juno-labs/simple_wikipedia huggingface dataset:
Ak Koyunlu

The **Aq Qoyunlu** or **Ak Koyunlu** () () were a tribal confederation of Oghuz Turkoman tribes. They ruled Eastern Anatolia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and parts of Iraq from 1378 to 1501. The Aq Qoyunlu first settled around Diyarbakir. They became strong in eastern Anatolia in the late 14th century. The Aq Qoyunlu fought against the Qara Qoyunlu, the Timurid Empire, and later the Ottoman Empire.

The Aq Qoyunlu dynasty was founded by Qara Yuluk Osman Beg. His descendant Uzun Hasan made the Aq Qoyunlu into a great power. In 1467, Uzun Hasan defeated the Qara Qoyunlu and took Tabriz, which became the capital. Uzun Hasan tried to make alliances with Venice and other European states against the Ottomans, but he was defeated by Mehmed II at the Battle of Otlukbeli in 1473.

After Uzun Hasan, his son Sultan Yaqub ruled from 1478 to 1490. He worked on land and tax reforms, but civil wars weakened the dynasty. The Aq Qoyunlu used Persian as the main court language, but they also spoke Turkic dialects that later became part of the Azerbaijani language. They supported poets and artists, and their manuscripts, such as copies of Nizami’s _Khamsa_, are important works of Persian culture.

The Aq Qoyunlu were connected to the Bayandor clan, which claimed descent from Oghuz Khan. They mixed nomadic Turkoman traditions with Persian government systems. This helped shape the Safavid dynasty that came after them. In 1501, Shah Isma'il I of the Safavids defeated the Aq Qoyunlu and took their lands. The Aq Qoyunlu are remembered as one of the strong Turkoman dynasties of the Middle East before the Safavids.

## Other websites

- Aq Qoyunlu history resources at Internet Archive
- Aq Qoyunlu references at Google Books
1744 English cricket season

The first-ever edition of _The Laws of Cricket_ was written in the **1744 English cricket season**, though it was not printed until 1755. The 1744 season is also famous for the creation of the two oldest match scorecards.
Khanate of Kokand

The **Kokand Khanate** () () was a state in the Fergana Valley of Central Asia. It lasted from 1709 until 1876. The capital was Kokand. The khanate included lands that are today part of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan.

The Kokand Khanate was founded by Shahrukh Biy in 1709. Later rulers expanded the state into much of the Fergana Valley. The khanate fought wars with the Khanate of Bukhara, the Khanate of Khiva, and nomadic Kyrgyz and Kazakh groups. In the 19th century, Kokand became known for trade and culture, with Persian and Chagatai Turkic used in government and literature.

The khanate was ruled by several dynasties of khans, including Alim Khan, Umar Khan, and Khudoyar Khan. Umar Khan (1810–1822) supported poets and scholars, and his wife Nodira was a famous poet in both Persian and Turkic.

The people of Kokand often resisted heavy taxes and forced labor. There were many uprisings, such as the Osh revolt in 1845 and the rebellion led by Pulat Khan in the 1870s.

In 1876, the Russian Empire invaded and ended the Kokand Khanate. Its lands became part of the Fergana Oblast in Russian Turkestan.

## Other websites

- Manuscripts of the Ferghana Valley – British Library Endangered Archives Programme
- Kokand Khanate history resources at Internet Archive

## Infobox (country)

- **conventional long name**: Khanate of Kokand
- **common name**: Kokand
- **native name**: خان‌نشین خوقند
- **image flag**: Flag of the Khanate of Kokand.svg
- **flag border**: no
- **image map**: Map of the Khanate of Kokand.png
- **religion**: Sunni Islam
- **government type**: Monarchy
- **status**: Khanate
- **year end**: 1876
- **year start**: 1709
- **image map caption**: Map of the Khanate of Kokand and its territorial acquisitions
- **common languages**: Persian language, Persian (official, court, administration, literature, historiography)
Chagatai language, Chagatai Turkic (secondary language, literature)
- **title leader**: Khan (title), Khan
- **year leader1**: 1709–1722
- **leader1**: Shahrukh of Kokand, Shahrukh Biy
- **year leader2**: 1876
- **leader2**: Nasruddin Khan
- **p1**: Khanate of Bukhara
- **s1**: Fergana Oblast
- **flag p1**: Flag of the Emirate of Bukhara.svg
- **flag s1**: Flag of the Russian Empire (black-yellow-white).svg
- **today**: Uzbekistan
History of Uzbekistan

The **History of Uzbekistan** covers the past of the land that is today Uzbekistan. The region has been home to many cultures and empires. It was an important part of the Silk Road that linked China and Europe. Merchants, scholars, and travelers passed through the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva for more than two thousand years.

In ancient times, the land was part of Sogdiana and Bactria. These were rich areas with trade and farming. Alexander the Great conquered the region in the 4th century BC. Later, it became part of the Persian Empire and then the Arab Caliphate. Islam spread in the 7th and 8th centuries, and cities like Samarkand and Bukhara became centers of learning. Famous scholars such as Al-Biruni and Avicenna came from this region.

In the 9th and 10th centuries, the Samanid dynasty ruled. They made Bukhara a capital of Persian culture. Later, the land was taken by the Karakhanids and the Khwarazmian Empire. In the 13th century, the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan invaded and destroyed many cities. The Mongols ruled for more than a century, but trade along the Silk Road continued.

In the 14th century, Timur (also called Tamerlane) built a large empire from Samarkand. He made Samarkand a famous city of art and science. After Timur, his descendants ruled the Timurid dynasty. Scholars like Ulugh Beg built observatories and studied astronomy. The Timurid period is remembered as a golden age of culture in Central Asia.

