Stranger To History

Aatish Taseer

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As a child, all Aatish Taseer ever had of his father was his photograph in a browning silver frame. Raised by his Sikh mother in Delhi, his father, a Pakistani Muslim, remained a distant figure. It was a fractured upbringing which left Aatish with many questions about his own identity.

Stranger to History is the story of the journey Aatish made to try to understand what it means to be Muslim in the twenty-first century. Starting from Istanbul, Islam's once greatest city, he travels to Mecca, its most holy, and then home through Iran and Pakistan. Ending in Lahore, at his estranged father's home, on the night Benazir Bhutto was killed, it is also the story of Aatish's own divided family over the past fifty years.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Identity and Belonging: Taseer grapples with his own identity as the son of a Pakistani father and an Indian mother, raised in the West. He explores how his mixed heritage shapes his sense of belonging in the world.

  2. Islamic Identity: The book delves into the diverse expressions of Islamic identity across different regions and cultures, challenging monolithic perceptions of Islam.

  3. Father-Son Relationship: Taseer's journey is also a quest to understand his estranged relationship with his father, Salman Taseer, a prominent Pakistani politician.

  4. Exploration of Muslim Lands: Through his travels in countries like Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, Taseer encounters a wide range of perspectives on Islam and its role in contemporary society.

  5. Encounters with Extremism: Taseer confronts the rise of extremism and fundamentalism in some Muslim-majority countries, shedding light on its impact on individuals and societies.

  6. Cultural Complexity: The book explores the rich cultural tapestry of the Islamic world, highlighting its diversity, history, and traditions.

  7. Political Dynamics: Taseer provides insights into the political landscapes of the countries he visits, examining the complexities of governance, power, and dissent.

  8. Personal Transformation: Through his journey, Taseer undergoes personal growth and transformation, gaining a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him.

  9. Literary and Philosophical Reflections: The memoir is interspersed with literary and philosophical reflections, drawing on the works of thinkers like Rumi, Nietzsche, and others to illuminate themes of identity and spirituality.

  10. Global Context: Taseer situates his personal story within the broader global context of Islam, geopolitics, and cultural exchange, offering readers a nuanced perspective on these complex issues.

Language English
ISBN-10 1847671314
ISBN-13 9781847671318
No of pages 336
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Canongate Books
Published Date 01 Jul 2010

About Author

Author : Aatish Taseer

9 Books

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