Dynastické majetky Arpádovcov a kráľovské lesy v strednom Šariši

Author(s): Pavol Hudáček / Language(s): Slovak Issue: 1/2015

Šariš existed within the large county of Novum Castrum (Ujvár) in the 11th – 12th century. In my paper, I attempt to more closely introduce the crucial medieval royal estates of Lipovec and Solivar, which belonged to the domain of Árpád dynasty in 12th – 13th century. They were the part of the royal Šariš forest (sárosi erdőispánság) in the neighborhood of the Slanské Hills. The proof of the existence of the royal Šariš forest can be found in historical sources in which it is mentioned mostly under the Latin term locus venationis or under the local Hungarian names, such as Nerlezhygh, Nyrlezhege, Nyrlyz; Bichachlesi, Bykachleswy, Bykachlesy; Keralzalasa, Kyralzallasa; Hulloudzalasa. All those names and terms suggest the existence of royal hunting lodges which were connected with royal road (via domini regis, magna via, via regalis) that kings used to move from one royal demesne to another. The royal roads linked the royal courts, villages and royal forests, where Hungarian rulers resided mostly because of hunting. On Árpád dynasty lands in middle Šariš, one could fi nd churches or chapels the patrons saint of which were the saints symbolizing the dynasty tradition and the cult of saints from the royal family (Saint Stephen, Saint Imrich and Saint Ladislav). The historical presence of the churches demonstrates that the mentioned estates belonged to Árpád dynasty in the 12th century, if not sooner.

Петър Шукеров, Иван Патев, Димитър Михайлов. Земята гледа небето. Хора и православни храмове в Средните Родопи. София, 2015

Author(s): Albena Georgieva / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 4/2016

Млечният път в космическото и обредното пространство

Author(s): Nikolay Sivkov / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2017

In the folklore of many peoples, the luminous bodies and phenomena are related tothe traditional concepts of the world structure. In the Bulgarian popular astronomythe Milky Way is seen as a Straw Road. The folklore texts present the “road” as both aborder and a bond between the “own” and the “alien” space, between the earthly andthe “divine” world. It is a process of movement in the mythological space but it couldalso be a place where the worlds in this space meet. Such development of the conceptof the “road” in the Bulgarian popular tradition is related to liminal rituals typical ofcalendar festivals including Christmas.

По трудния път: Цигански организации в Шумен (1944–1990)

Author(s): Dimitrinka Demirova / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2017

The purpose of the present article is to trace the history and to show the activities performedby the gypsies/Romani organizations in Shumen, Bulgaria during the period between 1944 and 1990. The history of these organizations is going through several periods which match the political periods regarding the gypsy population in Bulgaria.It was founded in 1946, when Bulgaria was leading a policy of ethnical recognition of the gypsies and a wide consideration of their cultural and historical identity. Inthe beginning of the 1950s, due to the fear of the so-called “turcheene” (i.e. public demonstration of the Turkish ethnic identity) among a large part of the gypsies, there was a turning-point in the public policy – the Cultural and Educational organization of the gypsies was forbidden and they got into the hands of the “Fatherland Front” (“Otechestven front”). In spite of the restrictions and interdictions, in 1967 the leaders of the Gypsy movement in Shumen restored their organization by the name of “Roma”, but they didn’t get the recognition and validation from the government. In spite of this, they continued to work for the protection of the Gypsy community in Shumen and in all of their activities in several basic directions (socioeconomic, political, educational and cultural) were performed by the organization’s name. This continued until the beginning of the 1990s, when the organization was recovered, andalong side this a number of new organizations arose.

Между писмената и устната история: преселването на турците от България към Турция през 1950–1951 г.