In the 16th century, Uzbek tribes came into the region. They founded the Khanate of Bukhara, the Khanate of Khiva, and later the Kokand Khanate. These states ruled different parts of Uzbekistan until the 19th century. They often fought each other and also traded with Russia and Persia. The khanates built mosques, madrasas, and palaces, many of which still stand today.

In the 19th century, the Russian Empire expanded into Central Asia. By 1876, all of Uzbekistan was under Russian control. It became part of Russian Turkestan. Russian rule brought new railways, cotton farming, and military forts. Many local people resisted Russian power, and there were uprisings in the Fergana Valley and other places.

After the Russian Revolution of 1917, the land became the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic in 1924. During the Soviet Union, Uzbekistan was a center for cotton farming and industry. The Soviets built factories, schools, and new cities, but also forced collectivization of farms. Many people suffered during Stalin’s rule. In World War II, thousands of Uzbek soldiers fought for the Soviet Union, and refugees from western parts of the USSR were moved to Uzbekistan.

In 1991, Uzbekistan became independent after the fall of the Soviet Union. Since then, it has been a republic with Tashkent as its capital. The first president was Islam Karimov, who ruled until 2016. Modern Uzbekistan is known for its history, culture, and monuments from the Silk Road. Today, Uzbekistan is building its economy, opening to tourism, and restoring historic sites in Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva.

## Other websites

- Uzbekistan history resources at Internet Archive
- History of Uzbekistan references at Google Books
Fast & Furious

***Fast & Furious*** is an American action media franchise centered on a series of movies revolving around illegal street racing, heists, and espionage. It began in 2001 with _The Fast and the Furious_, directed by Rob Cohen. The initial movie focused on the underground street racing culture in Los Angeles and introduced characters like Dominic Toretto (played by Vin Diesel) and Brian O'Conner (played by Paul Walker).

## Movies

- _The Fast and the Furious_ (2001)

- _2 Fast 2 Furious_ (2003)

- _The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift_ (2006)

- _Fast & Furious_ (2009)

- _Fast Five_ (2011)

- _Fast & Furious 6_ (2013)

- _Furious 7_ (2015)

- _The Fate of the Furious_ (2017)

- _F9_ (2021)

- _Fast X_ (2023)

### Spin-offs and related media

- _Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw_ (2019)

The franchise also includes video games, animated series, and various merchandise.

## Themes and style

The series is known for its high-octane action sequences, car races, elaborate heists, and an emphasis on family and loyalty. Over the years, it has evolved from street racing to include more elaborate plots involving global threats and espionage.

## Cultural impact

The _Fast & Furious_ franchise has had a significant cultural impact, influencing car culture and becoming a global phenomenon with a diverse fan base. Its blend of adrenaline, action, and themes of family has resonated with audiences worldwide.
Khanate of Khiva

The **Khanate of Khiva** () () was a state in Central Asia. It lasted from 1511 until 1920. The capital was Khiva. The khanate included lands that are today part of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.

The Khanate of Khiva was founded by Ilbars I in 1511. It was ruled by the Shibanid dynasty, who were descendants of Genghis Khan. Later, the Qungrat dynasty took power in the 18th century. The khanate often fought with the Khanate of Bukhara and the Kokand Khanate.

Khiva was an important center of trade on the Silk Road. Merchants came from Persia, Russia, and India. The khans built mosques, madrasas, and palaces. The old city of Khiva, called Itchan Kala, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The khanate was also known for slavery. Many Persians, Russians, and Kazakhs were captured and sold in Khiva’s slave markets. This caused wars with Russia in the 18th and 19th centuries. Russian armies invaded several times, and in 1873 Khiva became a protectorate of the Russian Empire.

In 1920, the last khan was removed by the Red Army. The khanate was replaced by the Khorezm People’s Soviet Republic, which later became part of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic.

## Other websites

- Itchan Kala – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Khanate of Khiva history resources at Internet Archive
Karakhanid dynasty

The **Karakhanid dynasty** () () was a Turkic dynasty that ruled parts of Central Asia between the 9th and 12th centuries. Their lands included Transoxiana, Fergana Valley, and parts of Kashgar and Balasagun.

The Karakhanids were the first Turkic dynasty to convert to Islam. In 960, the khan Satuq Bughra Khan and his people accepted Islam. This made the dynasty important in the spread of Islam among Turkic peoples.

The dynasty was founded by Turkic tribes from the steppes. They were related to the Karluks and other nomadic groups. Their capital cities included Balasagun and Kashgar.

The Karakhanids ruled Transoxiana after the fall of the Samanid dynasty. They took Bukhara in 999 and made it one of their main cities.

The dynasty was divided into eastern and western branches. The eastern branch ruled in Kashgar and Balasagun, while the western branch ruled in Samarkand and Bukhara. They often fought each other, but both branches supported Islamic culture.

Under the Karakhanids, many mosques, madrasas, and palaces were built. The famous Kalyan Minaret in Bukhara was started during their rule.

By the 12th century, the dynasty became weaker. Their lands were taken by the Seljuk Empire and later by the Khwarazmian dynasty.

## Other websites

- Karakhanid dynasty resources at Internet Archive
- Karakhanid dynasty references at Google Books
Khwarazmian dynasty

The **Khwarazmian dynasty** () () was a Turkic-Persian dynasty that ruled Khorezm and much of Central Asia between the 11th and 13th centuries. Their capital was Gurganj (Urgench).

