Browse Tag
Middle Ages
6 posts
Middle Ages (العصور الوسطى): A historical period in Europe, spanning roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century, marked by the fall of the Western Roman Empire and preceding the Renaissance.
A Few Arabic Letters, Estonia, and a 900-Year-Old Mystery | al-Idrisi’s Famous Map
In 1154, al-Idrisi mapped a land called “Astlanda” — likely Estonia, the Baltic country south of Finland. He also wrote down a strange Arabic name: “qlwn.” Was it an early trace of Tallinn, today’s Estonian capital? The puzzle still survives.
Saracens in the Alps: Did Arabic Influence Mountain Names in Switzerland?
Names like Allalinhorn and Mischabel in the Swiss Alps sound suspiciously Arabic. Legends claim "Saracen" invaders from the 10th century left their mark on the language and people. But is there any truth to it? We debunk the myths of an "Alpine Arabia" and trace the real history of the raiders of Fraxinetum.
The Legend of Tariq ibn Ziyad and the Burning of Ships
Tariq ibn Ziyad, a pivotal figure in Islamic history, famously led the conquest of Spain (al-Andalus). This article details the bold legend of him burning his fleet, analyzes his motivational speech, and explains the origin of "Gibraltar," providing insights into this significant historical event.
The Islamic Basmala: Its Meaning, Use in the Qur’an, and a Surprising Link to Immanuel Kant
The Islamic Basmala, "In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful," found its way onto Immanuel Kant's doctoral invitation. This article delves into the Basmala's meaning, its presence in the Quran, and its unexpected appearance in popular culture.
The History of the Minaret: From Prayer Call to Islamic Icon
The minaret is a key symbol of Islam, but early mosques likely lacked them. This article traces the history of the Islamic prayer call (Adhan) and the development of minarets, discussing their origins and meaning in Islamic architecture.
Arabic Swear Words, Curses and Bad Words: The Definitive List in Egyptian, Levantine & Other Arabic Dialects
WARNING: This article contains explicit Arabic swear words and curse words. It compiles a list of frequent insults across dialects like Egyptian and Levantine. While important for understanding, readers (especially non-natives) are strongly discouraged from using these terms.