Author(s): Yelis Erolova / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 2/2017

The migrations of the Turks from Bulgaria to Turkey in the 20th century are subject of broad academic and pubic discussions; the greatest attention is paid to the last wave of migration of 1989. The article directs the attention further back in the history, to the period from 1950 to 1951 when the Bulgarian and Turkish authorities organized for the first time a mass deportation of over 150 000 Turks. The study discusses the macro and micro framework of that migration flow in the light of the scientificanalytical approach of histoire croisée/entangled history. By means of it, the author analyses the “entangled” policies presented on the basis of Bulgarian, Turkish and other historical sources and compared to ethnographic fieldwork materials collected among the Bulgarian migrants in the city of Izmir. The study works out new issues and issues insufficiently examined of the written and oral history of the Turkish migrants related to the ideas of homeland, the influence of social and kin networks and the reconstruction of identity in the processes of migration, adaptation and integration.

Мила Маева. Българските емигранти в Англия – минало и съвременност. София, 2017

Author(s): Anelia Kassabova / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 3/2017

Obozy dla uchodźców w Afryce na przykładzie Kenii. Schronienie czy pułapka?

Author(s): Maciej Zięba / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2019

This article presents the situation that prevails in „temporary” sanctuaries known as humanitarian zones, or colloquially speaking – refugee camps managed by UNHCR in sub-Saharan Africa on the example of Kenya. The invention of refugee camps as a kind of modern refugia is increasingly being criticized in the world. „Protection” and „aid” provided there consist in controlling and keeping their residents alive without giving them the opportunity to live independently. This system is quite convenient for both host countries and the whole so-called humanitarian industry operating according to marketing logic. The system removes the burden of dealing directly with refugees from host countries and the humanitarian industry hasa kind of market of suffering and excluded refuges which legitimize its existence. It justifies the question whether the camps really provide security and help that they promise? Refugees get voluntarily to the refugee camps, but why in that case do they have a sense of imprisonment when they are there? Why the international refugee protection system that promised sustainable solutions can not solve their problems? Why do refugees in the camps often feel that they are in a trap, from which it is difficult to escape? In the text I refer critically to the existing ways of providing protection and assistance to refugees. I underline the significant discrepancies between the declarations on the part of humanitarian organizations and results of their actions. I suggest rethinking the humanitarian aid system called the „International Refugee Regime”, entangled in contradictions and helpless in the face of the suffering that he promised to remove.

Szwajcarska demokracja wobec kwestii mniejszości muzułmańskiej

Author(s): Mirosław Matyja / Language(s): Polish Issue: 1/2019

Muslims in Switzerland are the third largest religious group. However, they are not legally recognized as a religion. The Swiss state is confronted with the necessity of their integration and the problem is constantly present in politics. It is a fact, that the regional differences between Muslims and other religions in Switzerland are very large. The results of referendums regarding the acceptance of the Muslim religion have been in the past only negative. The best example is the initiative and referendum „stop of minarets” in 2009. From a legal point of view, the presence of Muslims in Switzerland provokes many challenges for the Swiss state, because the systems of these two „worlds” are fundamentally different: Muslim law is based on the Islamic religion, while the Swiss Confederation is a democratic state of law and as such is based on the will of society. Recognition of Muslims as a religious minority can take place within the framework of Swiss direct democracy only in the referendum, which is currently impossible.

MYANMAR’S FOREIGN STRATEGY TOWARD CHINA SINCE ROHINGYA CRISIS: CHANGES, OUTLOOK AND IMPLICATIONS

Author(s): Jaesoo Park / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2020

Myanmar has crafted a neutral foreign policy since its colonial years to avoid leaning too much on any foreign power, but a spiraling political crisis at home is pushing it toward China as a buffer against international outrage. Myanmar faces charges of genocide against the Rohingya. China has backed Myanmar in the UN. In fact, China is in a similar situation. China is grappling with international criticism over perceived repression of ethnic Uighur people. Myanmar is exposed to various words and loud in the international community. So Myanmar wants to improve relations with China and is turning into an active cooperative attitude as a strategy to secure a friendly army. This paper shows how the diplomatic relations between Myanmar and China are changing, and how Myanmar’s foreign strategy toward China is approaching. Also this article analyzes the outlook of diplomatic relations and the implications of the current situation.

Разклатените стълбове на демокрацията - обществените медии в Югоизточна Европа

Author(s): Ralitsa Kovacheva / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 8/2020

A review of the book " A Pillar of Democracy on Shaky Ground. Public Service Media in South East Europe”, published by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Media Programme South East Europe. The book gives an overview of public service media in the ten countries covered by the Media Programme of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Moldova, Romania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia and Montenegro) plus Germany.

