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Reflections on Balkan Affairs

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Seeking Stability

The events surrounding the Balkan situation have prompted considerations of international law and the need for confirmation by the signatory powers of the Treaty of Berlin in 1878. The treaty stated that no nation could free itself from treaty commitments or modify stipulations without the consent of the contracting powers through amicable arrangements. To give legal sanction to various acts, confirmation by the signatory powers appears necessary, potentially through a logical and hoped-for conference.

The recent chapter of the Balkan situation, initiated in October 1908, concluded in March. Servia, influenced by Russia’s conciliatory stance, accepted Austria-Hungary’s annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Servia agreed to demobilize its military forces and officially declared that Austria-Hungary’s actions provided no grounds for complaint. Turkey had already accepted compensation and concessions from Austria, foregoing the nomina

Balkan Situation

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The recent developments in the Balkans have reignited tensions in Europe, with Bulgaria declaring independence on October 5, 1908, in Tirnovo, the historical capital. Simultaneously, Austria-Hungary annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Crete raised the Greek flag. These actions violate the status established by the Treaty of Berlin on July 13, 1878.

According to the Treaty of Berlin, Bulgaria was to be an autonomous and tributary principality under the suzerainty of the Ottoman Sultan. The annexation of Eastern Boumelia by Bulgaria in 1885 was already a breach of the treaty. Now Cholera Status in Austria-Hungary, the recognition of Bulgarian independence threatens not only the loss of that autonomy but also the loss of Eastern Boumelia.

Similarly, the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by Austria-Hungary directly contradicts the terms of the treaty. Crete, while acknowledging Turkish suzerainty, has operated with a h

Cholera Status in Austria-Hungary

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Cholera Status in Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and France

AUSTRIA-HUNGARY

As of September 24, one fatal case of cholera was officially reported in Austrian territory. The case occurred in Prellenkirchen. In Hungary, for the week ending September 23, 19 cholera cases with 9 deaths were reported. Notably, the disease seemed initially limited to personnel on Danube vessels, but since medical inspection, no further cases emerged among them. An update on October 9 indicated 29 new cholera cases with 14 deaths in Hungary from September 24 to 30, including 14 cases in Ujpest Reflections on Balkan Affairs.

BULGARIA

Sosopolis, a Black Sea port, reported five bacteriologically verified cholera cases from September 18 to 29. Rigorous measures, including isolation, were implemented to prevent the disease’s spread. By October 7, a total of 12 cholera cases with 4 deaths were reported in Sosopolis.

FRANCE<

Istanbul’s Culinary Rediscovery

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Fish A Culinary Heritage

Throughout the history of Istanbul, fish has held the esteemed position of being the most consumed product in the city’s cuisine. Over time, various methods of preserving and preparing fish have been developed, with many fading into obscurity. However, Istanbul’s gastronomy, known for its perpetual reinvention, is now resuscitating these forgotten techniques. This culinary revival is exemplified by a book authored by Alan Davidson, a leading expert on eating and drinking worldwide, who notes Challenges in Black Sea Fishing, “Turkey is surrounded by a remarkably interesting and varied collection of waters… These varied waters yield rich crops of fish, and the Turks, whose cuisine is ranked by many among the finest in the world, do justice to it.”

Rediscovering Culinary Treasures Books and Expertise

For chefs and enthusiasts keen on exploring fish and its div

Challenges in Black Sea Fishing

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Heading North A Seasonal Journey

As the fishing season persists, fishermen across Turkey embark on maritime adventures, trying their luck in the bountiful seas. With the onset of summer, they bid farewell to the Mediterranean, the Aegean, and the Marmara, setting course for the cooler and nutrient-rich waters of the Black Sea. Much like their terrestrial counterparts, fish in these northern waters migrate to the highlands, where they feast throughout the summer. As autumn approaches, the aquatic journey begins, and schools of fish sweep down the Bosphorus in a natural migration that has unfolded for millennia.

