Download or read book Albania Culture Smart written by Farah Ramadan and published by Kuperard. This book was released on 2013-10-02 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Albania, on the Balkan coast of the Adriatic Sea, is almost the land that time forgot. Waiting to be rediscovered, it is a country rich in natural resources, history, traditions, and culture. Romans, Byzantines, Slavs, Venetians, and Ottoman Turks all left their mark. In modern times, after briefly gaining independence, Albania endured decades of oppression under Italian Fascist, Nazi German, and hard-line Communist rule, and was in the iron grip of the Stalinist dictator Enver Hoxa for thirty-seven years. It emerged from total isolation in the 1980s, cautiously at first, and then with gusto. Student protests in 1991 led to the fall of the Communist regime, since when the country has made remarkable progress toward democratization and economic stability. It has been welcomed into the international community, becoming a member of NATO in 2009, and applying for EU membership in the same year. While many European countries are experiencing economic decline, Albania has enjoyed strong economic growth. It is open to foreign investment, and eager to share its culture with the world. Albanians are sociable, hospitable, opinionated, and proud. Family counts above all else. Close-knit, even clannish to Western eyes, they also have unique history of religious tolerance. Even under Nazi occupation they provided a safe haven for Jews. Most Albanians are nominally Muslim, but society is very secular, and people of all religions live together in harmony. Cultures Smart! Albania gives you the key to understanding modern Albanians. It explains their customs and traditions, offers insights into social values and attitudes, and equips you to engage with people in an informed and open way. It is impossible to visit this extraordinary country without being fascinated by its unusual cultural heritage, appreciating its beautiful coastline, and enjoying the friendliness of its people.
Download or read book Azerbaijan Culture Smart written by Nikki Kazimova and published by Kuperard. This book was released on 2011-04-01 with total page 172 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For Westerners, the modern state of Azerbaijan may be hard to pinpoint. This small, oil-rich country in the southern Caucasus, on the southwestern shore of the Caspian Sea, only made its way on to the contemporary world map after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. As the world shrinks and competition for precious resources intensifies, the direction this strategically and economically important country takes will affect us all. The historically tolerant and pluralist Azeri people have an ancient history and a rich culture. Azerbaijan lay on the route of the Great Silk Road, the trade network that connected China with Europe, and its people have lived through centuries of conquests by different imperial powers. It was also situated in the heart of the Great Game, the struggle for control of Central Asia played out between Russia and the West at the turn on the nineteenth century, which seems to be going through a modern remake. Azerbaijan has been called “the quintessential borderland, many times over: between Europe and Asia, Islam and Christianity, Russia and the Middle East, Turks and Iranians, Shi'a and Sunni Islam.” Azerbaijan was briefly independent after the First World War, when it was the first Muslim state to adopt progressive Western values. A democratic republic with full women's suffrage, it boasted the first women's high school, the first opera, and the first female opera composer, as well as the first ballet in the Muslim world. There followed seventy years of Soviet rule. After a bitter war in 1991&–94, areas of Azerbaijan were occupied by neighboring Armenia, and the country has absorbed a huge number of refugees. At the same time, it is experiencing a new oil boom and the economy is growing. Among the people, there is a growing sense of national identity. Culture Smart! Azerbaijan looks at the many facets of this identity and explains the complex workings of Azerbaijani society. It will equip you with vital information and advice about the customs, practices, and sensibilities of a society poised on the brink of change.
Download or read book Albania Kosovo written by James Pettifer and published by W. W. Norton. This book was released on 2001 with total page 511 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An indispensable reference book, providing a wealth of previously obscure information on many aspects of Albanian life and culture.
