How reliable are the Nobel Prizes?
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.
Journey of Mehmed Emin Pasha from Istanbul to Cape Town
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.
Year 1863: A Journey to Table Mountain through the eyes of Professor Abubakr Effendi
‘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. ’
The Story of Soraya Stanbul: From Istanbul to Cape Town
‘Soraya Stanbul's life, like the silent stones of Mowbray Cemetery, speaks to the complex intersections of identity, history, and belonging in South Africa. ’
How Turkish tolerance helped Armenians integrate into the Ottoman World
‘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. ’
Abu Bakr Effendi’s lasting impact on South Africa
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
The double standards of European massacres in Africa vs. the Gaza Genocide
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. ’
The accuracy of Piri Reis’s maps of Africa
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.
Warfare leaves a legacy of trauma, perpetuating cycles of violence
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.
'Perhaps it is time to decolonize the Bulletin of the National Library of South Africa’
‘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. ’
‘The Byerley Turk’: The enduring cultural bond of Turkic and African traditions
Discover the remarkable parallels between Turkish and African cultures that underline the timeless values of horse, woman, and weapon in this engaging exploration.
What US did to Native Americans, Israel is doing to Palestinians
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.
Shaykh Serag Johaar was a light in the world
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.
Turkish shoemaker’s heartfelt letter to Dr Barnard after the world’s first heart transplant
COLUMN: ‘In 1968, a shoemaker from Tekirda , Turkey, named Ahmet Çuhacı, reached out to Prof Dr Chris Barnard with a heartfelt letter. ’
Did the Turks obstruct the sea route to the East?
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. ’
Speaking on Palestine at Wits University
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. . . ’
Old Indian families in South African history
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.
The first Muslim female Doctor of South Africa: Havva Khayrunnisa
Dr Havva became a beacon of hope and an advocate for women’s rights, inspiring future generations of female doctors in South Africa.
‘Let’s talk turkey’: The phrase that has traversed a rich linguistic journey
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 sources for the history of South Africa
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.
Turkish poet Nazım Hikmet explored themes relevant to many African nations
‘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. ’
What the story of Muhammad and Samir is telling us
‘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. ’
Decolonising African historiography: Asian sources for African studies
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.
Decolonising African historiography: Asian sources for African studies
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.
Eid al-Adha in SA: Ottoman connections with the Cape Muslim community
‘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. ’