The history of the Silk Road dates back to the 2nd century BC, where Eastern and Western cultures first connected through trade.
Also known as the Silk Route, the ancient Silk Road is an integral part of civilization today. It derives its name from Silk, the major export that travelled from Chinese merchants to European buyers. It was a network of trade routes that linked the Western world with the Middle East and Asia, trading goods and ideas. Beginning in north-central China in Xi’an, this route stretched west along the Great Wall of China, past the Pamirs, through Afghanistan, and into the Levant and Anatolia. As long as 4,000 miles. From there, the merchandise was shipped via the Mediterranean sea to get to Europe.
On the Silk Road, goods were not the only items of trade. Ideas and cultures were passed through economic, cultural, political, and religious interactions. Religion was a primary export as the West brought Christianity while Asia introduced Buddhism. As goods like silk, wool, silver and gold travelled, so did knowledge. Unfortunately, diseases also travelled along this route. It was believed that Asia brought the bubonic plague westward, which was responsible for the Black Death pandemic in Europe in the mid-14th century.
Where is the ancient Silk Road today?
The Silk Road was used most prominently through 2nd century BCE to the 18th century. However, only parts of the 4,000-mile road (about 6,400 km) still exists today. It is now a paved highway connecting Pakistan with the Uygur Autonomous Region of Xinjiang, China.
BIDHAAR, Pan-African Silk Road Of The 21st Century
As an African brand incubator, BIDHAAR is of the strong belief that Africa needs trade, not aid. We are London’s first Afrourban fashion, music and lifestyle experiential concept store. Here, we retail products from new, emerging, and established premium African brands. This is with an aim to position Africa’s creativity and culture for global consumption. Through authentic storytelling, brands, and community, we are sharing our story with the world. BIDHAAR is how we showcase our heritage while growing income opportunities for Blacks and Africans everywhere. We are creating a Silk Road of the 21st century, promoting Pan-African excellence.
Follow @bidhaarofficial on Instagram and Twitter to discover Afrourban products and experiences from premium African-inspired brands.
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