I am completely unsurprised that Western academics fully disregard the perspectives of Islamic women in the Soviet Union. In general they seem to regard Russians as barely civilised, and Central Asia as existing in a fluid state of barbarism and lack of hygeine, even though I personally have seen pictures of cities in Central Asia that make an average US city look unrefined and untidy. Their descriptions are of what the Western man wants or believes a colonised woman to be, not what they were or are in truth or aspiration.
I have visited Tajikistan twice over the past decade. And I can confirm that the cities there are among the cleanest that I've seen. Dushanbe is definitely cleaner than some Western European cities. The public toilets in the restaurants are also as clean as in the West. Where did you hear that Westerners think Central Asia is lacking hygiene? In my experience as a Westerner, Central Asia is not a region that Westerners think about a lot. Only very few Westerners visited it and it isn't the focus of mainstream Western discourse.
They disregard all muslim women, because the muslim woman has been their go-to argument for justifying colonialism and demonizing Islam which is still happening today.
@The Rat Western academics have reasons to see Russians as barely civilized and the peoples of Central Asia-Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Türkmens, Qaraqalpaks, Uyghurs, Afghans, Buryats, and Tuvans, as barbaric. One has to do with the ancestors of modern Westerners usually harboring conservative political views. In fact, the conservative political views espoused by most Westerners have been passed down to them by the very same peoples of whom they are progenies. Another reason has to do with the ethnic groups of whom have sided with Europæans for centuries to belittle the peoples of Central Asia, as they did with Africa. This is because ethnic groups like Europæans lacked the knowledge required in order to treat Central Asian peoples correctly. In fact, the œconomic systems of the nations of Europe were not capitalist œconomic systems, but rather feudalistic ones, since their governments were monarchies. However, some Afghans, Buryats, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Qaraqalpaks, Tajiks, Türkmens, Tuvans, Uyghurs, and Uzbeks resisted against the Soviets, along with their Red Army, of whom saw these peoples as “culturally backward” because the Soviet government was a communist government that used communism with Western characteristics. As an liberal of whom supports capitalism, I side with the very same Central Asians of whom have resisted against the Soviets and their government, along with their KGB and Red Army, so what I would like is for other Westerners to stop seeing Russia as barely civilized and the peoples of Central Asia as barbaric in any way, shape, or form, as I see perspectives like this very, very RUDE, since they do not reflect a global perspective! The peoples of Central Asia are just as civilized as everyone else!
This reminded me of an anecdote from the early Soviet era. So the Soviet government would send out ideological workers to every corner of the country, and one ideological worker ended up holding a lecture to some elderly men in a predominantly Muslim region. He would talk about how God is bad and used by the Tzar and the bourgeoisie to keep the poor peasants and workers in obedience, and so on. The elders would listen to him and agree with everything he'd say. So at the end of his lecture he said "You are the most receptive audience I've had yet! I thought elderly people were conservative, but you are actually very receptive to the truth that God is a lie!" to what the elders replied "Well of course, God is a lie! Nothing good ever came from him, may he forever be cursed by Allah!"
In short, people need to read "Orientalism" by Edward Said. As well as his other works. If people want to learn about the cultures of the Muslim world, it is best to read from authors that have lived that life or are very familiar with it.
@@iblish1566 Orient is roman for the east. Orientalism refers to a prejudice, or stereotypical caricature of eastern peoples. Numerous people from the eastern part of the world identify with Islam.
@@buglamps1290 You're partially wrong , islam is just more prevalent at the near eastern zone i.e the levant , gulf and central asia . And being from South Asia , I've seen most muslims refuse to call themselves Asian.
@@buglamps1290 no they don’t. Islam is to Arab culture what nazism is to German culture. A perversion that’s been imposed on us that needs to be killed even if that requires letting the west get involved
Hi Comrades I'm Brazilian and just talk about Socialism or Communism provokes anger and disgust over most part of people here, even poor citizens due the false propaganda. I really cannot imagine how harsh is for you in USA (the core of capitalism) being Islamic, comunist and woman. I congrats you for your courage and passion teaching us about the communism peculiarities. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, generosity and efforts to open this channel and talk the actual information. Oppressed peoples of world, Unite!
We traded the "Iroquois Confederacy" of the original peoples on the Abya Yala continent for the European rubbish called "Aristocratic Democracy" and the continent came to be called America
Nao exitr a esquerra do Brasil? Perhaps aaWorkers Party you see as too miderate. I read that there is at least 1!party to left ofPT. Also, what about MST?
Just literally found out your channel, like this video just popped into my feed. I for once, thank the algorithm for doing so. So awesome to hear about Soviet history from a more religious perspective, and one that we almost never hear in the West. Or at least I´ve never heared in my history books or stories down here in Mexico, talking about the Central Asian people´s time during the USSR. May this channel keep growing more and more. Reach far and wide so we can all learn!💚
As an Uzbek person born and raised in Toshkent , who's great grandmother wore the paranjid, ( yes it is pronounced Pa-raan-jid), I still think there is a lot that you are missing. Do you have any Central Asian friends yourself? From my conversations with women in my family ( we are poor working class) the paranjid was a given solution of safety for women in the face of Russian domination and sexualization of Central Asian women. I have no doubt that the muftis had taken advantage of people's inaccessibility to Islamic text and our rights in this issue, however we have also center the ways Russian colonialism and Imperialism had impacts on our life, culture and safety. Especially considering the amount of violence women faced in being pressued to take off the parajid. Yes the parajid is not inherently an Islamic garmet, yet we have to also understand the ways native communities of Central Asia are trying to protect themselves from the violence and domination of european colonizers. I think you would greatly benifit from centering the lived experiences and realities of CentralAsian women today and in the past. I would be happy to talk to you more. But for the love of God, actually talk to a CA person
I myself live in Central Asia and I am very proud and grateful for my right NOT to wear paranja. If someone forces me to do it I will emigrate. Oh, and if you cannot trust your own woman, I am sorry for you both.
@@Tito_michi I think it's a personal choice. There's a baseline on Islam that everyone should measure up to when it comes to awrah, but many women find veiling empowering, allowing them not to be judged on look but on their personal merit. You are free to decide for yourself but remember that as you have your own ideological convictions (which are also a form of conditioning) and so do those who veil.
great video, I learned a lot ♥️ and i feel you on the garbage truck thing. In my neighborhood they have this terrible air break that squeaks terribly and it's always at the worst moment
Lol Yep, this confirms it. You and your channel are my ‘nft’ - new favourite things. I can’t help but smile along with you whilst you are “ticked off” and admonishing those academics who should know better than to fall back on lazy stereotypes. Your enthusiasm and passion jump from the screen and combine with your obvious great knowledge of your subjects to make an immensely watchable video all the more enjoyable. I loved how when you said “I have *some* book recommendations..” you proceeded, with the biggest and most infectious smile, to pull out a veritable Library of books, ensuring to make a note of your “favourite era of Soviet Propaganda Posters.” You have, honestly, made me want to go and learn all about them. Thanks for doing what you do and for being so endearing whilst you do. Solidarity Comrade. :-)
Loved this video!!! Thank you for the recommendations! I am a non-hijabi muslim and that confuses non-muslim people, so glad that someone talks about the depth of the topic. A lot of times people either in or out of our communities love to think of Muslims as monolithic and forever unchanging, but that is very far from the truth!!
Amazing analysis, comrade Izdihar! From my perspective as an Egyptian who researches the history of Western colonialism in the Arab world, these narratives of islamophobic soviet union were being pushed hard in Arab countries during colonial times. The anti-communist and anti-soviet tabloids, posters, articles and even cartoons were in no shortage during British colonial times in my country. They controlled all the printing presses and put a lot of capital behind this goal of creating a pro-British propaganda industry. A huge percentage of these cultural productions were depicting the British as guardians of Islam and Coptic Christianity in contrast to the Soviets and Egyptian communists who wanna "unveil all women and make them disobey their fathers and husbands". So fun watching islamophobic ideas being pushed by arms of the same British state today! Another very important topic you've discussed, breastfeeding in public is/was so popular and accepted here in Arab countries, with two small caveats: 1- You can notice in historical architecture and urban planning here, some subcultures are more inclined to create women-only public spaces to fend off any wierdos, but not all of them do that. The places I grew up around were not particularly strict and whenever babies needed feeding women could do it anywhere. It wasn't sexualized as much. Not immodest, just normal. 2- There is a hard divide around socioeconomic lines about breastfeeding itself, aristocrats in many places including Arab world used to get wet nurses, weird namy btw, to breastfeed their babies. This is probably stopped decades ago, but still affected our sentiments about the act of breastfeeding as something shameful. And since the modern era, urban middle and upper working classes across religions and ethnicities in many countries were "culturally Protestantized" as I like to call it, western norms and ideals dominated and breastfeeding in public is becoming more and more taboo, immodest and vulgar year after year.
