Search

The transition between the Final Bronze and Early Iron Age remains one of the least understood periods in the archaeology of southern Central Asia. In this paper, we introduce the newly discovered site of Kimirek-kum-1 (floruit ca. 1250–1050 cal b.c.) in the old delta of the Zerafshan River in present-day Uzbekistan. Combined pedestrian survey, geomagnetic prospection, hand augering, and stratigraphic excavation, conducted between 2021 and 2023, demonstrate the site's unique potential to improve our understanding of the Final Bronze/Early Iron Age transition and the interface between the Central Eurasian steppes to the north and the Indo-Iranian world to the south. Notably, our investigations yielded nearly 400 objects in copper alloys, lead, gold, and semi-precious stone. These findings strongly suggest that Kimirek-kum-1 represents a substantial new Final Bronze/Early Iron Age center with extensive external links. It raises critical questions about the continuity of long-distance exchanges and elite networks after the end of the Oxus civilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oriental representations of Muslims are often manifested in a society's media, literature, theatre and other creative means of expression. However, these representations, which are often historically and conceptually one-sided, have adverse repercussions for Muslims today, potentially leading to Islamophobia. Orientalism of Muslims in Western writings and discourses have been much discussed, debated and disproved, yet some works of literature continue to disseminate many of the earlier Oriental assertions about Islam/Muslims: that of being terrorists, misogynists, barbaric or uncivilized compared to the civilized West. Sherry Jones' The Jewel of Medina (2008) chronicles the history of Islam from the time of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, through the voice of his youngest wife Aisha. This paper argues that there is more to the image of the Muslim than what is portrayed by Western writers. Through an "(un)reading" of Sherry Jones' text, this paper unravels the misconceptions regarding early and forced marriage with a view to address the ways in which these misconceptions could lead to Islamophobia. Using Edward Said's theory of Contrapuntal reading, which urges the colonized to unread Western canonical texts to unearth the submerged details, this paper identifies and puts to question non-conforming depictions of Muslims in Sherry Jones' The Jewel of Medina (2008) - while placing the text in its historical space - in an effort to mitigate the growing stereotyping of Muslims and to address misconceptions with regard to Islamic history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Gemstones and (re)production of the tainted image of post-conflict locations. • Gemstone origin as a major value determinant. • Swat emerald and post-conflict development opportunities and place promotion. • Preventing future conflicts in Swat through fostering economic resilience. Abstract This paper critically examines the social dynamics of emerald mining in the Swat Valley and its impact on the broader gemstone processing sector in Pakistan. In particular, it pays attention to problematizing the existing structure of artisanal, small-scale emerald mining, and its fragmented supply chain that grapples with a branding stigma of gem origin. It also considers an export-led beneficiation industry within Swat to generate sustainable livelihoods and help prevent future conflicts through fostering economic resilience. The paper emerges with inferences that while the literature on colored gemstones is increasingly critical of fragmented supply chains, it should also consider the role that gemstones can play, as a constitutive and representational force, toward (re)production and (re)engineering of the "tainted" image of post-conflict locations. This is particularly the case because gemstone origin is a major factor in value determination. Areas of conflict that have previously caused negative branding of gemstones can later be transformed into post-conflict development opportunities and lead to positive branding. Approaches for pursuing such a strategy are explored in the context of Pakistan's emerald industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]