Peyman Aref is a journalist based in Brussels, Belgium.
He is Iranian who writes in Persian , Turkish and English.
He is Middle East expert with special expertise about Turkey.

Iran-Ottoman Relations; How were the western borders of Iran formed?

31 May 2020  |  www.bbc.com  |  Persian  |  Geopolitics

Over 380 years ago, the borders between Iran and the Ottoman Empire were established through a treaty between Murad IV and Shah Safi after years of conflict, a demarcation that, unlike Iran's northern and eastern borders, has remained largely unchanged for four centuries. The Treaty of Zuhab for the Iranian side, also known as the Treaty of Qasr-e Shirin by the opposing party, ended about 120 years of continuous war between Iran and the Ottoman Empire. The treaty solidified a 2,185-kilometer border between the two states, ensuring that no major wars would occur thereafter. The article examines the historical events leading to this significant treaty and the geopolitical dynamics between the Safavid and Ottoman states, including the influence of religious discourse and power relations in Azerbaijan and Anatolia during the 15th century.

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Aram Arkun is a journalist based in Lynnfield, United States of America. He is a graduate of Princeton (BA), with a master's degree in International Affairs from the University of Pennsylvania and a C.Phil. in Armenian history from UCLA (ABD), with Byzantium, Modern Europe and Russia as secondary ...

Akçam Appointed to UCLA Armenian Genocide Research Program within Promise Armenian Institute

05 Apr 2022  |  mirrorspectator.com  |  English  |  Higher Education

Taner Akçam has been appointed as the inaugural director of the UCLA Armenian Genocide Research Program within the Promise Armenian Institute. This new program aims to advance Armenian Genocide studies, train young scholars, and develop systematic research initiatives. Akçam, leaving his tenured position at Clark University, will focus on academic research, teaching, and organizing lectures and conferences. The program seeks to address gaps in genocide studies, including gender and post-genocide studies, and aims to incorporate studies of other genocides within the Ottoman Empire. Akçam's appointment is seen as a historic turning point in institutionalizing Armenian Genocide research.

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Ottoman Empire UCLA Clark University Promise Armenian Institute Turkish Republic Bilgi University

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Mark Brewer is a cameraman based in Rome, Italy.

She survived the horrors of the Armenian Genocide and escaped to New York

17 Oct 2023  |  WOUB Public Media  |  English  |  Humanitarian Campaigns

Aurora's Sunrise, a semi-animated documentary directed by Inna Sahakyan, recounts the harrowing tale of Aurora Mardiganian, a survivor of the 1915 Armenian genocide. The film, which will premiere on October 23, 2023, on POV, highlights Aurora's journey from losing her family and escaping slavery to becoming a media sensation and humanitarian activist in New York. The documentary aims to raise awareness of historical atrocities and the ongoing issues in regions like Nagorno Karabakh. The film has received critical acclaim and numerous awards at international film festivals.

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Anthee Carassava is a journalist based in Athens, Greece.

Greeks rage at Turkish light show celebrating sultan’s victory over Byzantines

01 Oct 2023  |  www.thetimes.co.uk  |  English  |  Historical Events

A provocative 3D light show in Istanbul celebrating the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople and President Erdogan's inflammatory remarks have incited anger in Greece, further straining Greek-Turkish relations. The event, marking the 1453 conquest, featured Erdogan urging Turks to treat modern Greeks as their ancestors did Byzantium, exacerbating historical and nationalistic tensions.

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Richard Collett is a freelance journalist based in Exeter, United Kingdom.

Adalar: Explore the Ottoman past on Istanbul's car-free islands

04 Mar 2024  |  BBC News فارسی  |  English  |  Culture

The Adalar islands, also known as the Princes' Islands, offer a peaceful escape from Istanbul and a glimpse into its multicultural past. Historically used for exile by Byzantine Emperors and Ottoman Sultans, the islands now serve as a serene retreat with no cars allowed, only electric vehicles. The islands have a rich history with Greek and Armenian communities and are home to significant historical sites like the 9th-Century Monastery of Hagia Triada. Despite modern connections to Istanbul, Adalar maintains its verdant landscapes and unique cultural identity, attracting both locals and tourists.