I lived in a Muslim household for awhile a few years ago, with a friend of mine, who kinda took me in after life struggle stuff that's not important to mention, her brothers and mom. I never had the negative view of Islam or Muslims that is unfortunately very common in lower Alabama, but had no idea how little I knew about the beliefs, and the way the many many cultures of the world interact with Islam. I learned so much even from like casual conversation that, as you mention (though you understand far better than I), it's disappointing how many people will talk about it without even basic knowledge on the subject, and as I mentioned, it's exceedingly common in my neck o' the woods. I'm an animist/pagan myself who is also a Communist so I suppose the latter is why the algorithm put yr videos in my feed lol, but I really enjoy yr content as it relates to Soviet history and hearing about Islam in a non-negative and educational way is a delight also. Thank you for making yr knowledge a resource comrade!
For anybody searching for a book that talks about religion in the Soviet Union, Albert Syzmanski's "human rights in the Soviet Union" gives (in my opinion) a very fair view of Islam and Judaism in the Soviet Union and how these people groups were treated and the rights they had etc.
My ex tagged recently me into a discussion about sex in the Soviet Union, and she was like "Oh hey you're an expert on the Soviet Union, tell him about the Gay Agitprop and Newspapers" And I was like "Why do you think I'm an expert? I don't know anything about this!" So I did a deep dive, turns out the Soviet Union wasn't nearly as bad as the west at the time. I learned a lot that today. Then I wound up here somehow, and am learning even more stuff. I don't quite know how I wound up here, but I'm going to like and subscribe and watch every video.
@@gr8cescale Oh, in the 1980's there was a news paper for the homosexual community called the Tema , it mostly dealt with news, fashion, and celebrity gossip, with the obligatory comics and puzzles. Some of the comics were interesting Agitprop.
Interesting. Long ago when I was a child a friend of mine at the park told me what a fortune cookie was. I asked him to give me an example of what the message said. He said that the greatest ally is knowledge and the greatest enemy is ignorance.
I have been curious as of recent on the history of the USSR in regards to religion in its time. What I have gathered recently is that when it came to the Muslim-majority areas, the Soviet government ideally wanted ALL religion abolished but had to handle the Muslims more carefully given diplomatic matters from neighboring nations and also, the Muslims back then were more willing to rebel against the state if they pushed them too hard. It seemed much easier to target Christians and Jews while it was more complicated with the Muslims.
I've loved every single bit of this video! you seem so sweet, genuine and smart, and you explained your thesis in a great way, also giving us some insights on the condition and the representation of muslim women in the USSR. i hope more people can see this video and discover your channel, keep it up comrade ❤
Ha! I totally didn’t expect Kalmyks mentioned in this video. Though it would be better to show a picture of Gorodovikov or a Kalmyk woman(most likely with covered hair in this time period) instead of a nazi collaborator. But overall I like the video, especially the emphasis on the fact that women’s headgear or lack of it is mostly a cultural factor not a religious one. In my culture, not too long ago, even men were required to wear a hat and if someone were to forcefully or unexpectedly remove it that someone might find themselves with a sharp blade in their gut.
Soviet Union & Turkey are the only 2 countries which successfully secularized majority of its Muslim population. Since Turkey was a fully Muslim country, I'd consider USSR as the only non-Muslim country that secularized its Muslims (& all other religions)! In a way, what China is doing to the Uighurs is what Lenin & Stalin did to their Turks & Tajiks. I'm just wondering what could've been achieved in Afghanistan by the Soviets, had the US/West not meddled in the 80s!
This is a very enlightening video, specially for someone that does not have contact with people that practice Islam in real life. Most of the talking points you brought into this video are things that I really had a very ignorant idea (in the sense of not knowing much). Thank you so much!
I love your passion for this time period and your want to know the most accurate portrayal of this time period I feel like someone listening to someone that just asked you what your favourite topic is and you response is your videos, (this is a good thing, I love when people do this)
Thank you so much for this comment, I think your analysis is very correct. I actually don't usually prepare it before I film anything, I truly work off of my passion & information that's off the top of my head, and then as I go through my points and things I want to speak about I will grab like a book off the shelf or a source for what I'm saying.
Hi! Just came to your channel through the recommendation comrade Ian Neves from História Pública! Really enjoyed your video and your recommendations were amazing! Thank you!
I remember the Soviet Eastern (Western) movie "White sun of desert" having themes of the traditional islamic culture of the Turk republics clash with the modern values of Soviet Socialism during the Russian Civil War. What is your opinion about the movie?
As a communist: There never is any "phobia" towards any single religion. However, we do oppose all religion as a matter of principle. Material thought and religion are fundamentally incompetable and every socialist is an atheist as a rule. However, while religion is a disease, we communists also understand that turning religious people into martyrs makes people support them. Therefore, we tolerate religion and simply educate the masses, that way religion will eventually die out on its own. It's important to keep religious people away from leadership positions, though. Hence the anti-religious policies of communist organizations (outside of recognized minority populations with autonomous governments, for those religion is even respected in leadership). Vanguard parties like the CPC will never tolerate religious people within their midst - for obvious reasons.
To me, this just reads as an obvious reference to Delacroix’ painting “Liberty leading the people”, corroborated by both the revolutionary context in 1921 and the accompanying pamphlet text
Good video! And i really appreciate the extra effort to provide book recommendations and further reading. For what it’s worth, from the point of approaching a culture or religion from ignorance, I run into a similar issue (minus the orientalist exoticism) as someone who works on the French Revolution. Sooo many historians, even those of religion, come from such a Catholic or broadly Christian background that they wildly misrepresent or misunderstand what they term “atheism” (even if properly categorized) or naturalism, deism, theophilanthropy, liberation theology movements.
Im Turkish, shariah is "Şeriat" in Turkey Turkish. "Syriat" is a close call to the word, you just have to say it with a "Ş". Edit: By the way, were you on a Jubilee video? Someone in Jubilee comments told me you were, so i decided to check out! Even if you are not, you already gained a subscriber.
Great video - clarified a lot of things but wanted to write to say its a great example of a multi-layered style of explanation ergo if want want to understand this poster - well you need to understand about posters, and their history and context, and then you need to understand the histories and cultures of Muslims in the central asian repubics as well as a large section of the soviet population more generally. Very informative. Thanks
I can say my first reaction was not "Is it Islamophobic", my first thought was, "A frenchman drew that' because it reminded me so much of the posters I've seen of "Lady Liberty" marching bare breasted into the fray, or the posters from the late 1800s in the US of bare breasted women leading the wagon trains into the west. The strong bare breasted woman is an iconic and near universal symbol of liberation or freedom. I did not know the history of parties where women had their veils ripped off, so that took a real sour turn for me
Sometimes the most simple answer is the most accurate. The creators of this piece might not have had nearly as much profound thought that went into it as those who view it. Beauty (or lack thereof) is in the eye of the beholder. Great video about a piece I've never seen before. Personally: I would say the breasts being shown are a sign of expression, as if people are being liberated by marxism. I think it really is as simple as that, it was art created by islamic communists, so this would make sense. But, I could be completely wrong, and I'm 100% okay with that. Its art. I think people often read far more meaning into it than the creators intended. HOWEVER, that means that it is good art. Thought provoking art is good art.
Your best resource is an Islamic centre, if you have one locally. Reading scripture is also a great way to learn, though do be aware that translations can be very misleading. Even if you read the Qur'an, reading interpretive commentaries and talking to experts is always a good idea. I'd also recommend seeking out a wide variety of perspectives. Ibn Taimiyyah will give you a very different perspective from Ibn Arabi, for example. If you're interested in a broad overview of the history of Islam, pretty much the only game in town in English is The Venture of Islam by Marshall Hodgson. His prose isn't the most accessible, and the book is pretty outdated in some areas, but his overall approach is methodical and sensitive. If you're interested in a specific time and place, though, I'd recommend finding a more recent scholarly book focused on just that area. If you specifically want to learn about Soviet Islam, many of this channel's videos include book recommendations.
@@SalsmachevI'm late...but I'm a born Muslim. However your comment interested me , is there a WELL TRANSLATED English qurqn alongside the Arabic of course? The best one you can think of?
Oh, i stumbled into your channel and i love it. Just thinking about the poster: as symbolic things go, just as the veil, maybe the exposed breast are representing freedom from oppression, as in one opening their chest, voice and feelings to the outside world? Cause it doesn't seem she is renouncing her culture, as she still chooses to wear the Hijab. It just happens that most women have breasts on their chests lol. Anyways, awesome video!
