University Student (Specializing in Archaeology & Anthropology): BA Ancient Greek & Roman Studies, Interdisciplinary Research and Studies

University Student (Specializing in Archaeology & Anthropology): BA Ancient Greek & Roman Studies, Interdisciplinary Research and Studies.

BA Ancient Greek & Roman Studies | Interdisciplinary Research

My name is Ahmed Mustafa Borja (Aleph). I am a university student specializing in Archaeology and Anthropology, with a focus on Ancient Greek and Roman Studies and interdisciplinary research. My academic and personal journey is rooted in a commitment to ethics, historical accuracy, and the critical examination of inherited narratives.

I am an ex-Muslim and am currently pursuing Judaism as part of a deeply personal, spiritual, and intellectual journey. This transition is not driven by opposition, but by a desire to break away from stereotypes, inherited biases, and historically inaccurate judgments—particularly those I began to question through formal studies in ethics and philosophical morality.

Throughout my life, I have believed that moral goodness is not exclusive to belief in God. Both believers and non-believers are capable of ethical action, empathy, and responsibility. Respect—for others and for oneself—is foundational to any healthy and safe society. Yet, one of the most persistent challenges today is the prevalence of stereotyping, especially toward peoples and cultures originating from West Asia and the Levant.

I intentionally use the terms West Asia and the Levant because archaeological and historical evidence clearly demonstrates that these regions were home to some of the world’s earliest civilizations long before the emergence of Islam. Ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iran), originally shaped by Zoroastrian and pre-Zoroastrian belief systems, and Ancient Egypt, with its distinct cultural, legal, and religious traditions, exemplify this deep pre-Islamic heritage. These civilizations tolerated and coexisted with diverse religious traditions, including Judaism, Coptic Christianity, Druze communities, and various polytheistic and monotheistic systems.

Similarly, Ancient Greece and Rome—whose influence extended from the Mediterranean to the Levant and Carthage—demonstrate how geography facilitated economic, geopolitical, and socio-cultural integration. The interconnectedness of regions surrounding the Nile River, the Dead Sea, the Sea of Galilee, and the Arabian Sea underscores the complexity and diversity of these historical landscapes.

As an ex-Muslim, I believe it is crucial to reject the reduction of these regions to a single religious or cultural identity. Broad generalizations erase history and distort reality. I strongly advocate for the revival and recognition of authentic indigenous cultures of the Levant and West Asia—cultures that predate Arabization and Islamization. While the Arabian Peninsula has its own rich heritage, its later cultural and religious expansion into the Levant should be understood within a historical framework that acknowledges processes of conquest and cultural imposition.

Historically, the primary languages of the Levant were Hebrew and Aramaic, not Arabic. Aramaic, in particular, served as a lingua franca across Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine for centuries. The dominance of Arabic in these regions today reflects historical processes of colonization rather than original linguistic identity. While history cannot be altered, it must be examined critically and honestly, recognizing its nuance and complexity.

My engagement with Judaism is both spiritual and academic. It represents a return to ethical rigor, historical continuity, and accountability. I firmly believe that opposition rooted in hostility toward any group or religion does not benefit society. Instead, respect, honesty, transparency, and critical thinking must form the core of how we live authentically and responsibly.

We share this world collectively, and with that comes the obligation to examine our perspectives, actions, and assumptions with rationality and moral courage.

— Ahmed Mustafa Borja (Aleph Malachi - Jewish chosen name) my journey in Judaism will be long and I am patient. I stick to my moral principles and honest perspectives.

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