[TRAVEL ★★]
WHERE ALGEBRA GOT ITS NAME
(P1) With a history stretching back more than 2,000 years, the Uzbekistani city of Khiva is a World Heritage Site packed full with the remains of palaces, MOSQUES, and MAUSOLEUMS from the city’s SILK ROAD HEYDAY. Surrounded by the Kyzylkum and Karakum deserts, the BUSTLING OASIS was the last stop for CARAVANS on their way to Iran, carrying everything from paper, PORCELAIN, and spices to slaves, horses and fruit. Not only is history on display all around, but modern buildings have been HARMONIOUSLY INTEGRATED, creating an urban composition that SHOWCASES Islamic architecture at its finest.
(P2) Unique within Uzbekistan, Khiva is a complete FORTIFIED oasis in the desert. The inner city, known as the Itchan Kala, is protected by 10m-high mud-brick walls, and this is where the most important MONUMENTS can be found.
(P3) Many of Itchan Kala’s PROMINENT buildings have street sellers outside TOUTING their WARES.
(P4) STROLLING through the Itchan Kala, it’s hard to miss the Islām Khwaja MADRASAH and MINARET. At 45m high, it is the tallest structure in Khiva.
(P5) One of Khiva’s most ICONIC buildings is the SHORT AND SWEET Kalta Minor minaret, which is covered in GLAZED, patterned TILES and whose beauty hits you as soon as you enter through the West Gate.
(P6) According to legend, it was built by Mohammed Amin Khan, the ILLUSTRIOUS ruler of Khiva, who wanted to build a minaret so high he could see the city of Bukhara 400km to the southeast. Work started on the tower in 1851 but came to an ABRUPT HALT after his death in 1855, leaving the 14m-wide and 26m-high tower AS IS.
(P7) More INTRICATE tilework can be found on the spectacularly ORNATE Summer Mosque, located inside the Kuhna Ark, the FORTRESS residence of Khiva’s rulers. The mosque is completely covered in locally made tiles believed to date back to 1838.
(P8) Such EXQUISITE tilework can be found in many of the buildings around Khiva. It’s worth exploring the NOOKS AND CRANNIES of the city to see treasures what you can discover.
(P9) Central Asia was a world centre of learning for centuries, and Khiva was no exception. Abū ‘Abdallāh Muḥammad ibn Mūsā Al-Khwārizm, a Persian scholar born around 780, is sometimes called the “grandfather of computer science” and is credited with popularising the use of the DECIMAL POINT. In fact, the word “ALGEBRA” comes from one of his mathematical TREATISES. His LEGACY can be seen in the statue erected outside the West Gate.
(P10) Despite the beauty within the walls, it’s worth stepping outside to where the majority of the population lives. Get a taste of local life in the bustling market – the perfect place to MEANDER and take in the sights and sounds of the city. To get there, leave the Itchan Kala through the East Gate; the BAZAAR is just outside the mud-brick walls.
(P11) Stopping for a cup of tea is a wonderful way to ABSORB the history and beauty of the city. Tea is a huge part of Uzbekistani culture, and tea houses, known as chaikhanas, are to Uzbekistan like PUBS are to Britain – numerous and popular. Being given tea (either green or black) is also a sign of HOSPITALITY; typically it is drunk without milk and sugar, and meals usually start and end with a cup.
WORDS: 542
SOURCE: http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20150625-where-algebra-was-invented
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
If you found the passage difficult to read or had problems understanding specific words or idiomatic expressions, please discuss them with your tutor. The following discussion questions should be answered in your own words and with your own arguments.
- Briefly summarize the content of the article in your own words.
- Central Asia, like North Africa and the Middle East, is largely Islamic. What religions are dominant in your country?
- The city of Khiva blends old and modern architecture. Are there any very old buildings in your home city?
- Algebra originated in the Islamic world. Were you good at mathematics in school?
- The article mentions the tradition of tea-drinking in Uzbekistan. What beverages of this kind are traditional in your country – tea, coffee, others?
EXPRESSIONS TO PRACTICE:
What do the following expressions mean? Practice using each expression in a sentence; extra points if you can use it in conversation.
- Short and sweet
- Nooks and crannies
