| The cities of Rotterdam, Glasgow, Umeå, Brno, Parma and Gdańsk are sharing lessons learnt while accelerating the smart city model across Europe at conference in Rotterdam 5 September 2022 – Rotterdam, The Netherlands Tomorrow, the Smart Cities project RUGGEDISED, which receives funding under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, will host its final event at the Ahoy Conference Centre in the Heart of South neighbourhood of Rotterdam. The project’s final showcase will be followed by the Recharge Earth Energy Transition Conference, taking place on 7 – 8 September at the same location. Since 2016, RUGGEDISED has united three lighthouse cities: Rotterdam (The Netherlands), Glasgow (Scotland) and Umeå (Sweden) and three fellow cities: Brno (Czech Republic), Gdańsk (Poland) and Parma (Italy) to test, implement and accelerate the smart city model across Europe. Working in close partnership with businesses and research centres, these six cities have demonstrated how to combine ICT, e-mobility and energy solutions to design smart, resilient cities for all. “Rotterdam is committed to a climate-neutral future and together with a strong group of dedicated cities, we have managed to take the first steps through the RUGGEDISED project, which has created a solid base for the transformation towards more livable districts for our residents,” says Albert Engels, RUGGEDISED Coordinator, City of Rotterdam. Four RUGGEDISED cities – Rotterdam, Glasgow, Umeå and Parma – were also selected to take part in the EU Cities Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030. The Cities Mission aims to position 100 EU cities – with 12 more from associated countries – as climate-neutral leaders. The cities will pursue innovative and experimental avenues to achieve climate-neutrality by 2030, while paving the way for others. The impact and lessons learnt through implementing smart solutions in Rotterdam, Glasgow and Umeå will be discussed during this final event, in addition to exploring how these solutions have advanced urban transitions in Brno, Parma and Gdańsk. Outcomes from the project will feed into the Scalable Cities initiative, which collates findings from the 18 smart city projects funded under Horizon 2020. Background RUGGEDISED is a smart city project funded under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. It brings together three lighthouse cities: Rotterdam, Glasgow and Umeå and three fellow cities: Brno, Gdańsk and Parma to test, implement and accelerate the smart city model across Europe. Working in partnership with businesses and research centres these six cities have demonstrated how to combine ICT, e-mobility and energy solutions to design smart, resilient cities for all. This means improving the quality of life of citizens, reducing the environmental impact of activities and creating a stimulating environment for sustainable economic development. For more information RUGGEDISED Recharge Earth City of Rotterdam About ICLEI Europe ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network of more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Active in 125 countries, we influence sustainability policy and drive local action for low emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient and circular development. ICLEI Europe provides members in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and West Asia with a voice on European and international stages, a platform to connect with peers, and tools to drive positive environmental, economic and social change. ICLEI Europe works closely with an extended network of local and regional governments and partners on a broad range of topics. Press contact Schuyler Cowan Officer Media and Outreach team ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability [email protected] This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no 731198. The sole responsibility for the content of this press release lies with the RUGGEDISED project and in no way reflects the views of the European Union. |
European smart cities meet to advance a climate-neutral future
Millennials are Taking Over the Internet—And the Economy
If you’re a millennial, chances are you’ve been told you’re entitled, lazy, and selfish. But despite all the negativity, there’s one area where millennials are truly excelling: taking over the internet.
Whether starting their businesses, becoming social media influencers or developing innovative new technologies, millennials are making their mark on the digital world. And as they continue to grow in influence, they’re also significantly impacting the economy. Here is a look at how millennials are taking over the internet—and why it matters for the economy’s future.
How Millennials are Making Their Mark Online
There’s no doubt that millennials are the most tech-savvy generation. They grew up during a time when the internet was beginning to become mainstream, and as a result, they’re more comfortable with technology than any other generation. This comfort level with technology has translated into several ways millennials are making their mark online.
For starters, millennials are starting their businesses at an unprecedented rate. In fact, according to Forbes, 44% of millennial entrepreneurs say that technology has made it easier to start a business. Thanks to platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo, it’s easier than ever for millennial entrepreneurs to get funding for their businesses. And thanks to social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, it’s easier than ever for them to market their products and services to a broad audience.
Social Media Influencers
In addition to starting their businesses, millennials are becoming social media influencers. A social media influencer has built up a large following on social media and uses that platform to promote products or services. Instagram is particularly popular among social media influencers; influencers say that Instagram is their favorite platform to use. And given that millennials make up the vast majority of Instagram users, it’s no surprise that more and more of them are using the platform to build their brands and promote everything from fashion brands to fitness programs.
Millennials Are The Future Of New Technology
Millennials are also developing innovative new technologies. For example, millennials now make up the majority of app developers worldwide. In addition, many successful startups have been founded by millennial entrepreneurs; according to Business Insider, companies like Airbnb and Tumblr were founded by millennials who saw a need in the market and used technology to fill it.
The Impact of Millennial Influence on The Economy
As millennials continue to increase their influence online, they’re also significantly impacting the economy. Perhaps the most obvious way they’re doing this is by starting their businesses; as we mentioned earlier, millennial entrepreneurs say that technology has made it easier for them to start a business. And given that there are now over 60 million millennial entrepreneurs in the United States alone, that’s having a significant impact on job growth and economic expansion.
Moreover, social media influencers’ popularity changes how companies do marketing and advertising. In particular, many companies are now working with social media influencers instead of traditional celebrities to reach millennial consumers.
Remote Working
The internet has completely transformed the way we work. No longer are we tied to physical office space; instead, we can work from anywhere in the world, thanks to the power of the internet. This flexibility is especially appealing to millennials, who value work/life balance and freedom over traditional 9-to-5 jobs.
As a result, millennials are increasingly eschewing traditional office jobs in favor of remote work. A recent study found that 42% of millennials would instead work remotely than in an office. And it’s not just freelancers and solopreneurs who are moving to remote work; more and more companies are offering remote positions, and some are even going so far as to ditch their physical office spaces altogether.
What does this shift mean for the economy? For one, it’s opening up opportunities for people who might not otherwise have access to good jobs. No longer is location a barrier to employment; as long as you have a strong internet connection, you can work from anywhere.
This is especially beneficial for people who live in rural areas or small towns, where good jobs can be hard to come by. It’s also great for parents who want to stay home with their kids and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses that make it difficult to leave the house.
Of course, some challenges come with this new way of working. For one, staying motivated cannot be accessible when you’re not in a traditional office setting. And, if you’re not careful, it’s easy to get too comfortable and start slacking off.
But, overall, the benefits of remote work far outweigh the challenges. And as more and more millennials enter the workforce, we can only expect the remote work trend to continue to grow.
The Future Of Online Marketing Is Here
The internet has completely changed the landscape of marketing and advertising. Businesses are no longer limited to traditional marketing methods, such as print ads or television commercials. Now, companies can reach a wider audience through online channels such as social media, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO).
And millennials are leading the charge.
As the largest generation in history, millennials are quickly becoming the most powerful consumers in the world. And they are using their spending power to reshape the economy—including how businesses market and sell their products and services.
Education Is Becoming More And More Accessible
The internet has made education more accessible than ever before. As a result, a growing number of people can take advantage of online learning opportunities which were previously unavailable. This is particularly true for millennials, who are often thought to be the most tech-savvy generation.
