor Tang himself was waiting for his arrival. Even though Xuanzang declined many offerings by emperor Taizong (and many other rulers) due to his religious beliefes (Beliefs у тебя вроде правильно,но это слово исключение), by doing so he perhaps in some way converted Taizong from Confucianism to Buddhism by the end of his life. Where he turned to A Brahman expert for producing life-prolonging drugs.

Xuanzang travelLed 10.000 miles from Chang’an China as far as Samarkand.He  has  met many rulers on his way that were all interested in Buddhism and knew  about Xuanzang quest. The king of Turfan, for example, didn’t even want him to leave  Instead,he wanted him to  become a spiritual preceptor for his kingdom. After a month of convincing Xuanzang, he let him go and gave him letters for other kings that he would meet on his way in addition to clothes, gold, silver, horses and servants. Which would make all the rulers  of the Western Turks at his service.

On his way to ancient India, Xuanzang meets with King of Kucha ,whom hi describes as a man of a weak intellect. But the country is very cultured  with population of Indo-European people ,who are also the followers of Buddhism.

Xuanzang crosses the Tian Shan mountains and meets the Great Khan of Western Turks.Even though the people of the region were not Buddhist followers , they knew  a little about Buddhism they asked Xuanzang to stay and expound the Buddhism doctrine, tellings of Xuanzang left Khan highly impressed. Once again he tried to stop him from his mission, but Xuanzang continued his journey for “true” Buddhism.

That all raises many questions such:Can one make a difference? What was important to people of that time? Everyone  had their own motives , which contributed to the development of Buddhism in Asia in the 7th century.

Blog entry #3 Khushan empire

   The readings for this week were Czuma, Stanislaws J. with Rekha Morris.”Kushan Sculpture: Images from Early India.” And “Migration and settlement of the Yuezhi-Kushan: Interaction and Interdependence  of Nomadic and Sedentary Societies.” By Xinru Liu which  are once again made me wonder about a lot of things: history, art, culture, ethnicity  and so forth. My perspective has changed dramatically since the beginning of the course .I used to think I know what those terms are, and I used to find history …boring. But now I see it all in a new ,different way. Every week’s reading brings up a new perspective it makes you think differently and inquire about every fact that you think you new about.

    Reading about Yuezhi-Kushan tribe was once again  very fascinating. It seems that we know so much about those people, but at the end so little. Well, not enough for many historians today to agree on chronologies and origins of  Yuezhi.

 From what I have gathered tribe and it’s migrations was an important part of the History of The Silk Road and cultural exchange of Eurasia. It made me think what would happened if there was no such tribe, or what if they would never migrate anywhere; where would we be right now(culturally, religiously, linguistically etc. )???Yuezhi, even though , they didn’t have much of their own culture  or religion  played an important role in developing of China, India and Bactria. For example, supplying China with horses made a great impact on its history and culture. What if they wouldn’t have those ‘heavenly horses’ ,would Chinese still have a dragon as their symbol???

      Kushan empire was indeed a great empire at that time, it’s tolerance to religion boost the spread of Buddhism. Unfortunately, they didn’t leave much literature sources (on that we have to rely on Chinese or Indian writers) but, they left their “writings” in art form.It is fascinating that today we can look at work of art from many centuries ago and see a historical development  of Kushans. The sculptures of Buddha or Kaniska king are what we have today to be able to “read” about   Khushan empire. How from very basic sculptures or coins they progressed to more detailed look(snail-curled hair of Buddha), or how we can determine  which region influence the other -by the look of Buddha garment and the drapery with folds arranged symmetrically. My favourite piece would be the BODDO coin dated AD 78-101, where on obverse we can see Kaniska king and on reverse  Buddha wearing boots and his feet are pointing out (typical Kushan style due to horse riding) very cute :)

  There is still a lot of mystery around the Yuezhi-Kushan people the chronology is too complicated due to multiple eras  used for dating; plus lack of writings and archaeological evidence, but it is very clear migration of the tribes played a major role in variety of aspects in developing of sedentary, agricultural societies and it is obvious that migration is important to human kind.

Right now I feel like an old archaeologist or a historian who is anticipating for the next discovery like a missing  piece of puzzle that will help to see the whole picture better.

blog entry #2 The Mistery of History

     Chinese civilization is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. That is why it is full of mysteries and myths and impregnated with culture. It is hard to study history of China and especially come to a conclusion regarding ethnicity of Chinese .Reading “Myth and Construction of Foreign Ethnic Identity in Early and Medieval China» by Bred Hinsch stroke me at first with all the confusion around the history of ethnicity and roots of conquerors.  Then, I came to realization that they weren’t trying to complicate it , but they simply had no choice. The West Region survived a great amount of wars in that period, so they were smart about writing the history to suit the particular time at its best. Sacrificing the “real” history of origins or doing it on purpose to relate themselves to the higher kinships, they made definitely harder for us to study, but probably easier for them to survive. Even though, the times were tuff and most of conquers were cruel and evil they would still try to support and promote the cultural and economic growth. The Han rule period was saturated with cultural values (textiles; clothes beautifully decorated; arms pottery; coins etc.) and how smart it is to use your arm forces as an agricultural colony!(History of civilization of Central Asia).

     It is very interesting to study history of ancient civilizations, especially when it comes to Central Asia and China in particular. There might be some archeological and scientific evidence to some aspects of it’s history(culture, ethnicity, religion) , but the fact that  we perhaps could never find out for sure what was REALLY  happening , how they REALLY  were thinking at that time; all that will remain a mystery that is why it is so fascinating to me.