It's very common in european history-writing to conflate religion, and the organized religious society. I dont think thats necessarily bad. When writing about feminism, sexual liberation etc in the 1800s, it's very common to bring up the christian sexual ethics being a block for its progression. If we're being pedantic, we should specify it as the at-the-time clergy's sexual ethics, as the bible isnt necessarily inhently sexist, and many christians today arent. Yet, it's implicitly assumed that we mean the time-accurate traditional state-sponsored view when we say "christianity". It is the same when this one source argues that the traditional muslim sharia forced women in central asia to act a certain way, as that is the way islam manifested itself there, and had for presumably centuries. I do agree that they are problematic in other areas though. I guess they maybe should specify it, but I've personally gotten used to it, it feels natural now
Wow. Your work is amazing. As someone whose path in life has led him to a place where I have so many questions about the so called contradictions between Islam and communism in Asia. Your research has led you to to so many interesting places, it seems, and I look forward to looking at more of your posts. A salaam alaikum.
As a Muslim as a political sciences student I'm against communism and any other political ideologies cuz I don't see the necessity to embrace communism as someone who strongly believes in Islam, I perfectly understand why socialism had fortune in the Arab world (where I come from) cuz the principles of socialism are similar to the islamic principle of justice. My question for you is why you feel the need to consider yourself a communist if you are muslim? Your work is impressive, you are doing a great job of hisotic disclosure but I don't understand why do you consider yourself as communist and muslim? I'm genuinely asking.
You can be Religious and a Communist , One doesn't go against the other or override the other. The Bolsevik Jews were Religious and Communists , there is historically Muslim Communists that have always fought against Caste Systems and Religious Extremism that prey upon the illiterate same thing with Christian Communists. I'm a Ko-Shintoist and a Communist. I work to make people understand the relation between Proto-Communist Societies under Ko-Shinto and Communism. Emperors in Japan than used Religion to prey upon the poor and the illiterate. Same thing happened in China. The Rich and those who were in charge of Caste Systems made up rules and since illiterate or poor people had no power they just thought that was the way. One of the Communist parties in Japan was created by a Christian. Japan has one of the most biggest Communist Parties next to China.
@@christopherordonez9366 That's is absolutely interesting, what I know about Shintoism is about the samurai philosophy that was influenced by Shintoism. But my point was that in Islamic sources there's is already the command to create social and economic justice, so I was wondering why this woman feel the need to consider herself as communist. I think that is a great historical subject btw
@@saberalsibai1426 If there already is a command to bring about justice and equality, then it makes perfect sense for Muslims to be communist. I don't see what the problem is.
@@theshakhrayist7649 Materialism is quite straightforward on that: whatever is, is natural, and whatever isn't natural, isn't. But! 1) Ideas aren't just false, they're also real and formed/placed in the society. You can't go enlighten everyone without changing the system, especially if you just go and loudly call them wrong. 2) you can't change the system instantly, compromises are quite important for political success, so you'll have to begin with secularization and religious freedom (and keep some diplomats who are literary enough to convince that war on your side is holy. Real thing done by Bolsheviks to overthrow Menshevik Georgia). Those who want to remain in religious power, will sooner or later rise up against you, but your position will be secured and their aggressive reaction will not be your fault.
Ya, I know as Muslim that islam is most misunderstood religion because of culture. In Quran it clearly mentioned there should no compulsion in religion. More like women right ex : heritance right for women is compulsory in islam, gaining knowledge is also very big obligation for Muslim regardless of gender . Still people have audacity to blame religion, I Mean bro if u that uninterested in islam then remain that only but atleast don't be so judgemental. 🤷 it's very frustrating when I see people complaining about religion islam without even full knowledge 😒. Amd some sort putting random line from story 🙄 in Quran using it against islam . Bruh get to know full story amd its morals of story.
The more nuance and careful examination of context, facts and details are used in the research of history and society, the more the western Liberal account of things is damaged and discredited, and the more the Soviet perspective is vindicated. It is so interesting to observe this! Love your videos! :D
@LadyIzdihar My favorite period of Islam is the Old Caliphates in the Golden Era of Islam. They were progressive in allowing new ideas to be pitched outside of Islam.
The Soviet Union wasnt exactly Islamophobic Because they had lots of Muslim countries part of them for example Azerbaijain, Turkmenistan etc and in fact the Soviets respected Islamic countries and even though i wasnt born during Soviet times my Grandparents from my mum&dads side including my mum and dad were born in Soviet Azerbaijain and they weren't treated any differently from the local Georgian or Aremanian guy so yeah i dont think the Soviets were really Islamophobic even though i was born in Modern Azerbaijain in 2011.
thats strange to hear that they were treated normally. my dad's family lived in ssr turkmenistan and found it strict to muslims, like the country didnt have rules that respected the muslims. i've never got to ask why they think this, (my grandmother and grandfather) nor my dad, because my dad lost his dad and mom at a very young age, but he says he remembers what his mom and dad talked about even he was 7 at the time.
@@swesag the people were treated normally (like any other soviet citizen). Institutionalised religion and religious organisations- wasn't. The USSR declared itself secular and anti-religious meaning USSR laws being enforced instead of religious laws, etc. You may practice religion in your free time on your expense, but religion shouldn't affect anything outside prayer time and traditional culture. If your dad's family was traditional and a lot into religious affairs and enforcing religion around... well... The Soviet system in particular is incompatible with fundamentalist and radical Islam.
I think the flag's red colour is of the class struggle. The colour of blood. The crescent moon and star representing Islam. Hijab is refering to the muslim women and the open breasts are refering to the motherhood of women. That they can take care of their children. Which is reflected in the poem.
Very NON BORING presentation. Central Asian cities are the cleanest I have seen anywhere except maybe Scandinavia.....CAcities which were part of the CCCP/USSR....women in the main....charming and great dressers......personal hygience very high in the cities.
I GOTTA recommend a book on some radical Russian women that doesn't get brought up enough--Its comprised mostly of each of their own words from their memoirs, journals, etc. translated to English: _Five Sisters: Women Against the Tzar_ by Barbara Alpern Engel & Clifford D. Rosenthal Thanks for the amazing art book rec's!!!
What was the view on figurative art among Muslims of the regions where the poster was distributed? I honestly don't know much about Islamic views on figurative art, but I understand that a prohibition has shaped early Muslim art and the use of geometry in it? At least that's what my non-Muslim Art 101 teacher told us in '89. 🙄 My question I guess comes down to understanding whether the use of figurative art in the poster would have undermined the message, or if it wouldn't have been an issue for the average intended viewer?
One important thing to keep in mind is that I'slam is a non-hierarchical religion, so the norms and teachings during one specific period and place don't apply on all people. For example some interpretations of Quran in central Asia allowed people drinking alcohol with some rules. In other places it was prohibited. Same with figurative art and medical research on cadavers and many other subjects, many scholars have different views and people are encouraged to follow trusted scholars or have their own opinions backed with evidence that convinces them. Of course some rulers abused and exploited this to dictate their own ideas on all people. Since the early years of Islam you can notice popular artistic expression took a direction more towards abstraction and geometric shapes, poetry about new ideas, values and unity with nature, but in following periods we find a resurgence of romanticism in poetry and visual arts. Not a new phenomenon because this was prevalent during pre-Islamic times. Poets like Abu Nuwas were writing about many taboo stuff, visual art from Abbasid era depicted the human body with partial or full nudity sometimes, for artistic or scientific reasons. I don't know much about visual arts but I hope this info helps with your research
23:46 i would usually consider such laser-focused applogetics about "true" religion or the purpose of a government, etc as a bit of a red-flag, but I'm honestly here because it's pretty difficult to find nuanced and fact-based takes on the USSR & it's relationships to religious groups So this is the best we've got (Also, I tend to love these videos), so i guess here we are
The covering of your hair as a woman in the fashion you showed is not exclusive to eastern Europe actually, it's more of a rural Europe thing. I'm from rural Germany and all photos of my female relatives from this time period show them with the kind of head scarf the Soviet women are wearing. I even personally remember my Great-Grandma wearing it at all times in the nineties.
do a book recommendation video do a book recommendation video do a book recommendation video do a book recommendation video do a book recommendation video PLSSSSS
Hey Lady I, I don’t know if you have a video on this, but I am trying to understand your views on Islam as a modern woman. I was raised pretty hard core Christian, and am now an aethiest that is pretty anti religious. I understand religion can be great for people, and personal, small proletariat religious groups can be great for community and community organization, but in Christianity there are some base beliefs that without interpretation are pretty bad. Most things in the Old Testament lol. It could be propaganda, as the amount of anti Islam propaganda in the west is huge, but aren’t there some base beliefs in Islam that are pretty problematic, especially around the place of a woman and homosexuality and sex? While I’m sure what Islam is really about is extremely misrepresented in western society, all old world religions carry a lot of old world baggage, how do you view this?
