askhistorians

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New York, London, Dubai, Bangalore, Singapore, Shanghai, Tokyo; our vision of "modern city" all across the world is pretty much the same today: tall skyscrapers, city lights at night, big roads, white-painted houses. What were the vision of "modern city" in 15th century world?	1441
In several hadith (in Islam) the Antichrist is expected to come from the region around Persia. Why Persia? What historical context that makes this narrative possible?	701
Travelers, missionaries, scientists, and colonial administrators' accounts of non-Europeans in 17-18th century were generally not racist. But a century later, we got statement such as, "Negroes had never progressed beyond utter barbarism." What happened?	153
How was daily life during fasting month (Ramadan) in medieval Islamic empires? Book recommendations would be lovely.	98
There are a number of hadith in Islam which forbid Muslims to "indulge in arguments." How were these hadith circulated in Abbasid periods, when lively scientific and religious debates happened? Has these hadith ever used to shut opponents (scientist/theologians with "dangerous" ideas)?	89
We know the monk Sergius/Bahira, who is believed to foretell Muhammad's future as a prophet, is a Christian. But which Christianity? Was he a Nestorian? Miaphysite? Melkite?	75
Has there been any case in modern history where wealthy/middle-class neighborhood endure forced eviction because of land dispute?	71
We all know about Hitler's ambitious "world capital Germania" vision of Berlin, but did he actually have any urban planning?	69
The Germans changed their military flags after World War II. Why didn't the Japanese? Their current naval ensign looks almost exactly similar to the Imperial Japanese Army.	66
In 7th century Muslims populated the Middle East - and since then the image of "Islamic Middle East" has persisted until today. But before Muslims there were Christians. Has the Middle-Eastern Christians in the long course of 7th century until today ever glorify their pre-Muslim past?	61

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