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This article offers a feminist perspective on urban modernization and Europeanization in the Balkans from the late 19th century to the present. It examines how these intertwined processes have shaped urban landscapes through a continuous negotiation between local traditions and outside influences. Despite their contributions, local women have often been marginalized within these narratives. The analysis combines a historical exploration of urban modernization and Europeanization with a critique of their gendered implications in post-socialist cities. It argues that while modernization has brought transformative changes, it has also reinforced gendered inequities, often to the detriment of women. This study highlights the need for more inclusive and gender-sensitive approaches to urban development in the Balkans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyploidy is a powerful mechanism driving genetic, physiological, and phenotypic changes among cytotypes of the same species across both large and small geographic scales. These changes can significantly shape population structure and increase the evolutionary and adaptation potential of cytotypes. Alyssum moellendorfianum, an edaphic steno-endemic species with a narrow distribution in the Balkan Peninsula, serves as an intriguing case study. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of genetic diversity and population structure across the species' range, employing an array of genetic techniques (nuclear microsatellites, amplified fragment length polymorphisms, and plastid DNA sequences), flow cytometry (FCM), morphometry, and pollen analysis. The study reveals two genetic lineages: spatially distributed diploid and tetraploid cytotypes. Clear divergence between diploids and tetraploids was shown by AFLP, while plastid DNA sequences confirmed private haplotypes in each of the studied populations. Higher genetic diversity and allelic richness following the north-south pattern were documented in tetraploids compared to diploids, as indicated by nuclear microsatellites. Morphometric analysis via principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) did not reveal any divergence between diploid and tetraploid cytotypes. Nonetheless, a distinction in pollen size was clearly observed. The results suggest an autopolyploid origin of tetraploids from diploid ancestors. Despite the population fragmentation in a very small geographic range, these populations harbour high genetic diversity, which would allow them to remain stable if natural processes remain undisturbed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Balkan Studies is the property of Balkan Studies Foundation (BSF) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In Hungary, situated in Central-Eastern Europe, the historical and cultural investigation of its relationship with the Balkans holds particular relevance due to the country's unique and shifting historical position. Hungary has experienced distinct phases in its history: as a medieval middle power, later as a territory under Austrian rule, and subsequently as a state- forming entity within the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. This progression has shaped Hungary's perception of its neighbors and its role within European ideological currents, particularly those influenced by Orientalist discourses. The portrayal of the Bosnian (primarily identified -- and subject to historical debate -- as „Bogomils”) in Hungarian historical literature is a compelling case in point. While not explicitly tied to imperial expansionist ambitions, such representations reflect European tendencies of "Othering," where the "heretics" -- often dismissed as heretics, tribal, or primitive -- were situated in opposition to Western or Catholic norms. This dynamic was further complicated by Hungary's intermediary status between Western Europe and the Balkans, creating a cultural and epistemological space that was neither fully "Orientalized" nor wholly part of the Western Occident. Hungary's historical entanglement with the Balkans, therefore, offers a nuanced vantage point from which to examine Orientalist tendencies. These explorations are further elevated by the ideological debates surrounding the continuity between the medieval Bogomils and the later Bosnian Muslim population. The widely challenged notion that the Bogomils would have been „predecessors" of Bosnian Muslims adds another layer of ideological tension, particularly within critiques of Islam, which often bear a degree of ideological saturation. At first glance, Hungary's portrayals of the Bosnian Christians cannot be isolated from broader European perceptions of Islam, where the historical Crusades, medieval animosities, and Enlightenment-era Orientalist narratives intersect. However, the Hungarian corpus itself rarely engages with the Bogomils as proto-Muslims, a narrative more prevalent in earlier Western and later Balkan discourses. Instead, Hungarian representations tend to emphasize the „sect"'s heretical nature, aligning more closely with medieval historiographical traditions than with ideological critiques of Islam. In this context, Hungary's role as both a subject and an actor in these historical frameworks underscores the relevance of analyzing its cultural and literary portrayals of the Balkans and the Bosnia's legacy. This dual position allows for critical insight into the hierarchical nature of Orientalism while also accounting for Hungary's unique historical trajectory and its layered relationship with both "East" and "West." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to their own originality in historiography, Muslims inherited the accumulation of ancient civilizational basins such as Hijaz, Bilad al-Sham, Egypt, Maghreb, Andalusia, Iraq, Iran, Sindh and Mawara' al-Nahr. They created a wide variety of genres by making it more systematic and methodological. The Muslim historiography of the 7th-10th centuries, which harmoniously combines authenticity and heritage, was in contact with the Balkans indirectly through the Byzantine Empire during this period. However, its main impact and contribution to the basin was in the 11th-18th centuries, when it continued its development in historiography. During this period, Muslims, especially the Ottomans, who established political dominance in the region modeled the historiography, which had completed its development and developed a methodology, in the basin and brought an era to the activities of the basin in the field of historiography. The historiography, which was based on the narration of either the history of empires or the history of emperors in the form of special histories, has changed and developed with the methodology and model developed by Muslims. İn this regard, they created a great linguistic richness in the basin with Ottoman Turkish, provided diversity through the four main genres of siyar and maghazi, general, special, city and regional histories, and established a close relationship between administrations and historians. As a result, the Balkans have made great progress with the strong contribution and influence of Muslims in historiography. This study deals with the process of historiography in the Balkans in a comprehensive