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The civilisation that left few traces
By Esther Williams
At some time or the other, most of us have heard the enchanting tales from the Arabian Nights. How can we forget Ali Baba and the forty thieves, Aladdin or Sindbad the Sailor, memories that were part of our growing up? Where did these most famous tales ever told, come from? Who first told them?

The early history of this most wonderful story collection also called Alf Layla (A Thousand Nights) remains hazy. Research indicates that the tales originated from Indian, Persian and Chinese travelers, mainly merchants who traveled the Chinese Silk Route that extended from Northern China to Middle East and Egypt, telling stories to entertain each other.

All these wonderful stories originated in the Mesopotamian Plain, the land area now known as Modern Iraq, with places like Baghdad and Ur figuring in them. Called the Cradle of Civilisation, it was a fertile region between the two rivers Tigris and Euphrates. It was the birthplace of varied civilizations that date back to the pre-historic period. An advanced civilization that flourished long before that of Egypt, Greece and Rome in about 4000 BC was the Sumerian Civilization.

Some of the first cities were built near Iraq's big rivers, one of the earliest being Ur. A Bronze Age people called the Sumerians built it. Later the Babylonians built their famous city of Babylon in Iraq.

Babylonia was one of the greatest civilizations of the ancient world. It rivaled Egypt in its splendour. Babylonia lay between the fertile valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in a region that is today called Iraq. The first signs of civilization appeared about 3000 BC, almost 5000 years ago.

At first Babylonia was a collection of small cities, each with its own ruler. Then the city of Babylon grew more powerful and began to dominate its neighbours. Under the rule of the great King Hammurabi, it became the capital of Babylonia in 1700s BC. Hammurabi was a scholar and a poet.

When Hammurabi died other tribes took over Babylon. One of them was a new King called Nebuchadnezzar II who built magnificent temples and palaces. He also built the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. Built high up on the walls of temples the Gardens were probably a gift from King Nebuchadnezzar II to one of his wives.

Iraq today:
Today, there is not much to show of the Sumerian civilization. "The signs of that ancient civilization were wiped out," says Mr. Talal Abdul Rahman, III Secretary to the Iraqi Embassy. This, he says could be attributed to the fact that unlike Egypt, the Sumerians used smaller mud bricks that were probably washed out by the recurrent floods of the region. The Bronze artifacts and idols of that period, excavated from Ashur in Northern Iraq are currently at the Iraq National Museum in Bagdad.

According to Mr. Rahman, each year the Babylon Festival is held in September and sees a large number of International visitors. Celebrated with much gaiety the occasion is used to reveal exciting aspects of Iraq's history - it's magnificent past, a result of the incessant excavation campaigns in recent years. Cultural groups from different countries present their song and dance on the occasion. During the last 3 years Sri Lanka has also participated. From receiving them at Jordan to taking care of the participants throughout the 10-day festival is the responsibility of the Iraqi Ministry of Culture.

Before 1990 there were many more tourists who did not fear to visit Iraq. The post 1990 years that saw the Western Campaign against Iraq have contributed to changing the situation explains Mr. Rahman. "We all want to live in peace. When the embargo is lifted we shall go back to rebuilding and restoring the city of Babylon."

"The 12 year embargo has affected all our people. With 1 million children dead as a result, our priority today is to get enough food for our women and children," Mr. Rahman affirms. "To think that the present generation, descendants of that first civilization have come to this seems unfair, don't you think?" he asks.

Hanging Gardens
According to accounts, the gardens were built to cheer up Nebuchadnezzar's homesick wife, Amyitis. The king decided to recreate her homeland by building an artificial mountain with rooftop gardens.

Some stories indicate the Hanging Gardens towered hundreds of feet into the air, but archaeological explorations indicate a more modest, but still impressive, height. German archaeologist Robert Koldewey in 1899 discovered the foundations that measured some 100 by 150 feet. While Koldewey was convinced he'd found the gardens, some modern archaeologists call his discovery into question arguing that this location is too far from the river to have be irrigated with the amount of water that would have been required. Also tablets recently found at the site suggest that the location was used for administrative and/or storage purposes, not as a pleasure garden.

Modern historians argue that when Alexander's soldiers reached the fertile land of Mesopotamia and saw Babylon, they were impressed. When they later returned to their rugged homeland, they had stories to tell about the amazing gardens and palm trees at Mesopotamia. About the palace of Nebuchadnezzar. About the Tower of Babel and the ziggurats. And it was the imagination of poets and ancient historians that blended all these elements together to produce one of the World Wonders.

Sumerian Civilization
Two conflicting factors shaped the civilized life that emerged at Sumer - the unpredictability of the rivers Tigris and Euphrates which at times unleashed devastating floods that wiped out entire peoples and - the extreme richness of the river valleys by centuries old deposits of soil.

Writing evolved to keep track of property and through it the Sumerians were able to pass on complex agricultural techniques to successive generations. Eventually Script, Math System, double entry accounting evolved. Sumerians invented the first wheel and plow in 3700 BC.