I think there are many problematic ways to Interpret Islam, but I don’t think the religion itself is problematic. People just used it and abuse it. Too many people Islam is considered the most feminist religion given the rights it grants women and preference over men. And as far as homosexuality goes it depends on how you interpret the story of Lut, Some peopl say it was about the punishment for those engaging in same-sex relations, I, along with others believe it was about non-consensual acts. Ultimately it is a religion of mercy, understanding and forgiveness. It’s just that so many people use it to justify their awful views or Inclination’s without Absorbing the messages of peace and practicality and many people conflate the religion with culture, sometimes Ora Rico g in culture Islam literally came to get rid of or equalize
@@LadyIzdihar Thanks so much for replying, that actually did help me understand a little. There are stories in the Bible that depending on translation could be about why pedophilia is bad or why homosexuality is bad, so people have manipulated it over time. I am just always worried the attitudes of old regressive cultures will leak through religion into modern cultures, but I agree with you that how one uses and interprets religion mean a lot. I just listened to you on the Deprogram podcast and really learned a lot about soviet life that I had no idea about before. Thanks for your help!
Sorry but Homosexuality is punishable by death in Islam. Which is really clear for us Muslims. And the thing about women and men. Allah has ascribed the roles of men and women really clearly and in the times of prophet Mohammed peace be upon him. It was shown how it would be practiced and in today's time we follow that as prophet showed us to. So, I would say go to internet read a copy of Quran and with Tafseer (explanation) to grasp the meaning and understand the last message of Allah.
At the end of the day I'm not saying you're wrong mostly but the vise-versa can be said about why Islamic scholars brought the veil concept(it certainly isn't about money or power-grabbing mentality). I think you can read about that. I shall not comment on Soviet history since I've negligible amount of knowledge on that issue but I can atleast request you to read more about Islamic history. May Allah bless you and help you to be in the righteous path. Also keep it up with with with your content.
That famous French Revolution poster is the first thing that came to my mind when it comes to that Soviet poster. Also, it's quite rich how Europeans and Americans (aka "westerners") today hold the moral high ground in regards to women's rights and their stance against strict modesty standards, when just a century ago they were the ones with extremely conservative modesty standards to the point where even an exposed ankle was deemed immodest, and Christian missionaries often shamed women from indigenous communities into covering up. I suppose it's somewhat similar to how the west is the biggest defender of human rights, but throughout history they were the ones who committed the biggest human rights violations.
Islamophobia is a misleading term for describing the discrimination done to victims -muslim people and the muslim community The term should be changed in to anti muslim bigotry , bc Islam is not a human living person nor even a nonhuman animal(if u r a vegan), so it doesn't have any sentiment to be hurt it's an inanimate object like any other dogmatic (religion, capitalism,fascism,etc) and non dogmatic deas(Marvel,dc universes,etc) too.
Soviets IDed + all French Revolutions 1)!1789 erected stayed off MaxRobespierrel, George’s Danton , etc, ( probably not Olympe de aGougee. 2) 1830 painting derivatilon 3) l848 ? 1871) Writings in favor of the Commune 5) 1789-19?) Workers Marseillaise song in Russian based on French national anthem 6) 1968!aFrance etc.?
I am a staunchly religious odinist so i understand a lot of the anti soviet sentiment by religious people, however it's unfair tbh. If you are truly religious, living in the soviet union wouldn't have changed your views.
Also you should see some of the things that merciful Allah will allow in Paradise.The rivers of wine will not befuddle the mind. And the um... you know ... that thing that adults do. Discretion will be no longer needed, if you know what I mean. But if I had one foot in Paradise I would still fear his deception.
As a woman from a predominantly islamic nation, Tatar, I'm grateful to communists for giving my grandmothers, mothers and me a way to get agency over their lives, social lifts, education, healthcare, jobs, housing and, of course, rights. The problem is that back in the day in our societies women didn't really have an option to choose their religion voluntarily. So naturally they had to give a voice to those for whom the religion and hijab etc where forced and oppressive. Also, you should remember that bolsheviks "fought" all the religions. Christianity got under MUCH harsher criticism, so it's just nonsensical to call it islamophobic.
One cannot simply divorce society from religion. There are tomes on the influence of Christianity in the West and yet somehow "it isn't a part of the scripture" is sufficient to absolve Islam of all its influence in the Muslim world. Many of the influences of Christianity on the West weren't technically scripture but were, instead, exploitative interpretations of the powerful. If Islam was about seeking knowledge, then where are all the Muslim universities and academics? Its golden age is centuries old while all other religious spheres within the world seem to surpass it. Point 2: The veil... Sure, it's cultural within much of Europe but mandatory within many Muslim nations, based on Islam... and it's compulsory. Hijab, burqa, or niqab... "The Veil" may as well mean an oppressive push to mandate female modesty within the Muslim world. In my experience, both Islam and Christianity are incredibly violent religions. I cannot fathom why a gentle communist such as yourself would find it appealing.
@@LadyIzdihar My personal religion is also progressive and humanist and abides by my values. But I don't claim that it's been benign, historically, as that would be false.
Religion, its values and it's role 8n society has been historically tied to the ruling class and its interests, there are Christian socialists, Islamic Marxists, and Jewish Bundists, along with their reactionary counterparts
I am completely unsurprised that Western academics fully disregard the perspectives of Islamic women in the Soviet Union. In general they seem to regard Russians as barely civilised, and Central Asia as existing in a fluid state of barbarism and lack of hygeine, even though I personally have seen pictures of cities in Central Asia that make an average US city look unrefined and untidy. Their descriptions are of what the Western man wants or believes a colonised woman to be, not what they were or are in truth or aspiration.
I have visited Tajikistan twice over the past decade. And I can confirm that the cities there are among the cleanest that I've seen. Dushanbe is definitely cleaner than some Western European cities. The public toilets in the restaurants are also as clean as in the West.
Where did you hear that Westerners think Central Asia is lacking hygiene? In my experience as a Westerner, Central Asia is not a region that Westerners think about a lot. Only very few Westerners visited it and it isn't the focus of mainstream Western discourse.
They disregard all muslim women, because the muslim woman has been their go-to argument for justifying colonialism and demonizing Islam which is still happening today.
the west barely talks to middle eastern academics to begin with, they wont talk to ex-soviets any time soon
@The Rat
Western academics have reasons to see Russians as barely civilized and the peoples of Central Asia-Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Türkmens, Qaraqalpaks, Uyghurs, Afghans, Buryats, and Tuvans, as barbaric. One has to do with the ancestors of modern Westerners usually harboring conservative political views. In fact, the conservative political views espoused by most Westerners have been passed down to them by the very same peoples of whom they are progenies. Another reason has to do with the ethnic groups of whom have sided with Europæans for centuries to belittle the peoples of Central Asia, as they did with Africa. This is because ethnic groups like Europæans lacked the knowledge required in order to treat Central Asian peoples correctly. In fact, the œconomic systems of the nations of Europe were not capitalist œconomic systems, but rather feudalistic ones, since their governments were monarchies.
However, some Afghans, Buryats, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Qaraqalpaks, Tajiks, Türkmens, Tuvans, Uyghurs, and Uzbeks resisted against the Soviets, along with their Red Army, of whom saw these peoples as “culturally backward” because the Soviet government was a communist government that used communism with Western characteristics. As an liberal of whom supports capitalism, I side with the very same Central Asians of whom have resisted against the Soviets and their government, along with their KGB and Red Army, so what I would like is for other Westerners to stop seeing Russia as barely civilized and the peoples of Central Asia as barbaric in any way, shape, or form, as I see perspectives like this very, very RUDE, since they do not reflect a global perspective! The peoples of Central Asia are just as civilized as everyone else!
@The Rat
Your very correct about that statement. Especially now with the war opps I mean "Special Operation" lol.
You call it propaganda, we call it pop culture art
Us and the bootlickers are not the same
holy glaze
@@endcaps1917 aren't you just licking a different boot?