Download or read book Travels in Greece and Albania Volume 1 written by Thomas Smart Hughes and published by Legare Street Press. This book was released on 2023-07-18 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Travel back in time to the 19th century and explore Greece and Albania with Thomas Smart Hughes. With vivid descriptions of the landscapes, people, and cultures he encountered along the way, Hughes' travelogue is an engaging and informative read. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in travel writing, history, or cultural exploration. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Download or read book Bulgaria Culture Smart written by Juliana Tzvetkova and published by Kuperard. This book was released on 2023-03-23 with total page 167 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Don't just see the sights&―get to know the people. Bulgaria, situated in southeastern Europe on the Black Sea, is one of Europe's best-hidden secrets. A haven for nature and history buffs, this youngest member of the European Union has been riding a rollercoaster of radical transformation since emerging from the Eastern Bloc three decades ago, changing dramatically in many ways and yet preserving its own particular charm and slow-paced way of life. Invasions and waves of migration, dating back to neolithic and classical times, have contributed to a unique cultural mosaic. The seventh-century Bulgarian empire dominated the Balkans and was a powerhouse of Slavonic culture. Later, Ottoman conquest and Soviet influence left their mark on the national psyche. Culture Smart! Bulgaria provides a key to understanding the Bulgarian people. It outlines their long and complex history, shows you what everyday life is like there today, and offers advice on what to expect and how to navigate unfamiliar cultural terrain. This is a small country of proud and persevering people. Familiarize yourself with their traditions and way of life, and the warmth and hospitality you are shown in return will conquer your heart and bring you back time and again. Have a more meaningful and successful time abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on values, attitudes, customs, and daily life will help you make the most of your visit, while tips on etiquette and communication will help you navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.
Download or read book Albania written by MaryLee Knowlton and published by Cavendish Square Publishing, LLC. This book was released on 2020-07-15 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What do the people of Albania do for fun? What languages do they speak? What do they eat? Readers discover the answers to these questions and many more about life in Albania. They'll explore detailed text that includes the most current information and most fascinating facts. The history, government, geography, and cultural landscape of Albania is presented in an accessible and engaging way, along with helpful maps, informative sidebars, and fun recipes featuring delicious Albanian delicacies. This exercise in world history and cultural appreciation is also filled with full-color photographs of Albania's natural beauty and its proud citizens.
Download or read book Smart Tourism as a Driver for Culture and Sustainability written by Vicky Katsoni and published by Springer. This book was released on 2019-01-31 with total page 658 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book explores the latest developments in the field of smart tourism, focusing in particular on the important cultural and sustainability synergies that have emerged during the digital era. The aim is to elucidate how ICTs can promote innovation and creativity in the tourism and leisure sector in ways that take into account cultural and social responsibilities, foster sustainable tourism management, and enhance cultural tourism, cultural heritage, and sustainable development. The book is based on the proceedings of the Fifth International Conference of the International Association of Cultural and Digital Tourism (IACuDiT), attended by academics and industry practitioners from cultural, heritage, communication, and innovational tourism backgrounds, and is edited in collaboration with IACuDiT. It will have broad appeal to professionals from academia, industry, government, and other organizations who wish to learn about novel perspectives in the fields of tourism, travel, hospitality, culture and heritage, leisure, and sports within the context of a knowledge society and smart economy in which sustainability is becoming ever more important.
Download or read book Serbia Culture Smart written by Lara Zmukic and published by Kuperard. This book was released on 2012-10-01 with total page 148 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Serbia, a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, covers the southern part of the Pannonian plain and the central part of the Balkans. The dominant power in the former Yugoslavia, it has had a bad press in the West. However, the truth is much more nuanced and interesting than that portrayed by the media. Serbia is a country with wonderful scenery, architectural riches, and a vibrant arts scene, waiting to be discovered by Westerners. Serbs are proud, passionate, and generous people with an independent streak. They have always had to fight for survival, first against the Ottoman Turks and then against the Habsburg Empire. Following the First World War, they took the lead in forming independent Yugoslavia. They resisted Hitler heroically. Under Tito's rule Yugoslavia steered an independent course. After his death the multinational state disintegrated amid bitter conflict. The war over the secession of the province of Kosovo saw Serbia bombed by NATO forces for two and a half months. The Serbian people's reaction to their hardline Communist regime was the Bulldozer Revolution—a campaign of civil resistance that returned the country to democracy in 2000. Against this turbulent backdrop, the visitor to Serbia needs to be well informed and sensitive to people's feelings. Culture Smart! Serbia introduces you to a diverse, complex, and dynamic society. It offers background information on Serbian history and customs, and essential advice on what to expect and how to behave in different circumstances. If you show interest and respect, you will receive a warm welcome and lasting loyalty in return.
