Lailee McNair Bakhtiar’s compelling book fuses her own story of journeying in the Zagros Mountains over a section of the ancient Silk Route with a gripping showcase of the history and qualities of the often misunderstood Lapis Lazuli semi-precious stone. This latest title complements the author’s other prestigious achievements that include hosting a hugely-popular TV show, frequent scholarly triumphs and the publication of numerous works that are celebrated for their ability to keep ancient traditions alive.
Annapolis, MD -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/12/2014 -- Many people are quick to brush ancient traditions and customs off as nothing but bygone history. However, Lailee McNair Bakhtiar knows first-hand that many of these once-trusted traditions still possess gifts that can be of huge benefit to modern society. Through her bestselling and award-winning books, Bakhtiar is undertaking the bold responsibility of keeping these customs alive.
‘Afghanistan's Blue Treasure: Lapis Lazuli’ is no different, and possibly the author’s most fascinating release to date. The book tells of Bakhtiar’s amazing journey along the Silk Route, while rediscovering the history and abundant benefits of what could be the world’s most beneficial semi-precious stone.
Synopsis:
The documentation lends an understanding for the story of this blue stone, which has been appreciated since antiquity. It addresses archeological and historical facts and reveals the importance of the mineral, as it was utilized as a talisman. Lapis lazuli is a semi precious stone which appears in the most ancient civilizations known to man. It is found in Neolithic tombs in Mauritania and in the Caucasus. In Mesopotamia archeological finds have shown the evolution of the economic and artistic uses of the ornamental stone. In ancient Sumer, the stone was used thousands of years ago.
This mineral arrived from Badakshan, Afghanistan and Mesopotamia, was a central commercial destination for this precious material that artists transformed to luxury objects. The trade between ancient Iraq and Afghanistan occurred over 4,000 years ago and at a distance of more that 2500 kilometers to the East. The importation of lapis was particularly important at the beginning of the Third dynasty which marked the apogee of Ur. The objects that artists created included cylinder seals, necklaces, animal statuettes, and inlay on important statues.
Much of the lapis from Ur is conserved in the British Museum. These objects demonstrate a high degree of sophistication in the art of glyptic. The abundance of lapis lazuli in the tombs showed its demand, which continued in traditions in Persia and the Orient due to the ritual value of lapis lazuli. Lapis lazuli was exported to Egypt from Iraq in the predynastic period and was found in the wealthiest of the tombs of the first dynasties. Since earliest times the people of the Orient, the Hebrews, Persians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Egyptians utilized the blue stone.
“Lapis Lazuli could easily be one of the natural world’s most powerful creations, but this power is going to be lost forever if we don’t educate people” explains Bakhtiar. “I discovered its awe during my journey along the Silk Route and am now passionate about sharing what I have learned with others.”
Continuing, “Each of my books takes readers into cultures and situations that they’ll likely never experience for real. From life thick in the world of tribes to journeys to ancient places of worship and the artifacts they contain, my travels afford the ability to write from a unique and enriching position of authority. Those who like this book are urged to explore my other books including ‘The Shake the Desert Sands’, ‘Harem Letters’, ‘’Mending Nations’, ‘Chai, Roses of Isfahan’ and ‘Midnight Tales’. You’ll close each one with newfound knowledge and courage, I promise.”
Bakhtiar’s work frequently garners rave reviews. Speaking of this latest book, Patty comments, “I found this book extremely informative and interesting. The Author's perspective and knowledge was well documented. I enjoyed learning about the stone Lapis Lazuli.”
‘Afghanistan's Blue Treasure: Lapis Lazuli’, published by Front Porch Publishing, is available now: http://amzn.to/1q4Wzlq.
About Lailee McNair Bakhtiar
Lailee McNair Bakhtiar, former TV host/Authors & Critics, PBS KCSM-TV, is an independent scholar on lapis lazuli from Afghanistan. See YouTube, Afghanistan s Blue Treasure: Lapis Lazuli. The author travelled on a section of The Great Khorassan High- way , the connection between Susa in Elam to Ur in Mesopotamia. Graduate BA University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, MAT College of Notre Dame de Namur, Belmont, Ca, She has three children: Vince, Soraya, Hague van Dillen and lives by the Severn River in Annapolis, MD.