manner. These issues are discussed through more than four hundred historiographers and historical sources, mostly based on historiographical studies available in Turkish and taking into account the activities of the Ottoman Empire, a dynasty of six centuries. The main significance of this study is that it takes the step of presenting the strong contribution and influence of Muslims in historiography in the Balkans, which developed especially until the 19th century, in a holistic manner. The aim of this study is to increase the interest in Balkans studies, which is constantly developing in our country, and to attempt to unearth the huge heritage in the field of historiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper bridges research on countering violent extremism (CVE), where the role of ethnic and religious diaspora in deradicalization has been understudied and undertheorized, with diaspora and migration literature, which emphasizes diaspora actors as having their own agency and claim-making potential within larger transnational processes. Based on a review of both literatures and insights from interviews, we identify challenges and opportunities presented by the Austrian context and how they contribute to the understanding of the role of diaspora communities in deradicalization processes. Austria presents a relevant case study for several reasons. First, its radical milieu has a long history beginning with the emergence of the jihadi Salafi scene in the 90s and manifesting with foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) who joined ISIS between 2012 and 2017. Second, Austria hosts diverse diaspora populations that consist of multiple generations and is a highly politicized environment. This paper helps contextualize policy responses to foreign fighters. We argue that while diaspora belonging is not the main factor leading to radicalization, social networks that emerge from diasporas play a role in such processes. Thus, policies should de-emphasize religious and ethnic identities and empower social actors within diaspora communities to promote resilience against radicalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to their own originality in historiography, Muslims inherited the accumulation of ancient civilizational basins such as Hijaz, Bilad al-Sham, Egypt, Maghreb, Andalusia, Iraq, Iran, Sindh and Mawara' al-Nahr. They created a wide variety of genres by making it more systematic and methodological. The Muslim historiography of the 7th-10th centuries, which harmoniously combines authenticity and heritage, was in contact with the Balkans indirectly through the Byzantine Empire during this period. However, its main impact and contribution to the basin was in the 11th-18th centuries, when it continued its development in historiography. During this period, Muslims, especially the Ottomans, who established political dominance in the region modeled the historiography, which had completed its development and developed a methodology, in the basin and brought an era to the activities of the basin in the field of historiography. The historiography, which was based on the narration of either the history of empires or the history of emperors in the form of special histories, has changed and developed with the methodology and model developed by Muslims. İn this regard, they created a great linguistic richness in the basin with Ottoman Turkish, provided diversity through the four main genres of siyar and maghazi, general, special, city and regional histories, and established a close relationship between administrations and historians. As a result, the Balkans have made great progress with the strong contribution and influence of Muslims in historiography. This study deals with the process of historiography in the Balkans in a comprehensive manner. These issues are discussed through more than four hundred historiographers and historical sources, mostly based on historiographical studies available in Turkish and taking into account the activities of the Ottoman Empire, a dynasty of six centuries. The main significance of this study is that it takes the step of presenting the strong contribution and influence of Muslims in historiography in the Balkans, which developed especially until the 19th century, in a holistic manner. The aim of this study is to increase the interest in Balkans studies, which is constantly developing in our country, and to attempt to unearth the huge heritage in the field of historiography.

In Hungary, situated in Central-Eastern Europe, the historical and cultural investigation of its relationship with the Balkans holds particular relevance due to the country’s unique and shifting historical position. Hungary has experienced distinct phases in its history: as a medieval middle power, later as a territory under Austrian rule, and subsequently as a state-forming entity within the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. This progression has shaped Hungary’s perception of its neighbors and its role within European ideological currents, particularly those influenced by Orientalist discourses. The portrayal of the Bosnian (primarily identified – and subject to historical debate – as "Bogomils")in Hungarian historical literature is a compelling case in point. While not explicitly tied to imperial expansionist ambitions, such representations reflect European tendencies of “Othering,” where the “heretics” – often dismissed as heretics, tribal, or primitive – were situated in opposition to Western or Catholic norms. This dynamic was further complicated by Hungary’s intermediary status between Western Europe and the Balkans, creating a cultural and epistemological space that was neither fully “Orientalized” nor wholly part of the Western Occident. Hungary’s historical entanglement with the Balkans, therefore, offers a nuanced vantage point from which to examine Orientalist tendencies. These explorations are further elevated by the ideological debates surrounding the continuity between the medieval Bogomils and the later Bosnian Muslim population. The widely challenged notion that the Bogomils would have been "predecessors" of Bosnian Muslims adds another layer of ideological tension, particularly within critiques of Islam, which often bear a degree of ideological saturation. At first glance, Hungary’s portrayals of the Bosnian Christians cannot be isolated from broader European perceptions of Islam, where the historical Crusades, medieval animosities, and Enlightenment-era Orientalist narratives intersect. However, the Hungarian corpus itself rarely engages with the Bogomils as proto-Muslims, a narrative more prevalent in earlier Western and later Balkan discourses. Instead, Hungarian representations tend to emphasize the "sect"’s heretical nature, aligning more closely with medieval historiographical traditions than with ideological critiques of Islam. In this context, Hungary’s role as both a subject and an actor in these historical frameworks underscores the relevance of analyzing its cultural and literary portrayals of the Balkans and the Bosnia’s legacy. This dual position allows for critical insight into the hierarchical nature of Orientalism while also accounting for Hungary’s unique historical trajectory and its layered relationship with both “East” and “West.”