The dynasty began when Anush Tigin Gharchai, a former slave of the Seljuk Empire, became governor of Khorezm in 1077. His descendants became independent rulers and expanded their lands. The Khwarazmians were first loyal to the Seljuks, but later they became independent and powerful.

By the 12th century, the Khwarazmians controlled Transoxiana, Khorezm, and parts of Persia. Under rulers like Ala ad-Din Tekish (1172–1200) and his son Ala ad-Din Muhammad II (1200–1220), the dynasty became one of the strongest states in the Islamic world. They fought wars with the Ghurid dynasty, the Qara Khitai, and the Karakhanids.

The Khwarazmians built mosques, madrasas, and palaces. Their cities, especially Gurganj, were centers of trade and culture. Merchants came from Persia, India, and Russia. Scholars wrote in Persian and Arabic, and Islamic law was used in government.

The dynasty reached its height under Ala ad-Din Muhammad II. He ruled lands from the Aral Sea to the Persian Gulf. But his empire was unstable. Heavy taxes and wars made many people unhappy. The Khwarazmians also had conflicts with the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad.

In 1218, Genghis Khan sent traders to Khwarazm. They were killed by the governor of Otrar. This led to the Mongol invasion. In 1220–1221, the Mongols destroyed Khwarazm’s cities, including Bukhara, Samarkand, and Gurganj. Tens of Millions of people were killed, and the empire collapsed.

The last Khwarazmian ruler, Jalal ad-Din Mingburnu, fought against the Mongols after 1221. He won some battles, such as at Parwan in Afghanistan, but later lost. He fled to Persia and India, where he tried to rebuild power. He died in 1231, ending the dynasty.

## Other websites

- Khwarazmian dynasty resources at Internet Archive
- Khwarazmian dynasty references at Google Books
Transoxiana

**Transoxiana** (; ; ) is the historic name for the land between the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers in Central Asia. The name means "beyond the river" in Latin, referring to lands beyond the Oxus (Amu Darya). In Persian and Arabic, it was called *Mā warāʾ al-nahr* ("land beyond the river").

Today, this area is mostly in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, southern Kazakhstan, and parts of Kyrgyzstan. Transoxiana was an important part of the Silk Road, with famous cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Tashkent.

## Ancient times

In ancient history, Transoxiana was part of Sogdiana and Bactria. Alexander the Great conquered the region in the 4th century BC. Later it was ruled by the Seleucid Empire, the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom, and the Kushan Empire.

## Middle Ages

In the 7th and 8th centuries, Arab armies conquered Transoxiana. Islam spread quickly, and cities like Samarkand and Bukhara became centers of learning.
The Samanid dynasty ruled in the 9th and 10th centuries, making Bukhara a center of Persian literature and science. Later, the Karakhanid dynasty and the Khwarazmian dynasty controlled the region.

## Mongol period

In 1220–1221, the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan invaded Transoxiana. Cities like Bukhara and Samarkand were destroyed. Trade continued under Mongol rule, but many people were killed.

## Timurid period

In the 14th century, Timur (Tamerlane) made Samarkand his capital. He built a large empire and made Transoxiana a center of art and science. His grandson Ulugh Beg built an observatory in Samarkand.

## Early modern period

In the 16th century, Uzbek tribes took control of Transoxiana. They founded the Khanate of Bukhara, the Khanate of Khiva, and later the Kokand Khanate. These states ruled until the 19th century.

## Russian period

In the 19th century, the Russian Empire invaded Central Asia. By 1876, Transoxiana was part of Russian Turkestan. Russian rule brought railways, cotton farming, and new cities, but also uprisings and resistance.

## Soviet period

After the Russian Revolution of 1917, Transoxiana became part of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic and the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic. During the Soviet Union, the region was used for cotton farming and industry.

## Modern times

Today, Transoxiana is divided between Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The cities of Samarkand and Bukhara are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

## Other websites

- Transoxiana history resources at Internet Archive
- Transoxiana references at Google Books
Fergana Valley

The **Fergana Valley** is a fertile region in Central Asia. It lies between the Tien Shan and Pamir-Alay mountains, mostly in Uzbekistan, but also in parts of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The valley is about 300 kilometers long and 170 kilometers wide, with an area of 22,000 square kilometers. It is watered by the Naryn River and the Kara Darya, which join to form the Syr Darya. Because of its fertile soil, the valley has been one of the most densely populated regions in Central Asia for more than 2,000 years.

The Fergana Valley was part of ancient Sogdiana and later the Kushan Empire. It was famous for farming, especially fruit and cotton, and for trade along the Silk Road. Chinese sources from the 2nd century BCE mention the valley as a land of horses and rich harvests. In the Middle Ages, the valley was ruled by the Karakhanid dynasty and later the Timurid dynasty. In the 18th century, the Kokand Khanate was founded in the valley, with its capital at Kokand.

In the 19th century, the valley was taken by the Russian Empire, and later it became part of Russian Turkestan. During the Soviet Union, the valley was divided between Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Cotton farming was expanded, and new industries were built. After 1991, the valley remained divided among the three independent countries.
Ilkhanate

The **Ilkhanate** (; ) was a Mongol state that ruled Persia, Iraq, Caucasus, and parts of Anatolia and Central Asia from 1256 to 1335. It was founded by Hulagu Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan, after his campaigns in the Middle East. The name "Ilkhan" means "subordinate khan," showing that the rulers were at first loyal to the Great Khan in Mongolia.

Hulagu began his campaigns in 1253 under orders from his brother Möngke Khan. In 1256, he destroyed the Nizari Ismaili state in Persia, ending the power of the Assassins. In 1258, he captured Baghdad and killed the last Abbasid Caliph, ending the Abbasid Caliphate. This shocked the Islamic world, but it gave the Mongols control of Mesopotamia.

