28.1 C
Pakistan
Monday, July 7, 2025
Home Blog Page 44

Unraveling the Mystery of Persian Princess– a Murder Victim

0

It was a scorching day of October 2000, when Dr. Asma Ibrahim – an Archaeologist and a Museologist, received a phone call from a police station in Karachi; the caller introduced himself as Deputy superintendent Farooq Awan and said, “We have rescued a Mummy from smugglers.”

“What! A Mummy!! Did you really said this?” Asma said in a trembling voice as she had a student life dream to work on a Mummy. During a telephonic conversation, Asma assumed that police had got some misconception, as mummification is the specified art of Egyptians and Police officer was claiming that the mummy was recovered from a Baloch smuggler.

Finally, she reached out to the police, where the Mummy was kept in a separate room. Her wooden sarcophagus was opened, and the carved stone coffin was already removed from the body. She was wearing an exquisite golden crown and mask. Her body was wrapped in cloth stripes, as any Mummy could be, with an inscription on her breastplate that read, “I am the daughter of the great King Xerxes, I am Rhodugune.” She was laid on the reed mat in a coffin. Internal organs of the body were taken out in the same that the ancient Egyptians used to mummify their dead.

The mummy recovered from smugglers*

King Xerxes was the greatest ruler of the Achaemenid empire of Persia, ruling from 486 to 465 BC, so being a daughter of Xerxes, the mummy was supposed to be 2600 years old. Interestingly. Persians are not known for mummifying their dead as Egyptians used to do. So the discovery caught attention across the globe.

All the eyes were focused on the National Museum of Pakistan, where Mummy was shifted after recovering from smugglers. Dr. Ahmad Hassan Dani, a well-known Archaeologist from Quaid-e-Azam University, Pakistan, addressed a press conference and said,” Despite having no traces of mummification in Persia, she might have been an Egyptian princess married to a Persian prince, or a daughter of the Achaemenid king Cyrus the Great.

The government of Pakistan constituted an investigation committee consisted of Archaeologist Dr. Asma Ibrahim, Assistant Archaeological Chemist Touseef, Technical Officer Rafiq, and Expert of preservation Zubair Ahmad Madni. No one other than members of the committee was allowed to work on the mummy.

The team started its investigation on many aspects, including the analysis of Cuneiform text written on the breastplate, X-rays and CT scans of the body, technical analysis of the wooden sarcophagus and the coffin, and finally, radiocarbon dating of the objects on which Mummy was laid in her sarcophagus.

The team started its investigation on many aspects. Credit: BBC

Dr. Asma contacted Agha Khan Hospital and Karachi X-ray for the CT scans and X-rays of the mummified corpse. While talking to Scientia, she said, “initially, the authorities were not ready for the medical examination of the corpse as who would take the responsibility of damages occurred during the medical examination, if it would be real.”

Once Agha Khan and Karachi X-rays finished their medical examination, they sent their reports to the national museum of Pakistan, which were not disclosed till April 2001. When Asma released her investigation report.

However, during the investigation, an Italian expert of Cuneiform script confirmed Iranian authorities for the script, and they demanded the return of the Mummy from Pakistan. Meanwhile, an expert of the Cuneiform language from American University issued a two-page report of the text. The first page consists of the actual translation of the text on the breastplate, and the second page of analysis listed several problems with the mummy’s inscription that led the scholar to believe that it is the author who penned down in such a manner inconsistent with Old Persian. He concluded the inscription was likely a modern falsification, probably dating “from no earlier than the 1930s.”

Crucially, the inscriber had used the later Greek version of the princess’s name Rhodugune, instead of the Persian Wardegauna. In the meantime, Asma analyzed the medical reports of the Mummy and found Several detailed operations common to Egyptian mummifications had been omitted during the mummification of the mummy, now famous as “Persian Princes.” The heart was not there in the cavity, which is significant in the ancient mummification process as it would be the medium for the resurrection of the dead.

Medical examinations, including computerized tomography (CT) scans and X-ray photographs of the body inside the mummy, unveiled that this was no ancient corpse but a woman who had died in the recent past and that her neck was broken. An autopsy confirmed that this woman may indeed have been murdered to provide a body for the fakers to mummify.

A portion of the Reed mat was also sent for the radiocarbon dating to Pakistan’s atomic energy commission, which confirmed that the mat is not more than fifty years old; all these shreds of evidence confirmed that the mummy was forged and made to sell in the illegal antiquities market.

“I was young and passionate conservator these days, and I was analyzing the Mummy from a far different perspective,” Said Zubair Madni during a telephonic conversation while remembering the days of investigation. He was a member of the team constituted for scientific investigation of the Mummy.

The mummy was exhibited for the first time, during a press conference at the National Museum in Karachi, 26 October 2000.

He told us that during the investigation, he drew several conclusions based on technical analysis and visual inspection, some of which are as follows;
Not only was the coffin new, but in some places, the varnish was also found on it. It was a modern varnish and barely 20-30 years old. It looked like some old wooden furniture was used to make this coffin.

The reed mat laid in the coffin and on which the mummy was enclosed in the sarcophagus was not ancient. This mat must have been barely a few years old. Close observation was enough to prove that it would not be correct to call that mat thousand years old. A technical study of sarcophagus also did not prove that it could be more than twenty-five years old.

Scientific and technical study and close observation also showed that the tools used to carve forms and inscriptions on the coffin wood were new.
Fiber identification proved that the fabrics of the mummy wraps were also modern. Items applied to these strips, such as honey, were also fresh.

All the above facts were proved to be correct after in-depth scientific analysis in foreign laboratories. Madni also said that while analyzing the situation, he observed that the art of mummification is unique and specific to Egypt. Logically, the inscriptions on the coffin of the mummy and all the accompanying items, including the ornaments placed on top of the mummy, should have been written in the ancient Egyptian script. In contrast, all of these inscriptions were found in Cuneiform script. People interested in archaeology know that no formal evidence of mummy-making has been discovered in Persia.

