taly and Byzantium had a prolonged and complicated history. Sicily and a large portion of Southern Italy were under the control of Byzantium. Therefore, Italian art and architecture have been greatly influenced by Byzantine culture. By 1453, the Byzantine Empire had divided up into three empires, which were just small statelets. One of them was 

. The city was only a pale replica of its former splendor. By the 1450s, the Ottoman Empire had spread across Europe and was a powerful military state. The Ottomans had previously besieged Constantinople but were unable to breach its apparently impenetrable fortifications. 

 was determined to conquer the city because it was a Christian territory in his empire, and he was concerned that it might be used as a base for an invasion. Despite the city’s perceived weakness, it was thought to be the best-defended city in all of Europe. Sultan Mehmet gathered a huge army of 60,000 men and massive cannons. The Byzantine Emperor was killed during the battle. By breaching the walls with their powerful cannons, the Ottomans swarmed into Constantinople. They abstained from killing commoners and nobles, preferring to hold them for ransom to return to their home states. After the conquest, Mehmet ensured a multicultural seat of power for a multicultural empire by repopulating the city with residents of various backgrounds and faiths and moving his capital from Edirne to Constantinople.

For Europe, the fall of Constantinople marked the end of an era. The Byzantine- fighting Italians succeeded in escaping the siege and bringing many Constantinople residents with them to Italy. Thousands of refugees fled to Italy and the rest of Europe after Constantinople and the remaining Byzantine territories fell. Grammarians, humanists, poets, writers, printers, lecturers, musicians, astronomers, architects, scribes, philosophers, scientists, politicians, and theologians were among the refugees. Manuscripts from the destroyed libraries of Constantinople and other Byzantine cities were also brought with them.

 has been a focus of Italian humanists. They had little interest in hypothetical metaphysical scenarios. The first publication of Plato’s complete works, however, was to change this. The Athenian philosopher’s dialogues from the fifth century, brought in by the refugees, changed the minds of many humanists. A Neo-Platonist school of philosophy emerged in Florence as a result of Plato’s writings. Plato’s ideas were introduced, which caused a shift in emphasis from ethical to metaphysical speculations. Many claim that this changed people’s perceptions of the Greek and his ideas, and that it also influenced how the humanists thought about virtue and excellence. Many Italian thinkers endorsed the Aristotelian comprehension of virtue. They discovered that Aristotle placed a strong emphasis on the importance of empirical research and study, and that experimentation was required to determine the truth. Many Italian scholars were influenced by the Aristotelian emphasis on practical knowledge 

 to place more emphasis on observation and experimentation, which aided in the development of science in Italy.

For Italy, the fall of the Byzantine Empire was both 

. The Ottoman threat to Italy increased with the fall of the capital of the Byzantine world. The Italian states lived in the Ottomans’ shadow for a number of decades after Constantinople was taken. For Venice and Genoa, the fall of the Byzantine Empire was catastrophic. Both city-states declined as a result of lost trade and frequent Turkish attacks. On the contrary, a huge number of refugees from Constantinople sought refuge in the various Italian city-states, including many scholars. They brought with them the knowledge of the 

 and priceless manuscripts that aided in the understanding of philosophers and other authors, which ultimately led to the most infamous period of the 

The Fall of Constantinople: A new era of Italy Renaissance

Film media has a long history of perpetuating stereotypes and prejudices, which is especially evident in depictions of Muslims and Islam. Unfortunately, many films have portrayed Muslims and their faith in a biased and demeaning manner, perpetuating negative stereotypes and fueling Islamophobia. Stereotypes are one of the most common ways in which Muslims are portrayed in film media. Muslims, for example, are frequently portrayed as terrorists, fanatics, or backward and uncivilized people. This type of portrayal is not only untrue but also harmful, as it can lead to Muslims being marginalized, discriminated and persecuted in real life.

n addition to stereotypes, film media frequently portray Islam and Muslims in a condescending and paternalistic light. This perspective depicts Muslims as in need of Western intervention or enlightenment, with Western characters serving as saviors, bringing civilization and modernity to a supposedly backward and uncivilized Muslim world. This portrayal is not only offensive, but it also ignores Islam’s and Muslim societies’ rich history and culture.

,” which portrayed Muslim terrorists taking over New York City and the ensuing military response. The film portrayed Muslims as violent, fanatical, and inclined to murder innocent civilians, perpetuating prejudices and contributing to Muslim vilification in the United States. An additional instance is the 1991 film “

,” which represented an American woman and her daughter trapped in Iran, where their Muslim husband/father abused and mistreated them. The film presented Muslim men as abusive and controlling, perpetuating the stereotype of the oppressive Muslim man and contributing to the Western public’s negative perception of Muslim men.

