Podcasts about Ottoman

The fate of the Mediterranean hung in the balance during this bloody battle between the Knights of St John and the armies of Suleyman the Magnificent in the summer of 1565. The Ottoman Empire had carved its way across three continents and now turned its sights to the tiny island of Malta. Tens of thousands of Ottoman troops descended. What followed was one of the most ferocious sieges of the 16th century: relentless bombardments, desperate hand-to-hand fighting and assaults on seemingly impregnable forts. Both the attackers and defenders were pushed close to breaking point. Dan is joined by Heritage Malta curator Kirsty Grech at Fort St Angelo - the Knight's headquarters during the siege - to tell the extraordinary story of bloodshed, resistance and survival. Made in collaboration with VisitMalta and Heritage Malta. If you'd like to visit Malta and see the history discussed in this episode, you can find out more at https://www.visitmalta.com Produced by Mariana Des Forges and edited by Matthew Wilson. With thanks to Jeffrey Powell, Liam Gauci, Patricia Ebejer, Priscilla Civelli, Jeremy Nikolai Amaira, Annie Woodman and Giles Jagger.Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcastSign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.You can also email the podcast directly at ds.hh@historyhit.com.Dan Snow's History Hit is a History Hit podcast.History Hit is part of Little Dot Studios, a Certified B Corp™. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CAPTION  1865 CALCUTTABRICS Summit Highlights Internal Geopolitical FracturesMelik Kaylan, co-host Gordon Chang: Kaylan and Chang analyze the BRICS summit in India, characterizing the bloc as an incoherent coalition marked by deep internal rivalries, particularly between China and India. Kaylan explains that while member nations grandstand against Western policies in the Middle East, they lack real unified operational strength. Turning to Turkey, Kaylan argues President Erdoğan pursues neo-Ottoman expansionism across Syria, North Africa, and the Horn of Africa to distract from severe domestic economic weakness. Chang adds that Erdoğan reversed his prior support for Uyghurs to secure Chinese financial backing. (10)

CAPTION 1916 YEMEN FIGHTING.CONTENTS-JBS-9-14-2026Houthis Expand Reach Across Strategic WaterwaysBridget Toomey discusses how Houthi rebels rapidly expanded control across Yemen's western coast, seizing the strategic port of Mocha and Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb choke point. Yemeni armed forces conducted counter-operations in a designated killbox around Mocha while displaying strikes on Houthi positions. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabiaclosed its critical oil pipeline following drone attacks attributed to Iran-backed Iraqi militias operating in coordination with the Houthis. The Trump administration continues offering intelligence support to Saudi Arabia while maintaining its policy of avoiding direct airstrikes under an existing mutual non-engagement agreement. (1)Israeli Strikes Target Reconstituting Hamas LeadershipSamuel Ben-Ur analyzes recent Israel Defense Forces eliminations of key Hamas figures in Gaza, notably Khan Yuniscommander Muhammad Abdul Salam al-Yuzuri. Al-Yuzuri was actively attempting to rebuild the Qassam Brigadesand plan attacks prior to his elimination. Hamas maintains military dominance across thirty percent of the yellow line and remains heavily integrated within civilian population centers. Meanwhile, progress on the Board of Peace disarmament plan remains stalled until after Israeli elections due to political sensitivity surrounding territorial concessions. Ben-Ur notes that voluntary Hamas disarmament is improbable, highlighting alternative stabilization initiatives like pilot zones. (2)Historical Roots Shape Modern Yemeni ConflictGregory Copley details the deep historical context of Yemen, tracing its lineage from the ancient Sabaean kingdom through the Mutawakkilite Kingdom. He explains how Saudi hostility toward Northern Yemen stems partly from historical Hashemite claims to Mecca and Medina. Copley emphasizes that Northern Yemeni forces are tough professional fighters rather than simple rebel groups, driven to fight for survival against Saudi strikes. He suggests that Washington and London should engage in separate diplomatic negotiations, leveraging Oman's Sultan as a discreet mediator during upcoming visits to negotiate an accommodation and establish regional peace. (3)Latin American Leaders Engage European ForumErnesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa discuss their participation in Slovenia's Bled