The daughter of the ruler to whom May was attributed, ruled a huge and rich empire. Logically the ornaments on Mummy’s body should have been large and very heavy. In contrast, these gold ornaments were so cheap and so delicate that they twisted when touched. How was it possible for a rich king’s daughter to be buried with such cheap and modest jewelry.

On April 17, 2001, Dr. Asma Ibrahim issued her 11-page report enclosed with all scientific examination reports declaring the Persian Mummy a fraud. Once known as Persian Princess now lost all the attention in her. Police lodged a murder case, which was never concluded.

Later, Edhi Foundation took custody of the body and announced in 2005, “it was to be interred with proper burial rites.” Foundation wrote several letters to Police and other government authorities for official permission but never answered. Finally, in 2008, the foundation carried out the burial in the graveyard of unidentified corpses.

Also, read: Under the fossils, a time machine exists

*Credit: W Kretschmer, K von Grundherr, K Kritzler, G Morgenroth, A Scharf, T Uhl, The mystery of the Persian mummy: original or fake?,
Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms, Volumes 223–224, 2004, Pages 672-675, ISSN 0168-583X,

A virtual tour of Taxila Institute of Asian Civilizations

0

The Taxila Institute of Asian Civilizations was established in 1967 at Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad in order to become a Center to study the history, culture, and architecture of Asia and the world in a scientific way. The major activities at TIAC include Academics, Field Research, and Publications. The programs offered include MSc archaeology and MPhil/Ph.D. in Asian Studies. The facilities available at the department include the Ahmed Hassan Dani Memorial Library and the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.

TIAC
Inaugural stone at the TIAC garden

Wandering around the department, I stumbled upon the library, which is full of books and books on architecture, history, and the sort. In a corner on a table, I find two studious faces buried in thick volumes and simultaneously scribbling notes. I decide to go over and, after introducing myself, asked for some information about the science of Archaeology.

Which program are you two from, and can you share what you study in Archaeology?

Aniqa: We both are from M.Sc. In Archaeology, we study ancient cultures, and our research work depends on material things. When we do a survey or find something at the excavation of an ancient site, we analyze and study our antiques. The underlying purpose of Archaeology is to go through whatever ancient asset we find and then use the information for our present benefits.

In Archaeology, various parts of several fields like Geology, Chemistry, Physics, Sociology, Anthropology, Fine Arts, etc., are integrated. For example, in Chemistry, we study the scientific procedures of preserving antiques and maintaining the various sites we find. We study methods to conserve them.

The creativity of the students is reflected in this unique and beautiful installment

The two great civilizations in Pakistan include Gandhara, also known as Buddhist, and the Indus. These two civilizations are a great attraction to foreign countries, e.g., the French Mission in the Swat region and others like American, German, etc. They form the basis of their research on our civilizations, and that is how they are gaining popularity.

We also study other civilizations like Greek, Egyptian, Roman, Chinese, Mesopotamian, etc. We perform analysis and compare their advancements with our Indus civilization. The material remains that we find are made up of two types; archaeological artifacts and sources or pieces of writings.

Literary sources include the writings we find, for example, sacred books of Hinduism, Vedas, the Jerok verdicts of King Ashoka in Mardan, Pakistan. These show us the writings and policies of the kings of that time. These have mostly been written on rocks. The Ashokan Rocks are very popular here in Pakistan since they have been engraved with messages and notes.

We also find pottery, usually in pieces. But that’s not an issue as we have advanced to the level where we can estimate the measurements and design the whole pot from that single piece. Using analytical techniques in experimental archaeology, we find out about the food that was being eaten at that time. If we find thumbprints on the pottery, we can use genetics to picture the appearance and psyche of the person who ate in that pottery. This technique is not available in Pakistan, though.

The walls at TIAC are bursting with colourful and informative posters on Archaeology. One does get lost in the details while wandering about.
The walls at TIAC are bursting with colorful and informative posters on Archaeology. One does get lost in the details while wandering about.

Can you give an example of what your thesis work is based upon?

Azizullah: Archaeological sites like Mohenjo Daro and Harappa are common topics for Ph.D. thesis. The exact topic could be ‘A comparative analysis of the pottery of Mohenjo Daro and Harappa’ or the topic can also be the archaeological survey of a whole specific district. Another example can be exploratory Archaeology, in which we find new sites. We use the data of some previous sites to work, e.g., we go to a remote area of Balochistan and find new sites. Tools of broader level are used, so this is done at MPhil Ph.D. level rather than BS or MSc levels.

Which subfield of your subject do you like the most?

Aniqa: I basically like tourism since it has a lot of scope and space for advancement. We also do religion studies, including major religions of Pakistan, e.g., Sikhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, etc.

Azizullah: I personally like Numismatics, which is the scientific study of coins. Coins of different periods are studied. They are found during the excavation of any site and need to be first cleaned. Then they are studied to figure out the type of inscription on them and what the inscription might mean. We can figure out many things by this scrutiny, e.g., the religion, the ruler and politics of the era, and the position of the economy from the material of the coin. A strong economy is represented if the coin is gold or silver, and a weaker one if it is copper. We also get to know about that civilization’s trading partners if we come across coins belonging to another part of the world there. I find all this very interesting.

Aniqa: Many people ask us whether our own beliefs weaken while studying other religions, but that’s not the case. It’s actually the opposite. We find flaws while studying other religions, and when we compare them to Islamic beliefs, we find that they make more sense to us and that we are better off than the ancient people in many ways.

They have some false nonsensical myths that may be sacred for them, but they really do not have solid reasoning or background. So, I would say we basically enjoy religious studies, as well as studying civilizations. We also study prehistoric eras like the Stone Age, when humans lived in caves and made their tools out of stone. We enjoy studying all our subjects.

The museum at TIAC features different statues, writings, dresses, pottery and coins etc. Archaeology
The museum at TIAC features different statues, writings, dresses, pottery and coins etc.
A Persian text

Are movies made on Archaeology and History accurate?

Aniqa: Most movies made on mummies or ancient sites and buildings are based on fantasy. They are made to attract people, and lots of elements are added. Some sites might be shown the way they are, but the moviemakers add many things e.g.in The Mummy Returns, the place is authentic, but the plot is exaggerated and all spiced up to attract people.