Sumerian Society was Matriarchal. Women held a highly respected place in society. Banking originated in Mesopotamia (Babylonia) out of the activities of temples and palaces, which provided safe places for the storage of valuables. Initial deposits were of grain and later included cattle, agricultural implements and even precious metals. Another important Sumerian legacy was the recording of literature and poetry.

Lesbian suicides, lesbian woes: Are these people pariahs?
By Thiruni Kelegama and Marisa de Silva
Experts are yet to find a specific gene to explain homosexuality but many biological and psychological factors have been found that shape and influence it. Anti-gay activists have promoted the idea that the lives of homosexuals revolve around sex and the pursuit of sexual encounters, and that the only identity homosexuals have is with being gay or a lesbian.

However, it is quite apparent that a double standard exists in society. What some consider to be flaunting by homosexuals is usually regarded as everyday behavior for heterosexuals.

For instance, a heterosexual couple walking hand in hand is perceived as normal. Very few would consider their behavior to be inappropriate, if they even noticed it at all.
On the other hand, a lesbian or gay couple exhibiting the same behavior would almost certainly be noticed, and most likely be accused of flaunting their sexuality or promoting their lifestyle. They may be harassed or physically attacked.

Help at hand
There is a support group for lesbians in Sri Lanka. The Women's Support Group is an organization with a mandate to uphold the rights of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender people.

One of the main motivations for the formation of the WSG in 1999 was a case of suicide involving two young women in southern Sri Lanka in the same year.

Two other lesbians, who had been working with Companions on a Journey, the gay and HIV/AIDS groups in Sri Lanka, decided to canvass for support amongst lesbians and human rights groups to form a forum where the issue of lesbian suicide could be discussed openly. The WSG emerged.

Rozanna of WSG says that there is a huge misconception regarding lesbianism. "The main reason why lesbianism is being shunned and thought of as shameful is because it's condemned by the religion and the law," she says.

The law falling under section 365 of the Penal Code which makes it a criminal offence to partake in homosexual activity is out dated and has no bearing on the present day situation. "The basis to this law is that it's an offence to partake in unnatural sex. However, have you ever thought of how many heterosexual couples indulge in so called unnatural sex?" she adds with a laugh.

Sri Lankan norms
So why is there this great hue and cry made by society, whenever the issue of same sex relationships is raised? Is it a fear of change, an anger derived from ignorance or is it purely choosing to be in denial of its quite apparent existence?

Not so different
Lesbians in Sri Lanka have no choice, says Kumudini Samuel of Women and Media Collective. "They are faced with bias and prejudice from society, and therefore ostracized from society.

This is mainly because many people have a mistaken notion of homosexuality. They think that people who want to express their sexuality in this manner are not normal. Therefore they have to live in secrecy," she continued to say.

"However, this is mainly because homosexuality is criminalized in Sri Lanka. The second reason is because of the bias and the prejudice that lesbians have to face in this country, and lastly because of the imposition of heterosexual values in Sri Lanka."

You are given an orientation in Sri Lanka that heterosexuality is the normal thing, and that anything else is abnormal.

A gay person who chooses to do the same may be seen as a troublemaker or a radical homosexual out to prove a point.

Lives of gays and lesbians are as varied as the lives of heterosexuals. Some choose to live in long term-committed relationships others choose to remain single.

Some couples choose to raise children, others do not.

What the majority of people mean when they say that homosexual people should keep their lives private, is that homosexual people should keep their lives secret.

Contrary to popular belief, lesbians are no more inclined to be consumed with sexual thoughts or feelings than their heterosexual counterparts, nor are they attracted to everyone of the same sex they meet!

The right to love
"Something we all hold sacred is love," says Sunela Abeysekara, Director, 'Inform'- a Human Rights Documentation Centre, "and by discriminating against them and being prejudiced, we are telling homosexuals that they cannot love. That they can never experience the simple joy of loving a person and being loved by them and they are not even permitted to declare their love."

Women on the side
From the time they were young, women have been told what to do by their parents, when they grow and get married they have to act according to their husband's wishes and then if they're 'really lucky', when they grow old their son's dictate terms to them. Therefore, women are discriminated on gender from day one.

They are not allowed to make up their own minds on anything, especially when it comes to sexual matters.

Therefore, it's very difficult for them to break through social norms and stand up for what they believe in. Thus, leading to suicides etc. as a last resort to escape society.

Since the beginning
Homosexuality is not new, she vehemently points out, and neither is it abnormal. "History proves that in countries like Greece, Japan, India and many other countries homosexuality was practiced..."

Psychologists have also proved that people who have such tendencies are not abnormal, and that it is a part of them, and is not something which should be treated with disgust, because it is as normal as love between heterosexuals.

Purely procreative?
"Sex between men and women is accepted because of the basic fact that it results in childbirth. There is a link between sexual intercourse and procreation; It is an accepted fact that part of the biological drive is procreation. Therefore, everyone tends to look at sex between men and women as normal," she explains. "However, sex between men and men or women and women, is regarded abnormal because it does not result in procreation."

That is rather an unfair view to take, she adds. "The honest truth is that most often sex is not always for procreation, but also for joy. So how come sex between people of the same sex is not accepted?" she questions.

