1453: The Dawn of the Modern Era
Taught by Arya Rejaee
Arya received an MA in political science from The New School in 2009, where he researched the politics of modernity in the Middle East. In addition to his academic interests, he enjoys web design and sampling craft beers.
Textbooks have taught us that certain years in history possess a monumental significance due to the seminal events associated with them. But others, including what is perhaps the most important date in modern history, stay largely unknown.
This single-session class will shed light on the forgotten year, 1453 when the Ottoman Turks conquered the Byzantine capital of Constantinople. The history of Byzantine-Ottoman competition and the siege will be addressed, but the core of the class will focus on the world-historical impact of the event in the political, economic, and socio-cultural spheres over the short- and long-term.
Questions that will be posed include: What makes a year/event historically important globally? Can a historical year/event ever be considered seminal? Where did modernity begin?
Whether you are a history buff or novice, this class will change the way you think about our modern world. Get ready to enjoy an evening of learning, discussion, and Turkish coffee!
