Venice's beauty is most commonly known for its unique city structure, canals, gondolas, and architecture. Over the past two weeks, I have learned of Venice's true beauty. Its beauty lies truly in its history, culture, religions, natives, and ambiance. I am so grateful to have taken this course and experienced Venice through the lens as influenced by Dr. Afridi concerning Venice and "the other". Learning about this beautiful city and the intersectionality of its cultural and religious past has been truly transformative.
In reminiscence of this trip, I was fortunately unfortunate enough to have lost my phone on the first day. I say this occurred fortunately because, rather than having my head in a screen, for two weeks I was completely unplugged and was able to take in all the sights as well as information about Venice and its "other" in its totality. "The Other" refers to the focus of the course taken, entitled "Venice and the Other". This was the focus in our lectures when discussing the rich religious history of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity throughout the history of Venice. As most probably know, the Roman Empire occupied Italy for years and was declared a Catholic (Christian) reign. Since the Roman Empire was a large influence over the creation of Venice, the city has a history of accepting Christianity as Venice's religion and everything else as "the other".
Throughout the trip, as a class we observed and studied the "other"-ing of different religions in Venice, including lectures on the practices and beliefs of Islam and Judaism, as well as a trip to the Jewish Ghetto. Visiting the Jewish Ghetto was very moving because it is very distinguishable that the build of the Ghetto square was made to be separate and containing of all Jews from the outside world, per say. Knowing that you are standing in the very place that Jews were forcibly taken from their homes and deported to internment camps only 80 years before also creates a very solemn and discomforting feeling, and from experience forces one to reflect upon the history of this event and your own personal treatment to not only Jews but all "others".
This is Venice's true beauty. It was not always perfectly accepting, but has experienced and grown from separation of religions. In learning of Venice's history, I have grown and learned so much about myself. The uniqueness of the city and its past has encouraged me to be more aware of my treatment toward others, as well as placing my efforts toward the continuation and preservation of education and support of cities like Venice, who have been on the decline throughout my lifetime. Venice nowadays is purely a tourist spot. People will visit sometimes only for a day to see the city, maybe get an Aperol Spritz on the way, and then leave believing they experienced all that the city has to offer. Reflecting upon a guest lecture we received from native Jewish Venetian Shaul Bassi, Venice needs economic support and relies on the tourism, but longs for scholars and students to visit because they will greater appreciate the true beauty of Venice and its historic cosmopolitain essence.
San Marco Square Under Water
I have deeply appreciated all the experiences I have had and all the people I have met in this beautiful city. It is such a shame that Venice is fading, in its physical and historical existence, but I have taken away so many lessons through learning about this city from Dr. Afridi and her inspired passion for the true beauty of Venice. The most important lesson I think I learned is that traveling is so much more than just going places and seeing their external beauty, but rather it is about fully experiencing and immersing yourself in the uniqueness of culture and history as well. I was able to fully experience Venice, thanks to the generosity of the John H. Mark Scholarship donors, and just like Mark did, I have uncovered a true passion and love for traveling and experiencing the uniqueness of different places around the world.
We love your comment about John's passion for travel and learning.... he would have had a very similar outlook to losing his phone. :) :)
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