” portrayed Muslim men as brutal and violent terrorists while portraying American characters as heroes. Instead of addressing the complex political and social issues that led to the rise of terrorism, the film propagated the notion that Muslims are inherently violent and harmful. Additionally, the depiction of Muslim women in the media has become especially problematic. The 2017 film “

,” for instance, described a conservative Muslim family oppressing and forcing a Muslim woman into an arranged marriage. This portrayal ignores Muslim women’s agency and autonomy while reinforcing the stereotype of Muslim women as defenseless captives in need of Western protection.

Muslim women are frequently presented as oppressed and subordinate to men, with their clothing and behavior indicating a lack of freedom and autonomy. This representation ignores Muslim women’s diverse experiences and perspectives while reinforcing the notion that Muslim women must be liberated by the West. The portrayal of Islam in the film has been impolite and paternalistic. The 2008 film “

” portrayed a Muslim man who is recruited by a terrorist organization and becomes a suicide bomber. Rather than emphasizing the diversity and complexity of Muslim beliefs and practices, the film portrays Islam as a religion that promotes violence and terrorism.

The impact of biased and condescending depictions of Muslims and Islam in film media is substantial. These depictions contribute to unfavorable perceptions and opinions about Islam and Muslims, which can lead to prejudice, animosity, and, in extreme cases, violence. Furthermore, portrayals of Muslims and their faith may determine how non-Muslim audiences understand Muslims and their faith, leading to a lack of empathy and comprehension of Muslim experiences and perspectives.

Biased and condescending representations of Muslims and Islam in the media have perpetuated negative stereotypes and contributed to the growth of Islamophobia. These negative portrayals have real-world consequences for Muslim communities, resulting in discrimination, prejudice, and, in extreme cases, violence. To foster greater understanding and empathy between different communities, it is critical to speak out against these inaccurate portrayals and foster nuanced and respectful representations of Muslims and their faith.

The Misrepresentation of Muslims in Film: Examining Biased Portrayals and their Impact

Muslim scholars and intellectuals made significant contributions to fields such as mathematics, astronomy, medicine, the arts, and literature during the 

. Islamic values, such as the pursuit of knowledge, played a significant role in the Islamic civilization’s achievements during this period. 

, in turn, was inspired by the Islamic world’s values and achievements. This period is historically considered to have started during the reign of the 

Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid (786–809)

, which fascinated scholars from all over the Muslim world to Baghdad, the world’s largest city at the time, to translate the known world’s classical knowledge into Arabic and Persian. The period is traditionally thought to have ended with the collapse of the Abbasid caliphate in 1258 as a result of 

The pursuit of knowledge was central to Islamic culture during the Golden Age of Islam. Scholars from the Islamic world translated Greek texts into Arabic, allowing knowledge to spread throughout the Islamic world.

Many classic works of antiquity that would have been lost otherwise were translated from Greek, Persian, and Sanskrit into Syriac and Arabic, some of which were subsequently converted into Hebrew and Latin. This translation movement led to the development of new scientific ideas and theories, which led to advances in fields such as medicine and astronomy. Paper use spread from China into Muslim regions in the eighth century via mass production in Samarkand and Khorasan, eventually arriving in Al-Andalus on the Iberian peninsula (modern Spain and Portugal) in the tenth century. It was less likely to crack than papyrus and could absorb ink, making it difficult to erase and ideal for keeping records.

, which put logicians who supported Aristotelianism to the test. 

 was an Arab astronomer and mathematician who deciphered Greek writings. Muslim scholars also made significant contributions to mathematics, developing algebra and trigonometry as well as making advances in geometry. These accomplishments had a significant impact on the Western world, for they were eventually translated into Latin and influenced European scholars during the 

Acceptance and open-mindedness were also important Islamic values in the Islamic civilization’s achievements during the Golden Age of Islam. The Islamic civilization was known for its tolerance of diversity and integration of various cultures. This facilitated the exchange of ideas and the creation of new innovations. Muslim scholars have also made significant contributions to mathematics. They made significant advances in the study of geometry and developed algebra and trigonometry. 

, was a famous mathematician of the Islamic Golden Age. The etymology of the great word “

” can be traced directly to Al-Khwarizmi. This is one of the major achievements that will serve as the foundation for future mathematical developments. 

, a famous physicist who conducted numerous optics experiments, was a great source for future developments. 

 was a mathematician and interpreter best known for his translations of Euclid’s works. 

 was a mathematician, astronomer, and interpreter who revolutionized the Ptolemaic framework and is regarded as the founding 

Muslim scholars made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe in the fields of astronomy. They created new instruments for stargazing and conducted detailed observations of celestial bodies. Astronomers such as 

 had an influence on the growth of modern astronomy. 

 wrote about his discoveries about light, claiming that its velocity must be enormous when compared to the speed of sound. Medicine advanced significantly during Islam’s Golden Age. Muslim surgeons pioneered new surgical techniques and made significant advances in anatomy research. Physicians such as 

‘s works contributed to the growth of modern medicine. In addition to scientific and intellectual advancements, the Golden Age of Islam saw great cultural and artistic flourishing. Muslim artists and architects created new artistic and architectural styles that were both beautiful and functional. Construction of the 

 began in 785, marking the beginning of Islamic architecture in Spain and Northern Africa.