Strategic Forum, highlighting growing Eastern European engagement with Latin America. Araújo draws parallels between Eastern Europe's 1989 liberation and Latin America's current struggle against narco-socialism. Regarding Venezuela, Peña Esclusa emphasizes that citizens reject interim president Delcy Rodríguez despite opposition leader María Corina Machado's primary victory. Turning to Brazil's upcoming election, Araújo outlines a major judicial scandal tying Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes to a fraudulent banker, severely impacting President Lula da Silva's reelection campaign against Flavio Bolsonaro. (4)Israeli Forces Detonate Strategic Hezbollah UndergroundDavid Daoud examines an Israeli detonation of Hezbollah's subterranean nerve center at Aita al-Shaab, which caused a 4.1 magnitude seismic event. The complex was originally designed for Hezbollah's planned invasion of the Galilee, a doctrine later mirrored by Hamas on October 7th. Daoud reports that Israeli forces are turning South Lebanon into a buffer zone to eliminate threats. However, he criticizes the Lebanese Armed Forces for failing to demonstrate real will to disarm Hezbollah, noting that 86% of reported LAF weapon seizures consisted merely of militarily insignificant bullets. (5)Canada Explores Strategic European Union AllianceConrad Black evaluates Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's proposal for a unique associate alliance with the European Union. Black notes Canadians would support freer trade and cultural exchanges, though full political submission to Brussels directives would be rejected. He highlights French President Emmanuel Macron's upcoming meeting with Carney in St. Pierre and Miquelon as a significant recognition of Canadian distinctiveness. Furthermore, Black criticizes U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats and trade deficit claims, pointing out that Canada sells oil at discounted rates and maintains balanced cross-border auto manufacturing integration. (6)Economic Analysis Exposes Costs Of TariffsVeronique de Rugy analyzes the economic consequences of trade wars, specifically examining cross-border tariffs between the United States and Canada. She refutes mercantilist arguments, demonstrating that domestic consumers shoulder tariff costs through higher prices and product scarcity rather than foreign producers paying the fees. De Rugy explains that protectionist tariffs harm domestic manufacturing by raising input costs on imported components. She notes that even domestic producers unexposed to foreign competition raise prices when shielded, and highlights how tariffs on Canadian lumber directly elevate American housing costs. (7)Russian Strikes Target Ukrainian Railway NetworksJohn Hardie assesses a Russian drone strike targeting a Ukrainian train near the Polish border where international VIPs and former European officials had recently passed. While French officials viewed the strike as intentional intimidation, Hardie notes precise Russian motives remain speculative. Additionally, Hardie analyzes reports surrounding President Trump's statements regarding an energy target ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. He defends Ukraine's strategy of striking Russian oil refineries, explaining that disrupting refined diesel production effectively squeezes Moscow's military budget and creates domestic public pressure. (8)United States Secures Historic Venezuelan PetroleumSamuel Ben-Ur provides updates on Venezuela's political transition and energy sector, detailing a massive 25-year oil agreement executed with interim president Delcy Rodríguez. The deal involves North American companies redeveloping 17 oil fields containing 65 billion barrels of proved reserves, redirecting petroleum exports exclusively to the United States away from China and Russia. Ben-Ur notes that major firms like Chevron will lead a hundred-billion-dollar infrastructure revitalization effort. However, he emphasizes that no firm election date has been established, leaving the political timetable for returning to democratic governance uncertain. (9)BRICS Summit Highlights Internal Geopolitical FracturesMelik Kaylan, co-host Gordon Chang: Kaylan and Chang analyze the BRICS summit in India, characterizing the bloc as an incoherent coalition marked by deep internal rivalries, particularly between China and India. Kaylan explains that while member nations grandstand against Western policies in the Middle East, they lack real unified operational strength. Turning to Turkey, Kaylan argues President Erdoğan pursues neo-Ottoman expansionism across Syria, North Africa, and the Horn of Africa to distract from severe domestic economic weakness. Chang adds that Erdoğan reversed his prior support for Uyghurs to secure Chinese financial backing. (10)

