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Bill Green, “New Madina HD Wallpapers,” Islamic Quotes About., 2012. 

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Medina, originally known as Yathrib but later renamed "the city of the prophet" after Muhammad's migration, holds a significant place in Islamic history. It was the destination Muhammad fled to when he departed from Mecca, and it became the backdrop for numerous pivotal events in the early history of Islam.

The image depicted here showcases the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia. This mosque stands as an exemplar of later Islamic architectural design. While it serves as a prominent religious and architectural focal point within the city, it also carries a deeper significance as a symbol of the history and teachings of Islam that we have explored thus far.

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Fyodor Bogorodsky, Evening over the Caspian Sea, 1959, Acrylic on canvas., Soviet Art: USSR Culture. 

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This image portrays a painting of the Caspian Sea. Despite falling outside the scope of our course timeline, it serves as a poignant reminder of the Soviet frame of reference, given that it was created in modern-day Russia. It underscores how topographical features, particularly bodies of water, transcend various cultural and political boundaries, becoming integral to the lives and narratives of many. To elucidate, the Caspian Sea shares its borders with Kazakhstan, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Turkmenistan, thereby playing a significant topographical role in all these nations. Incorporating this knowledge into our understanding of topographies and territorial disputes is thus a compelling endeavor.

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Mike Zimon. Sunrise at Makhtesh Ramon, Negev Desert, Israel. 2017. Photograph. Pentax Forums: Friendly Pentax Camera Forum. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums

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This photograph captures the Negev Desert at sunrise in modern-day Israel, portraying the immense expanse and innate beauty of the landscape. Remarkably, despite its rugged appearance, the Negev has experienced periods of flourishing economic activity, and in more recent times, it became a subject of contention within the UN Partition plan during the establishment of the state of Israel.

I selected this image because I believe it was taken during a tour offered by several Israeli tourist organizations, shedding light on the Negev's significance. It's important to note that the Negev hosts numerous IDF bases and is celebrated on pilgrimages like Birthright. In a climate where the Israeli government propagates its territorial claims over areas like the Negev, it is vital to remain anchored in the region's rich histories and cultures, which thrived for centuries before. I want to explore the history of human settlement in Negev and how it shifted during the Crusades.

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This photograph showcases the fortified tower and inner gate of the Aleppo Citadel. The photographer of this image mentioned that the present structure is predominantly medieval, with some fortifications having endured on the hill for many millennia. Additionally, it was noted that the current appearance of the tower is largely a result of renovations and additions during the reign of Saladin.

I selected this image because it documents a significant medieval monument. Furthermore, I am intrigued by the far-reaching influence of entities like Saladin's Army across various regions and cultures. I am curious about the dynamics between communities and their conquerors and how this interaction impacts material culture.

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Unknown Artist. Saladin’s Army. 1337. Paris. National Library of France.

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This image is an illustration of the Army of Saladin, prominently featured within a French manuscript known as Histoire d'Outremer (History of the Outremer) authored by William Tyre. Within this portrayal of the Muslim armies under Saladin, renowned for their decisive victory and the elimination of the majority of Crusader forces during the Battle of Hattin, the artist employs vibrant colors and markers to convey a sense of triumph and prestige.

It is intriguing to contemplate the artist's perception of ethnicity during this era, and whether racial divisions held significant prominence within society at the time. Notably, the depiction of these armies, presumed to be Muslim based on available historical knowledge, does not exhibit the visual racism or stereotyping that often permeates later artistic works.

I chose this image because it embodies the distinctive colors, attire, and artistic styles that I have commonly associated with the Crusades. I want to be able to either verify or debunk these depictions through further examination and analysis.

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Buondelmonti, Cristoforo. “Map of Crete.” London: Svakia-Crete, 1420.‌

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This image is a map of Crete from 1420, created by the Italian cartographer Cristoforo Buondelmonti. The map is particularly intriguing due to its unique style; it is not drawn to scale but instead enlarges important monuments and locales. Moreover, it speaks to how people in the fifteenth century perceived the scale of their surroundings and whether this perception is reflected in the work of cartographers.

I have chosen this image because I aspire to gain a better understanding of medieval cartography. It is thought-provoking to consider how map-making might have evolved concurrently with conquest and territorial expansion. I am eager to learn more about the field of cartography and its development, particularly in the context of the Crusades.