Is Archaeology your subject of interest, or did you end up here unwillingly?

Aniqa: People who come in this field include both; those who end up here unwillingly and those who are passionate about the scientific study of history and architecture. I belong to the second type. If we want to catch other people’s interest in this subject, we should discuss Archaeology at the governmental level and illustrate it at the school level by telling us about its importance, how we can learn about the past, our ancestors and their lifestyle. We study how Man progressed on Earth and the obstacles he faced during these advancements. All this can be known in Archaeology.

As an MSc archaeology student, what job do you expect to land in Pakistan with this degree, and what can you expect of its future here?

Azizullah: There are several fields you can count on as an archaeologist to land a job in. there are jobs in provincial cultural departments related to antiquities and culture, which, before the 18th Amendment, belonged to the Federal government. Jobs under the department include Curator, Assistant Curator. A curator is the Head in Charge of a museum.

Smaller jobs in a museum include Gallery In-charge, Lab in Charge, Chemist, and other specialized jobs like Surveyor, Excavation Director, Exploration Director, etc. This is the scope for jobs in the government sector. Another job is, of course, is in educational institutes as a faculty member, visiting as well as permanent.

Some of the fascinating pieces at the TIAC museum
The pieces in the display are mostly copies of the original items found in excavations or fieldwork by students and teachers at TIAC
Antiques from the Taxila Valley

Plus, some private institutions seek archaeologists, e.g., EFT (Endowment Trust Fund), which mostly works in Sindh as the regional government established it. It is a private institute mostly working on conservation and restoration etc., and sometimes excavation as well. Jobs are also available in local and international NGOs, in UNESCO, etc. It has a country head everywhere, including Pakistan. They work for the maintenance of World Heritage Sites and employ MPhil and Ph.D. scholars as well as foreigners for supervision.

The current government is taking an interest in archaeological sites to promote tourism. In contrast, earlier governments did not take any interest in maintenance or for the sake of tourism. Imran Khan has made many Hindu temples functional. For example, a Mandir called Shivala Deva Singh Mandir in Sialkot had been closed since partition, but now it is opened and cleaned up so that the nearby Hindus could continue their worship. By working for minority rights, Pakistan can develop a good international image. One of the purposes of Pakistan being made was to take care of minorities and their rights.

Aniqa: Pakistan’s geography is full of antiquities and archaeological sites. This subject has a lot of potential in Pakistan if only the government cooperates. Across the world, the Egyptians and Romans are advancing quite rapidly in this field. In our country, research is slow due to a continuous constrain of funds. We can take this subject to great heights, though.

Also Read: Pakistan’s Crumbling Hindu Heritage: Our Shared Culture and Responsibility

Hayabusa-2 sample return mission lands in Australian desert

0

The Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa 2 just landed in the desert of southern Australia, brought a small cache of asteroid Ryugu’s rocks to the Earth. It’s only the second time in history that materials from an asteroid have been brought to the earth. Eventually, scientists will research and uncover the precious rocks within to learn more about the asteroids that permeate our Solar System.

Hayabusa-2 was launched in December 2014 by JAXA. Its mission was to visit the distant, lonely, and icy world of Ryugu―a half-mile wide-body― study its surface and collect soil and debris samples. Asteroid Ryugu is a primitive asteroid that orbits the sun at a distance of up to 131 million miles (211 million kilometers).

After launching from Japan in 2014, the Hayabusa2 spacecraft spent four years journey to reach Ryugu and studied the 900 meters wide asteroid up close since last June. The mission plan includes a touchdown of the spacecraft inside the crater to pick up a pinch of dust samples of the asteroid.

In February 2019, Hayabusa-2 had touched down on the asteroid’s surface and successfully collected the samples. The second touchdown onto the asteroid, preceded by the latest blast on the surface provided scientists with subsurface dust samples that had not been exposed to sunlight or other space radiations for billions of years. Scientists hope to additional knowledge about the origin of inner planets, particularly the origin of water and organic compounds on earth, all relevant to the origin of life on earth.

Japanese spacecraft, Hayabusa-2 released photographs
Japanese spacecraft, Hayabusa-2 released photographs

In 2020, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) released a couple of stunning images of the asteroid captured by Hayabusa.

Source JAXA
Source JAXA

The first photo was taken at 10:06:32 JST (onboard time) and the gravel flying upwards was quite visible. The second shot was at 10:08:53 where the darker region near the center is due to touchdown,” JAXA tweeted.

Howard Carter & his Unbelievable Journey

0

Born in Kensington in 1874, Howard Carter was the tenth child of Martha Sands and Samuel Carter, a successful artist in London. Carter was sent to live with his two aunts in Swaffham, a Norfolk rural town, in his early childhood. Owing to his poor health, he was home tutored and did not have a high education level. He inherited artistic talent from his father, and with his encouragement, Carter brought it up. Howard’s father often used to create antiques for Lord Amherst, who had a vast collection of Egyptian relics and artifacts. Carter, inspired and curious, would often visit Lord Amherst’s mansion to look at these artifacts. 

Lord Amherst got 17-year old Carter a job with Percy Newberry, an Egyptologist friend of Lord, on an expedition to Beni Hasan in Egypt. He was tasked with recording, to paper, the paintings on tomb walls. In no time, he gained a reputation for his detailed and avant-garde drawing methods. With this newfound prominence in the community, Carter went on to work for other noted Egyptologists, drafting and recording at famous sites such as Deir el-Bahri. 

In 1899, he was appointed chief inspector in the Egyptian Antiquities Service. But six years later, Carter resigned due to a dispute. Just two years later, in 1907, the hopeless 38-year old crossed paths with Lord Carnarvon, the British aristocrat who was already funding an excavation of tombs. Upon recommendation, Lord Carnarvon invited Carter to work for him. This proved to be a rewarding decision, although not immediately. Carter did manage to find some valuable objects but none fascinating. 

carter
Howard’s father often used to create antiques for Lord Amherst, who had a vast collection of Egyptian relics and artifacts. Credit: Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

KING TUTANKHAMUN

In 1914, Carnarvon was permitted to excavate in the Valley of Kings. Carter was given the lead on the job, but World War I broke out, and he had to stop as soon as he started. After the war ended, the excavation restarted but many years flew by without any significant find. Lord Carnarvon was disappointed and losing hope. Carter was informed that he only had one more season before the funding is halted. But Howard Carter was motivated by his past and was determined for success. Unlike most would’ve done, he did not start in a new area. Instead, he started searching again in a place they had already searched at. 