Throughout its history, the Balkan Peninsula has been encompassed within various expansive cultural and historical spheres, as well as state-like political formations. The most prominent among these include the ancient world, the Roman Empire, the Byzantine commonwealth, the Ottoman Empire, modern Europe, the Soviet bloc, and the European Union. Additionally, the region has experienced influences from less dominant spheres such as the Eurasian steppe, the Arab world, and the maritime empires of the Italian city-states and Dubrovnik. Within these broader frameworks, the Balkans have frequently occupied a peripheral position, characterized by frequent interactions with neighbouring cultural zones and limited control from the normative centre. These interactions, coupled with the region’s unique relationship to cultural and political centers, have contributed to the formation of distinct cultural hybrids. This paper explores several examples that substantiate the thesis of the Balkan Peninsula as a site of cultural hybridity. Original title in Bulgarian: Хибридните Балкани като ‘център на периферии’ – една скица.

The phoretic mite Sennertia cerambycina (Scopoli, 1763) (Acari, Chaetodactylidae) has been documented for the first time within the territory of Serbia. Deutonymphs of this species were identified on a heavily infested female violet carpenter bee, Xylocopa violacea (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera, Apidae). The infested bee was collected on November 11th, 2023, in Vrčin, near Belgrade.

Balkan coğrafyasında farklı milletlerle bir arada yaşayan Kuzey Makedonya Türkleri, bölgeye ilk yerleştikleri zamandan günümüze kadarki süreçte Türk kültürünün geleneksel ögelerini korumuşlardır. Kuzey Makedonya Türklerinin, geçmişte geleneksel Türk tiyatrosu gösterilerini yaşatmalarının yanında modern Türk tiyatrosunun özellikleriyle Türkçe tiyatro oyunları da sahneye koymuşlardır. Sahnelenen Türkçe oyunlara ek olarak yayımlanan oyunların sayısı da oldukça fazladır. Kuzey Makedonya’da Türkçe yayın organlarının başında gelen Sesler Aylık Toplum Sanat Dergisi içerisinde Türkçe tiyatro oyunları tespit edilmiştir. Araştırma kapsamında İlhami Emin, Süreyya Yusuf, Şerafettin Nebi, Hasan Mercan, Lütfü Seyfullah, Cemail Maksut, Nedim Hamit, İrfan Bellür, Sabit Yusuf, Recep Bilginer, Mustafa Balel, Hüseyin Süleyman ve Mustafa Karahasan adlı yazarların eserleri incelenmiştir. Adı zikredilen yazarlardan yalnızca Kuzey Makedonyalı Türk yazarlar tarafından yazılan oyunlara bakıldığında oyunların içerisinde var olan Türk halk edebiyatı unsurları ve Türk kültür ögelerinden dolayı Kuzey Makedonya Türk tiyatrosunun kültür aktarımı görevi üzerinde durulmuştur.

In this study an ethnobotanical survey was conducted in western Serbia (Mt. Tara) with the aim of collecting and preserving the traditional botanical knowledge. A group of local inhabitants (56) was interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and Jaccard Index (JI) were calculated. There are 78 wild plant species recorded. The reported plant species belong to 34 families, where the families Rosaceae (41.18%), Asteraceae (23.53%) and Lamiaceae (20.59%) were dominant. Out of 78 documented plants, 70 plants (89.74%) are used in folk medicine, 42 (53.85%) in human nutrition, 22 (28.20%) in animal nutrition, 14 (17.95%) plants are used for miscellaneous purposes, while two plants (2.56%) are used in ethnoveterinary medicine. The highest RFC was recorded for Vaccinium myrtillus (0.38), followed by Urtica dioica (0.34), and Hypericum perforatum (0.25) and Fragaria vesca (0.25). The most frequently used mode of preparation was as an infusion (70.51%), while the most used plant part was the leaf (56.41%) followed by the flower/inflorescences (37.18%) and aboveground parts (28.21%). The highest degree of similarity was determined with studies conducted in close proximity (Mt. Zlatibor, JI 33.04). Local recipes and new usage of some well-known traditional plants in Serbia and the Balkans were documented.