Sonar Surveillance and Migration Interruption

However, a modern challenge has emerged at the entrance of the Black Sea into the Bosphorus. Fishermen equipped with giant sonar devices lie in wait, disrupting the traditional migration pattern by intercepting fish before they enter the strait Fish and Istanbul. This inter

Fish and Istanbul

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A Culinary Legacy

A Timeless Duo Fish and the Bosphorus

Fish and the Bosphorus, a timeless duo that echoes through the heart of Istanbul. Beyond a mere slogan, this pairing represents a cherished legacy intertwining nature, taste, and culinary expertise. Once as abundant as bread, fish has been an integral part of Istanbul’s identity since ancient times. The city’s unique geography provides an ideal environment for fish breeding, growth, and capture. Fish that thrive in the Black Sea find their way into weirs along the undulating Bosphorus coastline. Along the Golden Horn, various processing techniques such as salting, pickling, drying, smoking, and brine curing transform these catches before they grace the market. Through the centuries Istanbul’s Culinary Rediscovery, fish, as evidenced by coins stamped with dolphins and bonito, has become an inseparable part of Istanbul life.

Culinary Tradit

Harran School of Thought

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The University of Harran, with roots dating back to the earliest centuries, housed the renowned “Harran School of Thought,” one of the world’s three significant philosophical schools. This esteemed center of learning nurtured numerous globally acclaimed scientists. Among them were Sabir bin Kurra, a leading mathematician; Battani, who accurately calculated the distance between the moon and Earth; and Jabir Bin Hayyan, often credited as the inventor of the atom due to his groundbreaking discoveries on the smallest particles’ energy.

The Legend of Job (Hi. Eyup)

The prophet Job, blessed with seven sons and three children, earned God’s favor through his diligence, honesty, and unwavering faith. Despite adversities orchestrated by evil, Job remained steadfast in his worship. The narrative unfolds as God, confident in Job’s loyalty, allows the testing of his faith by stripping him of his possessions. Job, undeterred, continues his worsh

Discovering Sanliurfa

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Legends and Ancient Roots

Nimrod’s Defeat The Legend of the Lame Mosquito

In the mythical past, God, determined to humble the mighty King Nimrod, sent forth a humble mosquito. This small creature, seemingly inconsequential, became the instrument of the king’s downfall. As Nimrod prepared his army for war, a swarm of mosquitoes descended, prompting the king to seek refuge in a sealed room. Unbeknownst to him, a lame mosquito Read More about Discovering Bogazkale , unable to join the holy war, received a divine mission. It infiltrated the king’s sanctuary and, with relentless determination, gnawed at Nimrod’s brain. Overwhelmed by pain, Nimrod met his end by self-inflicted blows to the head, crying “Vur ha, vur ha, ur ha” (hit, hit!). This event led to the naming of the region as Urfa.

Harran’s Timeless Legacy An Ancient Hub of Commerce

Situated 44 km southeast of §anliur

Discovering Bogazkale

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Hattusa Echoes of Ancient Powers

Hittite Dominion Egypt, Babel, Mitanni, and Hittite Supremacy

In the antique East, the great powers of Egypt, Babel, Mitanni, and the Hittites stood as dominant forces. Until the 1200s BC, the Hittites held sway over vast territories, extending from Anatolia to Northern Syria. The remnants of this influential civilization endure in Hattusa, the capital city, nestled in the Bogazkale district, 80 km southwest of Corum. The ongoing excavation efforts, led by the “German Archaeology Institute,” continue to unravel the mysteries of this historic site Read More about Harran School of Thought.

Yazilikaya Temple Treasures Among the Rocks

Recognized in UNESCO’s “World’s Culture Heritage List,” Hattusa in Bogazkale stands out, with special attention directed to its capital city. The Yazilikaya Temple, a remarkable site concealed among towering rocks,

Distinctive Symbols on Ottoman Tombstones

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Exploring the Meaning Behind Engravings

Symbolic Trees Life and Immortality

The foot sahides of Ottoman tombstones often feature engravings of trees. Prominent among these are roses, date-palms, cypress, and pomegranates. Date-palms symbolize life and immortality, portraying fruitfulness and reproduction when adorned with multiple fruits. Pomegranates signify monotheism, supernatural powers, and are symbolic of reproduction. Cypress trees, symbolizing beauty and immortality, gained popularity during the Ottoman era, particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries. Cypress implantation ceremonies were held during this period, emphasizing eternity and stability against the wind. The evergreen nature of cypresses, along with their symbolization of patience and humility Read More about Ottoman Tombstone Symbols, is found on both male and female graves.

Golden Apple, Orange, and Grapes: Symbols of Immortality

Illustr

Alexius Part 31

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Money and Interest

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Heybeliada

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