On the fourth of November, 1922, as the season ended, they were upheaving the bedrock in an area where huts were recently found. The boy, who had to fetch water for the workers, was wandering around with a stick. In his aimless wandering, he stumbled upon a stone step. He called over Carter, who unearthed a flight of steps ending at an entrance to a tomb. On the twenty-sixth of the same month, Howard Carter was sat in front of the door to the tomb. Lord Carnarvon standing behind him, eyes fixated on the door. Carter pried open the door with a chisel and peered in. “Can you see anything?” asked Lord Carnarvon. “Yes, wonderful things.”, replied Carter.

Some days later, newspapers from across the world featured headlines about the great discovery in the Valley of the Kings. That of the tomb of Tutankhamun! The tomb held a vast collection of gold and treasure, which took many years to catalog. Every single piece was photographed, but Carter also sketched them to capture what the photographs couldn’t. The rearmost chamber held the sarcophagus of the ‘boy king.’

Tutankhamun, gold funerary mask found in the king’s tomb, 14th century BCE; in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. Credit: Lee Boltin

CARTER’S DISCOVERIES

“As my eyes grew accustomed to the light, details of the room within emerged slowly from the mist, strange animals, statues, and gold – everywhere the glint of gold. For the moment – an eternity it must have seemed to the others standing by – I was struck dumb with amazement, and when Lord Carnarvon, unable to stand the suspense any longer, inquired anxiously, ‘Can you see anything?,’ it was all I could do to get out the words, ‘Yes, wonderful things.'”

To this day, it is one of the most well-preserved pharaonic tombs discovered. But the boy king wasn’t all that was found. 

The objects found were next to unprecedented. In the first chamber, Howard came across two statues of the king – placed opposite each other to protect the tomb inside. Near the statues, furniture of gold and parts of the king’s chariots were unearthed. Gold relics with embossings of animals and goats were also found. They were not Egyptian, but, according to most historians, were made in Syria.

More than a hundred pieces of jewelry and weaponry (again mostly in gold) were uncovered on the mummy. In addition to all this, two more coffins were discovered, which contained the mummified bodies of two unborn kids presumed to be King Tut. Nearby, they also came across a chest containing the organs of the king. All these discoveries turned out to be of immense importance as they informed historians and archaeologists alike of the mysterious boy king and this time.

LUCK OR WILL?

Many consider Howard Carter to be fortunate to have found the tomb. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. The discovery was made due to his persistence and passion. It was made due to him integrating his life into Egyptians and adopting risky, unorthodox methods. And that is how a self-taught archaeologist made one of the greatest archaeological discoveries known to us.

Read Also: Uncovering the Secrets of Archaeology with Bibhu Dev Misra

Postmortem of Mummified Animals Using 3D Scans

0

Researchers recently expanded the scope of high imaging techniques, using it to give a new dimension to archeology by unwrapping the mummified animals buried more than 2,000 years ago. It seems no less than a miracle that we have stepped into such an era of modernization where we can use radiation technology to get an insight into the history of their burial and revile the unprecedented details about human-animal relationships.

Scientists from the University of Leicester and University of Swansea used high-resolution 3D scans to dissect the mummified animals, including a snake, a bird, and a kitten- from the asset held by the Egypt Centre at Swansea University. Previous research on these mummified artifacts using medical CT scans failed to unravel more peculiar details about what these mummies encapsulate besides their identification.

But thanks to the 3D X-ray micro CT scanning, we pretty much get the knack of all the details from how they lived and died right down to the smallest teeth and bones without damaging the delicate artifacts, with a resolution 100 times greater than a medical CT scan.

A scan image of the remains of a mummified bird resembling a Eurasian Kestrel. Source: Swansea University

Richard Thomas, Professor of Archaeology at the University of Leicester, said:

Advances in imaging technology are, for the first time, revealing new insights into the lives of these animals and mummification practices without disturbing the wrappings. In our study, we have been able to visualize bones and teeth, materials, and even desiccated soft tissue in new levels of detail. The scans have made it possible to 3D print and handle the skeletal remains and take a virtual walk-through the mummies, revealing the impact of the industrial scale of mummification on the animals themselves.”

The ancient Egyptians used to mummify humans and animals, including cats, ibis, hawks, snakes, crocodiles, and dogs. At times they were buried alongside their deceased owners believing it to be a food supply for the afterlife; however, the common practice was to bring them to temples as a sacred offering to GOD, as a means of communication. According to the investigations carried out in recent times, it has been estimated that there may be up to 70 million animal mummies in ancient Egypt buried in underground catacombs.

mummified
A scanned image of the remains of an Egyptian Cobra. Source: Swansea University

Using 3D X-ray micro CT scanning, researchers piece together the shreds of evidence to find out interesting facts regarding mummified animals. The team found out that:

  • The mummified feline was a kitten, fewer than five months of age, based on discovering an un-erupted tooth within its jawbone. They also found gaps between the neck bones while separating the vertebrae, suggesting that the kitten was possibly strangled.
  • Virtual measurements of the bone suggested the bird most closely resembled a Eurasian kestrel.
  • Examination of a mummified snake- juvenile Egyptian Cobra- provided evidence of kidney damage developing a form of gout, showed that it may have been deprived of water during its life. It was also suggested that it may have died of spine damage due to a whipping action based on the signs of the bone fracture collected; it also gave leads to the prior opening of the mouth’ procedure during mummification. These findings gave the first evidence of the ritualistic behavior practiced at that time.