What's a modern-day source of communist oppression in your opinion? Kamala Harris? 😂
This reminded me of an anecdote from the early Soviet era. So the Soviet government would send out ideological workers to every corner of the country, and one ideological worker ended up holding a lecture to some elderly men in a predominantly Muslim region. He would talk about how God is bad and used by the Tzar and the bourgeoisie to keep the poor peasants and workers in obedience, and so on. The elders would listen to him and agree with everything he'd say. So at the end of his lecture he said "You are the most receptive audience I've had yet! I thought elderly people were conservative, but you are actually very receptive to the truth that God is a lie!" to what the elders replied "Well of course, God is a lie! Nothing good ever came from him, may he forever be cursed by Allah!"
That did NOT happen😂
Perfectly put
@@yoshadxw5624😭😭
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
💀💀💀
In short, people need to read "Orientalism" by Edward Said. As well as his other works. If people want to learn about the cultures of the Muslim world, it is best to read from authors that have lived that life or are very familiar with it.
then read orientalism and its afterlives!
Orientalism ??
Islam is NOT asian , it's from saudi somali people.
@@iblish1566 Orient is roman for the east. Orientalism refers to a prejudice, or stereotypical caricature of eastern peoples. Numerous people from the eastern part of the world identify with Islam.
@@buglamps1290 You're partially wrong , islam is just more prevalent at the near eastern zone i.e the levant , gulf and central asia . And being from South Asia , I've seen most muslims refuse to call themselves Asian.
@@buglamps1290 no they don’t. Islam is to Arab culture what nazism is to German culture. A perversion that’s been imposed on us that needs to be killed even if that requires letting the west get involved
Hi Comrades
I'm Brazilian and just talk about Socialism or Communism provokes anger and disgust over most part of people here, even poor citizens due the false propaganda. I really cannot imagine how harsh is for you in USA (the core of capitalism) being Islamic, comunist and woman. I congrats you for your courage and passion teaching us about the communism peculiarities. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, generosity and efforts to open this channel and talk the actual information.
Oppressed peoples of world, Unite!
We traded the "Iroquois Confederacy" of the original peoples on the Abya Yala continent for the European rubbish called "Aristocratic Democracy" and the continent came to be called America
Communism and socialism are disgusting. It has failed everywhere, only jokes still belive in it.
she is very happy making videos and applying huge makeup , you dont have to be sorry for her...get going with your life my dude
Nao exitr a esquerra do Brasil?
Perhaps aaWorkers Party you see as too miderate. I read that there is at least 1!party to left ofPT. Also, what about MST?
Also, remaining PCB, PCdo B.
1930s Log March around Brasil
1960s ALN, etc.?
Just literally found out your channel, like this video just popped into my feed. I for once, thank the algorithm for doing so. So awesome to hear about Soviet history from a more religious perspective, and one that we almost never hear in the West. Or at least I´ve never heared in my history books or stories down here in Mexico, talking about the Central Asian people´s time during the USSR.
May this channel keep growing more and more. Reach far and wide so we can all learn!💚
I'm so happy I popped up for you! Welcome 😁
As an Uzbek person born and raised in Toshkent , who's great grandmother wore the paranjid, ( yes it is pronounced Pa-raan-jid), I still think there is a lot that you are missing. Do you have any Central Asian friends yourself? From my conversations with women in my family ( we are poor working class) the paranjid was a given solution of safety for women in the face of Russian domination and sexualization of Central Asian women. I have no doubt that the muftis had taken advantage of people's inaccessibility to Islamic text and our rights in this issue, however we have also center the ways Russian colonialism and Imperialism had impacts on our life, culture and safety. Especially considering the amount of violence women faced in being pressued to take off the parajid. Yes the parajid is not inherently an Islamic garmet, yet we have to also understand the ways native communities of Central Asia are trying to protect themselves from the violence and domination of european colonizers. I think you would greatly benifit from centering the lived experiences and realities of CentralAsian women today and in the past. I would be happy to talk to you more. But for the love of God, actually talk to a CA person
I myself live in Central Asia and I am very proud and grateful for my right NOT to wear paranja. If someone forces me to do it I will emigrate.
Oh, and if you cannot trust your own woman, I am sorry for you both.
@@Tito_michi I think it's a personal choice. There's a baseline on Islam that everyone should measure up to when it comes to awrah, but many women find veiling empowering, allowing them not to be judged on look but on their personal merit. You are free to decide for yourself but remember that as you have your own ideological convictions (which are also a form of conditioning) and so do those who veil.
great video, I learned a lot ♥️
and i feel you on the garbage truck thing. In my neighborhood they have this terrible air break that squeaks terribly and it's always at the worst moment
Yo, no esperaba encontrar aquí, Intervenciones. Espero que tengas bonito día.
Lol Yep, this confirms it. You and your channel are my ‘nft’ - new favourite things. I can’t help but smile along with you whilst you are “ticked off” and admonishing those academics who should know better than to fall back on lazy stereotypes. Your enthusiasm and passion jump from the screen and combine with your obvious great knowledge of your subjects to make an immensely watchable video all the more enjoyable. I loved how when you said “I have *some* book recommendations..” you proceeded, with the biggest and most infectious smile, to pull out a veritable Library of books, ensuring to make a note of your “favourite era of Soviet Propaganda Posters.” You have, honestly, made me want to go and learn all about them.
Thanks for doing what you do and for being so endearing whilst you do.
Solidarity Comrade. :-)
Wow thank you souch for watching my video in a way that you genuinely see and feel my excitement! It means a lot! I appreciate it
@@LadyIzdihar It’s absolutely no effort whatsoever. You make it so easy. Thanks again, Comrade.
@@LadyIzdihar in a smiilar boat. Found your channel less than 36 hours ago. This is my 4th video of yours.
Loved this video!!! Thank you for the recommendations! I am a non-hijabi muslim and that confuses non-muslim people, so glad that someone talks about the depth of the topic. A lot of times people either in or out of our communities love to think of Muslims as monolithic and forever unchanging, but that is very far from the truth!!
Amazing analysis, comrade Izdihar!
From my perspective as an Egyptian who researches the history of Western colonialism in the Arab world, these narratives of islamophobic soviet union were being pushed hard in Arab countries during colonial times. The anti-communist and anti-soviet tabloids, posters, articles and even cartoons were in no shortage during British colonial times in my country.
They controlled all the printing presses and put a lot of capital behind this goal of creating a pro-British propaganda industry. A huge percentage of these cultural productions were depicting the British as guardians of Islam and Coptic Christianity in contrast to the Soviets and Egyptian communists who wanna "unveil all women and make them disobey their fathers and husbands".
So fun watching islamophobic ideas being pushed by arms of the same British state today!
Another very important topic you've discussed, breastfeeding in public is/was so popular and accepted here in Arab countries, with two small caveats:
1- You can notice in historical architecture and urban planning here, some subcultures are more inclined to create women-only public spaces to fend off any wierdos, but not all of them do that. The places I grew up around were not particularly strict and whenever babies needed feeding women could do it anywhere. It wasn't sexualized as much. Not immodest, just normal.
2- There is a hard divide around socioeconomic lines about breastfeeding itself, aristocrats in many places including Arab world used to get wet nurses, weird namy btw, to breastfeed their babies. This is probably stopped decades ago, but still affected our sentiments about the act of breastfeeding as something shameful. And since the modern era, urban middle and upper working classes across religions and ethnicities in many countries were "culturally Protestantized" as I like to call it, western norms and ideals dominated and breastfeeding in public is becoming more and more taboo, immodest and vulgar year after year.
I only give genuine compliments, so I have to mention that this is so well researched
Thank you so much! I hope more people can stumble upon this video in the future and that what I say can truly bring some insight!
I lived in a Muslim household for awhile a few years ago, with a friend of mine, who kinda took me in after life struggle stuff that's not important to mention, her brothers and mom. I never had the negative view of Islam or Muslims that is unfortunately very common in lower Alabama, but had no idea how little I knew about the beliefs, and the way the many many cultures of the world interact with Islam. I learned so much even from like casual conversation that, as you mention (though you understand far better than I), it's disappointing how many people will talk about it without even basic knowledge on the subject, and as I mentioned, it's exceedingly common in my neck o' the woods. I'm an animist/pagan myself who is also a Communist so I suppose the latter is why the algorithm put yr videos in my feed lol, but I really enjoy yr content as it relates to Soviet history and hearing about Islam in a non-negative and educational way is a delight also. Thank you for making yr knowledge a resource comrade!
This is an interesting channel. I'm glad you have such an interest in soviet history!
Great video. I just came across your channel. As soon as I saw the picture I thought of the French Revolution painting lol.
For anybody searching for a book that talks about religion in the Soviet Union, Albert Syzmanski's "human rights in the Soviet Union" gives (in my opinion) a very fair view of Islam and Judaism in the Soviet Union and how these people groups were treated and the rights they had etc.