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Mehmet Çelik about his new book, Empire and Nation in the City: Rusçuk from Ottoman Rule to Bulgarian Statehood, published by Syracuse University Press in 2026.The book tells the story of Rusçuk — known today as Ruse, in northern Bulgaria — a cosmopolitan port city on the Danube that, within the span of just fifteen years, passed through three entirely different political systems: a modernized Ottoman provincial administration, a Russian military provisional government, and a newly independent Bulgarian national state. Through this one city, Çelik offers a striking new account of how empires end and nations begin — and how much continuity lies beneath the surface of what looks like rupture.At the heart of the book is the Tanzimat reform era, when Governor Midhat Pasha turned Rusçuk into a laboratory of Ottoman modernization. The city became home to the first provincial municipality in Ottoman history, the first agricultural credit cooperatives, a bilingual newspaper, secular mixed schools, and elected councils in which Muslim and Bulgarian Christian representatives sat side by side. Çelik shows that the Ottoman Empire, at its most ambitious, offered Bulgarians a genuine political alternative to nationalism — and that many took it, among them the chorbaci, the Bulgarian Christian notables who invested in and co-governed the Ottoman system, and who have been largely written out of Bulgarian national memory ever since.When Russia invaded in 1877–78, Rusçuk surrendered peacefully — a telling sign of how deeply the city's diverse population had been woven into the Ottoman fabric. What followed was equally surprising: the Russian provisional government preserved the Ottoman institutional framework almost entirely, relabeling its councils and offices rather than dismantling them. The Bulgarian national government that came next did much the same, adopting Ottoman tools of minority management — including the military exemption tax and millet-style community administration — at the very moment it was defining itself in opposition to the Ottoman past.Çelik also uncovers a remarkable story of religious conversion under Bulgarian rule: while some Muslims and Catholics converted pragmatically to Bulgarian Orthodox Christianity to secure the rights of the dominant group, Protestant conversion driven by the long-standing American Methodist Episcopal mission quietly gained new ground. In one of the book's most unexpected findings, a small community of Orthodox Bulgarians, Muslim Turks, Jews, and Armenians formed a lasting bond through their shared Protestant identity.Drawing on Ottoman, Bulgarian, Russian, British, French, and Austrian archives — as well as prison registers, consular reports, missionary records, and the bilingual provincial newspaper Tuna/Dunav — Çelik bridges two historiographies that rarely speak to each other. Ottoman historians tend to stop at 1877; Bulgarian historians tend to start there. Empire and Nation in the City insists on the continuity that both fields have missed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Mehmet Çelik about his new book, Empire and Nation in the City: Rusçuk from Ottoman Rule to Bulgarian Statehood, published by Syracuse University Press in 2026.The book tells the story of Rusçuk — known today as Ruse, in northern Bulgaria — a cosmopolitan port city on the Danube that, within the span of just fifteen years, passed through three entirely different political systems: a modernized Ottoman provincial administration, a Russian military provisional government, and a newly independent Bulgarian national state. Through this one city, Çelik offers a striking new account of how empires end and nations begin — and how much continuity lies beneath the surface of what looks like rupture.At the heart of the book is the Tanzimat reform era, when Governor Midhat Pasha turned Rusçuk into a laboratory of Ottoman modernization. The city became home to the first provincial municipality in Ottoman history, the first agricultural credit cooperatives, a bilingual newspaper, secular mixed schools, and elected councils in which Muslim and Bulgarian Christian representatives sat side by side. Çelik shows that the Ottoman Empire, at its most ambitious, offered Bulgarians a genuine political alternative to nationalism — and that many took it, among them the chorbaci, the Bulgarian Christian notables who invested in and co-governed the Ottoman system, and who have been largely written out of Bulgarian national memory ever since.When Russia invaded in 1877–78, Rusçuk surrendered peacefully — a telling sign of how deeply the city's diverse population had been woven into the Ottoman fabric. What followed was equally surprising: the Russian provisional government preserved the Ottoman institutional framework almost entirely, relabeling its councils and offices rather than dismantling them. The Bulgarian national government that came next did much the same, adopting Ottoman tools of minority management — including the military exemption tax and millet-style community administration — at the very moment it was defining itself in opposition to the Ottoman past.