ENERGY AND GEO-ECONOMICS: EVIDENCE UNDERPINNING RUSSIAN INTERVENTION IN SYRIA

Author(s): Nada El Abdi / Language(s): English Issue: 03/2021

Since September 2015 and the Russian military intervention in the country, the interests in Syria have been numerous and of great importance for the actors involved in this conflict. The interests in Syria are numerous and of great importance for the actors involved in this conflict. Russia, like the Allies and opponents of the Bashar Al-Assad regime, is fighting for geopolitical, geo-economic, or ideological reasons. The Middle East region finds itself shaken by the sharp resurgence of a confrontation between actors allied to the United States, other allies of Russia, and this Syrian crisis thus impacts the geopolitical configuration of the region. This paper presents an analysis of the Russian intervention strategy in Syria. We argue that Russia intervened in Syria to strengthen the already existing Russian-Syrian alliance, to curb extremist proliferation, and to take advantage of Syria's strategic position. The objective is to determine the reasons for the Russian military intervention in Syria related to energy and geo-economic interests. The Russian intervention in Syria was an ideal opportunity to draw closer to several powerful states in the region and a way to benefit from positive spin-offs on its arms market and hydrocarbon road plans. Despite the risks and costs associated with defending the Syrian regime, Moscow has secured its political and economic power in the Middle East.

Трансформации на фолклорната и религиозната култура в Странджа през призмата на обичая Еньова буля и култа към св. Модест

Author(s): Mira Markova / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 4/2020

Over the last decades, the Strandzha region suffers a serious demographic crisis and the outflow of population results in significant change in the local culture. The empirical data of the current research is based on fieldwork in villages of Fakia (Central Strandzha, Sredets Municipality). The aim is to give a picture of the current condition of the folklore and religious culture through symbolic and specific phenomena. Enyova bulya custom is widely spread in Strandzha region and is conceived as an accent in the Enyovden (Yanovden) celebrations that take place on the 24th of June and is one of the main summer feast days until the ’60s of the 20th century. Enyova bulya is associated with fertility, maiden's transition and the well-being of the settlement community. Today, the custom is disconnected from the context of the festive life of the researched community as far as the world view of the main actors has been changed. Main doers are elderly women, the time of the celebrations is not exactly fixed thus the sacredness of the actions is automatically degenerated. A conclusion can be made that the custom nowadays has the characteristics of a tourist attraction in some aspects. Keeping the celebrations is perceived as a need to declare local identity and local diversity. The transformations in the religious culture of the researched community can be analysed in a similar direction. St. Modest cult (celebrated on December 18) is seen as “typical only for Strandzha region”. In the past, the cult is related to the local livelihood – livestock-raising and agriculture. For example, in Fakia village is believed that the woman that gives out ritual bread first will be the first to finish harvesting. Today, as a result of drastic changes in livelihood, the cult exists as a characteristic of local religious culture – grounds for the local dimensions of cultural identity. Anyway, ritual practices serve the local identity. Searching a motivation in tradition keeps alive a local peasant community in process of dramatic demographic and social crises in Strandzha region.

Разнообразие в телевизионните програми на обществените телевизии в държавите от Западните Балкани

Author(s): Desislava Sotirova / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 10/2021

The dual broadcasting system in the six Western Balkan countries puts challenges but also creates opportunities to increase the diversity of the TV program. The paper aims to answer the question whether there is a variety of television content provided by the public broadcasters to the audiences in the Western Balkans. Their public mission obliges them to provide access to programs on diverse topics for all target audiences, including ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.