My ex tagged recently me into a discussion about sex in the Soviet Union, and she was like "Oh hey you're an expert on the Soviet Union, tell him about the Gay Agitprop and Newspapers"
And I was like "Why do you think I'm an expert? I don't know anything about this!"
So I did a deep dive, turns out the Soviet Union wasn't nearly as bad as the west at the time. I learned a lot that today.
Then I wound up here somehow, and am learning even more stuff. I don't quite know how I wound up here, but I'm going to like and subscribe and watch every video.
Well, do tell us about the gay agitprop and newspapers!
@@mynamejeff3545 I'm no expert but poetry might be the medium to look into...
careful, you can catch communism..
TELL US ABOUT THE GAY NEWSPAPERS
@@gr8cescale Oh, in the 1980's there was a news paper for the homosexual community called the Tema , it mostly dealt with news, fashion, and celebrity gossip, with the obligatory comics and puzzles. Some of the comics were interesting Agitprop.
Interesting. Long ago when I was a child a friend of mine at the park told me what a fortune cookie was. I asked him to give me an example of what the message said. He said that the greatest ally is knowledge and the greatest enemy is ignorance.
the lenticular illusion cover on "ALCOHOL" is so cool
I have been curious as of recent on the history of the USSR in regards to religion in its time. What I have gathered recently is that when it came to the Muslim-majority areas, the Soviet government ideally wanted ALL religion abolished but had to handle the Muslims more carefully given diplomatic matters from neighboring nations and also, the Muslims back then were more willing to rebel against the state if they pushed them too hard. It seemed much easier to target Christians and Jews while it was more complicated with the Muslims.
Got to hell Zionist rat
Soviet repression of religion was the worst things they could have ever done
I've loved every single bit of this video! you seem so sweet, genuine and smart, and you explained your thesis in a great way, also giving us some insights on the condition and the representation of muslim women in the USSR. i hope more people can see this video and discover your channel, keep it up comrade ❤
Ha! I totally didn’t expect Kalmyks mentioned in this video. Though it would be better to show a picture of Gorodovikov or a Kalmyk woman(most likely with covered hair in this time period) instead of a nazi collaborator.
But overall I like the video, especially the emphasis on the fact that women’s headgear or lack of it is mostly a cultural factor not a religious one. In my culture, not too long ago, even men were required to wear a hat and if someone were to forcefully or unexpectedly remove it that someone might find themselves with a sharp blade in their gut.
You're right about the image choice, but it's oddly one of the most known old photographs of a Kalmyk 🐫
Yea, that’s probably because the topic of collaboration and deportation is the most discussed on the internet when it comes to Kalmyks. Unfortunate.
People really do need to read Orientalism like badly…
YES
Soviet Union & Turkey are the only 2 countries which successfully secularized majority of its Muslim population. Since Turkey was a fully Muslim country, I'd consider USSR as the only non-Muslim country that secularized its Muslims (& all other religions)!
In a way, what China is doing to the Uighurs is what Lenin & Stalin did to their Turks & Tajiks.
I'm just wondering what could've been achieved in Afghanistan by the Soviets, had the US/West not meddled in the 80s!
This is a very enlightening video, specially for someone that does not have contact with people that practice Islam in real life. Most of the talking points you brought into this video are things that I really had a very ignorant idea (in the sense of not knowing much). Thank you so much!
it's 100% based on the French painting, you see it right away if you've ever seen Delacroix
I love your passion for this time period and your want to know the most accurate portrayal of this time period
I feel like someone listening to someone that just asked you what your favourite topic is and you response is your videos, (this is a good thing, I love when people do this)
Thank you so much for this comment, I think your analysis is very correct. I actually don't usually prepare it before I film anything, I truly work off of my passion & information that's off the top of my head, and then as I go through my points and things I want to speak about I will grab like a book off the shelf or a source for what I'm saying.
was it inspired by "Liberty Leading the People"
Painting by Eugène Delacroix?
Watch the video
@@LadyIzdihar I am :)
@@aloneandscared1 you guessed it!
Your library is absolutely enviable!!
Hi! Just came to your channel through the recommendation comrade Ian Neves from História Pública! Really enjoyed your video and your recommendations were amazing! Thank you!
I remember the Soviet Eastern (Western) movie "White sun of desert" having themes of the traditional islamic culture of the Turk republics clash with the modern values of Soviet Socialism during the Russian Civil War.
What is your opinion about the movie?
I'm not a fan of the movie tbh, it's very insensitive imo and perpetuates further exotification of people
As a communist: There never is any "phobia" towards any single religion. However, we do oppose all religion as a matter of principle. Material thought and religion are fundamentally incompetable and every socialist is an atheist as a rule. However, while religion is a disease, we communists also understand that turning religious people into martyrs makes people support them. Therefore, we tolerate religion and simply educate the masses, that way religion will eventually die out on its own. It's important to keep religious people away from leadership positions, though. Hence the anti-religious policies of communist organizations (outside of recognized minority populations with autonomous governments, for those religion is even respected in leadership).
Vanguard parties like the CPC will never tolerate religious people within their midst - for obvious reasons.
Written like the soviet union, the khmer rouge and China didn't put religious people in prison and murdered them for their religion
peace be unto you Queen
To me, this just reads as an obvious reference to Delacroix’ painting “Liberty leading the people”, corroborated by both the revolutionary context in 1921 and the accompanying pamphlet text
You forgot to put your hands on your face for the true youtube shock thumbnail
4:40 - The Bolshevik Poster by Stephen White
5:32 - Constructing Revolution by Kristina A Toland
6:21 - Alcohol
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Thank you for this educational video!
Good video! And i really appreciate the extra effort to provide book recommendations and further reading. For what it’s worth, from the point of approaching a culture or religion from ignorance, I run into a similar issue (minus the orientalist exoticism) as someone who works on the French Revolution. Sooo many historians, even those of religion, come from such a Catholic or broadly Christian background that they wildly misrepresent or misunderstand what they term “atheism” (even if properly categorized) or naturalism, deism, theophilanthropy, liberation theology movements.
To me it looks to be very clearly inspired by "liberty leading the people"
I have a book called God Save the Soviet Union. It talks mostly about Islam and its role in fighting the Nazis, during World War II.
I've read it! The back of the book is so valuable with the translation of official letters regarding religion.
@@LadyIzdihar
Nicee. Now I know you hate pdf files 📂. But, thanks to Z library I found sooo many of books 📚 I could never find or afford.
"One of the most preserved and well-remembered" i'm literally seeing it for the first and only time in my life
Im Turkish, shariah is "Şeriat" in Turkey Turkish. "Syriat" is a close call to the word, you just have to say it with a "Ş".
Edit: By the way, were you on a Jubilee video? Someone in Jubilee comments told me you were, so i decided to check out! Even if you are not, you already gained a subscriber.
Please do a book recommendation video. Please!
Great video - clarified a lot of things but wanted to write to say its a great example of a multi-layered style of explanation ergo if want want to understand this poster - well you need to understand about posters, and their history and context, and then you need to understand the histories and cultures of Muslims in the central asian repubics as well as a large section of the soviet population more generally. Very informative. Thanks
Hey, I have that book, the bolshevik poster!
It's a really good book on the early history and foundation of Soviet poster art! The best in English I think
Love it
I can say my first reaction was not "Is it Islamophobic", my first thought was, "A frenchman drew that' because it reminded me so much of the posters I've seen of "Lady Liberty" marching bare breasted into the fray, or the posters from the late 1800s in the US of bare breasted women leading the wagon trains into the west. The strong bare breasted woman is an iconic and near universal symbol of liberation or freedom. I did not know the history of parties where women had their veils ripped off, so that took a real sour turn for me
جَزَاكَ ٱللَّٰهُ خَيْرًا كَثِيرًا أَكْثَرَ مِمَّا تَنْوِي
I like your voice. It's great to listen to especially when taking about history! It's good to follow up and concentrate
Soviets were ahead of their time. Truly ahead of their time.
This channel feels like a godsend. Very nice video too.
Sometimes the most simple answer is the most accurate. The creators of this piece might not have had nearly as much profound thought that went into it as those who view it. Beauty (or lack thereof) is in the eye of the beholder. Great video about a piece I've never seen before.
Personally: I would say the breasts being shown are a sign of expression, as if people are being liberated by marxism. I think it really is as simple as that, it was art created by islamic communists, so this would make sense. But, I could be completely wrong, and I'm 100% okay with that. Its art. I think people often read far more meaning into it than the creators intended. HOWEVER, that means that it is good art. Thought provoking art is good art.