According to a recent National Center for Education Statistics report, nearly 60% of millennials have taken at least one online course. This is compared to just over 50% of Gen Xers and 40% of baby boomers. Online learning has become so popular that it’s now considered mainstream.
There are several reasons why millennials are drawn to online learning. For many, it’s simply more convenient than traditional classroom-based instruction. With online courses, learners can study at their own pace and schedule. This is ideal for millennials who are often balancing work and other commitments.
In addition, online learning is often more affordable than traditional education. For example, many schools and universities offer discounted rates for online students. And there are several free online learning resources available, such as MOOCs (massive open online courses). And It’s become so easy that you can have a live chat online with your tutor or professor- something that wasn’t possible before! You can learn more about live chat software here.
Millennials significantly impact the economy by making education more accessible and affordable. As more and more people learn online, businesses and organizations are starting to notice. As a result, they’re adapting their products, services, and marketing efforts to appeal to this growing demographic.
Governments And Policy Makers
It’s not just businesses that are affected by the rise of online learning. Governments and policymakers are also taking notice. They’re starting to invest in digital infrastructure and initiatives that will make online learning even more accessible. For example, the European Commission has launched several digital education initiatives, including the EU Schoolnet project, which aims to promote young people’s digital literacy and 21st-century skills.
Virtual Reality And The Future
The way we shop is changing. No longer are we limited to brick-and-mortar stores or even e-commerce sites. With the rise of virtual reality, shoppers can now explore products in a completely immersive environment.
It’s not just retail that VR is disrupting. The travel industry also uses technology to give potential customers a taste of their products. For example, hotels and resorts are creating virtual reality experiences that let users explore different locations and accommodations before they book a stay.
Even real estate is getting in on the action. With VR, homebuyers can take virtual tours of properties before making an offer.
While VR is still in its early stages, it’s clear that technology significantly impacts the economy. And it’s being driven mainly by millennials.
As digital natives, millennials are comfortable with new technologies like VR. They’re also more likely to take risks and embrace change. That makes them perfect early adopters of VR.
As digital natives, millennials are the first generation to grow up with the internet as a part of their everyday lives. This makes them uniquely qualified to take advantage of the opportunities the internet offers. From social media to e-commerce, millennials are leading the charge in creating and consuming content online. And as they enter the workforce, they are bringing their tech-savvy skills.
Millennials are now the largest demographic in the workforce, and they significantly impact the economy. Businesses that don’t adapt to the changing demands of this generation will find themselves struggling to stay relevant. So what does the future hold for millennials and the internet? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: they are poised to change the world as we know it.
10 fun facts every coffee lover should know
1. Europeans love coffee
Globally, we consumed nearly 10 billion kilograms of coffee in 2020. Europeans consumed more than 3 billion kilograms of coffee, making Europeans the absolute leader. In Europe, coffee is most popular in Finland. Finns consume more than 12 kilograms of coffee per person per year.
2.Espresso means “squeezed” The Italian word espresso translates as “squeezed”. This of course applies to the preparation of the coffee. Espresso is made by passing hot water through finely ground and pressed coffee under high pressure.
3. Coffee as a forbidden drink In 1511, leaders in Mecca believed that coffee stimulated radical thinking. Because of this, the drink was banned. Coffee has also been banned in Italy for a while. In the 16th century, coffee was banned by Italian clergy because they believed the drink was “satanic.” Pope Clement VIII was a real coffee lover, he lifted the ban and in 1600 even named coffee.
4. If you drink coffee, you live longer on average Research shows that there is a link between moderate coffee consumption (3 to 4 cups a day) with a longer life. Three cups of coffee a day will guarantee you…
5. Coffee grounds are good for the skin Save the coffee grounds! Coffee grounds remove dead skin cells, leaving skin feeling smoother and looking more radiant. It is also stated that caffeine can improve blood circulation in the skin.
6. The most expensive coffee comes from cat poop The most expensive coffee in the world owes its price to a very special production step: grinding. The Asian palm civet, a small creature that looks like a weasel, eats the bright red coffee fruits. The civet cannot fully digest the grains and so they are discarded. The beans are then removed from the civet droppings and (hopefully) washed thoroughly. The beans are then sold for about $600 per 500 grams.
7. It is possible to overdose on coffee Did you know that it is possible to overdose on coffee? A life-threatening caffeine overdose is extremely rare, but possible. Drink up to 400 milligrams of coffee a day to prevent this. That’s roughly 4 cups of coffee. Higher coffee consumption can lead to migraines, rapid heart rate, muscle tremors and nausea.
8. Coffee made it possible for Brazil to go to the Olympics Brazil did not have enough money to send its 69 athletes to Los Angeles for the 1932 Summer Olympics. The athletes were put on a ship with 50,000 bags of coffee, which they sold in various ports along the road. Good thing Brazil has been one of the biggest coffee producers in the world for decades, otherwise the athletes wouldn’t be at the Olympics. Athletes have not won a single medal at these Olympics. Why start drinking green coffee?
9. You don’t need coffee right after you get up You shouldn’t need coffee anyway. Cortisol is a naturally produced hormone that helps people feel alert. When you wake up in the morning, your cortisol level is at its highest. In theory, you shouldn’t need caffeine. Between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., cortisol levels begin to drop. Then it’s the perfect time for a cup of delicious coffee.
10. Car-puccino A car that runs on coffee sounds like something futuristic. However, it is closer than you think! Scientists have successfully turned ground coffee into biodiesel. So one day coffee can provide fuel for your car! The longest journey in a coffee-powered car was recorded by Guinness World Records and was done by a car in 2010. This car traveled over 300 kilometers using 56 espressos per kilometer to reach a speed of almost 100 kilometers per hour. In March 2010 a 1988 Volkswagon Scirocco was driven 337 km from London to Manchester (UK) powered by coffee. The modified car works by heating the coffee granules in a charcoal fire, when then break down into carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The gas is then cooled and filtered before the hydrogen is combusted to drive the engine. The process works because coffee granules contain a small amount of carbon.
Photo by Chevanon Photography:
China‘s carbon emissions fall by 8% as economic growth slows
China’s carbon dioxide emissions fell by 8% in the April to June quarter compared with the same period a year earlier, the “sharpest decline in a decade,” the Financial Times reported, citing new analysis for Carbon Brief .
The release continued: “The drop in emissions reflects the dramatic slowdown in China’s economic growth caused by the massive coronavirus lockdowns and the crisis in the heavily indebted real estate sector.
This is the fourth quarter in a row that emissions in China, the world’s largest emitter, have fallen.”
The report added that the latest decline was similar in magnitude to those in the first three months of 2020, when the first wave of Covid-19 effectively shut down China’s economy.
The document said: “An unprecedented heat wave and drought caused further disruptions in the current quarter…
With hydropower generation well below normal levels, analysts predict China will turn to coal to increase electricity supplies, despite the inevitable impact on emissions.”
Photo by Ruiyang Zhang:
We choose partners by genetic similarity unconsciously
We look for partners who are similar to us, even at the gene level, without realizing it, a new study has found.
These mating preferences are statistically significant and play a role in shaping the human genome, summarize the authors cited by Science.
The full text of the report is published in the journal Science Human Behavior.