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Vernet, Claude-Joseph. Night: A Mediterranean Coast Scene with Fishermen and Boats. 1753. Oil on canvas. Madrid. Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum.‌

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This painting documents several scenes and landmarks: individuals gathering and cooking by a makeshift fire, fishermen boarding boats to commence their night's work, and larger sailboats alongside a fortified tower looming in the distance. Although the artist, Vernet, did not intend to depict a specific maritime scene, this piece was created to evoke the typical activities that transpired during an evening on the Italian coastline.

Despite its completion in 1753, this painting appears to poignantly capture the essence of medieval life on the Mediterranean coast. The Mediterranean Sea served as a vital conduit for trade, industry, and exploration. While I am eager to delve deeper into these activities, it is compelling to consider the sea as a pivotal backdrop in the daily existence of "ordinary" people. Exploring the intricacies of everyday life often provides symbolic insights into broader themes and conflicts, and I am eager to learn more about how people lived and worked in this context.

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Snuffy. Fort Bokar, Old Town, Dubrovnik, Croatia. May 2008. Photograph. Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/snuffy/2598430156.‌

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This image is a photograph of the Bokar Fortress, constructed in 1461 by the Italian architect Michelozzo di Bartolomeo to safeguard the western entrance to the city of Dubrovnik. Having been completed in 1570, the Bokar Fortress holds the distinction of being the oldest casemated fortress in Europe and stands as an iconic landmark along Croatia's Dalmatian Coast.

I chose this landmark due to its profound historical significance, particularly in the context of the military history of the Balkans. My current understanding of the Balkans suggests a region characterized by ongoing conflicts over territory and culture. I am eager to delve deeper into these aspects throughout our course. I want to learn more about this during our course.

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This image is a photograph of the Cefalù Cathedral. Construction of the cathedral itself commenced in 1131 during the Norman rule of Sicily. The monument is characterized by a Norman Romanesque style infused with Arabic influences, symbolizing a unique fusion of Norman-Arab-Byzantine culture that emerged in Sicily under Norman influence.

I chose to explore this monument more closely because it aligns with the chronological focus of this course. Furthermore, after conducting further research on this landmark, I feel that it serves as a quintessential representation of the cultural dynamism born from frequent conquests. As previously stated, Sicily during the medieval period is often characterized as embodying a hybrid culture that integrated Norman-Catholic, Byzantine-Orthodox, and Arab-Islamic elements. My interest lies in gaining deeper insights into the intricate relationship between conquest and culture.

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This photograph captures a segment of a larger series of frescoes that adorn the exterior of the Moldovița Monastery in Romania. These frescoes, often referred to as "the holy scriptures in color," remain as a testament to the monastery's historical significance. Initially established as a defensive bastion against the encroaching Ottoman conquerors from the East, the Moldovița Monastery played a crucial role in the region's history.

The specific fresco depicted here portrays the momentous event of the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Despite the appearance of a formidable city protected by towering walls, the dimensions of this painting poignantly emphasize its vulnerability to incoming conquerors.

I have chosen this image due to its exquisite preservation and its connection to a standing architectural marvel. It not only visually captivates but also encapsulates an event that held profound religious and cultural importance for the people of Constantinople and its surrounding regions in 1537. I wish to learn more about Constantinople and its importance, and I feel that this painting serves as a powerful representation of the city's enduring place in medieval and early modern history.

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Boyer, David, and National Geographic. Women and Children on the Banks of the Nile. 2020. Photograph. National Geographic.‌

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This image captures families embarking on a journey to the banks of the Nile River, where they gather water against the majestic backdrop of Ancient Egyptian ruins. This twentieth-century practice follows in the footsteps of millennia-long traditions of distinctive food cultivation and agriculture.

The Nile Delta region spans across ten countries and remains a vital hub for farming, fishing, transportation, and recreation. I selected this image because the river continues to serve as a crucial resource. Moreover, the Nile stands as a pivotal topographical feature that validates an extensive and profound cultural history.

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Master of the Little Passion. Martyrdom of Saint Ursula in Cologne. 1411. Internet Archive.‌

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This image depicts Cologne at the time of the alleged mass martyrdom of Saint Ursula and an alleged 11,000 virgin martyrs who were purportedly slaughtered on the banks of the River Rhine. Although these figures and the story itself may not be accurate, the painting showcases the city's medieval architecture in a characteristic style.

I selected this image because I believe it illustrates how I envision Cologne, or Köln (Ich spreche Deutsch), during the medieval and early modern periods. Given that Cologne has a rich urban history spanning nearly 2000 years and was consistently one of the largest cities in Europe, this depiction aligns with my current understanding of fifteenth-century Cologne's development. Nevertheless, it is intriguing to contemplate how my perception draws from a collective reservoir that interprets Europe through the lenses of sophistication and advancement.