Hello
I'm a trans comrade and i just discovered your channel and have developed an interest in Islam, do you know where i can learn more?
Your best resource is an Islamic centre, if you have one locally.
Reading scripture is also a great way to learn, though do be aware that translations can be very misleading. Even if you read the Qur'an, reading interpretive commentaries and talking to experts is always a good idea. I'd also recommend seeking out a wide variety of perspectives. Ibn Taimiyyah will give you a very different perspective from Ibn Arabi, for example.
If you're interested in a broad overview of the history of Islam, pretty much the only game in town in English is The Venture of Islam by Marshall Hodgson. His prose isn't the most accessible, and the book is pretty outdated in some areas, but his overall approach is methodical and sensitive. If you're interested in a specific time and place, though, I'd recommend finding a more recent scholarly book focused on just that area.
If you specifically want to learn about Soviet Islam, many of this channel's videos include book recommendations.
yaqeen institute and the usuli institute both have great RUclips channels
Nouman Ali khan
Go to in a islamic Center and ask if you can be a gay communist trans muslim . And see what they would say
@@SalsmachevI'm late...but I'm a born Muslim. However your comment interested me , is there a WELL TRANSLATED English qurqn alongside the Arabic of course? The best one you can think of?
MashAllah a superb eye opener
What IF the artist was trained in Eurocentric art and her being topless is inspired by French Revolutionary art?
JUST as you mention this in the last 3 minutes
Oh, i stumbled into your channel and i love it. Just thinking about the poster: as symbolic things go, just as the veil, maybe the exposed breast are representing freedom from oppression, as in one opening their chest, voice and feelings to the outside world? Cause it doesn't seem she is renouncing her culture, as she still chooses to wear the Hijab. It just happens that most women have breasts on their chests lol. Anyways, awesome video!
It's very common in european history-writing to conflate religion, and the organized religious society. I dont think thats necessarily bad.
When writing about feminism, sexual liberation etc in the 1800s, it's very common to bring up the christian sexual ethics being a block for its progression. If we're being pedantic, we should specify it as the at-the-time clergy's sexual ethics, as the bible isnt necessarily inhently sexist, and many christians today arent. Yet, it's implicitly assumed that we mean the time-accurate traditional state-sponsored view when we say "christianity".
It is the same when this one source argues that the traditional muslim sharia forced women in central asia to act a certain way, as that is the way islam manifested itself there, and had for presumably centuries. I do agree that they are problematic in other areas though. I guess they maybe should specify it, but I've personally gotten used to it, it feels natural now
Wow. Your work is amazing. As someone whose path in life has led him to a place where I have so many questions about the so called contradictions between Islam and communism in Asia. Your research has led you to to so many interesting places, it seems, and I look forward to looking at more of your posts. A salaam alaikum.
30:20 this was my first thought when i saw it
There's no such thing as Islamophobia
Yes, it's called racism
As a Muslim as a political sciences student I'm against communism and any other political ideologies cuz I don't see the necessity to embrace communism as someone who strongly believes in Islam, I perfectly understand why socialism had fortune in the Arab world (where I come from) cuz the principles of socialism are similar to the islamic principle of justice.
My question for you is why you feel the need to consider yourself a communist if you are muslim? Your work is impressive, you are doing a great job of hisotic disclosure but I don't understand why do you consider yourself as communist and muslim?
I'm genuinely asking.
You can be Religious and a Communist , One doesn't go against the other or override the other. The Bolsevik Jews were Religious and Communists , there is historically Muslim Communists that have always fought against Caste Systems and Religious Extremism that prey upon the illiterate same thing with Christian Communists. I'm a Ko-Shintoist and a Communist. I work to make people understand the relation between Proto-Communist Societies under Ko-Shinto and Communism. Emperors in Japan than used Religion to prey upon the poor and the illiterate. Same thing happened in China. The Rich and those who were in charge of Caste Systems made up rules and since illiterate or poor people had no power they just thought that was the way. One of the Communist parties in Japan was created by a Christian. Japan has one of the most biggest Communist Parties next to China.
@@christopherordonez9366 That's is absolutely interesting, what I know about Shintoism is about the samurai philosophy that was influenced by Shintoism.
But my point was that in Islamic sources there's is already the command to create social and economic justice, so I was wondering why this woman feel the need to consider herself as communist. I think that is a great historical subject btw
@@saberalsibai1426 If there already is a command to bring about justice and equality, then it makes perfect sense for Muslims to be communist. I don't see what the problem is.
@@christopherordonez9366 You can however it won't be Marxist.
@@theshakhrayist7649 Materialism is quite straightforward on that: whatever is, is natural, and whatever isn't natural, isn't.
But!
1) Ideas aren't just false, they're also real and formed/placed in the society. You can't go enlighten everyone without changing the system, especially if you just go and loudly call them wrong.
2) you can't change the system instantly, compromises are quite important for political success, so you'll have to begin with secularization and religious freedom (and keep some diplomats who are literary enough to convince that war on your side is holy. Real thing done by Bolsheviks to overthrow Menshevik Georgia). Those who want to remain in religious power, will sooner or later rise up against you, but your position will be secured and their aggressive reaction will not be your fault.
Ya, I know as Muslim that islam is most misunderstood religion because of culture. In Quran it clearly mentioned there should no compulsion in religion. More like women right ex : heritance right for women is compulsory in islam, gaining knowledge is also very big obligation for Muslim regardless of gender . Still people have audacity to blame religion, I Mean bro if u that uninterested in islam then remain that only but atleast don't be so judgemental. 🤷 it's very frustrating when I see people complaining about religion islam without even full knowledge 😒. Amd some sort putting random line from story 🙄 in Quran using it against islam . Bruh get to know full story amd its morals of story.
Alhamdullah ur so amazing
The more nuance and careful examination of context, facts and details are used in the research of history and society, the more the western Liberal account of things is damaged and discredited, and the more the Soviet perspective is vindicated. It is so interesting to observe this!
Love your videos! :D
„Why can people just not being touched?“
feel hug for your fan from brazil
It looks like it belongs in a trading card game.
@LadyIzdihar My favorite period of Islam is the Old Caliphates in the Golden Era of Islam. They were progressive in allowing new ideas to be pitched outside of Islam.
The Soviet Union wasnt exactly Islamophobic Because they had lots of Muslim countries part of them for example Azerbaijain, Turkmenistan etc and in fact the Soviets respected Islamic countries and even though i wasnt born during Soviet times my Grandparents from my mum&dads side including my mum and dad were born in Soviet Azerbaijain and they weren't treated any differently from the local Georgian or Aremanian guy so yeah i dont think the Soviets were really Islamophobic even though i was born in Modern Azerbaijain in 2011.
thats strange to hear that they were treated normally.
my dad's family lived in ssr turkmenistan and found it strict to muslims, like the country didnt have rules that respected the muslims.
i've never got to ask why they think this, (my grandmother and grandfather) nor my dad, because my dad lost his dad and mom at a very young age, but he says he remembers what his mom and dad talked about even he was 7 at the time.
@@swesag the people were treated normally (like any other soviet citizen). Institutionalised religion and religious organisations- wasn't. The USSR declared itself secular and anti-religious meaning USSR laws being enforced instead of religious laws, etc. You may practice religion in your free time on your expense, but religion shouldn't affect anything outside prayer time and traditional culture.
If your dad's family was traditional and a lot into religious affairs and enforcing religion around... well...
The Soviet system in particular is incompatible with fundamentalist and radical Islam.
I think the flag's red colour is of the class struggle. The colour of blood. The crescent moon and star representing Islam. Hijab is refering to the muslim women and the open breasts are refering to the motherhood of women. That they can take care of their children. Which is reflected in the poem.
how this art is named?
Great video!
Very NON BORING presentation. Central Asian cities are the cleanest I have seen anywhere except maybe Scandinavia.....CAcities which were part of the CCCP/USSR....women in the main....charming and great dressers......personal hygience very high in the cities.
Like your channel 😊
I GOTTA recommend a book on some radical Russian women that doesn't get brought up enough--Its comprised mostly of each of their own words from their memoirs, journals, etc. translated to English: _Five Sisters: Women Against the Tzar_ by Barbara Alpern Engel & Clifford D. Rosenthal
Thanks for the amazing art book rec's!!!
What was the view on figurative art among Muslims of the regions where the poster was distributed? I honestly don't know much about Islamic views on figurative art, but I understand that a prohibition has shaped early Muslim art and the use of geometry in it? At least that's what my non-Muslim Art 101 teacher told us in '89. 🙄 My question I guess comes down to understanding whether the use of figurative art in the poster would have undermined the message, or if it wouldn't have been an issue for the average intended viewer?
