December 11

Averroes, born in Córdoba in 1126, excelled as a judge, physician, astronomer, and philosopher under the Almohad Caliphate. His extensive commentaries on Aristotle sought to reconcile Greek philosophy with Islamic theology, earning him the title 'The Commentator'. He made significant contributions to medicine, writing influential works on anatomy and disease. His philosophical ideas later reached Europe, profoundly impacting Scholastic thinkers like Thomas Aquinas. Despite temporary exile due to religious opposition, his scholarship endured, cementing his legacy in multiple disciplines. He died in 1198, leaving a rich corpus that bridged intellectual traditions across continents.

Jaan Anvelt (1884–1937) was an influential Estonian Marxist thinker and Soviet political leader. He co-founded the Communist Party of Estonia and briefly headed the Soviet-established government in the country during 1918–1919. Anvelt’s writings on socialist theory and organizing strategies shaped the revolutionary movement among Estonian workers and peasants. Following his roles in the Red Army and Soviet administration, he held various posts in the early Soviet state. Caught in Stalin’s Great Purge, Anvelt died in custody, his legacy reflecting both the promise and tragedy of revolutionary activism in Eastern Europe.

Born in Istanbul in 1905, Nihal Atsız studied Turkic history and philology before emerging as a leading voice in Turkish nationalism. He authored novels such as the 'Bozkurt' series, blending historical fiction with themes of cultural pride and mythic heroism. As a poet, his works celebrated Turkic heritage and invoked imagery of ancient warriors and steppe landscapes. Atsız also wrote essays and journalistic pieces advocating Pan-Turkist ideals and critiquing Western influence. His outspoken stance led to both admiration and controversy within Turkish intellectual circles. Atsız's literary and philosophical contributions continue to influence debates on national identity and cultural preservation in Turkey.

Greg Bahnsen was a leading proponent of presuppositional apologetics and a minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Born in 1948, he served as a professor of philosophy and theology, influencing a generation of evangelical scholars. He authored influential works that argued for the coherence of Christian faith as the foundation for rational thought. Bahnsen engaged in public debates defending the Christian worldview against secular philosophies. His book 'Theonomy in Christian Ethics' sparked significant discussion on moral law. He remained a respected voice in Christian apologetics until his death in 1995.