Към историята на Българското радио като културна сила: върху ранната музикална журналистика - музикално просветителство и приложна народоука

Author(s): Ventsislav Dimov,Ventsislav Dimov / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 10/2021

The study presents the contributions of Raina Katsarova (1901-1984) - one of the pioneers in establishing the Bulgarian traditional music in the first specializated music programs on Rodno Radio and Radio Sofia. It presents a researcher with experience in field work and thousands of recordings of traditional music, with publications of song collections and academic works, but also a citizen, cultural figure, public activist, media figure. The activities of Raina Katsarova as an educator, music journalist and media critic are discussed; her talks and song tales on the radio; her activities in defense of faith and rituals in the media of totalitarian Bulgaria; her role in publicizing Bulgarian traditional music on air around the world as an ambassador of Bulgarian culture, folklore and science. It is concluded that the traces of her activity in the media cover the history of Bulgarian radio, understood in the middle of the twentieth century as a public good and cultural force. It is clear to everyone that music on the radio matters. Raina Katsarova's radio appearances show how ethnomusicology is also important in and for radio.

По следите на благодарствената памет, или още веднъж за „българските“ чехи

Author(s): Vladimir Penchev / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 3/2021

The article deals with the role of Czechs in Bulgaria in the decades after its Liberation in 1878. The author argues that the Czech presence in the country was substantial and clearly visible, so it had a significant imprint on the development of Bulgarian society at the time. This might be the explanation for the tens of “places of memory” and objectified “grateful memory” for the “Bulgarian” Czechs, expressed in the names of settlements, streets, schools, mountain peaks, etc. Other examples include monuments and memorial plaques, as well as works of art dedicated to outstanding Czech people such as Konstantin Jireček, the Škorpil brothers, the Prošek brothers, Antonin Kolář, Antonin Novak, Josef Schnitter, Libor Bayer, and many others.

Транснационални наследства: селският дом и историята в Югоизточна Европа

Author(s): François Ruegg / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 4/2021

Paradoxically enough, our present times combine conservation with the destruction of architectural heritage. The preservation of this heritage is closely related to the foundation of the nation state and serves to show the “national genius” embodied by the peasant. Simultaneously, the different disciplines that study the issues of architectural heritage show that there is a tendency of mutual disregard. Nevertheless, the transnational concept of the rural home in Southeast Europe (mainly Romania and former Yugoslavia) which I have studied and documented in the 1970-s, displays similar features in close geographical zones, and also in zones that are marked by the culture and history of imperial colonization: Austrian in the first case and Ottoman in the second. The perspective from the point of view of regional heritage makes possible to apply a trans-border approach in order to reveal connections of kinship between neighboring villages separated by political boundaries. In the article, the differences between certain cultural areas are explained with the support of history.

Любомир Миков. Обществени чешми в България (XV–XIX век). София: Мюсюлманско вероизповедание, Главно мюфтийство, 2019

Author(s): Nikolay Vukov / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 4/2021

Book review

Празникът „Кюстендилска пролет“ и социалистическата празничност: „Изобретяването“ на празника (Част I)

Author(s): Svetla I. Kazalarska / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2022

The article examines and analyses the process of “inventing” Kyustendil Spring Day in the context of socialist festivity. Based on the local tradition of welcoming spring in Kyustendil, which integrates pre-Christian rituals related to the day of spring solstice, the Day of Forty Martyrs of Sebaste in the Orthodox calendar and Mladentsi in the folk calendar, the holiday is gradually “domesticated” by the socialist authorities in the late 1960s, purged of its religious elements and re-invented – engaged with “new, socialist content”. Having combined various festive forms, symbols and rituals and occupying various urban spaces throughout the years, the holiday eventually established itself as a successful “invented tradition” during the socialist period, including several elements: a beauty contest, a ceremony for handing over the symbols of spring, a carnival procession, a public celebration on the Hisarlaka hill above the town, and accompanying cultural and sports events.

Милковица през погледа на Зоя Микова

Author(s): Rada Slavinska / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2022

Book review

Живот с реката: един пример от село Драганово

Author(s): Georgi Georgiev / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 4/2022

I explore the connections between a particular place that was created by a natural agent (the Yantra River) and an artificial object (the ‘buna’), and the activities by which local people gave the place a specific character. I highlight their past actions and experiences; remembering, recounting and evaluations in the present; the emotional attachment to the place and the ecological nostalgia after its ‘loss’ due to hydro technical intervention.