Download or read book A Dictionary of Albanian Religion Mythology and Folk Culture written by Robert Elsie and published by NYU Press. This book was released on 2001 with total page 384 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In some senses, Albania is a living museum of the past. Originally a small herding community in the most inaccessible reaches of the Balkans, the presence of Albanians in southeastern Europe has been documented for over a thousand years. Albanian traditional folk culture, which evolved over centuries of relative isolation, is surprisingly rich. Yet despite recent events this culture remains little known to the Western world. Due to the lasting effects of a half century of Stalinist dictatorship, very few individuals even in Albania know much about their own popular traditions. The Dictionary of Albanian Religion, Mythology, and Folk Culture makes available for the first time a wealth of knowledge about Albanian popular belief and folk customs. Alphabetical entries shed light on blood feuding, figures of Albanian mythology, religious beliefs, communities, and sects, calendar feasts and rituals, and popular superstitions, as well as birth, marriage, and funeral customs, and sexual mores. This unique volume will stand as the standard reference work on the subject for years to come.
Download or read book The ABCs of Albanian written by Smart Pages and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2023-08-03 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Welcome to an enchanting world of language learning with "The ABCs of Albanian: Learning Made Easy for Kids." This captivating book is a delightful and engaging resource crafted specifically for young learners eager to embark on a language adventure. Everyday Vocabulary: "The ABCs of Albanian" introduces young learners to a treasure trove of everyday words, from animals to colors and beyond. Through relatable examples, children can connect words to their real-life experiences. Cultural Discoveries: Uncover the rich tapestry of Albanian culture and traditions woven throughout the book. Delight in learning about local customs and landmarks that add depth and meaning to the language. Audio Companion: Immerse yourself in the beauty of spoken Albanian with an audio companion that enables children to listen to the correct pronunciation of letters and words. The Magic of Learning Albanian: "The ABCs of Albanian: Learning Made Easy for Kids" is a gateway to a world of wonder, curiosity, and exploration. Whether you're a young language enthusiast or a parent eager to nurture your child's linguistic development, this book is the perfect companion. Watch with delight as your child's confidence grows with each new letter and word they master. Celebrate their milestones as they confidently string together sentences in Albanian, opening doors to new friendships and cultural connections. Designed with love and care, "The ABCs of Albanian" is a delightful addition to any young learner's library. It ignites a lifelong passion for language and lays the foundation for a brighter future of multilingual adventures.
Download or read book The Tribes of Albania written by Robert Elsie and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2015-04-24 with total page 384 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Northern Albania and Montenegro are the only regions in Europe to have retained a true tribal society up to the mid-twentieth century. This book provides the first scholarly investigation of this tribal society, a pioneer work that offers a detailed survey of all the major Albanian-speaking tribes in Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo. Robert Elsie provides comprehensive material on the 69 different tribes, including data on their locations, religious affiliations, tribal structures and relations, population statistics, tribal folklore, legends and history. Also included are excerpts from the works of prominent nineteenth and early-twentieth century writers, such as Edith Durham and Johann Georg von Hahn, who travelled through the tribal regions, as well as short biographies on prominent figures linked to the tribes. As the first book of its kind, The Tribes of Albania will be of interest to scholars and students of the Balkans, of southeastern European anthropology, ethnography and history.