One important thing to keep in mind is that I'slam is a non-hierarchical religion, so the norms and teachings during one specific period and place don't apply on all people. For example some interpretations of Quran in central Asia allowed people drinking alcohol with some rules. In other places it was prohibited. Same with figurative art and medical research on cadavers and many other subjects, many scholars have different views and people are encouraged to follow trusted scholars or have their own opinions backed with evidence that convinces them. Of course some rulers abused and exploited this to dictate their own ideas on all people.
Since the early years of Islam you can notice popular artistic expression took a direction more towards abstraction and geometric shapes, poetry about new ideas, values and unity with nature, but in following periods we find a resurgence of romanticism in poetry and visual arts. Not a new phenomenon because this was prevalent during pre-Islamic times. Poets like Abu Nuwas were writing about many taboo stuff, visual art from Abbasid era depicted the human body with partial or full nudity sometimes, for artistic or scientific reasons. I don't know much about visual arts but I hope this info helps with your research
23:46 i would usually consider such laser-focused applogetics about "true" religion or the purpose of a government, etc as a bit of a red-flag, but I'm honestly here because it's pretty difficult to find nuanced and fact-based takes on the USSR & it's relationships to religious groups
So this is the best we've got
(Also, I tend to love these videos), so i guess here we are
Believe it or not but the tip of the sword is pointing eastwards............
♥️☭
very nice video.....I emailed you a question. thanks
Salaam alaikum, comrades!
Cool video. Thanks for sharing.
Sis , you are so beautiful ❤
The covering of your hair as a woman in the fashion you showed is not exclusive to eastern Europe actually, it's more of a rural Europe thing.
I'm from rural Germany and all photos of my female relatives from this time period show them with the kind of head scarf the Soviet women are wearing.
I even personally remember my Great-Grandma wearing it at all times in the nineties.
hmm interesting pointers
do a book recommendation video do a book recommendation video do a book recommendation video do a book recommendation video do a book recommendation video PLSSSSS
Hey Lady I, I don’t know if you have a video on this, but I am trying to understand your views on Islam as a modern woman. I was raised pretty hard core Christian, and am now an aethiest that is pretty anti religious. I understand religion can be great for people, and personal, small proletariat religious groups can be great for community and community organization, but in Christianity there are some base beliefs that without interpretation are pretty bad. Most things in the Old Testament lol. It could be propaganda, as the amount of anti Islam propaganda in the west is huge, but aren’t there some base beliefs in Islam that are pretty problematic, especially around the place of a woman and homosexuality and sex? While I’m sure what Islam is really about is extremely misrepresented in western society, all old world religions carry a lot of old world baggage, how do you view this?
I think there are many problematic ways to Interpret Islam, but I don’t think the religion itself is problematic. People just used it and abuse it. Too many people Islam is considered the most feminist religion given the rights it grants women and preference over men. And as far as homosexuality goes it depends on how you interpret the story of Lut, Some peopl say it was about the punishment for those engaging in same-sex relations, I, along with others believe it was about non-consensual acts. Ultimately it is a religion of mercy, understanding and forgiveness. It’s just that so many people use it to justify their awful views or Inclination’s without Absorbing the messages of peace and practicality and many people conflate the religion with culture, sometimes Ora Rico g in culture Islam literally came to get rid of or equalize
@@LadyIzdihar Thanks so much for replying, that actually did help me understand a little. There are stories in the Bible that depending on translation could be about why pedophilia is bad or why homosexuality is bad, so people have manipulated it over time. I am just always worried the attitudes of old regressive cultures will leak through religion into modern cultures, but I agree with you that how one uses and interprets religion mean a lot. I just listened to you on the Deprogram podcast and really learned a lot about soviet life that I had no idea about before. Thanks for your help!
Sorry but Homosexuality is punishable by death in Islam. Which is really clear for us Muslims. And the thing about women and men. Allah has ascribed the roles of men and women really clearly and in the times of prophet Mohammed peace be upon him. It was shown how it would be practiced and in today's time we follow that as prophet showed us to.
So, I would say go to internet read a copy of Quran and with Tafseer (explanation) to grasp the meaning and understand the last message of Allah.
@@LadyIzdihar How does Islam grant preference to women over men?
@@adamdevaraj2883 read Qur'an yourself dude, you'll get your answers.
At the end of the day I'm not saying you're wrong mostly but the vise-versa can be said about why Islamic scholars brought the veil concept(it certainly isn't about money or power-grabbing mentality). I think you can read about that. I shall not comment on Soviet history since I've negligible amount of knowledge on that issue but I can atleast request you to read more about Islamic history. May Allah bless you and help you to be in the righteous path. Also keep it up with with with your content.
The artwork of Trotsky at 05:11 is magnificent!! 😮
That famous French Revolution poster is the first thing that came to my mind when it comes to that Soviet poster.
Also, it's quite rich how Europeans and Americans (aka "westerners") today hold the moral high ground in regards to women's rights and their stance against strict modesty standards, when just a century ago they were the ones with extremely conservative modesty standards to the point where even an exposed ankle was deemed immodest, and Christian missionaries often shamed women from indigenous communities into covering up.
I suppose it's somewhat similar to how the west is the biggest defender of human rights, but throughout history they were the ones who committed the biggest human rights violations.
Islamophobia is a misleading term for describing the discrimination done to victims -muslim people and the muslim community
The term should be changed in to anti muslim bigotry ,
bc Islam is not a human living person nor even a nonhuman animal(if u r a vegan),
so it doesn't have any sentiment to be hurt it's an inanimate object like any other dogmatic (religion, capitalism,fascism,etc) and non dogmatic deas(Marvel,dc universes,etc) too.
Soviets IDed + all French Revolutions
1)!1789 erected stayed off MaxRobespierrel, George’s Danton , etc, ( probably not Olympe de aGougee.
2) 1830 painting derivatilon
3) l848 ?
1871) Writings in favor of the Commune
5) 1789-19?) Workers Marseillaise
song in Russian based on French
national anthem
6) 1968!aFrance
etc.?
I am a staunchly religious odinist so i understand a lot of the anti soviet sentiment by religious people, however it's unfair tbh. If you are truly religious, living in the soviet union wouldn't have changed your views.
Also you should see some of the things that merciful Allah will allow in Paradise.The rivers of wine will not befuddle the mind. And the um... you know ... that thing that adults do. Discretion will be no longer needed, if you know what I mean. But if I had one foot in Paradise I would still fear his deception.
Why do you say "workman" but refer to workwomen as "working women"? Is there a deeper reasoning behind it?
As a woman from a predominantly islamic nation, Tatar, I'm grateful to communists for giving my grandmothers, mothers and me a way to get agency over their lives, social lifts, education, healthcare, jobs, housing and, of course, rights. The problem is that back in the day in our societies women didn't really have an option to choose their religion voluntarily. So naturally they had to give a voice to those for whom the religion and hijab etc where forced and oppressive. Also, you should remember that bolsheviks "fought" all the religions. Christianity got under MUCH harsher criticism, so it's just nonsensical to call it islamophobic.
sadly westernes still carry out the red scare and demonize an entire religion while ignoring their own flaws
Great job dispelling orientalist myths about Islam and also the Soviets. I know very little about your culture and your channel is a gem!
OMFG, that Trotsky poster is so cringe! 🙈
Why do you follow blind faith if I may ask?
One cannot simply divorce society from religion.
There are tomes on the influence of Christianity in the West and yet somehow "it isn't a part of the scripture" is sufficient to absolve Islam of all its influence in the Muslim world.
Many of the influences of Christianity on the West weren't technically scripture but were, instead, exploitative interpretations of the powerful.
If Islam was about seeking knowledge, then where are all the Muslim universities and academics? Its golden age is centuries old while all other religious spheres within the world seem to surpass it.
Point 2: The veil... Sure, it's cultural within much of Europe but mandatory within many Muslim nations, based on Islam... and it's compulsory. Hijab, burqa, or niqab... "The Veil" may as well mean an oppressive push to mandate female modesty within the Muslim world.
In my experience, both Islam and Christianity are incredibly violent religions. I cannot fathom why a gentle communist such as yourself would find it appealing.
I just simply disagree with you. The Islam I know is also gentle.
@@LadyIzdihar My personal religion is also progressive and humanist and abides by my values. But I don't claim that it's been benign, historically, as that would be false.
Religion, its values and it's role 8n society has been historically tied to the ruling class and its interests, there are Christian socialists, Islamic Marxists, and Jewish Bundists, along with their reactionary counterparts
She is brainwashed