The Ilkhanate’s capital was first at Maragheh, then at Tabriz, and later at Soltaniyeh. The state covered most of modern Iran, Iraq, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and parts of Turkey and Afghanistan. Hulagu and his successors fought wars against the Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt, but they were defeated at the Battle of Ain Jalut in 1260. This was the first major Mongol defeat in the Middle East.

The Ilkhanate was at first religiously diverse. Hulagu’s wife Dokuz Khatun was a Christian, and many Mongols followed Buddhism or Tengrism. In 1295, Khan Ghazan converted to Islam and made it the official religion. This helped the Ilkhanate gain support from the local population. Ghazan also reformed taxes, supported Persian culture, and encouraged historians like Rashid al-Din, who wrote the famous _Jami al-Tawarikh_ ("Compendium of Chronicles").

Under Ghazan and his successor Öljeitü, the Ilkhanate reached its height. They built mosques, palaces, and the great city of Soltaniyeh, which became a center of art and architecture. Trade grew with Europe, especially with Italian merchants from Genoa and Venice. The Ilkhanate tried to form alliances with Christian Europe against the Mamluks, but these plans never succeeded.

After the death of Khan Abu Sa'id in 1335, the Ilkhanate broke apart. Without a strong ruler, local dynasties such as the Jalayirids, Chobanids, and Muzaffarids took power in Persia. The Mongol elite were absorbed into Persian society, and the Ilkhanate disappeared as an independent state.
Karluks

**Karluk people** (also called Qarluqs or Qarluks) were a Turkic tribal confederation in Central Asia. They first appeared in records in the 5th century CE, and by the 7th century they were known as the "Three Karluks" (Uch-Karluk), made up of the Bulak, Chigil, and Tashlyk tribes.

The Karluks were part of the Göktürk Khaganate, but later they joined with the Uighurs and Basmyls to overthrow the Eastern Turks in 742. After this, the Karluks became an important power in the steppes. Their leaders held the title "yabgu," and in 756 they founded the Karluk Yabgu State, which lasted until the 10th century.

The Karluks played a major role in the Battle of Talas in 751, where they allied with the Abbasid Caliphate against the Tang dynasty. This battle was important because it helped spread Islam and paper technology into Central Asia. Over time, many Karluks converted to Islam, though earlier they had practiced Tengrism and sometimes Nestorian Christianity.

The Karluks gave their name to the Karluk languages, which include Uzbek, Uyghur, and Ili Turki. Later dynasties such as the Karakhanid dynasty were founded by Karluk leaders. The Karluks were eventually absorbed into the Chagatai Khanate of the Mongol Empire, but their influence continued through language and culture.
Malik Asghar Ali Qaisar

Malik Asghar Ali Qaiser (born 6 March 1965) is a Pakistani lawyer and politician, who served as a Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) of Punjab from 2002 to 2007. He was elected from PP-69 (Faisalabad-XIX) as a candidate of the Pakistan Peoples Party (Parliamentarians).
Uyghur Khaganate

The **Uyghur Khaganate** was a Turkic empire in Central Asia that lasted from 744 to 840 CE. It was founded after the fall of the Göktürk Khaganate, when the Uyghurs, together with the Basmyls and Karluks, defeated the Göktürks. The Uyghurs then became the strongest power in the Mongolian steppe.

The first khagan was Qutlugh Bilge Köl, who established the capital at Ötüken. Later, the Uyghurs built a new capital called Ordu-Baliq (also known as Khar Balgas) in the Orkhon Valley. The empire covered much of modern Mongolia and parts of northern China. The Uyghurs were originally part of the Tiele tribes, but rose to power by allying with the Tang dynasty of China.

The Uyghur Khaganate was known for its religious diversity. In 762, the khagan officially adopted Manichaeism as the state religion, making the Uyghurs unique among Turkic peoples. Other religions such as Tengrism, Buddhism, and Nestorian Christianity were also practiced. The Uyghurs developed their own script, based on the Sogdian alphabet, which later influenced Mongolian writing.

The Uyghurs played an important role in the Silk Road trade. They acted as middlemen between China, Persia, and the Islamic world, carrying silk, horses, and other goods. They also helped the Tang dynasty suppress the An Lushan Rebellion in the 750s, which gave them great influence in Chinese politics.

The Khaganate lasted for almost a century. In 840, it was destroyed by the Yenisei Kyrgyz, who invaded Mongolia and burned Ordu-Baliq. After this defeat, many Uyghurs migrated south. Some settled in the Tarim Basin, where they founded new states in cities like Turfan and Qocho. Others moved to Gansu, where they lived under Chinese influence.

The Uyghur Khaganate is remembered as one of the most important Turkic empires of the early Middle Ages. It influenced religion, writing, and trade in Central Asia, and its legacy continued in the Uyghur states of the Tarim Basin and in the culture of modern Uyghur people.
Hamilton New Zealand Temple

The **Hamilton New Zealand Temple**, originally known as the **New Zealand Temple**, is a temple for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) to perform sacred religious rituals, known as "ordinances". A temple is thought of as a "holy house of the Lord" in which members can perform ordinances, endowments, and ceremonies. Work began on the temple on 21 December 1955, and was finished and dedicated by the church president David O. McKay in April 1958. The temple was the first to have been built in New Zealand, and was the only one in New Zealand until the Auckland temple was dedicated in 2025. The temple is located in the Hamilton suburb of Temple View, which was founded in the 1950s while the temple was being built.

