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Colombia & Iran

Two Different Contributions 

Master D.M.Lee | 7/5/2023

Julio Garavito Armero - Colombia

Julio Garavito Armero (1865-1920) was a Colombian astronomer, mathematician, and engineer. He is recognized as one of the most influential scientists in Colombia's history and made significant contributions to the fields of astronomy and mathematics. Here are some key points about Julio Garavito Armero and his achievements:

Early Life and Education: Julio Garavito Armero was born on January 5, 1865, in Bogotá, Colombia. He showed a keen interest in mathematics and astronomy from a young age. He pursued his higher education at the National University of Colombia and later studied in France and Germany.

Vista de Bogotá, 1887 Fergon

Astronomical Discoveries: Garavito Armero made several important astronomical discoveries during his career. He conducted extensive studies on variable stars, double stars, and star clusters. He discovered and cataloged over 300 variable stars, which significantly contributed to the understanding of stellar evolution and the measurement of stellar distances.

Chandra close-up of a full-field, deep image of the Orion Nebula 

Educational Contributions: Apart from his research and astronomical discoveries, Garavito Armero made significant contributions to education in Colombia. He served as a professor of mathematics and astronomy at the National University of Colombia, where he inspired and mentored many aspiring scientists.

National Observatory of Colombia: Garavito Armero played a crucial role in the establishment of the National Observatory of Colombia. He served as its director from 1909 until his death in 1920. Under his leadership, the observatory became a prominent institution for astronomical research and education in Colombia.

Libro Azul de Colombia - Observatorio Astronómico Nacional

Awards and Recognition: Garavito Armero received numerous honors and recognition for his scientific achievements. He was a member of several prestigious scientific organizations, including the International Astronomical Union. In 2019, the International Astronomical Union named an asteroid, "Julio Garavito," after him in recognition of his contributions to astronomy.

Oblique view of Garavito crater, on the far side of the moon, facing roughly south. 

Legacy: Julio Garavito Armero's legacy is profound in Colombian science and astronomy. He is regarded as a pioneer in Colombian astronomy and a source of inspiration for future generations of scientists. The National Observatory of Colombia, with its continued astronomical research and educational activities, stands as a testament to his vision and dedication.

Julio Garavito Armero's passion for astronomy, his astronomical discoveries, and his contributions to education have left an indelible mark on Colombian science. His legacy as a renowned astronomer and educator continues to inspire the pursuit of scientific knowledge and the exploration of the universe in Colombia and beyond.


Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini - Iran

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (1902-1989) was an Iranian Shia Muslim religious leader and politician who played a pivotal role in the Islamic Revolution of Iran and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Here are some key points about Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and his contributions:

Early Life and Education: Khomeini was born on September 24, 1902, in Khomeyn, Iran. He hailed from a religious family and began his religious studies at a young age. He studied under prominent Shia scholars and eventually became a leading authority on Islamic jurisprudence and theology.

Khomeini in 1938

Opposition to the Shah: Khomeini was a vocal critic of the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. He opposed the Shah's close ties with the West, his secular policies, and what he perceived as the Shah's suppression of religious and political freedoms. Khomeini's fiery sermons and writings gained him popularity among dissidents and religious conservatives.

Pahlavi meeting with American president Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Tehran Conference (1943), two years after his father's forced abdication during the Anglo-Soviet invasion of Iran

Islamic Revolution: Khomeini played a central role in the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which led to the overthrow of the Shah and the establishment of an Islamic Republic in Iran. His charismatic leadership and calls for an Islamic government resonated with Iranians who were disillusioned with the Shah's rule. Following the revolution, Khomeini returned to Iran after years in exile.

Leadership of Iran: After the revolution, Khomeini became the Supreme Leader of Iran, a position he held until his death. As the highest authority in the country, he wielded significant power and influence over political, religious, and military affairs. He implemented a system based on Islamic principles, with the clerical establishment playing a central role in governance.

Arrival of Khomeini on 1 February 1979 at Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran, escorted by an Air France pilot

Islamist Policies: Khomeini's rule was marked by the implementation of Islamist policies. He aimed to create an Islamic state based on the principles of Shia Islam. Khomeini's policies included the enforcement of Islamic law, restrictions on personal freedoms, and the promotion of Islamic values and practices.

Foreign Policy and Iran-Iraq War: Khomeini's leadership was characterized by a strong anti-Western stance and an emphasis on self-reliance. His government supported various revolutionary and Islamist movements around the world. During his rule, Iran also faced the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), which had a significant impact on the country and its people.

Iranian President Ali Khamenei on the battlefront during the Iran–Iraq War - Khamenei.ir 

Legacy and Impact: Ayatollah Khomeini's leadership and the Islamic Republic he established had a profound impact on Iran and the wider Muslim world. His ideology and vision continue to shape Iranian politics, society, and foreign policy. He remains a revered figure among his supporters, while also being a divisive figure both domestically and internationally.

Khomeini with people

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's role in the Islamic Revolution and his establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran have had a lasting impact on Iran's history and the broader geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. His religious authority, political leadership, and Islamist ideology continue to shape the nation's trajectory and influence global conversations on religion and politics.


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