A team from the University of Queensland, Australia, claims that you are most likely to marry someone who is very similar to you. Someone of similar height, weight, someone of similar intelligence. And this doesn’t happen because “curly donkeys sniff each other out”, as the saying goes, it happens because we actively seek out friends with a genetic heritage similar to our own.
Genetic similarity
Researchers analyze databases of physical and genetic characteristics of people. They sample more than 24,000 married couples of European origin. For each couple, genetic markers for various traits, including height and body mass index (BMI), were isolated for one partner. Using this information, scientists then try to predict the same characteristic of the other partner. If one person’s genetic material predisposes him to be tall, for example, his partner is expected to be tall as well. The purpose of the study is to find correlations in these traits. The final step is to compare these predicted characteristics with the real situation.
The team found a strong statistical correlation between a person’s genetic height markers and their partner’s actual height. The scientists also identified a weaker but still statistically significant correlation between the genes regulating BMI and the partners’ actual BMI.
The correlation is much stronger than we would expect to see if mating were random. These findings are evidence that people actively seek partners with a genetic makeup similar to their own, the team reports.
Choosing mates based on similar traits is a pattern of sexual selection known as “assortative mating.” This allows people to pass these traits on to their offspring. In fact, this practice increases relatedness in family groups and helps offspring survive better—provided that this trait is beneficial in their environment. This is also observed in animal populations.
The team also found evidence of assortative mating and other traits in 7,780 pairs in the UK database. They report “extremely high correlation” for genetic markers associated with education. It’s unlikely that people chose their friends based on the years they spent in school, meaning they were more likely to choose based on similar interests – which is often associated with level of education, said team member Matthew Robinson. ), a postdoctoral fellow in the Genetics Laboratory at the University of Queensland in Brisbane.
Assortative mating affects the genomic structure of people’s traits,” Robinson added. As such, the findings are useful for creating more accurate genetic models to predict the likelihood that family members will inherit diseases or physical traits.
Correspondents in the Russo-Turkish War 1877-1878 on the Balkan Peninsula (3)
Interestingly, in their notes, many correspondents of Russian newspapers agree that Russia was poorly prepared for a long war with Turkey. So, the former secretary of the Russian embassy in Constantinople, who volunteered to participate in the war of 1877-1878. A.N. Tseretelev wrote the following at the beginning of the war, after meeting Russian officers. “When I see many officers up close … firstly, ignorance is striking: for the most part they do not know where Brailov belongs to Galati, Romania or Turkey, on which side of the Danube Ruschuk … I’m not talking about the lack of any knowledge of ethnography and the geography of Turkey… But that’s not all: at every step one can already hear complaints about drunkenness, violence, outrages in taverns and coffee shops.”[115] This entry was made in Galati, April 25, 1877, and it vividly characterizes what was hushed up by official propaganda: the low level of moral and professional preparedness of part of the officer corps.
The situation has changed little over time. Nemirovich-Danchenko, passing through Zimnitsa and Sistovo in the summer of 1877, noted that “unfortunately, nowhere is a conscious attitude to the matter to be seen. The forces of the Turks in Plevna are not known to anyone; everyone is convinced that soon we will finish with Osman.”[116] Speaking about this correspondent, it should be generally noted that he did not hesitate to be critical of everything that happened in the theater of operations. So, for example, in August, he noted that the campaign was unnecessarily dragged out, and yet neither Plevna, nor Ruschuk, nor Shumla had yet been taken. “And having crossed after three victories,” he wrote, “for the Balkans, we will have to measure our strength with the third army, the army of Suleiman Pasha, which no one has ever defeated and all the fictions about General Gurko’s victory over it were created by foreign correspondents who did not bother check the rumors, just as they invented the unprecedented capture of Razgrad.”[117] His characterization of the Shipka position, which the Russian military considered key in the Balkans, is also interesting. “By the way, about the significance of Shipka,” wrote V.I. Nemirovich-Danchenko in early October 1877 – This is the most inconvenient of all mountain passes. In the Balkans, dozens are better than him and less protected. We are standing here, not stepping back – so as not to cause panic in the Bulgarian population of Gabrovo, Drenov and Tarnov, so as not to give rise to alarm in Russia and to the triumph of our enemies in Europe.[118]
But M.A. Gasenkampf, among other things, devoted a lot of space in his diary to the order in the field headquarters and, in particular, to the relations of the assistant chief of staff K.V. Levitsky with officers of the General Staff. M.A. Gazenkampf himself was a General Staff officer, so this topic was close to him, especially considering how the officers of the General Staff, who were in the staff headquarters, were used. “Officers of the General Staff,” wrote M.A. Gazenkampf, – they are embittered at him (K.V. Levitsky – O.G.), because he failed to arrange their situation: inexperienced orderlies are sent on assignments for the General Staff, and the officers of the General Staff sit idle or are busy with current unimportant work ”.[119] K.V. Levitsky really enjoyed little respect at the headquarters. He was a protege of the Commander-in-Chief, Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolayevich and did not differ in great abilities, if not to say that he was deprived of them. “The highest officials do not even consult with Levitsky on issues that he, as the chief of officers of the General Staff, should be in charge of.”[120] So, princes Nikolai and Evgeny Maximilianovich consulted not with him, but with M.A. Gazenkampf, which of the officers of the General Staff should be asked to appoint to be with them. It is not surprising that “officers of the General Staff,” wrote M.A. Gasenkampf, – they always want to leave the main apartment anywhere. The reasons are quite understandable: in every detachment, the officer of the General Staff is in sight and in serious work, and in the main apartment he is completely overshadowed by the adjutants and orderlies of the Grand Duke. They are given all the prominent and serious assignments, and the officers of the General Staff either pore over the papers or are forced to wander around idle.”[121]
But V.I. Nemirovich-Danchenko noted shortcomings in the area that directly concerned the officers of the General Staff – the organization of undercover intelligence. Exaggerating, he nevertheless presented the situation correctly on the whole. “Also, some of our scouts are poorly organized, while Turkish spies are prowling all over the country. Back in Chisinau, people who understood the seriousness of the situation and knew Turkish forces better than our diplomats offered to organize a mass of scouts in Turkey itself. Our blindness was so great that this proposal was not put into motion. “Forgive me, we will finish the campaign in three months, why spend money on scouts!” Thanks to these far-sighted optimists, throughout the campaign we had no information about the movements of the Turks, while they received the most accurate about ours.”[122] As an example, V.I. Nemirovich-Danchenko cited the example of General Boreisha at Shipka, when he “saw the army of Suleiman, but did not understand its movement”, and because of his mistake, the Russian troops were almost completely defeated.[123] True, in this state of affairs it was not so much the General Staff officers who were involved in the organization of intelligence that were to blame, but the top military leadership, who expected to end the war in two to three months.
