Past Masters Gathered: Dorothy and Kathleen, Along with Others
Freya Madeline Stark: Explorer of the Assassins and Early Travel Writer
Freya Madeline Stark, a British travel writer and explorer born in 1893, was captivated by the enigmatic "Assassins," a Persian sect that terrorized the Orient in the 11th and 12th centuries. Her fascination led her to embark on a journey that would change her life and contribute significantly to our understanding of this historical region.
In 1927, Stark arrived in Beirut, marking the beginning of her travels through Syria. Her ultimate goal was to find the locations and material remains of the Assassins, a quest that culminated in her book "The Valleys of the Assassins" (1934). This work offered a unique blend of travel advice, history, and culture, helping to popularize and demystify the region and the myths surrounding the Assassins.
Stark's exploration did not involve archaeological or strictly academic discoveries but rather opened up and made accessible to a broader audience the historical and cultural context of the Assassins’ region through her firsthand travels and writings. This was a significant step in bringing awareness and a nuanced understanding of these remote areas to the Western public at that time.
Fast forward to the present day, and the world is facing a different kind of challenge. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. As of August 5, more than 16,000 cases have been reported across 75 countries, primarily in Europe and North America.
Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease that is transmitted to humans through close contact with infected animals or more commonly, human-to-human transmission, primarily during close contact during sex. The disease is not known to be fatal in most cases, with a fatality rate of about 3-6%. The WHO is urging countries to take immediate action to stop the spread of the disease and is working to increase the availability of vaccines and treatments for monkeypox.
It's important to note that the current monkeypox outbreak is unusual because it is occurring in countries where the virus has not been previously reported. The WHO is monitoring the situation closely and providing guidance to countries on how to respond effectively.
While Freya Madeline Stark's journey was not related to public health emergencies, her spirit of exploration and determination to uncover the truth about the Assassins serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the world around us, whether it be the mysteries of the past or the challenges of the present.
[1] "Freya Stark: A Biography" by Jane MacIntosh-Scott [5] "The Valleys of the Assassins" by Freya Madeline Stark