This technology, paving its way in archeology and doing wonders, is just the tip of an iceberg since we have not fully explored the potential of this technology yet. But the researchers are staunch believers that it still has many untapped applications and will lead us to a world of endless possibilities in the future. As Prof Johnston said;

“X-ray dose from micro CT is typically too high for human use, and the scan times much longer,” he said. “But it has limitless potential for materials in science, engineering, biology, even biomimicry.” We scan structures from nature that have evolved over millions of years to be efficient or strong, like bamboo, and then reproduce the micro-scale shape for engineering design through 3D printing.”

Also, Read: Archeology – exploring the past with modern technology

Book Review; Islam, Sci-Fic & Extraterrestrial Life by Jörg Matthias Determann

0

Spaceships coming down from the sky and flying through clouds provide a charming but frightful view as if Earth is under attack by aliens. This is the first impression from the cover of an excellent book — Islam, Science Fiction and Extraterrestrial Life — written by Jörg Matthias Determann. In his latest book, Determann discusses the culture of astrobiology in Muslim societies and presents a thorough analysis of the usage of different media genres to exhibit ideas about extraterrestrial life. In this regard, as the author steps from one chapter into another, the core concept of alien perception in Muslim societies is described extremely well concerning the science fiction propagated through magazines, films, newspapers, books, and journals. 

Mankind seeks a satisfactory answer to the most intriguing question throughout history: are we alone in the universe? Ancient civilizations, societies, and religions had different beliefs about extraterrestrial life, as did the modern Islamic world. Over time, people have adopted new ways of thinking to solve their problems. Still, the mystery of aliens’ existence remained unsolved, and this question became even more controversial in some societies.

With the advent of modern sciences, astrobiology is recognized as a multidisciplinary science field to address the unending question of the search for alien life. Though this discipline of science is not so far widely acknowledged in Muslim worlds, nevertheless, it is not any more an unheard field, as explored in-depth in this book. 

Determann encompasses different concepts of the alien in Muslim societies across the globe, from South Asia to Turkey and Arabia to Africa. In these countries, people have shaped ideas about alien life according to their own geopolitical situations and religious beliefs. 

The author tries to connect different genres of media with the culture of astrobiology in these societies. In general, the book covers various ideas: the imagination of aliens in Muslim societies, expressions of science fiction for describing the political landscape, research of Muslim scientists in the field of astrobiology and the origin of life, work of science fiction writers, concepts of extraterrestrial life in Quran, author’s opinion on different astrobiological concepts in Islam and the use of media in science fiction. 

The book provokes the reader’s interest in different aspects of Muslim societies. It provides insights into the concepts of alien life among Muslims and their history, culture, and religion. The opening chapter beautifully connects the concept of alien worlds within Muslims in the context of the Quran’s first chapter, “The Opening,” where God is mentioned as “the Lord of Worlds.” It clearly points out the existence of many worlds according to various commentaries on the Quran, including the very famous and reputable “Tafhim Ul Quran” by Syed Abul A’la Maududi.

The book interestingly mentions the Quran as the first version of science fiction in Islam based on the context that the Quran promotes the plurality of worlds. It also contains thought-provoking quotes on the existence of alien and other worlds from various renowned Muslim scholars belonging to different sects of Islam. It sheds light on certain potential words in the Quran that could suggest the existence of extraterrestrial life and possibly pave the way towards Islamic science fiction. 

Determann widely employed the culture of science fiction to depict political scenarios and even political unrest in Muslim societies. 

For instance, he discusses Ayham Jabr from Syria, who rated the ongoing Syrian war as a foreign agenda and as if peacekeeper forces are alien that has invaded their country. The book also outlines the aspects of science fiction and how it led to the competition in intra-religion, e.g., Christianity, and inter-religion, e.g., Islam and Christianity. 

The theme of science fiction of extraterrestrial life in Muslim worlds is influenced by mainly two factors: politics and religion. The book does a good job of narrating the evolution of scientific thoughts in different civilizations. Ruling elites in Muslim countries have varying desires, ranging from imposing sanctions on scientific thoughts in some parts and, on the contrary encouraging scientific debates by facilitating conferences and open discussions in other parts. The author has raised questions about the lack of science fiction movies and literary work in certain Muslim-majority countries and if this could be related to the influence exerted by political and/or religious leadership as well.

Further, UFO’s perception in Muslim countries and its controversial controversies and related movements are also addressed at great length. 

Islam, Science Fiction, and Extraterrestrial Life argue how extremism in certain Islamic worlds still fails to influence Muslim cultures’ scientific futurism. Various renowned scientists in space exploration originate from the Muslim world, and a significant number of scientists migrated to Western countries due to the lack of resources in their country of origin and certain religious sanctions. However, many Muslim countries are still progressing in space sciences, including but not limited to UAE, Qatar, and Pakistan. 

Hereby, Determann also mentions different efforts made in Muslim countries to promote astrobiology, science fiction, and the art of scientific thinking, for instance, the volunteer organization Astrobiology Network of Pakistan (ABNP). The promotion of astrobiology through science fiction in Muslim societies will help to bring open-mindedness, an atmosphere of constructive dialogues on various issues, and a culture of critical thinking among people, according to the Astrobiology Network of Pakistan (ABNP). 

In this book, the author provides further ideas of research on different aspects of Muslim societies, including politics, science, and the use of different media genres and introduces the great work of Muslim scholars that can be a source of inspiration for Muslim youth.

Also, read; Book review, Brief Answers to the Big Questions

Debunking Archaeological Conspiracy Theories

0

You must have heard about the field of archaeology, which generally involves the study of human culture and civilizations and the changes that take place over time. In practice, the field involves the systematic recovery and investigation of ancient artifacts, structures, and objects of human descent, and the empirical analysis of past human activities. 

Most of us think that the field revolves around discovering objects and artifacts, but that isn’t it. Archaeology isn’t just about the object that is being discovered. It is not about an artifact. Archaeology is all about discovering the history behind every artifact, the story of the people that created, maintained, or cared for it. If no context or history exists, the objects and artifacts mean nothing.

The right instruments have not always been at the disposal of archaeologists and scientists. Myths are a common phenomenon in archaeological history and vary from attaching the wrong date to a particular item or place to having faith in the presence of entire groups of people that never existed. Most of us find these conspiracy theories absolutely absurd. But not all of us are sane.