Most correspondents noted indignantly that many wanted to profit from the war. Both states and people. So, “the Romanians took our side by virtue of the consciousness of the benefits of their role as “allies,” wrote N.V. Maksimov, – both materially and politically; that is why a very special relationship was immediately established between us, in which cold efficiency took the place of hot feelings. They tried to furnish every step of their further complicity in accordance with the requirements of their national pride, independence and honor, although this honor sometimes seemed rather dubious.”[124] Moreover, it was customary to blame the Jews for all troubles without exception. It must be said that the latter deserved such accusations (especially because of the Greger, Gorvits, Kogan company, which provided the Russian army with poor-quality food and fodder and profited well from these supplies). So, V.V. Krestovsky noted a sharp increase in prices with the entry of the Russian army into Romania. “Well, they are fighting here! – he was indignant upon arrival in Iasi. “It’s a pity especially for those soldiers who complain strongly that the Romanians and Jews cheat them in every possible way with every purchase and when exchanging money.”[125] Arriving in Ploiesti, V.V. Krestovsky was extremely surprised by the cost of hotels – 10 francs per day or 300 (about 120 rubles) per month.[126] “To the Jews, we must also owe that rise in prices for all products of vital necessity,” he noted, “which manifested itself here shortly after the crossing of our troops across the Romanian border.” “Jews, as you know, are masters of all trades, and are always ready to serve both ours and yours, so long as this service presents the possibility of a profitable gesheft. You will supply a Jew and fodder, and sometimes he will serve as a spy … In Ploesty … these days they even caught one goose, adorning himself with various orders, and who arrived here as an alleged correspondent … Meanwhile, he came to fuss about admitting him to the army, as correspondent … and for this purpose entered the office of the chief of staff, where, as they say, he was safely arrested.”[127]
A N.V. Maksimov described the situation in Romania with the entry of the Russian army in the following way. “Four main parties were noticeable in Chisinau: the party of “doers”, the party of “neutral residents” from the local intelligentsia … the party of “thirsty and hungry” and the so-called common people … The party of “doers” was busy from morning to night. They walked, drove, ran, fussed… And the more they walked and drove, the more serious they became and the more impregnable they seemed… the party of “thirsty and hungry” did not reason, but acted… The arena was wide: crackers, horse fodder , the supply of provisions, the wiring of railways, the markitanism, the acquisition of the necessary materials for crossing the Danube, and even such innocent things as, for example, telegrams.”[128] As a result, he comes to the conclusion that “at first, the arena of military activity presented itself as a wide field on which vampires of various positions and nationalities squabbled, tearing pieces out of each other’s mouths in the rear of the army and raking out everything that could be raked out from an item of public use, called a “money bag”.[129]
After the army crossed the Danube, the situation did not improve. “Since our army crossed the Danube, whole regiments of Jews, Romanians, Greeks and people of the most indeterminate nationality appeared in Zimnitsa … All these gentlemen … put together … wooden benches, laid out their goods … and began without a twinge of conscience to rob and rob anyone who only tried to buy something from them … Drunkenness was exorbitant in Zimnitsa. Theft was developed amazingly.”[130]
On the whole, it can be said that the Russian correspondents of the second group described the war in various ways in their letters, diaries, and telegrams. They showed all its unsightly underside: death, dirt, hundreds of crippled lives, the incompetence of many higher ranks, theft and corruption that corroded the army bureaucracy. In their correspondence, war is not a feat, but dirty, deadly and ungrateful to most of the army, work. “War is terribly sobering when you see it face to face.”[131] This phrase, uttered by one of the Russian correspondents, best illustrates the whole truth of the war, which such correspondents as V.I. Nemirovich-Danchenko, A.D. Ivanov, N.V. Maksimov and others tried to convey to the Russian society.
Even during the war, many of the correspondents (both Russian and foreign) were awarded awards. They were submitted by M.A. Gazenkampf commanders of the detachments with whom the correspondents were in battle, and he, in turn, submitted it for consideration by the Commander-in-Chief. So, the correspondent of the newspaper “New time” V.S. Rossolovsky and the newspapers “Daily News” A. Forbes received for the battle near Plevna on July 18, 1877 the Order of St.. Stanislav 3rd class. with swords. Correspondents of “New time” A.D. Ivanov and the newspapers “The Scotsman” Carrick were also awarded the Order of St. Stanislav 3rd class. with swords for the battle on July 18 at the village of Juranli. Ivanov took over the duties of an orderly in this battle and passed orders to the chain, and the second voluntarily undertook to provide first aid to the wounded and bandaged them under the fire of the Turks. The differences of all four correspondents were witnessed by the heads of the detachments in which they were – Gurko and Prince Shakhovsky [132]. Later A.D. Ivanov was also granted the Order of St. Anna 3rd class. with swords. The same order was awarded to the German correspondents Danngauer and von Maree for the battles near Nikopol on July 3 and near Plevna on July 18.[133]
Summing up, it should be noted that the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878. was one of the most important events in the history of Russia and the Balkan countries in the 19th century. The interest it aroused in Russia and Europe was enormous. Society demanded constant information about it, military experts were interested in obtaining information about the innovations used in its course. That is why a large role in covering the war was assigned to correspondents.
Notes:
[115] Tseretelev A.N., “Letters from the Campaign”, Russian Bulletin, No. 9 (1878), p. 219.
[116] Nemirovich-Danchenko V.I., The Year of the War…, vol. 1, p. four.
[117] Ibid., p. ten.
[118] Ibid., p. 145.
[119] Gazenkampf M., My diary 1877-78, p. 44.
[120] Ibid.
[121] Ibid., p. 224.
[122] Nemirovich-Danchenko V.I., The Year of the War…, vol. 1, p. 28.
[123] Ibid.
[124] Maksimov N.V., “Beyond the Danube”, No. 5 (1878), p. 167-168.
[125] Krestovsky V.V., Twenty months in the army…, vol. 1, p. 145.
[126] Ibid., p. 164.
[127] Ibid., p. 221-222.
[128] Maksimov N.V., “Beyond the Danube”, No. 4 (1878), p. 258-259.
[129] Ibid., p. 261
[130] Ibid., No. 6, p. 362.
[131] Nemirovich-Danchenko V.I., The Year of the War…, vol. 1, p. 317.
[132] Gazenkampf M., My diary 1877-78, p. 75.
[133] Krestovsky V.V., Collected Works, vol. 5, p. 333.
Source of the illustration: “Snow trenches on Shipka”. Artist V. V. Vereshchagin. – Source: Vinogradov V.I. Russian-Turkish war 1877-1878 and the liberation of Bulgaria. – M.: Thought, 1978. – S. 172 (in Russian).
Women‘s makeup attracts 33% more men
Body and face painting dates back at least 10,000 years. According to Pliny the Elder, even 2,000 years ago, the Romans used natural products in ways that are familiar to us today: they had blush, deodorants, hair dye, anti-wrinkle ointments, breath fresheners, and more.
Over the years, those who have used cosmetics have attracted the admiring glances of others for various reasons – sometimes ritualistic or on the occasion of various honors, but most often, and especially in modern times, the context has always been sexual.
Does wearing makeup really affect how others treat us? Even if it’s easier to accept that makeup affects others’ impression of us, does it really encourage the other person to make the first move?
A study by social psychologist Nicolas Gugen sheds some interesting light on the matter. He used two women who were sitting in a bar in France, in the first case with makeup and in the second case without makeup. In both cases they sat and waited for the men to speak to them.
When a man tried to start a conversation, the woman politely declined the invitation with the excuse that they were expecting friends and signaled the scientists. The procedure was repeated 60 times for one hour in two different bars. Here are the results:
Without makeup – the first contact attempt with both women was after an average of 23 minutes, and then there were attempts on average 1.5 times per hour.
With makeup – first contact was made after an average of 17 minutes and the average number of attempts thereafter was 2 per hour.