## History

Temples are believed by members of the LDS Church to be sacred, holy houses of the Lord. They are private to the public, and access is only given to members who have special permission called "temple recommends". When the construction of a temple is complete, it is open to public tours for a limited time.

The New Zealand Temple was announced by the president of the church, David O. McKay, on 17 February 1955. The building work was done by paid contractors and over 500 labour missionaries, members of the church who volunteer to build the temple. The missionaries received gifts from local members of the church, such as food and drink, money, and temporary housing. During its construction, trade union leaders fought with the local church government to pay the missionaries a wage for their work; the missionaries received a weekly 10 shilling allowance ( in 2025) for essentials.

Construction was complete in March 1958, with the temple being open to the public from 28 March until its dedication. Over 112,000 members of the public visited and toured the building. It was dedicated on 20 April 1958 by David O. McKay.

## Temple details

The temple is made from concrete and steel, and has a land area of . The temple is  tall. The temple was the first LDS temple built in New Zealand, the 13th temple built in the world, and the first temple built in the Southern Hemisphere.

The temple has eight rooms for religious ordinances and rituals: five rooms are called "sealing rooms", where members of the church are married eternally; two "instruction rooms", where members learn about God and make covenants with him; and one baptistery, a room for performing baptisms for those who have died.
Centre for the Study of Developing Societies

The **Centre for the Study of Developing Societies** (**CSDS**) is a social sciences and humanities research centre in New Delhi, India.

## History

The Centre for the Study of Developing Societies was established by Rajni Kothari in 1963. It is financed primarily by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). In order to start the CSDS, Kothari quit his job as assistant director of the National Institute of Community Development in 1963.  It was once located in a structure in Delhi's Indraprastha Estate that belonged to the Indian Adult Education Association. CSDS relocated to its current site in 1966–1967.

Mahmood Mamdani, a political scientist and anthropologist, father of Zohran Mamdani was the Rajni Kothari Chair Professor at the CSDS from December 2017 to March 2018. He gave the yearly Rajni Kothari Chair lecture on "Thinking of Justice through Africa's Experience in the 20th Century" on April 4, 2018, following the conclusion of his term.

The CSDS received a show-cause notice from the ICSSR in August 2025, citing several administrative and financial irregularities as well as grant-in-aid regulation violations. The notice claimed that in an attempt to "malign the reputation and image" of the Election Commission of India (ECI), CSDS had disseminated false election data regarding the 2024 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly election and provided a biassed interpretation of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar. Later media reports state that the ICSSR and other examining agencies identified a number of significant issues with the institute's operation, such as financing lapses, data tampering, and a lack of auditing.

## Programmes

Some of the center's programs are:

- Lokniti Programme for Comparative Democracy
- The Sarai Programme
- Indian Language Programme

## Infobox (organization)

- **name**: Centre for the Study of Developing Societies
- **image**: Centre for the Study of Developing Societies logo.png
- **caption**: Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), Delhi
- **abbreviation**: CSDS
- **formation**: 1963
- **founder**: Rajni Kothari
- **type**: Autonomous government research institute
- **purpose**: social sciences and humanities research
- **headquarters**: 29 Rajpur Road, Civil Lines, Delhi, Civil Lines, Delhi - 110054
- **leader title**: Director
- **leader name**: Awadhendra Sharan
- **main organ**: Board of Governors
Mary Ann Crowe

**Mary Ann Maskell Crowe** (born 30 january, 1836, Great Munden, Hertfordshire, England, UK – July 31, 1945, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia) was a verified British supercentenarian, the oldest person on Earth after the death of John Franklow from October 15, 1944 to July 31, 1945. Her age is 109 years and 182 days.

## Biography

She was born on January 30, 1836, in Great Munden, Hertfordshire, England, the second of eleven children of William Maskell (July 19, 1812–1889) and Mary Mallyon (August 26, 1812–1883), who married on December 24, 1833. Some sources indicate her birth date as February 2, 1836. In 1861, she married Peter Crowe (1839–1907), who became a dairy farmer in South Hobart. She and her husband arrived in Australia on the SS Patan in november 1884. On October 15, 1944, upon the death of John Franklow, she became the oldest person alive.

## Death

She died on July 31, 1945, at her home at 41 Cascade Road in Hobart, Australia, at the age of 109 years and 182 days. Her death left Rebecca Lees (1837–1946) as the oldest person on Earth. Mary Ann Crowe was the last person born in 1836 and the last person born in Great Britain during the reign of William IV (1830–1837). At the time of her death, she was the 7th oldest person on Earth.

## Health and longevity

- On December 18, 1943, following the death of Anna Wheeler, she became the 3rd oldest person on Earth.
- On December 30, 1943, following the death of Henry King, she became the 2nd oldest person on Earth.
- On October 15, 1944, following the death of John Franklow, Mary Ann Crowe became the oldest person on Earth and the last person born in 1836.
- On January 30, 1945, Mary Ann Crowe turned 109.
- On February 13, 1945, she surpassed Rachel MacArthur in age.
- On February 23, 1945, she surpassed Maria Fedela Montemurro in age.
- On June 17, 1945, she surpassed John Franklow in age.

## Infobox (person)

- **birth name**: Mary Ann Maskell
- **birth date**: January 30, 30 January 1836
- **birth place**: Great Munden, Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom, UK
- **death date**: July 31, 31 July 1945
- **death place**: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- **known for**: *Oldest known living person (15 October 1944 – 31 July 1945)
- **spouse**: Peter Crowe (m. 1861; died 1907)
- **children**: 10
Dear X (TV series)

**Dear X** is a South Korean television drama series released in 2025 on TVING.  The story is based on the popular Naver webtoon of the same name by Vanziun.  The series follows the rise and fall of Baek Ah-jin, a famous actress whose public image hides deep emotional wounds and a long history of manipulation. _Dear X_ premiered on 6 November 2025 and was also screened earlier at the Busan International Film Festival on 18 September 2025 in the "On Screen" section.