In its historical context, the image of the Turk-- which presents itself along with the histories, memories and stories throughout Central Europe as well as the Balkans-- evolved significantly, owing much to the fact that these regions were and still are inhabited by people of various ethnicities, religions, and cultural structures, and were often focal points of crucial political changes and social developments, including the emergence of the Muslim population amongst the native Orthodox population of the Balkans. Kyra Kyralina and The Bridge on the Drina are works that focus on the condition of the Balkans, a region ruled by numerous empires, while using the both historical and mythological image of the Turk. This chapter aims to analyze and criticize the stories and memories in these works, specifically in the light of Andre Gingrich's theory of frontier Orientalism, which largely focuses on the Orientalism observed and understood by the people who are/were members of the nations placed between and on the borders of the Occident and the Orient. Additionally, this chapter will compare and contrast the different perspectives on and ideas of the image of the Turk in the novels while analyzing the frontier condition represented by the themes and characters of the works. This image (and the differences between its variations) is emphasized and underlined within the scope of Joep Leerssen's Imagology and MacMillan's Images of the Turk in Europe. As is the case with most cultural images, the image of the Turk varies significantly, both in Kyra Kyralina and The Bridge on the Drina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Balkan Peninsula represents an important center of plant diversity, exhibiting remarkable ecological heterogeneity that renders it an optimal region for studying the diversification patterns of complex taxa such as Teucrium montanum. In the Balkan Peninsula, T. montanum is a highly plastic and morphologically variable species with unresolved taxonomic status. To ascertain the patterns of genetic and morphological diversification, a comparative genetic and morphological analysis was conducted. In total, 57 populations were subjected to analysis using AFLP and a multivariate morphometric approach. A Bayesian analysis of population structure distinguished two main genetic clusters, labelled A and B. Cluster B was found to be geographically restricted to the northwestern Dinarides, while cluster A occurred in the rest of the Balkans. Genetic cluster A was further subdivided into four subclusters that were spatially separated from each other. The contact populations between the subclusters exhibited a mixed genetic structure. There was a partial correlation between genetic and morphological diversification. The peripheral populations of the genetic clusters displayed morphological differences, while both genetic and morphological differences decreased in the contact zones. The observed genetic structure can be attributed to the reproductive biology of this species and the complex geological history of the Balkan Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to analyze the role of historical analogies in American debates over military intervention in the Bosnian War. From 1992 to 1995, at least half a dozen analogies were frequently invoked as the US pondered how to react in Bosnia. The clash of analogies reflected the different worldviews of America's decision-makers and opinion leaders. Of these, four came to dominate the debate over Bosnia. While advocates of an assertive action in Bosnia invoked "Munich," opponents pointed to the potential scenario of a Vietnam-like quagmire in the Balkans. As in many other cases involving the American use of force abroad, "Munich" and "Vietnam" stood as conflicting prisms shaping the debate over Bosnia. But, overlooked and understudied has been the impact of "Beirut" and "Somalia" on American decision-makers and opinion leaders. The terrorist attack on US Marines in 1983 and the deaths of American servicemen in Mogadishu in 1993 dampened support for a military intervention in Bosnia. As events in post-war Bosnia were to prove, the decision to deploy US troops to implement the Dayton Peace Accords did not lead to a "Vietnam," "Beirut" or "Somalia." In fact, the US-led peacekeeping force was crucial for establishing and maintaining peace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 19th century, political and military measures, as well as administrative ones, were used to solve the problems that were visible in Rumelia. For this purpose, some provinces, such as Çamlık, were reorganized administratively and sanjaks were established in some regions. Çamlık, which can be considered one of the last Ottoman territories in Rumelia, was also an important turning point for Albanian independence. Despite its important history, Çamlık has not yet been sufficiently and independently analyzed in Turkish academic literature, either geographically or administratively. In this study, the geographical boundaries of the Çamlık region are drawn and its political and military importance is emphasized, as well as the administrative measures developed by the Ottoman administrative elite to prevent Greek demands and Albanian politics in the region are discussed. The discussion is based mainly on Ottoman archival documents. At the end of the research, it is concluded that administrative arrangements often did not yield the desired results in solving military and political problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary purpose of this study is to examine the socioeconomic characteristics of cash waqfs and their disparities in the Ottoman Empire, from the early nineteenth century to the early twentieth century. This study focuses on the capital levels of cash waqfs from seven cities in the Balkans and how they differ across various cities. This study also delves into the services provided by cash waqfs and the debates surrounding their primary functions. The data comes from cash waqf deeds, which allows for an in-depth examination of capital levels, services, and socioeconomic characteristics. This study sheds lights on disparities in the formation of cash waqfs across different regions by considering the effects of political and economic changes, particularly the socioeconomic backgrounds of founders and levels of capital. The findings suggest that socioeconomic and political factors play a significant role in the establishment of different types of cash waqfs in various regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive revision of the dry grasslands, specifically the alliance Chrysopogono grylli-Koelerion splendentis within the order Scorzoneretalia villosae along the eastern Adriatic, aimed at developing a formalized classification of this vegetation type. The revision is based on 490 relevés, including 44 newly sampled from the loci classici of previously identified associations, alongside additional relevés from the phytosociological literature. Both hierarchical and non-hierarchical cluster analysis, as well as NMS ordination, were employed to delineate the main vegetation types. Although numerous associations have been described to date, several were found to be floristically similar and were subsequently merged. Ultimately, 15 associations and one plant community were