These results certainly show that makeup played a significant role in changing men’s behavior, with one-third more men attempting conversation with women when they were wearing makeup.
However, the following details are worth noting. Wearing makeup may have given women more confidence and thus unconsciously changed their behavior to attract more men. And, secondly, the test was conducted in France, and the can-do culture in other countries is very likely to give different results in other places.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko:
North Macedonia submitted a referendum for the Bulgarians
North Macedonia submitted a referendum for the Bulgarians
Only days after the Bulgarian Prime Minister Galab Donev and the Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia Dimitar Kovachevski discussed the supply of electricity to ensure the needs of business against the backdrop of global energy. The opposition in North Macedonia submitted a proposal for a referendum to the State Election Commission, reported Nova Macedonia.
That’s what Christian Mickoski did. The consultation will be about the planned changes in the country’s constitution.
They also announced how the question was formulated.
“Are you in favor of repealing the law on the ratification of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between North Macedonia and Bulgaria, published on January 18, 2017?” reads the question.
The head of state Stevo Pendarovski opposed the proposal. According to him, this could stop the country’s European integration.
The gathering of support for the submission of the proposal is pending. After that, one hundred and fifty thousand people will be needed to support its realization.
There is an idea that the referendum should be mandatory.
“The main topic on which we talked with Prime Minister Donev and his delegation was the energy crisis, which shook all economies around the world.
Today, we are fighting the shortage of electricity and expensive energy carriers, which bring big problems for both citizens and businesses,” Kovacevski announced.
“We reaffirmed the good assessment we have of the created preconditions for the positive development of the dialogue between our two countries and that we will consistently work to deepen constructive cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, striving to cover all areas that includes the Agreement on good neighborliness and cooperation between Bulgaria and the RSM and all agreements under the protocols of the Intergovernmental Commission”, stated Galab Donev.
Bulgaria can export about 200 megawatt hours of electricity to the Republic of North Macedonia by the end of March next year, Donev announced after a meeting with his colleague Dimitar Kovachevski.
Photo by Tamas Marton:
The first eco-mosque in the region will be opened in the Croatian town of Sisak
All people with an open mind, heart and soul are welcome to the new mosque and Islamic center in Sisak, regardless of their religion, Sisak chief imam Alem Crankic told Hina news agency on the eve of the opening ceremony of the religious complex, for which on Thursday Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also arrives.
The new Islamic center will cover an area of about 2,600 square meters and is the third Islamic center in Croatia after those in Zagreb and Rijeka. In Croatia, there is also a smaller mosque in Gunja, which is the first and oldest in the country, and a smaller Islamic center in Umag, Bosnian portal Klix and Hina news agency reported, quoted by BTA.
Already on the weekend after the opening, the Center organizes open days for Sisak residents and other interested parties to visit.
One fifth of the complex is a place for prayers, and the remaining approximately 2,000 square meters are intended for all visitors.
“If Muslims wanted to build this building for themselves, they would only build a mosque. We welcome all people with an open mind, heart and soul, regardless of their religious affiliation, all who are open to meeting and getting to know others,” the young imam emphasized.
In addition to the prayer area, the Center has multipurpose classrooms designed for religious students as well as other forms of learning, such as Islamic culture. There is also a restaurant with Islamic specialties and a large convention center that can host interfaith conferences.
There is also a “sofa room – a space for rest and communication” where visitors will be able to read in an oriental setting with a hot drink.
A feature of the mosque in Sisak is its energy efficiency, which is why it is called the first “eco mosque” in this part of Europe. The center has heat pumps, solar panels and a photovoltaic plant of 30 kilowatt hours.
Crankic points out that he is especially glad that the mosque also has an ecological aspect, because humanity is “getting more and more warnings about the extent to which it is its own enemy and how it will destroy itself” if it does not think about the environment.
Photo by Yağmur Baltacı:
Hajj in Islamic Perspective
Another rite, like prayer and fasting, which is one of the five mandatory pillars of Islam and supports its doctrinal dome, is the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj). The Koran says about it this way: “I do the best Hajj (great pilgrimage) and die (small pilgrimage) for the sake of Allah, and not for the sake of any benefit in this life and glory” (K.2: 196). “They (new moons – auth.) determine the timing of the conduct of their affairs for people, and also determine the time of the Hajj (pilgrimage), which is one of the foundations of your religion” (K.2: 189). Every “true believer” is commanded to visit sacred places for Muslims at least once in his life. “The Messenger of Allah said: “In the period between two small pilgrimages, a person receives the expiation of all sins, and the reward for a large pilgrimage is paradise.” However, despite the obligation of this prescription, the Koran says that only those who are able to do it and who are able to undertake this feat can perform the hajj: “To perform the hajj to this House is an obligation for those who are able to perform it (hajj to the House) “(K.3:97),” Allah commanded those who can go to this House, so that they respond to this call (make Hajj) and arrive at the House on foot or on camels “(K.22:27 ).
Initially, the pilgrimage consisted of visiting the Kaaba and performing the corresponding rites. Subsequently, the Hajj included a visit to the grave of Muhammad in Medina and prayers in the mosques of Hijaz (the western coast of the Arabian Peninsula is the sacred land of Muslims). Followers of the Shiite trend in Islam make an additional pilgrimage to the graves of Imam Hussein in Karbala, the fourth (righteous) Caliph, cousin of Muhammad Ali ibn Abu Talib in Najaf, Imam Reza in Mashhad and the “holy” Mansum in Qom. This pilgrimage of Shiites to the graves of their imams is usually called not a hajj, but a ziyarat – a visit.
Sharia provides special provisions regarding the pilgrimage to Mecca:
Firstly, the one who decides to go on the Hajj must be of age. Women under forty must be accompanied by one of their male relatives.
Secondly, adequate, not insane, and also free (not a slave).
Should not make a pilgrimage for the sake of forbidden and sinful deeds (robbery, murder, theft, etc.). Should also refrain from traveling if there are more urgent matters or if the only possible route represents a serious danger to life.
It is not obligatory for the poor to make the Hajj, unless someone undertakes to provide for both his trip and the maintenance of his family, and there is great confidence that the benefactor will indeed fulfill his promise.
You must have with you “tasrih al-hajj” (permission to participate in the hajj). In view of the dangers that await the traveler, it is also considered obligatory to make a will before going on a pilgrimage.
Finally, the pilgrim, as mentioned above, must be able to perform the Hajj. This means:
Have a road food reserve with you.
Vehicle for the trip, as well as the ability to purchase a ticket for all necessary modes of transport.
To be physically healthy in order to fulfill all the requirements of the Hajj and endure all the difficulties of the journey.
To have a sufficient amount of funds to support the family or those for whom he is entrusted with care. Must be able to properly equip his household so that it does not fall into disrepair during his pilgrimage.
Sharia also provides for hajj for hire. If a Muslim has the means to make a pilgrimage, but does not have health for this, he can send another person instead of himself. At the same time, the one who performed the Hajj for hire, for someone, does not himself receive the honorary status of “Hajji” (performed the Hajj) and must once again perform the Hajj for himself. Sharia permits the performance of Hajj for hire by a man for a woman and vice versa. At the same time, Sharia condemns those who, not having sufficient health to travel, nevertheless take up this business, putting themselves in danger. There are various organizations around the world that provide assistance in performing the Hajj for low-income Muslims.