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Mehmet Demirci is a journalist based in Raleigh, United States of America.
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Fahreddin Pasha and the Defense of Medina

22 Feb 2024  |  www.yeniasir.com.tr  |  Turkish  |  Ottoman Empire

The article recounts the defense of Medina by Fahreddin Pasha during World War I, highlighting his steadfast resistance against Sharif Hussein's British-supported rebellion. Despite limited resources, Fahreddin Pasha's efforts are compared to the heroism of Gazi Osman Pasha. The narrative details the hardships faced by Ottoman forces, the eventual surrender under orders from Istanbul, and Fahreddin Pasha's subsequent imprisonment and later contributions to the Turkish War of Independence. The text also emphasizes the successful preservation and transfer of sacred relics from Mecca and Medina to Istanbul.

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Khaled Diab is an award-winning freelance journalist, blogger and writer who is currently based in Belgium. He has previously been based in Tunis, Jerusalem, Brussels, Geneva and Cairo. 

Khaled writes for leading publications in Europe, the Middle East, the United States and Asia. He also ...

Food Plays Its Role in a Borderless World

01 Oct 2023  |  New Lines Magazine  |  English  |  Culinary History

The article explores the intricate and often surprising migratory history of various foodstuffs and culinary practices, highlighting how ingredients and recipes have traveled across borders and civilizations. It delves into the etymology and cultural significance of foods like tomatoes, potatoes, and coffee, and discusses how these items were initially received and eventually integrated into different cuisines. The narrative underscores the interconnectedness of global food culture, challenging notions of food nationalism and emphasizing the shared heritage of culinary traditions.

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Yaren is a freelance writer currently based between Cyprus and Prague. She writes travel stories for digital publications and SEO content for startups and brands. Her work has appeared in The Independent, Time Out, Euronews, Reader's Digest, and more.

Was This Turkish Dish Inspired by an Empress, or Is It Just Good?

01 Oct 2023  |  smartmouth.substack.com  |  English  |  Fusion Cuisine

Hünkar beğendi, a Turkish dish of Ottoman origin, is a lamb dish served on crushed eggplant with a sauce similar to béchamel. The dish's origins are debated, with some attributing it to Sultan Abdülaziz's admiration for French culture and cuisine, possibly influenced by Empress Eugénie. However, historical records suggest the recipe existed before Eugénie's visit. The dish may represent a fusion of Ottoman and European culinary traditions or simply the innovative palate of a traveling Sultan.

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I am a widely-published and versatile freelance journalist with 15 years' experience currently in London. See **** for work. I am an Australian-Canadian dual citizen who has reported from across Africa, Asia, the UK, and Australia. I have been published with The Sydney Morning Herald, News Deeply, ...

Europe’s ‘forgotten’ Muslims: Why I wanted to write them back into the history book

09 Feb 2023  |  adventure.com  |  English  |  History

Tharik Hussain's journey through the Western Balkans in 2016, amidst the Brexit turmoil, led to the creation of his book 'Minarets in the Mountains.' The trip highlighted the rich Muslim heritage in Europe, often overlooked or misrepresented in Western literature. Guided by the writings of Ottoman traveler Evliya Celebi, Hussain discovered a Europe where Muslims, Christians, and Jews coexisted peacefully. The book, published in July 2021, challenges historical biases and encourages readers to re-evaluate their perceptions of European identity and history.

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Helene Franchineau is a video journalist and filmmaker based in İstanbul, Turkey. 
She covers Turkey, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa for media organisations, corportations and NGOs. 
Helene has years of experience as a shoot/edit camera person, covering breaking news, current affairs, ...

In Iraq, Gertrude Bell Draws a Country

30 Oct 2024  |  ARTE  |  French  |  Middle East Politics

Gertrude Bell, a prominent figure born in 1868 in England, played a crucial role in shaping modern Iraq's borders after World War I, under the British mandate following the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Her decisions continue to influence and divide the region's inhabitants a century later.

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Buse Keskin is a Culture & Arts editor based in İstanbul, Türkiye.
Her unwavering passion for culture and arts actually contributes to her great enjoyment of her work. She holds a  Bachelor's degree in American Culture and Literature and a Master's degree in International Relations departments.
...

'Tastes of the Bosphorus' reveals Istanbul culture, fishing tradition

01 Oct 2023  |  Daily Sabah  |  English  |  Food History

Istanbul's rich food culture, deeply rooted in its history as the capital of many civilizations, is explored in the book 'Tastes of the Bosphorus' by award-winning Turkish chef Ömür Akkor and his sister Zennup Pınar Çakmakcı. The book, published by the Union of Istanbul Strait Municipalities, delves into the cultural and sociological transformation of the Bosporus region, offering detailed recipes and historical insights. It highlights the unique fishing traditions and the significance of fish in the region's culture, tracing back to the Ottoman and Roman Empires. The work is both a culinary guide and a sociological study, emphasizing the deep-seated traditions and lifestyle of Istanbul's coastal communities.

