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We can’t say that Tolkien created the fantasy genre. But we can assure that Tolkien is the father of modern fantasy. At first it may seem that Tolkien has created a superficial fantasy story, but in fact he has created a fully-imagined world. This fully-imagined world with depth of thought enchants the reader in a web of stories that is as profoundly captivating as it is impressively mind-blowing.

Ghiyāth al-Dīn Abū al-Fatḥ ʿUmar ibn Ibrāhīm Nīsābūrī, commonly known as Omar Khayyam, was a polymath, known for his contributions to mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, and Persian poetry. He was born in Nishapur. He received a good education in the sciences and philosophy in his native Neyshābūr before traveling to Samarkand (now in Uzbekistan), where he completed the algebra treatise, Risālah fiʾl-barāhīn ʿalā masāʾil al-jabr waʾl-muqābalah (“Treatise on Demonstration of Problems of Algebra”), on which his mathematical reputation principally rests. In this treatise he gave a systematic discussion of the solution of cubic equations by means of intersecting conic sections. Perhaps it was in the context of this work that he discovered how to extend Abu al-Wafā’s results on the extraction of cube and fourth roots to the extraction of nth roots of numbers for arbitrary whole numbers n. Khayyam’s fame in the West rests upon the collection of robāʿīyāt, or “quatrains,” attributed to him. (A quatrain is a piece of verse complete in four lines, usually rhyming aaaa or aaba; it is close in style and spirit to the epigram.) Omar’s poems had attracted comparatively little attention until they inspired FitzGerald to write his celebrated The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, containing such now-famous phrases as “A Jug of Wine, a Loaf of Bread—and Thou,” “Take the Cash, and let the Credit go,” and “The Flower that once has blown forever dies.” These quatrains have been translated into almost every major language and are largely responsible for colouring European ideas about Persian poetry. Some scholars have doubted that Omar wrote poetry. His contemporaries took no notice of his verse, and not until two centuries after his death did a few quatrains appear under his name. Even then, the verses were mostly used as quotations against particular views ostensibly held by Omar, leading some scholars to suspect that they may have been invented and attributed to Omar because of his scholarly reputation. Each of Omar’s quatrains forms a complete poem in itself. It was FitzGerald who conceived the idea of combining a series of these robāʿīyāt into a continuous elegy that had an intellectual unity and consistency. FitzGerald’s ingenious and felicitous paraphrasing gave his translations a memorable verve and succinctness. They are, however, extremely free translations, and more recently several more faithful renderings of the quatrains have been published. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Omar-Khayyam-Persian-poet-and-astronomer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Khayyam

Philippine national Hero https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rizal_Park

Czechia celebrates Saints Cyril and Methodius Day on July 5th each year, honoring the important contributions of these revered saints to the country's history and culture. This special day commemorates the arrival of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Great Moravia in the 9th century, marking the beginning of the Slavic literary and cultural renaissance. Saints Cyril and Methodius, who were brothers from Thessaloniki, Byzantine Empire (present-day Greece), are widely recognized as the "Apostles to the Slavs." They devised the Glagolitic alphabet, the precursor to the Cyrillic script, and translated religious texts into the Old Church Slavonic language. Their efforts played a crucial role in spreading Christianity and developing a written Slavic language, which later became the basis for several Slavic languages, including Czech. On Saints Cyril and Methodius Day, the Czech people celebrate their cultural and linguistic heritage, paying tribute to these saints as national patrons. The day is marked by various events and activities that promote Czech culture, education, and spirituality. One of the key highlights of the celebrations is the ceremonial laying of wreaths at the statue of Saints Cyril and Methodius, located in Prague's Vyšehrad Cemetery. This gesture symbolizes respect and gratitude for their significant contributions. Additionally, religious services are held in churches across the country, where prayers are offered in honor of the saints. The day also features cultural programs, including concerts, exhibitions, and theatrical performances, showcasing Czech traditions, folklore, and artistic achievements. Educational institutions often organize lectures and workshops to highlight the historical importance of Saints Cyril and Methodius and their impact on Czech language and culture. Saints Cyril and Methodius Day holds deep meaning for the Czech people, reminding them of their roots and the importance of preserving their language and cultural heritage. It serves as an occasion to reflect on the nation's identity and unity, as well as to appreciate the enduring legacy of these two remarkable individuals. https://cz.usembassy.gov/holiday-calendar/cyril-methodius-day/#:~:text=The%20two%20brothers%20are%20considered,by%20the%20Pope%20in%201880 . https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyril_and_Methodius

It is a Catholic church located in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador. Built in Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles with three domes protruding from the roof, it was inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Construction began in 1885 and was completed about 100 years later in the 1980s. It is one of the country's greatest architectural attractions. It has a capacity of approximately 8,000 people inside and attracts hundreds of Catholic devotees and visitors daily.

