Skip to main content

Shared Heritage: Exploring Connections Between South and West Asia"

 


The West Asian sambusak, a savory pastry with a distinctive golden-brown looks is the South Asian samosa's international twin in the field of food pleasures. A memorial to their shared, global cultural heritage is found behind their crisp exteriors, where there is an explosion of flavors. This link between the samosa and the sambusak is just a small part of the rich tapestry that connects South Asian and West Asian cultures; this heritage is anchored not only in the food but also in the stories, music, and history that unite them.

"Sovereigns of the Sea: Omani Ambition in the Age of Empire," written by Seema Alavi, reveals the connections between South Asia, West Asia, and East Africa by engaging readers in the lives of five Omani sultans. Alavi reveals the complex ties between communities that have shaped these areas over many years, going beyond politics, economics, and colonialism. This story encourages us to think critically about the traditional idea of nation-states and to investigate the many layers of our common past.

The book challenges Eurocentric historical narratives with a focus on Oman's ongoing bond with the sea and its presentation of the sultans as active political figures. Alavi skillfully navigates through difficult subjects, such as the legacy of slavery, showing the complexities of this traumatic past. This book reveals Oman's significance on the international scene and reminds us of our shared heritage, where cultural similarities cross boundaries much like the culinary delights of samosas and sambusak. It also discusses Oman's role in modern diplomacy and its changing society that has been enriched by South Asian contributions.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

UAE and US issue joint statement on cooperation on artificial intelligence

  UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and US President Joe Biden met on Monday in the US during an official visit by the Emirati leader. This visit marks the fourth bilateral meeting between the two leaders during the Biden-Harris administration. During their discussions, Mohamed bin Zayed and Biden reaffirmed the strong UAE-US strategic and defense partnership, explored ways to enhance cooperation in advanced technology and investments, and addressed global and regional issues. Both leaders committed to pursuing further opportunities to strengthen their partnership, promote peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond, and provide global leadership on key shared issues. The UAE-US relationship, spanning five decades, is built on a solid foundation. Building on the vision of Mohamed bin Zayed and Biden to advance safe artificial intelligence, UAE national security advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed and US national security advisor Jake Sullivan reaffirmed their countries' coo...

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed’s official trip to India holds great importance for UAE-India bilateral relations

  His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed is making his first official visit to India , accompanied by several UAE ministers and a business delegation. The visit marks a significant step in strengthening UAE-India bilateral relations. Upon his arrival on September 8, Sheikh Khaled was welcomed by India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. His visit includes a comprehensive agenda, with discussions between Sheikh Khaled and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on key areas of bilateral cooperation. Additionally, Sheikh Khaled is scheduled to meet with Indian President Droupadi Murmu. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict may also be part of the dialogue, as reported by NDTV. On the second day, Sheikh Khaled is expected to participate in a business forum in Mumbai, attended by business leaders from both nations, further underscoring the growing trade and investment ties between the UAE and India. The UAE and India have a long-standing relationship, established in 1972, w...

The UAE facilitated the largest prisoner exchange in history between Russia and Ukraine

 Ukraine and Russia have announced their first exchange of prisoners of war in nearly five months, with over 200 freed by each side after a complex negotiation involving mediation by the United Arab Emirates. Russia's Defence Ministry reported that 248 military personnel had been handed over by Ukraine, while Kyiv brought home 230 people, including 224 soldiers and six civilians, in the largest documented swap of troops so far. The UAE's foreign ministry acknowledged its role in the swap, stating that it was made possible by its "strong friendly relations" with both Moscow and Kyiv. A video released by Ukrainian authorities showed returning prisoners in their blue and yellow flags filing off a bus, singing the national anthem, and shouting the patriotic greeting "Glory to Ukraine." Most of the prisoners appeared to be in good health, with one returnee shouting "We are home! You didn't forget us!" The Russian Ministry of Defence also released a...