identified, including the description of a new association, Sideritido purpureae-Asphodeletum ramosi, from Montenegro, along with four new subassociations. The associations of the Chrysopogono grylli-Koelerion splendentis predominantly occur in the sub-Mediterranean variant of the temperate bioclimate. While this study provides a comprehensive framework for the syntaxonomic diversity of this alliance, it also underscores the need for additional phytosociological data from poorly known areas within its distribution range, particularly in the southernmost regions and inland areas (e.g., Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local types of coinage testify to the emerging use of silver in the Balkan interior, possibly related to abundant ore deposits in the region. Here, we present Pb isotope data for silver coins minted by local tribes and settlements (anepigraphic coins attributed to the Derrones/Laeaei, Damastion, Pelagia, Kings of Paeonia) between the 5th and 3rd centuries BCE. For comparison, we analysed coinage of the potential Greek emporia Dyrrhachium and Apollonia for their main element and Pb-Ag isotope compositions. Statistical data evaluation demonstrates close material connections between coins from the Balkan interior and identify a predominantly local raw material provenance. The majority of Damastion’s issues defines a tight cluster fitting Strabo’s (VII.7.8) account that the settlement possessed nearby silver mines in the Balkan interior. Novobërdë/Novo Brdo (Kosovo) can be plausibly hypothesised among the available reference data to have been one of the main ore districts supplying the mint. Mixing is evident for coins from the Kings of Paeonia and coinage attributed to the Derrones/Laeaei. Virtually identical end-members suggest that Paeonian regal coinage recycled tribal issues with contribution of metal obtained from Damastion’s hypothesised mines. Contemporaneous coinage struck by Dyrrhachium as well as end-members calculated for Thasos and the Macedon kingdom (Albarede et al. in Bullion mixtures in silver coinage from ancient Greece and Egypt, J Archaeol Sci 162:105918, 2024a) signal metal sourced from the Balkans, presumably the Macedonian/Paeonian border area. Comparison of data from Greek city-states and coinage issued by Apollonia and Dyrrhachium for the Romans demonstrates a change in the type and origin of raw materials and bullion composition, indicating a shift in monetary customs and possibly metal production technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Balkans represent a highly complex cultural region, shaped by historical processes, sociological structures, political changes, and geographical conditions. This area offers a stage where various peoples live together and engage in multi-layered cultural interactions. As a result, cultural research conducted in the Balkans continues to reveal many cultural heritages and traditions that are yet to be discovered. During a field study conducted as part of the project titled "Creating Written, Visual, and Audio Resources Through the Compilation and Analysis of the Traditional Music of Bulgarian Turks," supported by the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Bursa Uludağ University, such discoveries have been made. In this context, a notable example was encountered in the mevlid tradition, a religious musical genre commonly performed in the Balkans and carrying significant identity-related meanings in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article in the North-Western Journal of Zoology discusses the rediscovery of Gammarus arduus Karaman, 1975 in Romania after 70 years. The study confirms the ongoing presence of this amphipod species in Romania through morphology and DNA barcoding. The research highlights the biodiversity hotspot in Dobrogea and emphasizes the need for conservation efforts due to the species' isolated habitat and anthropic pressure. The findings also reveal phylogeographic patterns and genetic diversity of G. arduus in southeastern Europe. [Extracted from the article]

This study investigates the ethnobotanical diversity of wild plant teas across various populations in the Balkan mountain regions, focusing on cultural and ecological influences. Data were collected through ethnobotanical field surveys conducted in thirteen distinct areas, encompassing approximately 900 interviews with local populations, including Albanians, Bosniaks, North Macedonians, Goranis, and Serbs. The study identifies 143 genera used in traditional teas, with species frequency and distribution patterns analysed concerning elevation and cultural factors. Statistical analyses using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis revealed clear grouping patterns between populations based on ecological zones. The results show a clear correlation between altitude and the herbal use of plant genera, with higher elevations (above 700 m) supporting a greater variety of local species. Cultural practices, such as tea consumption during communal gatherings, also significantly shaped the selection of plants across different populations. For instance, Sideritis species were most prevalent among Albanian and North Macedonian communities, while Thymus and Mentha species were widely used across all groups. Moreover, cultural exchanges can explain the similarity of wild teas reported by Bosniaks (in Bosnia) and North Albanians, located far away from each other but showing similar traits due to possible common origins or the effect of centuries of pastoralism, which may have generated a constant exchange of local plant practices. The study concludes that ecological conditions and cultural exchanges significantly influence the choice, use, and resilience of wild plant herbal traditions in the Balkans. However, modern pressures such as urbanisation and market-driven consumption are increasingly threatening these practices. This highlights the need for conservation strategies that integrate ecological preservation and cultural heritage safeguarding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

West Nile Virus (WNV) is considered one of the most widely distributed arboviruses worldwide. In 2018, Serbia was among the European countries reporting the highest number of WNV cases. This study aimed to characterize WNV strains circulating in Serbia, and to estimate the pathways and dynamics of WNV‐2 spread in the Balkans and globally through the phylogenetic approach. Fifty newly generated NS5 Serbian sequences were found to belong to WNV lineage 2. Phylodynamic analyses of the Balkan clade indicated the potential for an increase in genetic diversity and structure of virus populations. Presented phylogeographic analyses implied four instances of long‐distance WNV‐2 migration from Africa to Europe, during the 1940s to 1950s, while further dissemination of WNV‐2 originated in Hungary in mid‐1970s and subsequently spread to Austria and Serbia. Extensive dispersion took place during the 1990s–2000s, as the virus spread from Austria to central and western Europe, and from Hungary to the Balkans. Continuous phylogeography analysis of the Balkans WNV‐2 clade implied the central role of Serbia for WNV dissemination across the Balkan peninsula. Furthermore, previously undocumented instance of intercontinental migration of WNV‐2 from Europe to Asia was implied. In‐depth