A one time commemorative stamp honouring Queen Elizabeth II available in the UK, Commonwealth realm, or the Commonwealth of Nations.

Nasreddin Hoca is a legendary figure and a humorous folk hero who lived around Hortu and Akşehir during the Anatolian Seljuk period. He is mostly known through anecdotes portraying him as a witty and wise man with a sharp sense of humor. Although there is debate about whether he actually lived and, if so, what his true personality was like, some historical documents suggest that he was a real person. According to these sources, Nasreddin Hoca was born in 1208 in the village of Hortu in Akşehir, where he received his basic education. He later studied at a madrasa in Sivrihisar, and upon his father's death, he returned to his hometown to serve as the village imam. After some time, he migrated to Akşehir, a center for Sufi thought at the time, and became a dervish under Mahmûd-ı Hayrânî, affiliating with Sufi orders such as Mevlevi, Yasawi, or Rifa'i. Nasreddin Hoca also held administrative positions in Akşehir and is thought to have briefly lived in surrounding areas. He died in Akşehir in 1284 and was buried in the Nasreddin Hoca Tomb, which still exists today. Nasreddin Hoca's anecdotes are widely told not only in Anatolia but also in the autonomous Turkic republics of Central Asia and Russia. This shows that his sense of humor and folk wisdom are part of a shared cultural heritage across the Turkic world. His witty and thought-provoking stories have been passed down through generations for centuries and adapted with small variations in different regions. This widespread presence is an important indicator of the common history, linguistic unity, and cultural interaction among Turkic peoples. Even today, Nasreddin Hoca's tales continue to entertain while also teaching valuable lessons and encouraging reflection.

Plato, also known as Platon or Eflatun, was an ancient Greek philosopher and sage. He was the founder of the Academy, one of the first higher education institutions in the world and the origin of the term "academy" itself. Plato marks a turning point in the history of thought and laid the foundations for many debates in the history of philosophy and science. His ideas have deeply influenced major religions such as Christianity and Islam. Together with his teacher Socrates and his student Aristotle, Plato is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of philosophy. Many of his claims remain significant and continue to be discussed today, contributing to various fields of thought. Plato is considered the founder of political philosophy. His Theory of Forms, which argues that universal truths can only be known through reason, his conception of the soul as composed of three parts—reason, spirit, and desire—and his belief that harmony must be achieved through the rule of reason, form the basis of his ethical and political thought. These theories have played a major role throughout history in discussions on reason, soul, body, universals, ethics, and the state.

January 26th is Duarte Day in the Dominican Republic, honoring Juan Pablo Duarte, a key figure in the country's quest for independence. His vision laid the foundation for the nation we know today. Celebrations include flag displays, parades, and cultural events, showcasing Dominican pride and unity. This national holiday reflects on the enduring legacy of Duarte's ideals and the commitment to preserving independence, with schools and offices closed in observance. Duarte Day stands as a powerful symbol of Dominican identity and history.

Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, celebrates Sir Seretse Khama Day on July 1st each year. This significant holiday commemorates the birth anniversary of Sir Seretse Khama, the first President of Botswana, and honors his remarkable contributions to the nation's independence and development. Sir Seretse Khama, a revered leader, played a pivotal role in Botswana's journey to sovereignty. His unwavering commitment to democracy, social justice, and economic progress laid the foundation for Botswana's stability and prosperity. On Sir Seretse Khama Day, the people of Botswana come together to reflect on his visionary leadership and the values he stood for. The celebrations include various cultural activities, such as traditional music and dance performances, exhibitions of local arts and crafts, and community gatherings. It is a time for the nation to pay tribute to its founding father and to honor his enduring legacy. http://www.botswanaembassy.org/event/sir-seretse-khama-day-0 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seretse_Khama