Download or read book Albania written by Andreas Hemming and published by LIT Verlag Münster. This book was released on 2012 with total page 220 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This collection of papers on contemporary issues in Albanian history and anthropology covers a broad range of approaches and forms of analysis. The book includes research on parts of the country that have rarely made an appearance in international scholarship, including recent research on various aspects of urban life in Albania, with several chapters being set in Shkodra, Tirana, Elbasan, and Gjirokastra. Issues of local self-organization or identity processes are presented as well. A third core aspect that is addressed is the continued analysis of new and revealing demographic sources that shed light on the structure and history of the Albanian family. (Series: Studies on South East Europe - Vol. 9)
Download or read book Albania Travel Guide 2023 written by Alex Paul and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2023-08-14 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Have you ever fantasized about setting out on a journey that spans time, explores ancient cultures, and reveals the undiscovered wonders of a less traveled location? Welcome to "Albania Unveiled," where each page is an invitation to explore a country that will captivate your senses and stoke your wanderlust. There's no need to look any farther. What if beauty awaited around every turn and the past was just waiting to be discovered? "Albania Unveiled" is more than just a travel guide; it's your key to discovering the secrets and riches of a place that explorers have long talked about in whispers. You will be taken to a country where exquisite beaches meet rocky mountains, where historical places ring with the sounds of bygone civilizations, and where the warmth of local hospitality leaves an everlasting impact on your heart. Cultural Kaleidoscope: Get a taste of Albanian culture by immersing yourself in the dynamic city life of Tirana as well as the traditional folk music and dance that echo across the mountains. Discover the architectural marvels that serve as reminders of Albania's illustrious history, such as Ottoman-era buildings, antiquated ruins, and UNESCO World Heritage sites that will take you back in time. Culinary Delights: Set off on a culinary adventure as you enjoy the flavors of Albanian cuisine, from substantial seafood feasts by the sea to robust mountain fare. Prepare to titillate your palate! Through touching tales of locals who open their homes and share their lives, traditions, and experiences with you, Local Encounters introduces you to the people that make Albania come alive. Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures: Whether you're a history enthusiast, an adrenaline addict, or a nature lover, find out about the undiscovered trails, beaches, and other sights that only the most daring explorers find. "Albania Unveiled" is your ticket to a world full of undiscovered wonders. Immerse yourself in its pages and allow the spirit of adventure to rise within you, rather than just reading about it. Purchase Now to Start Your Albanian Odyssey !
Download or read book Roots of Albanian Culture written by Mamie M. Savage and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Greece Culture Smart written by Constantine Buhayer and published by Kuperard. This book was released on 2017-09-01 with total page 168 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When you enter Greece's mountainous peninsula, with its long coastline and unique archipelago, you are returning to the cradle of Western civilization. And while the ancient Greeks fashioned our political, ethical, aesthetic, and scientific values, their descendants down the ages have continued to set trends and shape world events. The Greek character is a product of the landscape. Surrounded by sea on three sides, the physical features of the land forged the pronounced individuality and strong local patriotism of the warring city-states of antiquity. Their shared history and language formed the basis of a powerful world culture. Today it is coming to terms with its recent economic and political upheavals. The Greeks have repeatedly proved they can adjust and shift their expectations—the new generation knows the old ways have gone and is bracing itself for unpredictable challenges. Culture Smart! Greece will equip you with essential information about the background, values, and attitudes of the people you will meet and give practical advice on how to deal with unfamiliar situations. Life in Greece operates on many criss-crossing levels, offering plenty of possibilities and a variety of lifestyles. Visitors emerge from their Greek experience enriched for life, with an enduring affection for this beautiful land and its gifted people.
