Fragrance of the Past acquaints us with the extensive, sophisticated and influential culture of the ‘cradle of civilization’, the Middle East. We journey to the heart of a people whose traces linger in their fabulous monuments. Meticulously researched and always accessible, these lively essays bring a region to life that has enriched all aspects of our human heritage.

Raana Haider draws passionate portraits of the extensive, sophisticated and influential culture of the ‘cradle of civilization’, the Middle East that has produced more than its share of scholars and poets, artists and architects, philosophers and prophets.