Let’s look at some of the most biding conspiracy theories in the field of archaeology.

The Egyptian Pyramids

The belief that in the ancient past, extraterrestrial life visited the Earth and either shaped or guided the evolution of human societies is possibly the biggest conspiracy theory out there. This conspiracy theory dates back to the 20th century and is prevalent in science fiction. Through a massive influx of books, comics, publications, and TV shows like “Ancient Aliens,” the theory has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. 

However, scientific evidence does not validate these conspiracy theories, but these conspiracy theories have still become much popular. The Great Pyramids of Egypt serve as a great example. Researchers and archaeologists have explicitly demonstrated how all these designs fit into a larger pattern of small concrete structures. The construction technology is amazing, but to describe it, we do not have to reference extraterrestrials.

Were the Egyptian pyramids built by slaves? - BBC Science Focus Magazine, conspiracy theories
Scientific evidence does not validate the conspiracy theories surrounding the pyramids. Credit: Science Focus

The fact that scientists are not yet certain as to how the pyramids were constructed by the Egyptians, and particularly how they managed to complete these vast structures so efficiently, but there is enough proof that all these pyramids are the product of many earthly hands.

Nazca Lines

Over 800 long, white and straight lines are carved into the Peruvian desert on a high and dry plateau some 200 miles southeast of Lima, seemingly at random. They are accompanied by 300 geometrical shapes and 70 figures of animals, including a monkey, hummingbird, and a spider. The longest line runs like an arrow straight for miles. The largest lines and figures range almost 1,200 feet wide and are clearly visible from the air. Scientists believe that these Nazca lines are about one thousand years old. These drawings are frequently cited as one of the best examples of alien brilliance on Earth due to the age, scale, visibility, and enigmatic nature.

Otherwise, how would ancient people with no flying technology have been able to produce these massive patterns? How? Why? It turns out that the answer to these questions is pretty simple. These cryptic patterns, called geoglyphs, were created by scraping the rust-colored surface of the stones and revealing the underlying lighter white sand. Previously, the patterns were thought to be associated with celestial bodies or solstices, but current findings indicate that the Nazca lines refer to water and fertility-related ceremonial sites. The forms are visible from surrounding valleys and from the air.

Nazca Lines - HISTORY conspiracy theories
Over 800 long, white and straight lines are carved into the Peruvian desert on a high and dry plateau. Credit: History.com

Stonehenge

Throughout the course of history, the confusion regarding Stonehenge has contributed to many conspiracy theories varying from strange to supernatural. One of the strangest theories is that it is a primitive symbol of sex intended to represent a woman’s vagina. Gynecologist Anthony Perks has previously written regarding this idea in The Guardian. He said that there was an idea of a great queen or a great mother of Earth in the medieval era. Stonehenge could reflect the gap through which Mother Earth or the queen gave life to the living organisms like animals and plants, which were necessary components for the survival of ancient people.

Stonehenge mysteries: What we really know | Culture| Arts, music and  lifestyle reporting from Germany | DW | 01.09.2020 The confusion regarding Stonehenge has contributed to many conspiracy theories
The confusion regarding Stonehenge has contributed to many conspiracy theories

Megalodon

According to some conspiracy theorists, the subject of the latest blockbuster movie, The Meg, still exists. The extinct creature megalodon was apparently able to avoid detection for centuries successfully, and it is believed that it died about 2.6 million years ago. However, some strange clips posted on the internet have sparked theories that the creature still lives. A video alluded to by the Daily Star emerged in 2016, which seemed to show a massive shark searching the sea. The video was posted on the internet in 2016, but it re-emerged on the internet after the release of a recent Jason Statham movie ‘The Meg.’

megalodon and shark, illustration
It is believed that megalodon was able to avoid detection for centuries successfully. Credit: Victor Habbick Visions/GETTY IMAGES

Hitler’s Antarctic

There are many conspiracy theories surrounding Hitler and Nazis, such as Hitler’s secret operation in the Antarctic. Some sources claim that Hitler sent his troops to the Antarctic in the 1930s and discovered alien technology, a large network of caves, and tunnels and soon established their small town sized base there. Some sources also claim that after the war ended, Hitler escaped to the Antarctic.

In the late 30s, a German team undertook an excavation in the Antarctic, but they did not go there in order to create a secret base. They went there to find ways of developing the German whaling business. They did not find any alien technology there. This is all irrational talk.

The Schwabenland, the ship of the 1938 German Antarctic expedition. (Credit: Institute of Regional Geography, Leipzig, Ritscher)
The Schwabenland, claimed to be the ship of the 1938 German Antarctic expedition. Credit: Institute of Regional Geography, Leipzig, Ritscher

Ancient Hieroglyphs

Some theorists think that hieroglyphs are proof that ancient People used equipment and technology from the future. In the Temple of Dendera, there are some 4,000-year-old wall inscriptions that theorists believe show Egyptians using electricity. Some conspiracy theorists bizarrely think that time travelers traveled to the past in order to deliver electricity secrets to these ancient people.

The conspiracists believe that a huge light bulb is the entity that has been portrayed in the temple since it is translucent, involves a cord, is three-dimensional, and is inserted into an object that seems to be a battery. Subsequent analyses have shown that the system portrayed in the inscriptions was capable of producing electricity in principle, or the people at that time were trying to learn how to produce electricity. 

Nobody knows the purpose for which that device may have been used, but it throws some light on the possibility that even before the invention of electric light by Humphry Davy in 1802, ancient people may have been trying to learn about electricity. But the theory that it was time travelers that delivered knowledge about electricity to these people is wrong since that kind of technology hasn’t been developed to this day.

It is suggested by some that hieroglyphs are proof that ancient People used equipment and technology from the future

Masking the reality

Another popular belief is that professional explorers and archaeologists themselves deliberately obscure the reality of history. People accuse them of being a part of a massive cover-up or scheme. Through shows such as The “X-Files,” this belief pops up time and again in pop culture. In fact, archaeologists love to test and re-test each other’s theories about history utilizing modern evidence and findings, which is what moves scientific knowledge ahead.

