Cosmopolitan Chang’an

Nestorian simply describes the Syriac church, usually people who honored the memory of Nestorious and followed his teachings and concepts. These people entered China through the silk route from the Persian Empire. They came to China as monks and traders during the Tang dynasty and established themselves with their own skill. There is no real information on the Nestorians according to the historians except for some “mythological elements in apologetic or devotional literature” from the medieval period. These are not considered to be erudite and the few unambiguous sources of knowledge would be the eight theological treatises from the Dunhuang manuscripts collection, the stele found in Xi’an and various edicts found in Chinese records. They are considered to be authentic and are strong evidence of their presence. The Nestorians were foreigners trying to blend in with the superior culture in China. Even after facing many racial and cultural differences they tried to establish themselves without any help and was successful in spreading their culture inevitably.

            In the article by Valerie, Hansen, the author describes the environment and people in the city of Chang’an. The city was born during the Tang dynasty and is located at the end of the Silk Road. The city was divided into many sections mainly because of security purpose. The city had curfews for people and the gates opened and closed at certain times. It would be really hard for a person at present to live there as the city lacked freedom for the common people. Many people at that time were fond of literature and poetry and it’s surprising that people at that time were trying to be educated. The city of Chang’an was known to be very beautiful according to Schafer’s article. It also attracted other people to tour the city due to its beautiful landscapes. Even though city had a strict outlook for its people residing in it, it attracted many people to inhabit in its land.