According to the rules of the Hajj, pilgrims must be dressed in a special attire – a scar. It consists of two parts of white calico or other linen. One piece is wrapped around the body below the waist, the other, larger in size, is thrown over the left shoulder and passed under the right armpit, thus covering the upper body. In men, the head should be open. Women performing Hajj and wearing ihram are allowed to have their faces open, but their hair must be hidden in any case. There is an opinion that a woman does not have to wear ihram at all, she can perform the entire ceremony in any of her clothes, but always with her head covered. (Gulnara Kerimova. “The Road to the House of Allah” https://www.cidct.org.ua/ru/about/). If the Hajj falls during the hot season, the use of umbrellas is allowed. Sandals are worn on the feet, but you can also go barefoot. The pilgrim must set foot on the land of Hijaz already in ihram. A person who has put on ihram, according to the rules, can no longer take it off until he finishes the entire ceremonial.
The second, more extended meaning of the word “ihram” is the adoption of certain prohibitions, putting on special clothes, entering the “sacred” land and, in fact, the beginning of the performance of the Hajj rites. The one who violated the prescription of ihram must atone for his guilt by sacrificing a ram on the eve of the holiday of kurban – bayram. The Qur’an regulates all these actions in some detail: “When you … after having died, interrupted the “ihram” before performing the Hajj, then you will have to enter the “Ihram” for the Hajj again, sacrifice a sheep and distribute it to the poor near the Forbidden Mosque. Whoever is unable to make a sacrifice must fast for three days in Mecca during the Hajj and seven days after returning home. If he is a resident of Mecca, then he does not need, in this case, to make a sacrifice and fast ”(K.2: 196). It is forbidden for a person dressed in ihram to cut his nails, shave, cut his hair “If one of you is sick or has some kind of ailment in his head and had to cut his hair, then ransom by fasting or alms, or by any pious deeds. He can shave or cut his hair, but he must fast for three days or feed six poor people for one day, or sacrifice a sheep and distribute meat to the poor and needy ”(K.2: 196).
It is forbidden to smoke, raise your voice, offend anyone, shed blood, kill even a fly, pick leaves from trees, etc. “During the Hajj, one should not approach women (this includes: sexual intercourse, kissing, talking on these topics – all this is a sin before Allah). Debauchery and bickering are also a sin during the Hajj” (K.2:197). Violation of these prohibitions makes the Hajj invalid. During the Hajj, the “faithful” is commanded to completely immerse himself in thoughts of Allah.
Hajj begins with a sevenfold circuit (tawaf) around the Kaaba, which is performed counterclockwise. The number “seven” is considered sacred by the Arabs. Pilgrims enter the courtyard of the forbidden mosque (Al-Haram) through the gate “babul-nijat” (gate of salvation). At the threshold of the Kaaba, the participants of the ceremony pronounce the words in Arabic: “Labbaik Allahuma labbeik. La ball of lacquer, labbake ”(K.2: 198) (Here I am in front of You, O Allah. You have no partner, You are alone). Tawwafa (bypass), as a rule, is performed under the guidance of a voluntary seid – an expert on the rules of bypass.
The kaaba itself is a black stone (granite) building in the shape of a cube (15 – 10 – 12 meters), covered with a black kiswa (a black woven coverlet with verses of the Koran embroidered on it in gold), which is replaced every year with a new one. The corners of the Kaaba are located on the cardinal points and have the names “Yemeni” (southern), “Iraqi” (northern), “Levantine” (western) and “stone” (eastern), in which the “black stone” is just mounted. Initially, in the pre-Islamic era (jahili), the kaaba was a pagan temple with a pantheon of folk gods. Now for Muslims, the Kaaba has a unique meaning as the first house of worship to Allah. It symbolizes absolute monotheism, the perfect uniqueness of Allah, the absence of any partners in him, which the Koran does not get tired of repeating in many suras. It is believed that the Kaaba – the main mosque of Muslims, is under the throne of Allah, and his throne is located above it in the sky.
In the left corner of the outer eastern wall of the kaaba there is a gilded door, and a little lower and to the left of it, in one of the corners of the kaaba at a height of 1.5 meters, there is a niche with a “black stone”
– al-hajar al-aswad). This oval stone, set in a silver frame at the end of the seventh century, is known to be part of the original structure built by Abraham and Ismail. According to Muslim tradition, it was given to Adam as a reminder of paradise. According to another version, he was Adam’s guardian angel, but was turned to stone after overlooking and allowing his ward to fall. It is alleged that the black stone was originally white, but later turned black, saturated with human sins, or from the touch of a woman who was in a state of impurity. At the same time, it is believed that inside the stone everything also remains white, and only its outer side has turned black. With a small number of people, Muslims manage to stick their heads into the niche and kiss the “black stone”, but with a large confluence of pilgrims, not everyone manages to venerate this “black shrine”. People only have time to touch the stone with their hand, after which they kiss the hand and apply it to the eyes.
There are different opinions about the real nature of the stone. Scientific circles settled on its cosmic meteorite origin. A feature of the “stone” is that it is not immersed in water and can float on its surface. It is thanks to this property that the authenticity of the black stone was confirmed in 951 when it was returned to Mecca after it was stolen by the Qarmatians in 930. There is a walking legend that a black stone hangs in the air. In fact, he does not levitate, but is fixed in the granite wall of the Kaaba, which is obvious to everyone. This misunderstanding most likely arose as a result of a confusion of two Arabic explications (legends) – the history of the black stone and the maqam Ibrahim stone (Abraham’s standing place), about which it is said that it could hang in the air and served Abraham as a floating forest during the construction of the Kaaba. Naturally, neither of these stones currently fly, and both obey the natural laws of gravity.
An interesting feature of the stone-kissing ceremony for Christians is that this action has absolutely no justification in the Muslim tradition. In order not to be convicted of idolatry, Muslims do not attach any religious significance to the stone itself and claim that it has never been an object of worship. The only reason why a simple stone has been so honored is because of blind imitation of the actions of Muhammad, who kissed it and thus began this tradition. All faqihs (lawyers) of the Shafi’i madhhab condemned kissing any inanimate object with the intention of taabud (i.e. worshiping Allah and approaching him), except for a black stone or muzhaf (copy, copy, plural masahif) of the Koran. The second Caliph Omar ibn Khattab said on this occasion: “By Allah, truly I know that you are just a stone, you do not benefit or harm, and if I had not seen that the Prophet was kissing you, I would not have kissed you”150 .
Muslim tradition conveys an incident that took place during the life of the companions of Muhammad (Sahab), which concerns a detour (tavwaf) around the Kaaba. “During the tawaf, Muawiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) bypassing the Kaaba touched all its corners. Seeing this, Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with both of them) said that one should not touch two corners (two corners: except for the Yemeni corner and the corner with a black stone). He said: “Is there something in this house (Kaaba) that one should stay away from?” Ibn Abbas said, after reading a verse from the Qur’an: “So there was a beautiful example for you in the Messenger of Allah,” after which Muawiya left this action. Brought by Imam Bukhari”151.
Having made a sevenfold circuit (tawaf) around the Kaaba, a Muslim is not forbidden to spend as much time as he likes in prayer near it. Before leaving, he must perform two rak’ah prayers.