There is a truly long history of conspiracy theories like these. First, as is shown by the countless books and Television programs that keep making headlines, there is a lot of cash to be gained by spreading unscientific theories to the population. A lot of these theories are often related to nationalism and different sorts of ideologies and cultures of groups. People sometimes say that their predecessors were the first to come to a new territory or create any superior equipment or technology, arguments that were even used to justify violence and intrusion. 

All of us should thank God for all the modern technological advances and equipment. Old science has worked miracles to promote level-headed explanations, views, and narratives of people regarding archaeological evidence. But now, we have better technology to explore and apply these narratives and theories in great detail.

Also Read: Uncovering the Secrets of Archaeology with Bibhu Dev Misra

Ancient Humans and their relations with the sky: Archaeoastronomy

0

Fundamentally, being a stargazer makes folks like me question every aspect of the realm of astronomy in today’s world, where we have revolutionary tools like the “Hubble Space Telescope,” robots moving on Mars and other probes like Voyagers in the far regions of interstellar space. ‘Astronomy’ being one the oldest world’s science and then ‘archaeology’ is the study of prehistory and old, eons ago history of first humans; how they lived geologically, biologically, and environmentally. We recover and try to find answers from the fossils, stones, and overall leftover remains throughout the landforms of the Earth’s surface. Numerous times, I wonder what did our ancestors think of the sky? The more previously visible constellations? What their thoughts would have been about the other celestial bodies?

The particular and very non-general subject I’m here to discuss is “Archaeoastronomy.” You should not confuse it with the “History of Astronomy” solely. In archaeoastronomy, we mostly study the practices of our oldest ancestors; celestial lores, myths, concepts, religious aspects, and overall cultural views they had with relation to the visible “Sky.” It’s not the ‘history of archaeoastronomy’ but more vividly the “anthropology of astronomy, as one would say.

archaeoastronomy
A Chinese Astronomy Coin representing different objects, constellations, and the direction in the sky. 

In the sky, we already have the known constellations, where the pattern recognition – a gift of human evolution – created “Stars” into constellations such as the Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpius, Sagittarius, Capricornus, Aquarius, and Pisces; only by our creative imagination. Where many associated our stars through religious symbols, some also related it with the events on earth such as rainfall, storms, or any natural events; regardless of the reality or whatever the actual science really is.

We can also witness the greatest monuments and masterpieces built thousands of years ago, alight with astronomy. ‘The Great Pyramid of Giza,’ in Egypt facing different cardinal directions with its corners so perfectly, only 0.067 degrees counterclockwise from perfect cardinal alignment, still close to perfection. We have also seen the ‘Venus alignment with the magnificent Maya Palace of the Governor at Uxmal in Yucatan.’ Sums up how our ancestors were captivated and related to the astronomical phenomenon, even when there were only naked eyes to observe and study.

archaeoastronomy
Pyramid Cardinal Directions. Credits: mummies2pyramids

The most astonishing “Stonehenge” Monument in England has its relatability and precise connection with the sunrise of the summer solstice and sunset of the winter solstice. It shows how ancient humans were curious and close with the knowledge and applications of sky objects. This study of old-time astronomers has boosted into quite active interdisciplinary questions, curiosities, and fields to study, encouraging new viewpoints about the history of our cosmos and the interaction of our species in the past.

We have also established facts about the ancient and native calendar systems, and we found engraved in the stones, concepts they had about space and time; the ideas of geocentric system changing into the heliocentric system, and even an expanding universe, the geometrical shapes they engraved in ruins followed by constellations, surveying, and navigational techniques to find ways in the desert. It all started thousands of years ago, a result of overall human evolution and our achievements in astronomy that stands today as an unstoppable and infinite area of research and wonder.

Also Read: Uncovering the Secrets of Archaeology with Bibhu Dev Misra

Baluchistan Sphinx; Is it a human-made rock-cut Archaeological marvel?

0

Concealed within the desolate, rocky landscape of the Makran coastline of Southern Balochistan, Pakistan, is an architectural gem that has gone unnoticed and unexplored for centuries. As it is popularly called, the Balochistan Sphinx came into the public eye only after the Makran Coastal Highway opened in 2004, linking Karachi with the port town of Gwadar on the Makran coast. A four-hour-long drive (240 km) from Karachi, through meandering mountain passes and arid valleys, brings one to the Hingol National Park where the sphinx is located.

I have not personally visited the Baluchistan Sphinx. Still, when I saw some of the Sphinx photographs and associated structures posted by visitors to the Hingol National Park, I was really struck by how closely it resembled the Sphinx of Egypt. Not only does the Baluchistan Sphinx have a well-defined face, but it also wears the Nemes head-dress and head-band of the Egyptian pharaoh, and it is seated in a crouching position. The elevated platform on which the Sphinx is located has been carved with pillars, niches, and asymmetric patterns, and there appears to be a series of steps leading to the platform. It is challenging to accept that all of this is the work of random natural forces. On the contrary, the entire site gives the impression of a grand architectural complex, eroded by the elements and covered by sediment layers, possibly due to the recurrent tsunamis on the Makran coastline.

The Baluchistan Sphinx is very similar to the Egyptian Sphinx
The Baluchistan Sphinx is very similar to the Egyptian Sphinx
The Baluchistan Sphinx platform shows signs of pillars, niches, symmetric patterns and steps
The Baluchistan Sphinx platform shows signs of pillars, niches, symmetric patterns, and steps

The question is, how old is this monument, and which civilization could have built it? Does it date from the Indus period, or could it be even older? We know that the Indus Valley Civilization extended along the Makran coastline, and its westernmost archaeological site is Sutkagen Dor, near the Iranian border. So, it could be an Indus-era monument. When the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang had visited Makran in the 7th century AD, he observed that the coastline was dotted with hundreds of Buddhist monasteries and Hindu Temples.

Where have they all gone? Have they all been eroded and covered with sediment so that they are now regarded as natural formations? There is no doubt that a thorough archaeological survey of the Makran coastline, particularly the Sphinx and Princess of Hope areas, is urgently required to find out when the Sphinx complex was built and what ancient secrets lie hidden within this enigmatic monument. 

