175/ Beekeeping, Bosnia & in the End Times w/ Larisa Jašarević
Nov 1, 2024
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Larisa Jašarević, an anthropologist and author of "Beekeeping in the End Times," dives into the rich interplay between beekeeping, culture, and climate change. She discusses personal stories from Bosnia and Armenia, revealing how religious beliefs shape our relationship with bees. The conversation touches on the importance of traditional knowledge and community responsibility in environmental stewardship. Jašarević also tackles climate's toll on mental health in youth, connecting it to broader spiritual narratives and hope amidst crises.
Larisa Jašarević's exploration of the connection between beekeeping and Islamic eschatology reveals how faith influences environmental stewardship and survival.
The podcast highlights beekeepers as frontline observers of climate change, showcasing their critical role in understanding ecological shifts through traditional practices.
A call to revive lost cultural traditions around beekeeping emphasizes the importance of community, identity, and ecological responsibility in facing climate challenges.
Deep dives
Introduction to Beekeeping in the End Times
The discussion centers around a newly published book titled 'Beekeeping in the End Times,' highlighting how it addresses the challenges faced by beekeepers in light of climate change. The author, an anthropologist, reveals her personal journey of returning to her father's ancestral village in Bosnia, where she conducts research on local beekeeping practices. The book elaborates on how honeybees respond to the effects of climate change, particularly in terms of their interactions with blooming plants and the nutritional resources they require. It dives into the larger existential questions and societal implications of climate change, particularly through the lens of Islamic eschatology.
The Role of Religion in Beekeeping
The podcast emphasizes the intertwining of religious beliefs and beekeeping practices, showcasing how faith influences the relationship between beekeepers and their bees. The author discusses how Islamic narratives about the end of the world shape the understanding and reverence for honeybees, which are seen as essential to survival. The conversation draws parallels between the practices of beekeepers in Bosnia and those of Armenian traditions, revealing an underlying spiritual connection to nature that transcends cultures. This shared reverence highlights the significance of ecological stewardship across different faiths and traditions.
Observations of Climate Change by Beekeepers
The podcast highlights that beekeepers are some of the first to observe the realities of climate change, thanks to their intimate relationship with the natural world. Beekeepers note drastic shifts in flower blooming schedules and nectar availability, which directly impacts the health and productivity of their hives. The author points out how traditional practices of seasonal migration with bees have become less effective due to changing climates, forcing beekeepers to adapt continuously. This grassroots knowledge showcases the critical role of beekeepers as stewards of ecological health and their ability to provide valuable insights regarding environmental changes.
Cultural Traditions and Connection to Land
Cultural traditions around beekeeping emphasize a deep connection to the land that is increasingly being lost in modern society. The conversation recalls how honeybees and the agricultural practices tied to them have historically been intertwined with community and identity, particularly in rural settings. There is concern that contemporary lifestyles are distancing individuals from these traditions, leading to a loss of ecological knowledge and communal ties. The author argues for the importance of reviving and maintaining these traditions as a way to foster resilience and ensure stewardship of the environment amid challenges posed by climate change.
Hope, Faith, and Action in the Face of Crisis
The discussion underscores the necessity of holding onto hope and faith as humanity faces the realities of climate change and ecological crisis. The notion that despair can arise from a lack of faith is explored, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a sense of responsibility towards both our own lives and the non-human beings we share the earth with. The author posits that engagement with one's environment fosters a proactive stance, where individuals can contribute positively rather than succumb to feelings of helplessness. Ultimately, the message advocates for an eco-eschatological perspective, encouraging people to see the interconnectedness of life and the urgency of nurturing it.
For episode 175, Elia Ayoub and Anna (co-host of Obscuristan) are joined by Larisa Jašarević to talk about her new book “Beekeeping in the End Times.” They delve into bees and Abrahamic faiths, climate change, folk tradition, and above all how we can all be connecting to the natural world while still remaining rooted in ourselves and our lives.
From The Periphery is built by Elia Ayoub, Leila Al-Shami, Ayman Makarem, Dana El Kurd, Karena Avedissian, Daniel Voskoboynik, Anna M, Aydın Yıldız, Ed S, Alice Bonfatti, israa abd elfattah, with more joining soon!