To sum up, the Golden Age of Islam was a time of great achievement and progress in the Islamic world. These achievements were made possible by Islamic values such as the pursuit of knowledge, tolerance, and openness. These values and achievements of the Islamic civilization inspired the West, resulting in renewed interest in the study of ancient Greek texts, the development of new scientific theories, and the incorporation of Islamic art and architecture into Western culture. Muslim scholars contributed significantly to fields such as mathematics, astronomy, medicine, the arts, and literature. Their work laid the groundwork for many of the scientific and intellectual breakthroughs that we now take for granted. The Golden Age of Islam demonstrated the importance of knowledge and intellectual curiosity in shaping the course of history. The Golden Age of Islam serves as a reminder of the importance of knowledge and values such as tolerance and openness in shaping the history that follows.

The Golden Age of Islam: A Catalyst for Advancements in Astronomy, Mathematics, and Medicine

Have you ever noticed that products and services for women are more expensive than those for men? How does simply giving products a delicate appearance—often by making them pink—help brands draw in more customers? Men and women frequently purchase similar everyday goods. However, studies show that consumer goods marketed and advertised to women often cost more than comparable goods marketed to men. This inequality is referred to as the “

.” It refers to gender-based price discrimination, where women are made to pay more than men for the same products and services. In other words, it’s not actually a tax but an “

income-generating proposition for private businesses that managed to make their product appear either more geared toward or more appropriate for a specific segment of the population.

Pink tax is a prevalent phenomenon. According to research, women spend more than twice as much shopping as men do on average. Similar personal care items marketed toward women were 

 more expensive on average than comparable items marketed toward men. The report claims that overall, women spend significantly more money than men do on comparable goods. Meanwhile, an analysis in the UK found that women’s deodorant was on average 

 more expensive than men’s, and the cost of facial moisturizer for women increased by 

. In India, we do not have any reliable evidence to show the existence of a pink tax, which gives rise to the argument that the pink tax is non-existent in India. It would be more accurate to say that there is no actual pink tax on women’s products in India, but that there is a gender price gap in goods and services.

Given that women continue to earn less than men, the “pink tax” has long placed a financial burden on them. According to the 

, this year, 129 countries reported that fewer women than men were participating in the labour force. According to the report, one of the most obvious factors causing overall gender-based wealth inequality is the gender pay gap. If women, or someone who buys products marketed to women, are forced to pay more for a pink or delicate razor than a blue one, that is unjust and discriminatory. In order to get them to spend more money, capitalism and popular culture sell them their insecurities and self-consciousness. Big businesses and brands frequently view women as “

” and insecure targets who are only used to increase profits. The world is full of sexist advertisements that sell fairness creams while instilling an ever-evolving ideal of beauty. I believe if women don’t start accepting who they are, the battle will never be won. Women must understand what their bodies require and resist being misled by advertising.

Some strategies can be incorporated to avoid falling prey to the “pink tax.” There should be awareness about the topic. Charging more for necessities like sanitary pads and tampons is nothing short of extortion, but one witnessed how public outcry and protests compelled the government to eliminate the tax on sanitary pads. Instead of adhering to the manufactured roles that society has imposed on women, there should be a self-assurance when they make purchases of items that may not fit the mould of the stereotypical woman but are still beneficial to their financial situation. There should also be a boycott on discriminatory products and brands. Every branded item has a perceived value in addition to its actual value. The price will increase if the perceived value is higher. Marketers are aware of the needs and financial capacity of consumers. One can avoid buying things that have unfair pricing structures based on gender. People must also express resistance. Women make up the majority of consumers in the Indian market, so they must never undervalue their influence. The next time a retailer tries to charge you more money just because you’re a woman, question them and register your resistance. Speak out against the sexist practices of such businesses and show your support for those with non-discriminatory or gender-neutral pricing practices.

Articles by Hiba Shaikh Ansari

The Fall of Constantinople: A new era of Italy Renaissance

The Misrepresentation of Muslims in Film: Examining Biased Portrayals and their Impact

The Golden Age of Islam: A Catalyst for Advancements in Astronomy, Mathematics, and Medicine

The Shocking Reality of The Pink Tax: Why Does it Cost More to Be a Woman?

The Fall of Constantinople: A new era of Italy Renaissance

The Misrepresentation of Muslims in Film: Examining Biased Portrayals and their Impact

The Golden Age of Islam: A Catalyst for Advancements in Astronomy, Mathematics, and Medicine

The Shocking Reality of The Pink Tax: Why Does it Cost More to Be a Woman?