ANNUAL GATHERING OF SARAKATSANI IN SLIVEN, BULGARIA
August 28, 2023
Every summer, hundreds of Sarakatsani from different parts of Bulgaria and Northern Greece gather on Karandila hilltop near Sliven in Bulgaria’s Northern Thrace. Sarakatsani, also known as Karakachans are nomadic people native to the Balkans, inhabiting chiefly Greece, while a smaller portion of their population lives in Bulgaria. Most scholars agree that Sarakatsani, native to the Balkans, have ancient origins. According to some, they are Hellenized Thracians, Illyrians and Moesians while another theory is that they originate from Turkic nomadic tribes like Pechenegs and Kumans. However, linguists classify the Sarakatsani dialect as a northern dialect of Modern Greek. They accepted Orthodox Christianity, although Sarakatsani culture includes certain pagan beliefs, rites and customs. Until the mid-20th century, Sarakatsani finally adopted a sedentary way of life and settled in permanent places of residence. Due to the assimilation it is hard to estimate their current population, but it is believed that there are around 15,000 in Bulgaria, while more than 100,000 live in Greece.
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THE WALL OF DEATH
April 25, 2023
The wall of death is a carnival sideshow featuring a silo or barrel-shaped wooden cylinder, typically ranging from 6 to 11 m in diameter and made of wooden planks, inside which motorcyclists, or the drivers of miniature automobiles and tractors travel along the vertical wall and perform stunts, held in place by friction and centrifugal force. The original wall of death was in 1911 on Coney Island in the United States. In the countries of Indian Subcontinent, the show can be seen in the various melas (fairs), and along with motorcycles, the act may also feature other vehicles such as cars.
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EID AL-FITR IN LAHORE
April 23, 2023
Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, is a major Islamic holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world. In Pakistan, it is one of the most important and joyous events of the year. The festival marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. On the day of Eid, people wake up early and take a bath before heading to the mosque for Eid prayers. After prayers, people hug each other and exchange “Eid Mubarak” greetings. Families gather for a traditional breakfast, which usually includes sweet dishes such as sheer khurma and seviyan. The rest of the day is spent visiting family and friends, exchanging gifts and feasting. Many towns organise special events and activities, such as fairs and concerts. Families go out to eat in restaurants and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The festivities last for three days and people make the most of this time to spend with their loved ones.
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RAMADAN IN PAKISTAN
April 20, 2023
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. A commemoration of Muhammad’s first revelation, the annual observance of Ramadan is considered one of the five pillars of Islam and lasts twenty-nine to thirty days from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.
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PAKISTANI TRUCK ART
April 10, 2023
Decorated vehicles are present in the daily lives of the people of Pakistan to an extent that is unparalleled not only in South Asia, but in the world. The ubiquitous decorated trucks, buses and other vehicles have become an integral part of the landscape, not only in the cities but in virtually every corner of this vast country stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Himalayas. The customization of vehicles is an elaborate process involving many different artisans, from welders, blacksmiths and mechanics to painters and calligraphers who decorate the vehicles. The motifs found on these vehicles include various types of ornaments, depictions of idealized landscapes, animals, modern machines, celebrities, patriotic images and inscriptions with romantic or humorous poetry. Decorations also include talismanic symbols and objects designed to protect the driver by warding off evil forces. Today, Pakistani truck art is a thriving form of vernacular folk art as well as a serious business that provides a livelihood for hundreds of thousands of artisans and their families.
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