phylogenetic investigation into the global distribution of WNV‐2 may provide valuable insights into the prediction and prevention of potential epidemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tarih İncelemeleri Dergisi is the property of Tarih Incelemeleri Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Western Thrace as a border region in light of geopolitical and population changes after World War I (1919–1928). The aim of the article is to show the borderlandness of the region called Western Thrace using the aspect od demographic and socio-political changes that occurred there after the First World War. Until the beginning of the 20th century this area was inhabited by communities with diverse cultural characteristics. Under Ottoman rule it was the part of a historical-geographical region called Thrace. It began to be recognised as a separate territorial unit and geopolitical question from the time of the Balkan Wars (Bulgarian Aegean Thrace, Turkish and Greek Western Thrace). It was finally annexed to Greece in 1920. On the basis of documentation from representatives of the Entente military, the League of Nations and the Greek authorities, the processes that contributed to the consolidation of a contemporary dichotomous cultural landscape in the region will be presented. On the one hand, it was subordinated to the paradigm of a unitary nation-state, while on the other hand, religious autonomy for more than a hundred thousand Muslims was included. In practice, however, this solution contributed to the isolation (ghettoisation) of the Muslim minority community, slowed down the integration of Muslims into Greek society and strengthened the control of the central administration over the affairs of the region. Streszczenie. Celem artykułu jest ukazanie pograniczności regionu o nazwie Tracja Zachodnia przez pryzmat zmian demograficznych i społeczno-politycznych, jakie nastąpiły tam po I wojnie światowej i przejęciu władzy przez Grecję. Do początku XX w. obszar ten, stanowiący część Turcji osmańskiej i zamieszkany przez społeczności o zróżnicowanej charakterystyce kulturowej, stanowił część historyczno-geograficznego regionu o nazwie Tracja. Za odrębną jednostkę terytorialną zaczęto go uznawać od czasu wojen bałkańskich (buł. Tracja Egejska, tur. i gr. Tracja Zachodnia). W 1920 r. został on ostatecznie przyłączony do Grecji. Na podstawie dokumentacji pochodzącej od przedstawicieli wojsk Ententy, Ligi Narodów i władz greckich, przedstawione zostaną procesy, które złożyły się na ugruntowanie dychotomicznego krajobrazu kulturowego w regionie, funkcjonującego do czasów dzisiejszych. Z jednej strony podporządkowano je paradygmatowi unitarnego państwa narodowego, z drugiej uwzględniono autonomię religijną dla ponad stu tysięcy muzułmanów. W praktyce rozwiązanie to przyczyniło się jednak do izolowania (gettoizacji) muzułmańskiej wspólnoty mniejszościowej, spowolniło integrację muzułmanów ze społeczeństwem greckim i wzmocniło kontrolę administracji centralnej nad sprawami regionu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the evolution of the Balkans' historically negative image, rooted in political instability, conflict, and cultural narratives, into one that is increasingly shaped by tourism. Long perceived as a region of division and insecurity, the Balkans are undergoing a transformation fueled by the growing recognition of their cultural, historical, and natural assets. International tourism has been instrumental in altering external perceptions by promoting the region's distinct attractions and fostering a departure from a collective "Balkan" identity towards the development of unique national tourism brands. These efforts reflect a strategic reimagining of the region, positioning it as an appealing destination within global tourism networks. By analyzing the interplay between historical stigma and contemporary branding strategies, this study highlights tourism's role as a catalyst for reshaping the Balkans' image, contributing to its economic growth and global integration. This shift illustrates how tourism can redefine regional identities and challenge outdated stereotypes, presenting the Balkans as a diverse and welcoming destination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a methodology to identify key actors within the network of interests arising from specific challenges. Drawing from Niklas Luhmann's concept, this analysis emphasizes the importance of societal connections. An example is presented regarding the development of interests related to the construction of Corridor No. 8, as a challenge to regional security in the Balkans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to contribute to the literature on Ottoman common and by analysing how mid-nineteenth century land codes influenced conflicts regarding common pastures in the Balkans. To accomplish this goal, two sets of primary sources are analysed: legal documents (Land Code of 1858 and Title Deed Regulation of 1859) as well as petition records from the Ottoman Imperial Archives. Case studies of land disputes occurring between commoners and large estate (çiftlik) holders in the Balkans are selected from the years following the enactment of these land codes. This selection enables an examination of the impact of these codes on the arguments presented by the conflicting parties. The central argument of this study points out that the Ottoman Empire's efforts to codify land laws played a crucial role in shaping the disputes over communal pastures. However, it is equally important to underline that these legal changes did not signify an unqualified victory for private property rights over commons. Instead, the rural population countered landholders' efforts by employing petitioning as a proactive strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kosovo is a small landlocked country on the Western Balkans and the youngest country in Europe. In this paper, we report three alien spider species from Kosovo for the first time: Ostearius melanopygius, Parasteatoda tepidariorum and Spermophora senoculata. In addition, we report new records for Pholcus phalangioides for the region. Our investigation is one of the first contributions to the knowledge about the distribution patterns of alien spider species on the Balkan Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Akademik-Us is the property of Akademik-US and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Ottoman Legacy Studies (OMAD) / Osmanlı Mirası Araştırmaları Dergisi is the property of Journal of Ottoman Legacy Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Ottoman Legacy Studies (OMAD) / Osmanlı Mirası Araştırmaları Dergisi is the property of Journal of Ottoman Legacy Studies and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article employs the method of “retrospective geopolitical analysis” to examine the foreign relations of the Austrian Habsburgs in the 18th century. The article evaluates the degree to which Habsburg strategies were effective in navigating the evolving political landscape of Europe. At the beginning of the century, Austria was a powerful state that was expanding into Central and Southeastern Europe following its victory over the Ottomans. The Habsburgs had ambitions to conquer the entire Balkans, including Constantinople. However, Emperor Charles VI’s vision of