Download or read book Journey to Albania Land of Besa written by Kalman Dubov and published by Kalman Dubov. This book was released on 2024-02-18 with total page 204 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Although tiny in comparison with other European countries, Albania looms large in terms of its people, culture and history. Blessed by an abundance of natural resources, together with the resourcefulness of its people, it stands strong in the face of much larger countries that have tried to control it and subjugate its people. In the face of overwhelming odds, Albania stood firm, refusing to be subdued to others despite that dominant country remaining on its soil for centuries. Descendants from the ancient Illyrians, a relatively unknown group, together with an obscure language unlike any other in Europe, its people are a mystery and a conundrum in the face of larger and more powerful countries. The Ottoman Empire, for example, dominated Albania and the Balkans for five centuries, but were unable to subjugate these people. Albanian embers for independence were nurtured and kept alive until, in the end, it achieved its national aspirations. Its core identity remained unchanged and strong in the face of such challenge. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Albanian is the concept of besa, a term denoting a code of honor. Once given to another, whether an Albanian or a stranger, the Albanian would rather forfeit his life than violate this code and promise. It was due to this concept and code that Jews in Albania, were protected and every manner of succor was extended to them. Albania remains the only country in Nazi-occupied Europe when at the end of that world war there was an increase in its Jewish population rather than the reverse. The Nazis considered the Jewish population in Albania to be about 200 persons. In fact, by war’s end, 2,000 people emerged, relating tales of the extraordinary courage and heroism extended to them by either Muslim or Christian Albanians. To date the State of Israel’s Yad Vashem has recognized 75 Albanians for its prestigious award of Righteous Among the Nations. Ironically, the very same code of honor that protected Jews during World War Two is now used by Albanians to perpetrate criminality across the world. The Albanian Mafia controls a vast international enterprise, overseeing every form of crime. At its basest element, the clannish hallmark of its membership is based on familial connections, with the code of besa given to its leadership and other members. Thereby, all in the clan are considered family for whom the code connects and protects, demanding total unquestioned obedience. Efforts to infiltrate these clans has proven an impossible task because of the interconnected webs of duty and control exerted on all in that organization. Betrayal of the clan is a violation of family and community so that total obedience is a given at all times. Hence, the same nobility of besa is also used negatively, against society and normative social frameworks. In addition, Albania still retains the cultural phenomenon of the ‘third sex’ where women become ‘sworn virgins.’ They are released from their traditional feminine role and become a ‘man,’ doing so by a formal oath given to twelve elders in the community. Afterwards, none may remind this ‘man’ of a previous life as a woman. Though the number of sworn virgins in Albania is small, it is still present and any woman may assume this transformation despite modernity and its claims of equality. The Albanian diet reflects its Mediterranean culture, using olive oil and an array of vegetables that provides an abundance of health to its people. There is much to learn from this ancient society. I hope this book does justice to the many traditions and culture of this unique people.
Download or read book Georgia Culture Smart written by Natia Abramia and published by Bravo Limited. This book was released on 2012-10-01 with total page 164 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Georgia lies between Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East, on the southeastern shore of the Black Sea. This small Caucasian country is used to playing a significant role in global geopolitics, and its strategic location at the crossroads of different civilizations has been a curse as well as a blessing. Once a battlefield of the Christian and Muslim worlds, today it is caught between its NATO aspirations and its location in Russia's backyard. The Silk Road brought the best of the world to Georgia. Its ancient Christian culture shows the influence of Arab, Persian, and Ottoman conquerors. Combined with this is a southern, "Mediterranean" feel, traces of the Soviet legacy, and a strong Western influence. What awaits the visitor is a unique culture that goes back thousands of years. Georgia has a rich historical heritage, wonderful food and wines, unforgettable scenery, authentic folk music and dances, an attractive business climate, and an educated and hospitable people for whom indulging a guest is more a religion than a duty. Culture Smart! Georgia offers invaluable insights and practical tips for tourists and business people alike. The author, Natia Abramia, guides you through the past and present-day realities of her motherland, explaining what makes people tick, how they live and feel, and how to get on with them. You will discover that the Georgians will not let you down. Learn how to reach their hearts, and they will charm you back.