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Hind Khoudary is a journalist based in Gaza.

For Israelis the Nakba is a footnote. For Palestinians it's the heart of the conflict

26 May 2019  |  +972 Magazine  |  English  |  Historical Perspectives

The article explores the contrasting perceptions of the Nakba between Israelis and Palestinians. For Israelis, the Nakba is seen as a minor historical event, while for Palestinians, it represents a significant and ongoing dispossession. The text delves into historical contexts, comparing the Nakba to other events of mass displacement and violence, and highlights the ongoing impact of the Nakba on Palestinian lives. Understanding these differing perspectives is crucial for any potential reconciliation between the two groups.

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Marc Martorell Junyent holds a Bachelor in International Relations and is a second-year student of a master in Comparative and Middle East Politics and Society at the University of Tübingen, Germany. His research and political analysis focuses on the Middle East and North Africa region, with ...

Eugene Rogan’s The Damascus Events: The 1860 Massacre and the Making of the Modern Middle East

01 Sept 2024  |  www.juancole.com  |  English  |  Intercommunal Violence

Eugene Rogan's book, 'The Damascus Events: The 1860 Massacre and the Making of the Modern Middle East,' explores the intercommunal violence in Ottoman Damascus in 1860, where around 5,000 Christians were killed. The book contextualizes the events within the broader historical setting of the weakened Ottoman Empire and European intervention. It highlights the role of key figures like Ahmad Pasha, whose incompetence exacerbated tensions, and Fuad Pasha, who restored order post-massacre. The narrative draws parallels to modern-day sectarian violence, emphasizing the potential for misinformation to incite violence.

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inka piegsa-quischotte is a journalist based in Torrevieja, Spain. I am a travel, food and lifestyle writer with more than 10 years of experience. I have been published among others , BBC/Travel, The Culture Trip. Atlas Obscura, Gastro Obscura, Arrived Magazine and several inflight magazines.

7 Magnificent Castles To Visit In Hungary

01 Mar 2022  |  TravelAwaits  |  English  |  Historical Sites

Hungary, a country with a rich history and diverse cultural influences, boasts 103 castles, many of which are open to visitors. The article highlights seven notable castles, including Vajdahunyad Castle, Buda Castle, Eger Castle, Visegrad Citadel, Bory Castle, Esztergom Castle and Basilica, and Diosgyor Castle. Each castle is described in terms of its historical significance, architectural value, and unique features. The castles range from medieval fortresses to romantic and artistic structures, reflecting Hungary's complex past and cultural heritage. Key attractions include the Hungarian National Gallery in Buda Castle, the historical sieges involving the Ottoman Empire, and unique events like the Palace Games and medieval reenactments.

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Kamran Siddiqui is a journalist based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Currently, I am working for The Business Standard, a leading English daily newspaper in Bangladesh. Earlier, I worked for The Daily Samakal, Daily Jaijaidin and some other news media bases in the country.

Why Has India Not Learnt From Pakistan’s Mistake Of ‘Intolerance’?

06 Aug 2020  |  www.thequint.com  |  English  |  South Asian History

The Indian sub-continent has historically been a region of religious tolerance and cultural pluralism, with various religions coexisting peacefully. The arrival of Islam in India led to a blended culture that integrated Central Asian customs into Indian traditions. However, the British-introduced separate electorate system for Muslims and Muhammad Ali Jinnah's Two-Nation theory sowed seeds of communal divide. The rise of Saudi Wahhabism and its promotion under Pakistani military dictator Zia ul Haq led to a decline in religious tolerance and an increase in sectarian violence. The text argues for the importance of maintaining South Asian cultural identity and religious tolerance to ensure regional prosperity.

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Narissa Subramoney is a journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Explainer: Israel-Palestine conflict throughout the ages

10 Oct 2023  |  BGTN | BRICS Global Television Network  |  English  |  Middle East

The Israel-Palestine conflict, rooted in late 19th and early 20th-century ethnic, religious, and nationalistic tensions, remains one of the world's most complex disputes. Key historical events include the rise of Zionism and Arab nationalism, the British mandate over Palestine, the creation of Israel in 1948, and subsequent wars that reshaped territorial boundaries. The Oslo Accords in the 1990s marked a significant but ultimately faltering peace process. Modern issues revolve around territorial disputes, security concerns, mutual recognition, and the status of Palestinian refugees. Recent developments include the 2020 Abraham Accords and the 2021 conflict in Jerusalem.

