Prologue: In the edge of tolerance

Many people avoid meeting such persons who are different and think different. However, there have been places in where merchants with strange languages and habits were tolerated. In those cities something new and marvelous was created and citizens became wealthy. With the social end economic benefits these cities could afford to finance art and beauty which by its turn attracted more talented people.

Miletus- the free city of the antics (8th century BC)

The location of Miletus at the crossroads of different travel routes made it open to foreign influences. Located on the coast of Turkey near the island of Samos, Miletus turned into one of the most vivid harbour cities of the Mediterranean. The Greek alphabet was invented by the influence of Phoenicians and literature flourished. Because of the pragmatic characteristics of the trade city, the natural science was invented Miletus. The first natural philosophers like Thales did not believe in super natural forces but relied on observation and logic.

Alexandria – the city of books (3th century BC)

Alexandria was one of the biggest cities of the world with a Egyptian, Greek, Armenian and Jewish population. The rulers of Alexandria knew that knowledge was power. To keep the power in Alexandria, they started to store the knowledge. All knowledge up to that point was collected in scrolls which were then placed on bookshelves. The repository was named “a library”. It was created and developed by actively recruiting the foreign scholars. The head librarian was always appointed to an advisor for the king.

Pataliputra – the first welfare society of the world (3th century BC)

Patna, one of the oldest cities of the world on the shores of Ganges, is known for its aromatic rice. In the 3rd century BC it was Pataliputra, the biggest city in the world. Ashok, the ruler of the city wished happiness for his citizens. To fulfill his wish Ashok diminished the caste system and annunciated the coexistence of different religion and cultures. The foreigners were encouraged to study and trade in Pataliputra. Special officials were even appointed to take care of the welfare of foreigners.

Baghdad – the city of peace (9th century)

The city of thousand and one nights was a major center for trade and science by the 9th century. The first caliphs of Bahghad appreciated all branches of knowledge coming from foreign countries.They welcomed Christian Nestorian refugees from Byzantium in where they were considered heretics. Nestorians thanked for the hospitality and brought Greek classical manuscripts for Arab and Persian scholars. In “the House of Wisdom” Arabs preserved the texts, which were later translated from Arabic to Latin.

Hangzhou – thoughts from tea rooms (12th century)

On the Chinese coast close to the mighty river Yangtse is the city of Hangzhou. In the 11th century Hangzhou was one of the richest and biggest cities in the world. The Song-dynasty appreciated the talent. Only those who passed the rigid exam got assigned in the administration. Open minded officials supported arts, sciences and foreign trade. Hangzhou produced the finest tea, silk, and porcelain. To ensure the permanent trading relations with the foreign countries the marriages between locals and foreign merchants were encouraged.

Florence – the city of renaissance (15th century)

Wool traders and bankers with their revenues bought beauty and culture. Good salaries, tolerance, and security provided by rulers attracted talented people moving to Florence. Some of them were difficult and irritating personalities, but they were tolerated. Free-spirited people created a movement, which was later called “renaissance”.

Isfahan – half the world (17th century)

At the crossroads of several trading routes, in the fabulously beautiful capital of Persia, foreign merchants were treated exceptionally well. The special hostelries and warehouses (caravanserai) were provided for foreigners to ensure that they were eager to trade with Persians. Isfahan was the most international city of the world. It was a norm that the residents of Isfahan spoke fluently several languages.

Amsterdam – a safe haven (17th century)

Powerful European countries drove Dutchmen into a corner in the 17th century. The counter strike was brilliant: Dutchmen invested in research and trade and received persecuted refugees. Amsterdam became the center of the world trade and free thinking.

San Francisco – rebels, codes, and Do-It-Yourself (20th century)

San Francisco is located in a dangerous place, at San Andreas Fault between the Pacific and North-American plate. The city was almost completely destroyed in the 1906 earthquake. In the Bay area, known for innovations and high tech firms, also other encounter of different communities and ethnic groups raised San Francisco Bay area to one of the most prosperous places in the world.

Epilogue: The Art of Tolerance

Tolerance for opinions, critics, new ideas, and minorities give a guarantee for vitality and innovations. The secret is the openness to foreign influence.