"We should not discriminate against lesbians or gays or even be prejudiced against them. They are human beings too, and they are 'NOT' abnormal," Sunela explains, "They are just as human as everyone out there."

'People must be allowed to define their own sexuality'- Bishop
What the Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of the Anglican Church, Colombo, had to say reveals that even some religious leaders have opened up to homosexuality.

"People often make the mistake of associating paedophilia with homosexuality. Paedophiles could either be heterosexuals or homosexuals. Paedophilia meaning the 'sexual abuse' of children should be condemned without reservation and strong preventive action taken. But homosexuality is something entirely different. People must be allowed to define their own sexuality. Although to most people heterosexuality must seem the natural way to define themselves, there will be others who may wish to define themselves as homosexuals. Just as it is with heterosexuals, people who define themselves as homosexuals, must also be received with dignity and respect. However, in both types of sexuality, licentiousness cannot be condoned."

Sadly, everyone did not seem to share his views. We were put through a homophobic, unchristian like verbal barrage from another prominent member of the religious community, when we approached him on this subject. However, our faith was soon restored after speaking to yet another member of the religious community who had a more open-minded outlook.

"The main reason why the church is against homosexuality is because it goes against the 'natural law' of giving birth/life. Therefore, it goes against the teaching of the scriptures. However, no civil or church authority has the power to deny a homosexual person of his/her rights. They should be treated with understanding and compassion and encouraged to live a holy and chaste life'', he said.

"Personally I feel that homosexuals cannot help being differently inclined, most of them are born that way. Also, due to various taboos and laws it's considered a social evil. There is a definite distinction between deep-rooted, irreversible orientation and homosexual tendencies. The majority of people have the latter tendency. That does not necessarily make them homosexual. We should understand that it's a struggle for them too, to try and live a normal life so, we shouldn't condemn them but instead, show them some understanding and acceptance because they are human too," he said.

For anyone who claims the Bible as his or her rule for faith and practice, a homosexual lifestyle is not an option. Clearly homosexual practice is unapologetically condemned in the Christian Scriptures, says a certain pastor, while disclosing an evangelical pastoral perspective.

"However a distinction needs to be made between those who choose a homosexual lifestyle, and those who find themselves (often involuntarily) with homosexual tendencies. While the Bible calls for unapologetic clarity on homosexual practice, it also calls for compassion and help for those who sincerely struggle with such an orientation. The fact is lust is not the exclusive property of homosexuals. Any kind of sexual activity outside the boundaries of marriage, whether adultery or just lustful thinking, crosses the borders of Biblical ethics," he continued to say.

"Most people struggle at some time during their life with the temptation to cross those borders. What they need is the help and compassion to discover the true freedom God can give them if they turn to Him for help whether they are heterosexual or homosexual," he added finally.

Heterosexuals are free to talk about their spouses or dates. They can wear their wedding rings, display pictures of their loved ones on their desks, kiss good-bye at the airport, include their significant other in company parties and so on. A gay person who chooses to do the same may be seen as a troublemaker or a radical homosexual out to prove a point.

Lives of gays and lesbians are as varied as the lives of heterosexuals. Some choose to live in long term-committed relationships others choose to remain single. Some couples choose to raise children, others do not. Hobbies, occupations and activities are just as varied as within the heterosexual population.

What the majority of people mean when they say that homosexual people should keep their lives private, is that homosexual people should keep their lives secret. Contrary to popular belief, lesbians are no more inclined to be consumed with sexual thoughts or feelings than their heterosexual counterparts, nor are they attracted to everyone of the same sex they meet!

Lesbian Suicide in Sri Lanka- recent cases
The bodies of two young women floated ashore at Calido Beach, in Kalutara, in April 1999. The twenty-two- and twenty-six-year-old women were identified as garment factory workers from Beruwala. One was single, and the other, married. Police investigations led to the discovery of the single woman's diary, which revealed that the two had been in love and had been heart-broken at having to part.

(Source: adapted from Lankadeepa 30/4/1999)

The bodies of two young female garment factory workers were washed ashore on the beach in Galle on October 24 2001. They had been reported missing from their homes for over a week. Shanika (21), from Kandy, and Nandani (30), from the Central Province in Sri Lanka, had worked at a garment factory where Nandani had been a supervisor. On 16 October 2001, the two women had left their family homes. On 24 October, the police reported that the bodies of Nandani and Shanika had been washed ashore on the beach in Galle. They had been found naked, with their hands tied together. The police reports indicate that there had been no evidence of sexual assault. A police search of their houses had revealed love letters that the two women had written to each other, and the police suspect a lesbian relationship between the two.

(Source: adapted from Lakbima, 24 October 2001)

Two young women reported to be lesbians committed suicide by hanging themselves from a rubber tree on August 20, 2002 at Keppetigalawatte Rubber estate in Rambodagalle. Two letters were also found at the scene of the hanging. The letters stated: "We are going on a journey. We do not hope to come back. Bury our bodies side by side."

(Source: The Island, 24 August 2002)
*Information- The Women's Support Group (WSG)

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