A cursory glance at the impressive sculpture shows that the sphinx has a well-defined jawline and clearly discernible facial features such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, which are placed in perfect proportion to each other.

The Sphinx in different cultures
It is challenging to accept that all of this is the work of random natural forces. Credits: Saadeqa Khan

 The sphinx appears to be decked up in a head-dress that closely resembles the Nemes head-dress of the Egyptian pharaoh. The Nemes headdress is a striped headcloth that covers the crown and back of the head. It has two large, conspicuous flaps that hang down behind the ears and in front of both shoulders. The ear-flaps can be clearly seen on the Balochistan sphinx (including some stripe marks on it as well). The sphinx has a horizontal groove across the forehead, which corresponds to the pharaonic head-band that holds the Nemes head-dress in place. 

One can easily make out the contours of the sphinx’s reclining forelegs, which terminate in very well-defined paws. It isn’t easy to see how nature could have carved out a statue that resembles a well-known mythical animal to such an extraordinarily high degree.

The presence of the Sphinx carvings in different ancient cultures

People generally believe that sphinx statues are found only in Egypt, but the truth is that they are widely dispersed worldwide. There are slight variations in their representations across cultures, but their function is the same. They act as protectors of sacred sites, and they used to be placed in pairs on either side of the entrance to temples, tombs, and monuments.

A few part of this article has been published on Bibhu Dev Misra’s personal website. Here republishing with prior permission.

Problems involving open access scientific publications and how to fix them

0

The idea of open access science journals is a novel initiative that helps bring forth reliable information about genuine scientific contributions to the science communities worldwide. Most of these open access science journals were founded with a mission to develop reliable platforms and to provide unrestricted access to scientific literature for rapid dissemination of recent breakthroughs in various disciplines of science. Another benefit of such open access science journals is that people can have access to the latest scientific papers at no cost and avail the facility to enhance their scientific understanding in the relevant topics.

There is always a worldwide need to have access to reliable sources for scientific information, resources, and guidance. Until recently, the traditional publishing sector was the only channel available to meet these needs. The open access publishing model is a new avenue to meet such requirments that is accessible to a much wider audience.

The stunning advances in various fields of science and technology have had a profound impact on humankind in every sphere of life. These advances have created a sharp schism between the technologically developed countries and the relatively backward countries. Being a national of a developing country like Pakistan, my primary focus as a science journalist and a science communicator is to make science accessible to everybody in a simple to understand way that laypeople can relate to.

Pakistan doesn’t have an open access publishing model to speak of. There are only a handful of science journals and magazines that are providing reliable scientific information to the masses. This is why my primary focus during various events of the Berlin Science Week 2020 (held virtually from 1st to 10th November 2020) was on discussion sessions that highlighted open access publications and transparency in science.

Berlin Science Week 2020

Berlin Science Week is the most interesting event of the year for science enthusiasts all over the world. This year around 200 events were held virtually, including science breakthroughs of the year 2020, panel discussions, and major research work in healthcare and Coronavirus vaccine development.  While scrolling through the events list, a panel discussion entitled, “Why no one is reading your open access publication and how to fix it” caught my attention.    The four panelists were Russel Alt Haaker, Stephanie Dawson, Czifra, and Agatha Mokre.

Russel, who is working for an open-access platform in Berlin, said that it is difficult for young researchers to publish their work in established journals. On the other hand, young researchers will find it easier to publish in open-access journals because the researchers are familiar with digital platforms.  However, publishing in open access platforms doesn’t give young researchers the same credibility that publishing in established journals could garner. One possible solution to this problem is for young researchers to collaborate with more established researchers who are willing to put their names on open access publications and put the weight of their fame behind younger researchers. This would be a win-win for both.

We are moving into the digital age of open access publication. Here, the key component is metadata that provides at least the basic information that is needed for people who are looking for your book, said Agatha Mokre. A major factor that influences how widely your book is read is the title of your book and publishers’ information about your book. I think that we do not have robust standards of metadata, especially for open access books, and having informative metadata is probably the most crucial way of making sure that someone will take an interest in your book. She added.

Meanwhile, Russel added: We aim to make dissertations and research of the young academics more visible (regardless of whether they decide to stay in academia or not). Different global scholarly information management systems are in place for them, starting with the most obvious, Google scholar. At the same time, social platforms are usually the places where quality issues around metadata become visible.

During this panel discussion, the attendees were provided a questionnaire to fill so organizers could learn more about them and their personal interests. The poll results indicated that around 72% of audiences were researchers, a small number were academics or publishers, and the rest were students who were essentially researchers or academics at the beginning of their careers. The poll also indicated that 62 percent of attendees have published articles or reviews in open access science journals. With these figures, the panelists concluded that a majority of researchers encounter hurdles in publishing their research work in open access journals. The need of the hour is to develop a worldwide catalog system for open access publication. Today there is a hodgepodge of resources that serve this purpose: libraries, the internet, traditional science journals, etc. However, there is no central repository of information that everyone could access.

During the pandemic, the public’s interest has shifted towards healthcare, research work on vaccine development, and other precautionary measures for keeping one safe from the deadly virus. In such a situation, it is even more important to establish open access publications and other reliable information resources that public can trust.

It is worth mentioning that the shift to open access publishing started idealistically, with enthusiasm and pressure from the grassroots. Instead of putting research work into science journals that are expensive and have a high bar for getting accepted, one would make articles available for free. In the early phases of a career as a researcher, having a publication in a high-profile science journal can significantly increase one’s chances of landing a job or getting research grants. Currently, this is a big hindrance in open access publishing. No matter how many obstacles there are in getting a paper accepted in a high impact journal, getting a paper published in the prestigious science journals like Nature, Scientific American, and Science, is so compelling for career advancement that open access journals don’t stand a chance.

The barriers to open access could only be removed with strong leadership. An example is Norway, where universities get part of their public funding as a function of the number of scientific publications they produce. If the government modifies the system such that open access publications would get valued more, it would not take long for change to happen.

Read, Also: National Science and innovation Fair