Opposite the gilded door of the Kaaba, 15 meters from it, towers maqam Ibrahim (standing of Abraham). A stone slab is placed here, according to Muslims, with footprints of Abraham (Ibrahim). Here, as a sign of respect for the prophet Ibrahim, the pilgrims read a prayer twice: “We ordered the people to make the place of Ibrahim standing during the construction of the Kaaba a place for prayer” (K.2: 125). According to Islamic legend, the angel Jabriel brought to the prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) a flat stone that could hang in the air and served the prophet as scaffolding during the construction of the kaaba. Muslims believe that the builders of the inviolable or forbidden mosque in Mecca (kaaba) are Abraham (Ibrahim) and his son Ismail: “Remember the history of the construction of the Inviolable Mosque in Mecca by Ibrahim and his son Ismail … here, Ibrahim with his son Ismail lay the foundations of the House » (K.2:125,127). Out of respect for Abraham, Muslims call him “Ibrahim Khalilullah” (Abraham is a friend of Allah): “Ibrahim personifies the unity of all religions – Muslims, Jews and Christians … Verily, Allah honored Ibrahim by calling him a friend!” (K.4:125) This is naturally taken from the Christian Bible: “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him for righteousness, and he was called the friend of God” (James 2:23; 2Chr.20:7).
“From the oldest and only history of Abraham, written by Moses, from which information about the life of this patriarch can be obtained, we learn that Abraham never was where the city of Mecca was, and therefore did not build the Kaaba in Mecca. On the basis of verse 19 of the poem (imoallaqaty) by the Arab poet Zogeir bin Abu Solyn, a contemporary of Muhammad, G.S. Sablukov fully proves that the Kaaba was a pagan temple built by “some of the Koreishites and Jorgomites” not earlier than 500 years before the appearance of Muhammad. (See the work of G.S. Sablukov “Muhammedan’s stories about the qibla” pp. 149–157)”152.
Next to the maqam Ibrahim is another building, decorated with colorful Arabic ornaments. There is a well zem – zem (or deputy – deputy) in it. According to the Islamic interpretation of the biblical story (Gen. 21:14–21) about the case of Hagar (Hajara – considered in Islam the second wife of Ibrahim) and her son Ismail, after Abraham left them in the waterless valley of Mecca, Hagar (Hajara) began hastily look for water. In desperation, she ran around two small hills seven times, until finally she saw a spring near her son dying of thirst, which still exists. In memory of this event, pilgrims make a seven-fold ritual run – sai (effort) between the hills of Safa and Merv: “Allah exalted “as-Safa” and “al-Marwa” – two hills, making them reserved places of God for performing one of the rites of the Hajj ” (K. 2:158). Some believe that the source also received its name from the words with which Hagar called her son to her, saying: zyam – zyam, which in Egyptian means – come, come. According to another version, when Hagar (Hajarah) saw the water, she was afraid that all the water would flow out, and said: “Stop – stop” (zam – zam), and the water calmed down.
Water from the source of earth – earth is considered blessed and healing. It is believed that its origins are in paradise. There are many stories about the healing properties of this water. Pilgrims collect it in vessels and vials and deliver it to all parts of the world. Out of respect for this water, it is recommended to drink it while standing. At the same time, it is commanded not only to drink it, but to drink in full, i.e. in large quantities, otherwise you can be considered a hypocrite (munafiq), since a person, as it were, shows his contempt for water. The hadith on this subject reads as follows: “A true believer drinks in full from the source of Zam-Zam, while a munafiq does not drink in full (that is, it is, as it were, a sign of hypocrisy – do not drink enough from Zam-Zam).” There is a hadith attributed to Muhammad, in which he considers even a simple respectful view of the Kaaba and the source of zam-zam to be worship of Allah: Alima (Muslim scholars experts in the Koran, Sharia, Arabic, Persian, Turkish and other languages. Alims were considered the guardians of traditional and moral norms – author) and Zam – Zam. (Moreover) whoever looks at Zam-Zam, his sins will be forgiven.”153 It is also believed that a person whose stomach gets zam-zam water will not be in hell, since the fire of hell and the water from the source of zam-zam cannot be in the same place. Currently, to provide water to millions of pilgrims, the well is equipped with an electric motor.
The next action of the Hajj after the ritual run is the stoning of Satan. This ceremony takes place at the Jamra Bridge in the Mina Valley, about 25 km from Mecca. Pilgrims collect seven stones and throw them at three special stone pillars (jamarat), which symbolize the devil: “And give praise to Allah on the days indicated when the pilgrims stone Shaitan in the Mina Valley, on the 11th, 12th and 13th zu-l-hijji” (K.2:203). First, seven stones are thrown at a small pillar (Jamarat al-Ula), then at a medium one (Jamarat al-Wusta) and then at a large pillar (Jamarat al-Aqaba). At the same time, it is desirable to pronounce takbir (Allahu akbar). According to Islamic tradition, these stone steles mark the places where the devil appeared to Abraham, who tried to prevent the prophet from sacrificing Ismail and whom Abraham, together with his son Ismail, stoned.
After visiting Mount Muzdalif, on the ninth day of the pilgrimage, the pilgrims head for 24 km. from Mecca to the valley of Arafat, where they stand (wukuf) at Mount Arafat from noon to evening. “When the pilgrims leave Arafat and reach Muzdalifah, they need to remember Allah in a reserved place – on the Holy Mount Muzdalifah. From here they need to cry out to God, saying: “Labbaika!”, “Labbaika!”, i.e. “Here I am in front of You! O Allah! Here I am in front of You! You have no equal! Glory and praise to Thee! All power belongs to You!” Allahu Akbar! i.e. Allah is great!” (K.2:196) According to Muslim legend, Mount Arafat is the place where Adam and Eve met after their expulsion from paradise. Here pilgrims also listen to the sermon (khutba) of the Meccan imam. Khutba usually begins with the glorification of Allah and his messenger, then explains the origin of the Hajj and the meaning of the rite of sacrifice. If the mullah or imam – khatib has the relevant experience, then he wraps the sermon in the form of rhymed prose. With the most massive visits to these places, the pandemonium here is huge. Muslims even have information that mass gatherings of pilgrims during the Hajj period can be observed from space.
The next day after this, the feast of sacrifice is celebrated – Aid al – adha (Kurban – Bayram). Muslims perform a kind of Old Testament sacrifice, slaughtering sacrificial animals (sheep, goat, cow or camel): “We have made one of the rites of religion with which you approach people, the slaughter and sacrifice of camels and cows during the Hajj” (K.22 :36). This rite was established in memory of Abraham’s sacrifice of his son Ismail (according to the Bible, Isaac). Symbolically, this rite should remind the “faithful” of the spirit of Islam, when submission to the will of Allah is of paramount importance for a Muslim. Since 2/3 of the sacrificial meat is subsequently distributed to the poor (thin, saadaka – a ritual treat), this Old Testament rudiment also reminds of charity and the desire of the “orthodox” to share their earthly goods with the poor co-religionists. Saudi authorities prepare sacrificial animals for this ceremony in advance. Also, ditches are dug in advance, where, in order to avoid the appearance of infections, they dump, fill with lime and cover with sand mountains of slaughtered cattle, whose meat turned out to be unclaimed. According to Islamic doctrine, animals sacrificed on the holiday of Kurban – Bairam, on the Day of Judgment, will recognize their owners, who sacrificed them. Riding on these animals, Muslims will reach paradise by crossing the Sirat Bridge.
