Although the Nobel Prizes are known as some of the most prestigious awards in the world, they have sparked various debates over the years due to certain political stances. However, among the recipients, there are undeniably those who truly deserved the Nobel Prize.
Mehmed Emin Pasha is a name that may not immediately ring a bell for many, but his life story is one of remarkable cultural and intellectual convergence, spanning continents and leaving a legacy in both the Ottoman Empire and East Africa.
‘For me, Table Mountain is far more significant; it is a sacred site, a key to a profound mystery, one that stretches back to ancient scriptures and reaches forward to a future of great cosmic importance. ’
‘Soraya Stanbul's life, like the silent stones of Mowbray Cemetery, speaks to the complex intersections of identity, history, and belonging in South Africa. ’
‘The Ottoman Empire, with its vast diversity and multicultural fabric, was home to numerous ethnic and religious groups, including Armenians, who played a significant role in the empire’s social life. ’
Sayid Abu Bakr Effendi, a revered figure in Islamic scholarship, the Afrikaans language, and Cape Muslim culture, has recently been honoured in his hometown of Erzurum, Türkiye
COLUMN: ‘Throughout history, the narratives surrounding violence and atrocities committed against specific populations often reveal a troubling pattern of double standards in acknowledgment and response. ’
COLUMN: Piri Reis, an Ottoman admiral and cartographer, is renowned for his world map created in 1513, which includes detailed representations of parts of Northern Africa.
COLUMN: Halim Gençoğlu writes the Israeli occupation and crimes against humanity in Palestine have persisted for decades, marked by cycles of violence, suffering, and a profound humanitarian crisis.
‘A couple of months ago, the editor sent me extremely unethical feedback regarding my new article. Since 2014, I have been submitting articles to the Bulletin and have never received such an awkward response. ’
Discover the remarkable parallels between Turkish and African cultures that underline the timeless values of horse, woman, and weapon in this engaging exploration.
COLUMN: Halim Gençoğlu writes that the comparison between the historical treatment of Native Americans in the US and the current Israeli occupation of Palestine reveals striking similarities.
COLUMN: Halim Gençoğlu writes that Shaykh Serag was not just a friend to him but also a learned mentor who guided him through Arabic-Afrikaans manuscripts for many years.
COLUMN: ‘In 1968, a shoemaker from Tekirda , Turkey, named Ahmet Çuhacı, reached out to Prof Dr Chris Barnard with a heartfelt letter. ’
COLUMN: ‘In response to the Ottoman blockade, European nations, particularly Portugal and Spain, sought new ways to reach the East, primarily driven by colonial ambitions. ’
COLUMN: ‘Last Friday, I delivered an online seminar on Palestine based on Ottoman archival documents. It is immensely gratifying for a scholar when a university like Wits supports such research topics. . . ’
South Africa’s diverse cultural and religious landscape has been shaped by centuries of migration and struggle, with various communities contributing to the country’s rich history.
Dr Havva became a beacon of hope and an advocate for women’s rights, inspiring future generations of female doctors in South Africa.
The phrase “let’s talk turkey” is a curious and rich expression in US English, having evolved significantly over time. The term’s journey from a quaint expression to an idiom with wide applicability reflects the adaptability of language and the cultural nuances that shape it.
Arabic manuscripts and accounts reveal extensive trade networks that linked East Africa with the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. These networks were vital in spreading goods, culture and ideas.
‘Though his poetry primarily reflects his own experiences and the socio-political landscape of Türkiye, there are elements within his work that can be connected to the broader human condition, including the struggles faced by people in Africa. ’
‘Muhammad and Samir from 1889 Damascus serve as a poignant illustration of Ottoman welfare in the 19th century, showcasing a unique bond of human solidarity and support. ’
COLUMN: Military reports and correspondence from Ottoman governors and military commanders detail military campaigns, fortifications and the political situation in African territories, particularly during the Ottoman conflicts with European powers in North Africa.
COLUMN: Military reports and correspondence from Ottoman governors and military commanders detail military campaigns, fortifications and the political situation in African territories, particularly during the Ottoman conflicts with European powers in North Africa.
‘In South Africa, the event is marked by unique cultural practices and traditions, particularly within the Cape Muslim community. The community has a rich history, including connections to the Ottoman Empire that have influenced its development over the centuries. ’