restoring Habsburg dominance to a degree comparable to that of the 16th century proved to be an unrealistic aspiration. Following the Treaty of Belgrade in 1739, Austria’s military power declined, and the rise of Prussia further weakened Vienna’s position. The Austrian monarchy encountered difficulties in fully adapting to the evolving geopolitical landscape, which saw the emergence of new powers such as Prussia and Russia, in addition to the established Great Britain and France. Over time, Austria became a regional power, frequently acting as a junior partner to more dominant states. This decline in Habsburg might was largely due to significant geopolitical miscalculations made by the rulers in Vienna during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Comparative Literature / Primerjalna Književnost is the property of Slovenian Comparative Literature Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The goal is to highlight the impact of the rise of the Southern Slavs national liberation movements in the Balkans during the Eastern Crisis of the 1870s on the social and cultural life of Right-Bank Ukraine (based on the materials of Kyiv, Podillia, and Volyn provinces). The research methodology is based on the principle of historicism, systemic and civilizational approaches, and historical-genetic and comparative-historical methods, which makes it possible to apply the method of critical analysis and interpretation of sources in the historical and cultural context. Scientific novelty. Based on the analysis of documents of the Central State Historical Archives of Ukraine in Kyiv, the State Archives of Kyiv, and the periodicals, the article introduces factual materials that expand the existing ideas in historical science about the participation of the Ukrainian public in the solidarity movement in support of the national liberation struggle of the Southern Slavs in the second half of the 1870s. At the same time, the manifestations of opposition to the Russian Empire's policy in the Balkans, which have not been adequately addressed in historiography, are considered. Conclusions. As a result of the rise of the national liberation movements in the Balkans in the 1870s, a wide range of charitable activities to help the South Slavs intensified in the Kyiv, Podillia, and Volyn provinces and became a significant social phenomenon regulated by the state institutions, the church, cultural and educational establishments, the press, and the public. However, simultaneously with the rise of public solidarity with the southern Slavs, there was a lack of awareness and understanding of the nature of the events in the Balkans among the population, especially in rural areas. In parallel with the spread of Slavophile ideas about Russia's historical mission as a "liberator" and "patroness" of the Slavic peoples, opposition public sentiment and rejection of targeted propaganda about "Slavic unity" as an ideological tool for the Russian Empire's geopolitical expansion in the Balkans became more relevant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kotschy's gecko, Mediodactylus kotschyi , is native to the Eastern part of the Mediterranean Basin and a successful colonizer, with an extensive distribution across the Balkans and outside its native range. In Serbia, it was presumed native in Prizren (Kosovo and Metohija province) and introduced across the remaining territory. To explore the origin of Serbian Kotschy's gecko, we collected specimens from most of the Serbian populations where the species was recorded and assessed their phylogenetic relationships based on three mtDNA markers (COI, cytb, 16S rRNA) under Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI) approaches. First, our results support that the specimens found in Serbia belong to M. kotschyi. Second, all populations except Prizren belong to the subspecies M. kotschyi skopjensis. Furthermore, the Italian populations are sister to the specimens from Prizren, suggesting a Balkan origin for these populations, which settled in Apulia likely through ancient human-mediated dispersion. The small genetic differentiation found suggests that Kotschy's gecko rapidly colonized the Central Balkans, originating from Northern Greece and North Macedonia. The results also suggest a story of multiple, complex (most likely) human-mediated introductions. However, further studies should be conducted to properly elucidate the colonization pathways, and to truly disentangle the potential fast natural range expansion from an anthropogenic dispersion of this gecko species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development in communication opportunities and the fact that the international public opinion is more decisive in political developments in the global system than ever before have increased the interest in soft power. Many countries trying to have a say in the global system have recently begun to attach more importance to soft power policies. Türkiye has also adopted a political approach centered on soft power, especially in the context of the multifaceted foreign policy it has followed in the last twenty years. One of the regions where Türkiye focuses most on soft power, along with its intensive public diplomacy activities, is the Balkans. However, besides the factors that facilitate Türkiye's soft power policies in the Balkans, there are also factors that limit it. In studies on Türkiye's soft power, the positive aspects are generally emphasized and the weaknesses are neglected. However, public diplomacy activities that are carried out without taking into account the weaknesses will be less likely to be successful. In this study, the concept of soft power will be explained first and briefly. In the following, Türkiye's general soft power policies and its interest in the Balkans in this context will be discussed. Afterwards, the study will be concluded by discussing the strengths and weaknesses of Türkiye's soft power in the Balkans in the context of soft power resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the domestic and foreign historiography of Turkey's foreign policy in the Balkans during the era of the Justice and Development Party (2002-2020). As the main classification of historiography, the geographical criterion is chosen, Ukrainian, Turkish, Balkan, European and American works are analyzed. The article emphasizes that in Ukraine during the period of its independence, the foreign policy of Turkey at the current stage is actively studied (first of all, the fundamental principles of Ankara's new foreign policy strategy, Turkey's European integration intentions, its role in the Black Sea, Middle Eastern regions, and North Africa, Turkish-Greek, Turkish-Ukrainian, Turkish-American relations, etc.). However, the Balkan direction remains understudied. The main problems that were the subject of consideration by scientists from different countries are highlighted: the effectiveness of Ankara's policy in the Balkans, its evolution, the legality of using the term "neo-Ottomanism" in relation to the new stage of Turkey's foreign policy (since 2002), Turkey's place among other countries (Russia, China, EU countries) for influence in the region, socio-cultural parallels between the Balkans and Turkey, etc. The national distinctiveness of scientific and journalistic discourse in various countries