After that, the pilgrims shave or cut their hair and nails. All this is buried in the ground. Many natives use this part of the rite wisely and for this purpose become hairdressers for a while, which makes a good living. Moreover, for a short period of pilgrimage, the local population provides for itself for the entire next year, after which Mecca and Medina sink into a 10-month hibernation until the next Hajj.
Before heading to Medina, pilgrims make a farewell detour around the Kaaba (tavvaf al-vida), after which they receive the honorary status of “haji” (hajj for women) and have the right to wear a green turban, and in the Caucasus a green ribbon on a hat. After the sacrifice and shaving of the hair, the prohibitions regarding marital relations and other prohibitions that a person takes upon himself with entering into ihram are removed.
The small pilgrimage (umrah – visit, visit) includes four main actions: ihram, going around the kaaba, a ritual run between the hills (sai) and shaving or cutting hair on the head. It can take place at any time of the year. As a rule, Umrah is performed either at the beginning of the Hajj, after which you can limit yourself to it alone and stop the pilgrimage, or at the end of the Hajj. Regarding the obligatory nature of the small pilgrimage, the opinions of scientists were divided. Some of them (imams Ash – Shafi’i, Ahmad ibn Hanbal) believed that the small pilgrimage is as obligatory as the big one (hajj). At the same time, they relied on the verse of the Qur’an: “And in the best way make the Hajj (great pilgrimage) and die (small pilgrimage) for the sake of Allah” (K.2: 196). Another part of the theologians (Imams Abu Hanifa, Malik ibn Anas) believed that the small pilgrimage refers to desirable deeds (sunnah) and is performed only once in a lifetime. As an argument, they pointed to the fact that Muhammad did not include Umrah among the five pillars of Islam. “Also, in the hadith narrated by Jabir, it is said: “A Bedouin came to the Messenger of Allah and asked: “O Prophet, tell me about the small pilgrimage, is it obligatory?” To which the answer followed: “No, but making you a small pilgrimage is good for you” ”(See: At – Tirmizi M. Jami’u at – tirmizi [Collection of hadiths of Imam at – Tirmizi]. Riyadh: al – Afkjar hell – pressure, 1998. S. 169, hadith No. 931)157.
At the end of everything, Muslims visit the tomb of Muhammad in Medina. This action does not apply to the Hajj, but a sense of Muslim duty and gratitude to Muhammad for the contribution that he made to the course of world history encourages the “faithful” to visit Medina. The mosque of Mohammed in Medina, although smaller than the Meccan one, is still striking in its size. In the south-eastern part of it is the tomb of the Arab “prophet”. Approaching his tomb, Muslims should say: “Peace and prayer to you, O prophet, beloved of Allah, O great seer.”
There is an opinion of Imam Nawawi regarding visiting the grave of Muhammad. He says that “it is reprehensible to touch her with your hand and kiss her, according to the correct adab (culture, etiquette, traditions – author) one must be at a distance from her, as if someone came to visit the Prophet during his lifetime. It will be right. And one should not be deceived by the actions of many ordinary people who violate these adab. Their danger lies in the fact that they believe that touching with a hand, etc. contributes to obtaining more barakat (the goodness of Allah – ed.), and this is all from their ignorance, because the barakat is in what corresponds to Sharia and the words of the Alims (authoritative Muslim scholars – ed.), so how do they want to succeed, contrary to the correct adab “. (Matn Idah fi manasik li an-Navii. S.161. Ed. dar kutub ilmiya. Beirut. First edition)158.
Next to the grave of Muhammad are the graves of his companions and caliphs – Abu Bekr and Omar. On the territory of the mosque in a small cemetery called “Jannat al-Bagi” – eternal paradise, there are the graves of the third caliph Osman, the daughter of Muhammad Fatima and his last wife Aisha. Women who adhere to the Shia direction in Islam, be sure to visit the grave of Fatima, where they distribute alms to the poor. In addition to the grave of Fatima, Shiite Muslims must visit the grave of the fourth Caliph Ali ibn Abu Talib in Najaf and his son Imam Hussein in Karbala (Iraq), as well as one of the descendants of Ali Imam Reza in Mashhad (Iran) and the grave of Mansum in Qom, the sister of the Imam Reza. Despite the fact that there are many graves of the descendants of Shia imams and they are located in many cities of the world, it is obligatory to visit only the graves of imams Hussein and Reza. Shiites who make a pilgrimage to these graves receive the status of “Kerbalai” and “Meshedi”.
For those who do not have the opportunity to perform the hajj to the “sacred” Arab lands, it is commanded to perform the hajj in their own heart and make sure of the sincerity of their devotion to Allah and the fulfillment of his unconditional commands. “That is why on the upcoming holidays and on the holidays themselves, each of us should make a hajj in our own heart and our own soul in order to honestly answer the question: do we fully fulfill what our religion requires of everyone? We must not forget that in Islam, preparation for the holidays must first of all be used to strengthen faith, strictly follow religious instructions and prayers, commemorate the deceased relatives and friends, and try to deepen the knowledge of the fundamentals of Islam.
It is believed that the hajj is not only a religious way to please Allah and win his mercy, but also a good opportunity to communicate with each other: “Proclaim to people, O prophet, that Allah commanded those who can go to this House … to they received religious benefit from performing the Hajj (pilgrimage), as well as the benefit of meeting and communicating with their Muslim brothers, consulting with them about what is useful and good for them in religion and in the immediate life ”(K.22:27, 28). “Being a unique form of communication and ideological unity, the Hajj played an important historical, cultural and socio-political role in the medieval Muslim world. Hajj retains its ideological and political significance even today, being a form of unity for Muslims, a place and time for meetings of the leaders of Islamic states and discussion of important problems”160.
Source: Chapter 8. Rites in Islam – Unexpected Sharia [Text] / Mikhail Rozhdestvensky. – [Moscow: b. i.], 2011. – 494, [2] p.
Notes:
150. Nimeh Ismail Navvab. Hajj is the journey of a lifetime. Rites of Abraham. https://www.islamreligion.com/en/
151. Sufism on the scales of Sharia. P. 20 https://molites.narod.ru/
152. Orthodox theologians about Islam. Ya.D.Koblov. Personality of Muhammad. Application. The legend of Muhammadan about the night journey of Muhammad to heaven. M. “Imperial tradition” 2006 p.246
153. Source Water Zam-Zam. Her virtues and blessings. https://www.islam.ru/
154. Prophets. True faith is the faith of our ancestors. . ru/Server/Iman/Maktaba/Tarikh/proroki.dos
155. Institute of Religion and Politics. Hundreds of dead again in the Mina Valley. https://www.i-p.ru//
156. Riyadh counted illegal pilgrims during the Hajj period. https://www.izvestia.ru/news/
157. Cit. by: Umrah (small pilgrimage). https://www.umma.ru/
158. Cit. Quoted from: Sufism on the Scales of Shariah. P. 14. https://molites.narod.ru/
159. Mufti Ravil Gaynutdin. Appeal on the occasion of Eid-Al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) April 1995
160. Gulnara Kerimova. Road to the House of Allah. https://www.cidct.org.ua/ru/about/