## Plot

Baek Ah-jin is one of the most admired young actresses in South Korea.  Her public personality appears warm and friendly, but her private life shows a different picture. She was shaped by violence, neglect and betrayal during her childhood, and she learned to use people to protect herself.  Her childhood friend Yoon Jun-seo does everything he can to support her, even when her actions become morally darker.  Another figure, Kim Jae-oh, becomes a quiet protector with his own emotional scars.  Im Re-na, a former idol singer trying to enter acting, adds rivalry and pressure.  The series shows the entertainment industry as a place where scandals, media attention and reputation can determine a career.

## Cast

- Kim Yoo-jung as Baek Ah-jin
- Kim Young-dae as Yoon Jun-seo
- Kim Do-hoon as Kim Jae-oh
- Lee Yul-eum as Im Re-na
- Kim Yi-kyung
- Bae Soo-bin
- Kim Yoo-mi
- Kim Ji-young
- Hwang In-youp (guest role)
- Kim Ji-hoon (guest role)

A complete cast list is available on fernsehserien.tv.

## Production

The series was developed by Studio Dragon and produced by Monster Union and Siwoo Company.  Most filming took place in Seoul and in studio environments commonly used for South Korean TV productions.  The webtoon author Vanziun was credited as part of the writing team together with Choi Ja-won.

## Release

The first public screening was at the Busan International Film Festival on 18 September 2025.  It began streaming on TVING on 6 November 2025.  In selected regions, the series was made available on HBO Max and on the global streaming platform Viki.

## External links

- Dear X at fernsehserien.tv

## Infobox (television)

- **name**: Dear X
- **caption**: Promotional poster
- **genre**: Melodrama, Romance, Thriller
- **based on**: _Dear X_ (Naver Webtoon) by Vanziun
- **country**: South Korea
- **language**: Korean
- **num seasons**: 1
- **num episodes**: 12
- **runtime**: approx. 70 minutes
- **company**: Monster Union, Siwoo Company
- **network**: TVING
- **first aired**: 6 November 2025
- **written by**: Choi Ja-won, Vanziun
- **directed by**: Lee Eung-bok, Park So-hyun
Delhi Crime

**Delhi Crime** is an Indian crime anthology series released on Netflix.
Each season tells a different story based on real investigations by the Delhi Police.
The series started on 22 March 2019 and became known for its realistic style and documentary-like presentation of police work.
Season 3 was released in several countries in November 2025.

## Plot

_Delhi Crime_ follows different police units in India’s capital as they work on real criminal cases.
Season 3 begins with a small incident: an injured baby is found, and the mother is missing.
The case quickly turns into a large investigation involving human trafficking networks.
Deputy Commissioner Vartika Chaturvedi and her team follow leads into marriage markets in North India and into organised exploitation.
Neeti and Bhupi investigate parallel tracks while facing political pressure.
The antagonist Meena uses gaps in the system to protect her operations.
The season focuses on slow, methodical police work and shows how difficult it is to fight well-hidden criminal groups.

## Cast

- **Shefali Shah** as Vartika Chaturvedi
- **Rasika Dugal** as Neeti Singh
- **Rajesh Tailang** as Bhupendra Singh
- **Huma Qureshi** (Season 3)
- **Jaya Bhattacharya**
- **Anuraag Arora**
- **Sayani Gupta**
- **Mita Vashisht**
- **Denzil Smith**
- **Yashaswini Dayama**
- **Sidharth Bhardwaj**

A full cast list is available on fernsehserien.tv.

## Production

Season 1 was created by Richie Mehta and is based on the 2012 Delhi gang rape case.
Later seasons follow different cases with new writers and directors.
Season 3 was led by showrunner Tanuj Chopra.
Filming mainly took place in Delhi and nearby regions to keep the setting close to the real cases.

## Reception

The series received international praise for its realistic tone, detailed police procedures and focus on social issues.
Season 3 kept the slow and serious style, using minimal music and a documentary approach.
Critics highlighted Shefali Shah’s performance and the tension created through small details rather than shock scenes.
Many reviewers also noted that the story shows systemic problems without sensationalism.

## External links

- Delhi Crime at fernsehserien.tv

## Infobox (television)

- **name**: Delhi Crime
- **caption**: Official poster
- **genre**: Crime, Drama, Anthology
- **based on**: Real investigations by Delhi Police
- **written by**: Richie Mehta (Season 1), Tanuj Chopra (Season 3)
- **directed by**: Richie Mehta, Tanuj Chopra
- **country**: India
- **language**: Hindi
- **num seasons**: 3
- **num episodes**: 13
- **runtime**: 45–60 minutes
- **company**: Golden Karavan, Ivanhoe Pictures, Film Karavan
- **network**: Netflix
- **first aired**: 22 March 2019
Robin Hood (2025 TV series)

**Robin Hood** is a 2025 television drama series released on MGM+.
The show tells a new version of the famous English legend of Robin Hood.
The series follows Rob, the son of a Saxon forester, who rises against Norman rulers and becomes a symbol of resistance in Sherwood Forest.
It was filmed in Serbia and made with a grounded, realistic medieval style.
The cast includes Jack Patten as Robin, Lauren McQueen as Marian, and Sean Bean as the Sheriff of Nottingham.