is characterized. An attempt is made to explain the presence of pluralism in the interpretation of Turkey's foreign policy in the Balkan region through the prism of the freedom of democracy in certain countries. At the end, it is concluded that today the historiography of the topic is the most developed in Turkey and the Balkans. European and American historiography does not focus too much on the Balkan direction of Turkish foreign policy, while the domestic one mentions it casually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Universal Journal of History & Culture is the property of Universal Journal of History & Culture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Lake Zminje Jezero (1535 m a.s.l.) in Montenegro was studied for chironomid and other aquatic invertebrate remains in a sediment sequence dating back to 12,000 calibrated 14C years before present (cal yr BP), providing, to our knowledge, the first lake-sediment record studied for chironomids and other associated chitinous aquatic invertebrate remains in the Dinaric Alps. Changes in chironomid and other invertebrate remains along the record make it possible to constrain changes of relevant environmental variables for aquatic invertebrates in the lake including temperature, oxygen availability, trophic status and water depth. The results suggest moderate changes in trophic conditions with chironomid assemblages indicating meso- to eutrophic conditions during the analysed interval. Invertebrate assemblages were typical for lakes with relatively high oxygen availability with a minor trend during the middle to late Holocene to conditions observed in lakes that are more hypoxic. A change in temperature is suggested in the earlier part of the record when the share of chironomid taxa adapted to warmer conditions increased, at the Younger Dryas to Holocene transition, whereas later no particularly pronounced shifts in temperature-sensitive taxa were observed. July air temperatures were estimated based on chironomid assemblages using a transfer function based on calibration data consisting of 117 lakes sampled in the Swiss Alps and northern Switzerland. The results suggest that temperatures rapidly increased by 5 °C at the onset of the Holocene (11,500 cal yr BP) leading to a relatively warm early to mid-Holocene and thereafter slightly decreased during the late Holocene. Reconstructed temperatures are discussed together with a previously published pollen record for our study site and are broadly consistent with other chironomid-based temperature reconstructions from Central, Eastern and Southern Europe. From ca. 3000 cal yr BP sedimentation rates increased and from ca. 500 cal yr BP onwards pollen data suggest that the vegetation and lake catchment were affected by human activities, possibly influencing chironomid and other invertebrate assemblages in the lake and thereby also reconstructed temperatures. Overall, our results show that combining analyses of chironomid and other invertebrate assemblages can provide valuable insights into long-term environmental changes and can provide temperature reconstructions for small mountain lakes in the Balkans, such as Zminje Jezero. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.) is one of the most ecologically and economically significant deciduous tree species in the Central and Southeast European regions. The species has long been known to exhibit high levels of genetic and phenotypic variation. Recent climate response predictions for Turkey oak suggest a significant distribution extension in Europe under climate change. Since Turkey oak has relative drought-tolerant behaviour, it is regarded as a potential alternative for other forest tree species during forestry climate adaptation efforts, not only in its native regions but also in Western Europe. For this reason, the survey of existing genetic variability, genetic resources, and adaptability of this species has great significance. Next-generation sequencing approaches, such as ddRAD-seq (Double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing), allow the attainment of high-resolution genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This study provides the first highly variable genome-wide SNP data for Turkey oak generated by ddRAD-seq. The dataset comprises 17 607 de novo and 26 059 reference mapped SNPs for 88 individuals from eight populations, two from Bulgaria, one from Kosovo, and five from Hungary. Reference mapping was carried out by using cork oak's (Quercus suber L.) reference genome. The obtained high-resolution genome-wide markers are suitable for investigating selection and local adaptation and inferring genetic diversity, differentiation, and population structure. The dataset is accessible at: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8091252 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores community-based rock music education as a site for strengthening social cohesion in a context of postwar, interethnic divisions. Focusing on small and incremental changes, it examines the practices of Music Connects, a project in the Western Balkans, and its goals of revitalizing rock culture in support of a more inclusive social life and greater freedom of movement in the region. The article explores the ways that an organizational and participant focus on aesthetic practices and artistic goals can still contribute to social goals. It highlights three key tasks connected to rock music education and revitalization, captured in the novel conceptual constructs of rehearsal space, the incubator, and the expansion of normal. Drawing upon qualitative data gathered in 2019 and 2021 from 40 participants, the article tells a story of small social changes through music-making that added up to significant developments in the region, musically and socially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a review of a comprehensive study of Bosnian-Herzegovinian surnames. It is a multidisciplinary research project that lasted from 2018 to 2023, involving several authors and publishers, resulting in three volumes. The results of the study under review are based on Bosnian-Herzegovinian and foreign archival material, birth registers, medieval and early modern inscriptions, charters, and contemporary population censuses. The reviewed volumes employ an adequate methodology which allows for systematic presentation of the results. Some shortcomings of the technical arrangement of the first volume were successfully eliminated in the following parts of the edition. Due to the abundance of material and insight into the chronological development of surnames as a category of anthroponyms, these books are of an immense importance for Bosnian linguistics. Additionally, beyond their onomastic value, these three volumes provide insight into the broader historical, religious, and cultural contexts, shedding new light on the complex ethnolinguistic contacts in that part of the Balkans, both in the past and today.

Two plant bug species, Euryopicoris nitidus (Meyer-Dür, 1843) and Solenoxyphus lepidus (Puton, 1874), are reported for the first time for Bulgaria. Their habitats, host plants, and reasons for the late discovery in the country are briefly discussed. The genera Euryopicoris Reuter, 1875 and Solenoxyphus Reuter, 1875 have not been previously reported in Bulgaria as well.