In Search of the Orient identity

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Abstract

The orient has been the cradle to great religions and civilizations; it is a noted belief in numerous historical, archeological and cultural sources. The geographical territory of the orient includes North Africa to Indus and Central Asia to the Indian Ocean, however the concept of orient does not have a single interpretation and the common issues between the inhabitants of these territories are not quite clear. In addition, the existence of a bipolar system and encountering the East and West and division of civilizations of the world into two groups, East and West does not have a vivid answer. Despite ethnic, religious, ritual and language diversities and independence of divisions, the orient has a unit concept emanating from a common origin of these communities. Discovering the identity elements of the orient and recognizing their relations requires a “holistic” review which explores beyond geographical boundaries. It seems that in oriental territories the Gods are elements of nature and existing religious beliefs demonstrate the metamorphosis of natural and divine beliefs. Therefore, the common roots of the people of orient may be the religious philosophy and their holy worldviews.

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