## Plot

The story begins with Rob, a young Saxon man whose family suffers under Norman occupation.
After a personal loss, he joins a small group of outlaws hiding in Sherwood Forest.
Marian, the daughter of a Norman lord, secretly supports him and becomes an important ally.
Together, they fight corruption, heavy taxes and political schemes that divide the kingdom.
Rob slowly becomes the leader of the group and a symbol of hope for the common people.
The Sheriff of Nottingham, played by Sean Bean, uses brutal tactics to hunt him, which pushes the conflict toward open rebellion.

## Cast

- **Jack Patten** as Robin
- **Lauren McQueen** as Marian
- **Sean Bean** as the Sheriff of Nottingham
- **Lydia Peckham**
- **Marcus Fraser**
- **Angus Castle-Doughty**
- **Connie Nielsen**
- **Richard Lintern**
- **Erica Ford**
- **Ryan Gage**
- **Oscar Salem**
- **Miloš Timotijević**
- **Tamara Radovanović**
- **Graeme Thomas King**
- **Tom Mison**
- **Anastasia Griffith**

A complete cast list is available at fernsehserien.tv.

## Production

The series was filmed mainly in Serbia, using outdoor locations and sets designed to resemble 12th-century England.
Jonathan English served as director and co-writer, with cinematography by Ivan Kostic.

## External links

- Robin Hood (2025) at fernsehserien.tv

## Infobox (television)

- **name**: Robin Hood
- **caption**: Official series poster
- **genre**: Drama, Adventure
- **based on**: Legend of Robin Hood
- **written by**: John Glenn, Jonathan English
- **directed by**: Jonathan English
- **country**: United States, Serbia
- **language**: English
- **num seasons**: 1
- **num episodes**: 10
- **runtime**: approx. 50 minutes
- **company**: Balkanic Media, Hidden Pictures, PFI Studios, Lionsgate Television
- **network**: MGM+
- **first aired**: 2 November 2025
Shah Bano case

**The Shah Bano case** was a Mohammad Ahmad Khan versus Shah Bano Begum case (1985). In this contentious maintenance case in India, the Supreme Court ruled in support of paying maintenance to a Muslim woman who had been wrongfully divorced. The most contentious part of the law that the government passed was the right to maintenance during the _iddat_ period following a divorce and the transfer of the maintenance obligation to the woman's family or the Waqf Board. It denied Muslim women their right to basic maintenance under secular law and hence, the law was viewed as discriminatory.

In 1978, Shah Bano Begum, a resident of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, was divorced by her husband. She received the right to alimony from her husband after filing a criminal lawsuit in the Supreme Court of India.  Nonetheless, a push to overturn the ruling was launched by a few Muslim MPs.  The woman in this case received a favourable ruling, which sparked criticism among Muslims. Some of them demonstrated in protest, that the ruling was against Islamic law by citing the Qur'an. It sparked debate on the degree to which India's many religions have distinct civil codes.

The Congress government passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986 with an absolute majority, diluting the Supreme Court's ruling and limiting Muslim divorced women's right to alimony from their ex-husbands to ninety days following the divorce (the "iddah]]" period in Islamic law) due to the case. The Supreme Court of India however, interpreted the act in a way that reassured the validity of the case in later rulings, such as _Danial Latifi versus Union of India_ and _Shamima Farooqui vrrsus Shahid Khan_. As a result, the Shah Bano ruling was upheld, and the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act 1986 seemed invalid. The Supreme Court's decision to grant a divorced Muslim woman an absolute right to maintenance was endorsed by some Muslim groups, such as the All India Shia Personal Law Board.

## Infobox (court case)

- **name**: Mohammed Ahmad Khan (The Union) v. Shah Bano Begum
- **court**: Supreme Court of India
- **full name**: Mohd. Ahmad Khan v. Shah Bano Begum And Ors
- **citations**: 1985 (1) SCALE 767; 1985 (3) SCR 844; 1985 (2) SCC 556; AIR 1985 SC 945
- **judges**: Y. V. Chandrachud (Chief Justice), Rangnath Misra, D A Desai, O Chinnappa Reddy, E S Venkataramiah
- **number of judges**: 5
- **decision by**: Y. V. Chandrachud (Chief Justice)
- **prior actions**: Criminal Revision No. 320 of 1979, Madhya Pradesh High Court
- **opinions**: A woman has a right to claim maintenance under Section 125 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, CrPC as the Code is a criminal law and not a civil law.
- **lawsapplied**: Code of Criminal Procedure (India), Indian Penal Code.
Mani (musician)

**Gary** "**Mani**" **Mounfield** (16 November 1962 – 20 November 2025) was an English rock bassist. He was best known for being a member of the Stone Roses and Primal Scream.

Mounfield died on 20 November 2025 in Stockport, Greater Manchester, four days after his 63rd birthday.

## Other websites

- Official websites: Primal Scream The Stone Roses
- Official website celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Stone Roses' debut album

## Infobox (musical artist)

- **name**: Gary Mounfield
- **image**: Mani accepts award copy (cropped).jpg
- **caption**: Mani in 2022
- **alias**: Mani
- **birth place**: Crumpsall, Manchester, England
- **death place**: Stockport, Greater Manchester, England
- **instrument**: Bass guitar
- **occupation**: Musician
- **years active**: 1987–2025
Aftyn Behn

**Aftyn Alyssa Behn** (born November 24, 1989) is an American politician who has been a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives since 2023. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Behn was the Democratic nominee in the 2025 special election for .