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Chris Taylor is a journalist based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with a long-standing interest in China-Taiwan relations and in Thailand and Southeast Asian affairs in general.

History-makers Part 36: Lawrence of Arabia

02 Jun 2023  |  South China Morning Post  |  English  |  Middle East

Thomas Edward Lawrence, known as Lawrence of Arabia, was a British archaeologist and military officer who played a significant role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Despite his efforts and promises of an independent Arab state, the Western powers ignored the Arabs' wishes at the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, leading to Lawrence's deep disappointment. He later helped negotiate better terms for the Arabs, contributing to the creation of Iraq and Trans-Jordan. Lawrence's legacy includes his famous autobiographical book, 'Seven Pillars of Wisdom.'

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Veteran reporter based on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada filing regularly to print, web, radio, television and magazines.

The World War I Blockade of the Ottoman Empire and Syria as War Crime and Precedent

06 Jan 2020  |  aha.confex.com  |  English  |  Anglo-French Naval Blockade

The panel revisits the Syrian famine during World War I, caused by the Anglo-French naval blockade, which led to the deaths of over half a million Syrians. It aims to provide a deeper historical context by overcoming previous research barriers and drawing on diverse sources. The British government's use of food as a weapon and their refusal to allow relief efforts are highlighted, along with the French government's concerns and the Ottoman state's responses. The discussion links British and French war tactics, Ottoman responses, and local Syrian efforts to mitigate the crisis.

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Naomi Tomky is a journalist based in Seattle, United States of America. She writes about food and travel for publications including Saveur, The Atlantic’s CityLab, Lucky Peach, Pacific Standard, Thrillist, and many more. She has contributed to various guides, guidebooks, and Lucky Peach’s upcoming ...

Albania Is An Under-The-Radar Food Destination — Here’s How To Plan Your Trip

06 Aug 2023  |  Travel and Leisure Asia | Global  |  English  |  Cultural Tourism

Albania is emerging as a notable food destination, blending Mediterranean and Ottoman culinary influences. The country's agritourism sector is flourishing, supported by government initiatives and local entrepreneurs reclaiming their heritage. Key figures like Fundim Gjepali and Bledar Kola are promoting sustainable tourism through farm-to-table experiences. The government, under Prime Minister Edi Rama, is facilitating international tourism and aiming for EU membership. The article highlights various agritourism sites and local dishes, emphasizing Albania's rich culinary culture and welcoming hospitality.

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Ottoman Empire European Union Communist regime Albanian government

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Marta Vidal is a journalist specialising in deeply reported features on social justice, human rights and environmental issues across the Mediterranean.  Her work has been published by The Guardian, Washington Post, BBC, Al Jazeera, DW, Mongabay and other outlets. 
Her portfolio: ****

The Portuguese rediscovering their country’s Muslim past

10 Jun 2020  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Islamic Influence

The article explores the rediscovery of Portugal's Muslim past, highlighting the significant yet often overlooked influence of Islamic culture and history on Portuguese identity. It discusses the historical coexistence of Muslims, Christians, and Jews in the Iberian Peninsula, the impact of nationalist narratives on the portrayal of Muslims, and the efforts of historians and archaeologists to uncover and promote a more inclusive understanding of Portugal's heritage. The piece also touches on contemporary issues, such as the rise of far-right politics and the ongoing struggle to acknowledge and integrate the contributions of Muslim culture into the national narrative.

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Simon Willmore is a travel journalist, author and editor, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

He is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers and has contributed to books, magazines, newspapers and websites across the world.

The Travel Club Talks: Decolonising Travel Writing with Tharik Hussain

29 Sept 2023  |  www.bradtguides.com  |  English  |  Muslim Culture

Tharik Hussain, author of 'Minarets in the Mountains,' will discuss the significance of new voices in travel writing and the cultural heritage of Muslim communities in Europe during an online event. Hussain, an expert on Muslim culture and travel, explores the historical roots of European Islamophobia and the identity of Muslims in Europe. The event is free for Travel Club members and £5 for others, redeemable against a copy of his book.

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