Behn was born on November 24, 1989 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

## Other websites

- Aftyn for Congress campaign website
- Representative Aftyn Behn legislative website

## Infobox (officeholder)

- **name**: Aftyn Behn
- **image**: Rep. Aftyn Behn.jpg
- **caption**: Behn in 2025
- **state house**: Tennessee
- **district**: 51st
- **term start**: October 4, 2023
- **predecessor**: Anthony Davis (politician), Anthony Davis
- **birth place**: Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S.
- **party**: Democratic Party (United States), Democratic
- **education**: University of Texas, Austin (Bachelor of Arts, BA, Master of Social Work, MSW)
1790s BC

The **1790s BC** was a decade lasting from January 1, 1799 BC to December 31, 1790 BC. During this decade, the Near East was in the midst of the Middle Bronze Age.
Yi Zhou

**Yi Zhou** () (born 1978) is a Chinese movie director, writer, model, producer and multimedia artist. In 2024, Yi Zhou released her first documentary movie _In Between Stars and Scars: Masters of Cinema_.

Yi Zhou is represented by WME IMG Endeavor and Select Models.

In 2022, Yi Zhou worked with the United Nations to create a campaign to promote peace.

## Infobox (person)

- **name**: Yi Zhou
- **native name**: 周依
- **native name lang**: zh
- **image**: Yi Zhou 2017.jpg
- **caption**: Yi Zhou in 2017
- **birth place**: Shanghai, China
- **occupation**: Director, writer, model, producer, artist
Türgesh Khaganate

The **Turgesh Khanate** was a Turkic state in Central Asia that lasted from 699 to 766 CE. It was founded after the fall of the Western Turkic Khaganate, when the Turgesh tribes, part of the On Oq confederation, rose to power in the Ili River valley. Their capital was at Suyab and later Taraz.

The Turgesh were originally part of the Duolu wing of the Western Turks. After the collapse of the Western Turkic Khaganate, their leader Üch Elig declared himself khagan in 699. The Turgesh controlled much of modern Kazakhstan and parts of Kyrgyzstan. They were known for their cavalry and their ability to resist both the Tang dynasty of China and the Umayyad Caliphate.

In the early 8th century, the Turgesh fought against Arab armies during the Muslim conquest of Transoxiana. They played a major role in the resistance of Central Asian peoples against Arab expansion. The Turgesh khagans often switched alliances between the Tang dynasty and the Arabs, trying to keep their independence. Their most famous ruler was Suluk, who reigned from 715 to 738. Suluk led campaigns against the Arabs and became known as a defender of Transoxiana.

The Turgesh were also rivals of the Karluks, another Turkic group. After Suluk’s death, the khaganate weakened due to internal conflicts and pressure from both the Arabs and the Tang dynasty. In 766, the Karluks defeated the Turgesh and took over their lands, ending the khaganate.
Lake Isabella

**Lake Isabella** (also known as **Isabella Lake**) is a reservoir in Kern County, California, United States. It was formed in 1953 by United States Army Corps of Engineers dammed the Kern River at the junction of its two forks.
Lake Isabella (disambiguation)

**Lake Isabella** is a large man-made reservoir in Kern County, California.

**Lake Isabella** may also refer to:

- Lake Isabella, California, a community in Kern County
- Lake Isabella, Michigan, a village
- Lake Isabella Historic Residential District, Florida
- Lake Isabella State Forest, Minnesota

## See also

- Isabella Lake (Alberta), a lake in Canada
- Lake Isabelle, a lake in Dakota County, Minnesota
- Lake Isabel (disambiguation)
Abu Muslim

**Abu Muslim al-Khorasani** (; c. 718–723 – February 755) was a Persian revolutionary and general who played a leading role in the Abbasid Revolution. He organized the Abbasid movement in Khorasan, defeated the Umayyad Caliphate, and helped establish the Abbasid Caliphate in 750 CE.

## Early life

Abu Muslim’s exact origins are uncertain. Some sources say he was born in Merv, others in Isfahan. He may have been of Persian descent, possibly from a family of clients (_mawālī_) under the Umayyads. By the early 740s, he was connected with Abbasid agents and became a trusted organizer of their underground movement in Khorasan.

## Role in the Abbasid Revolution

In 747, Abu Muslim raised the **black banners** in Khorasan, calling for the overthrow of the Umayyads. His forces defeated Umayyad armies in several battles, including the decisive **Battle of the Zab** in 750, which ended Umayyad rule.

Abu Muslim became governor of Khorasan under the Abbasids. He was admired for his charisma and military skill, but also feared for his power. His leadership united Persians, Arabs, and Central Asian peoples under the Abbasid cause.

## Death

In 755, Caliph al-Mansur grew suspicious of Abu Muslim’s influence. He summoned him to Al-Mada'in and had him executed. Abu Muslim’s death shocked his followers and led to later revolts in his name, as many considered him a hero of Persian and Khorasani identity.

## Legacy

Abu Muslim is remembered as one of the most important figures in early Islamic history. He was the **architect of the Abbasid victory**, and his name became legendary in Persian and Central Asian traditions. Later movements, including Shi‘a and Persian nationalist groups, often invoked his memory.

## Infobox (person)

- **name**: Abu Muslim al-Khorasani
- **image**: Portrait_of_Abu_Muslim_(d._755)_from_the_genealogy_(silsilanāma),_Cream_of_Histories_(Zübdet-üt_Tevarih,_1598).jpg
- **caption**: Traditional depiction of Abu Muslim
- **birth date**: c. 718–723
- **birth place**: Merv or Isfahan, Persia
- **death date**: February 755
- **death place**: Al-Mada'in, Iraq
- **nationality**: Persian
- **other names**: Abd al-Rahman ibn Muslim al-Khorasani
- **known for**: Leader of the Abbasid Revolution
- **occupation**: Military commander, revolutionary