Çelik also uncovers a remarkable story of religious conversion under Bulgarian rule: while some Muslims and Catholics converted pragmatically to Bulgarian Orthodox Christianity to secure the rights of the dominant group, Protestant conversion driven by the long-standing American Methodist Episcopal mission quietly gained new ground. In one of the book's most unexpected findings, a small community of Orthodox Bulgarians, Muslim Turks, Jews, and Armenians formed a lasting bond through their shared Protestant identity.Drawing on Ottoman, Bulgarian, Russian, British, French, and Austrian archives — as well as prison registers, consular reports, missionary records, and the bilingual provincial newspaper Tuna/Dunav — Çelik bridges two historiographies that rarely speak to each other. Ottoman historians tend to stop at 1877; Bulgarian historians tend to start there. Empire and Nation in the City insists on the continuity that both fields have missed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Unleashed! The Political News Hour with Bruce Robertson – What we are witnessing here is the biggest Muslim invasion of Europe since the Ottoman invasion, but the difference here is that the invasion is being funded and supported by the governments of the countries being invaded. Brave men and women are finally standing up to it, but sadly, unlike the Christian Crusaders who fought back...

For decades, Ottoman expansion had transformed the Mediterranean. Venice was threatened, Cyprus was under attack, and old European rivals faced a difficult choice: cooperate or confront the Ottomans alone. Into this crisis stepped two very different commanders, one an ambitious young prince, the other a trusted Ottoman servant. Their paths were about to collide at sea — at the Battle of Lepanto.

In this episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we continue our exploration of Eugene Rogan's masterful The Fall of the Ottomans, examining the fall of Baghdad to British forces in March 1917 – a victory that transformed Britain's position in the Middle East and revealed the imperial ambitions that would shape the post-war world.The British capture of Baghdad was far from inevitable. The catastrophic surrender at Kut in April 1916 had left the War Cabinet deeply risk-averse. General Robertson, the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, feared that occupying Baghdad would leave British forces isolated and vulnerable to a resurgent Ottoman army. He warned against being "compelled later to fall back for any reason because of the objectionable political effect that such a retirement might produce."But pressure came from multiple directions. The Commander-in-Chief in India argued that seizing Baghdad would "greatly increase prestige in the Islamic East" – a crucial consideration given British fears of Muslim insurrection in India. And the Russians were proposing a spring offensive that might see them reach Baghdad first, which would "nullify the Sykes-Picot agreement." Oil, too, was already a factor – Mosul was understood to be the most reliable source of oil in the region.General Maud, whose superstition led him to launch his offensive on the 13th of December with the 13th Division in the vanguard, pushed forward despite London's caution. The Ottomans, recognising that Baghdad could not be defended, evacuated the city. As they withdrew, they destroyed military installations – wireless masts, cranes, water tanks, and the pontoon bridge across the Tigris. Looting erupted, and the American consul, Oscar Heiser, rode out to find the British advance guard.Maud's proclamation – drafted by Sir Mark Sykes, co-author of the Sykes-Picot Agreement – declared that the British came "not as conquerors or enemies, but as liberators." But the people of Baghdad were not convinced. As one Iraqi schoolboy recalled, "the people of Baghdad and of Iraq as a whole saw with their own eyes how the English treated the Iraqis as slaves or captives."Topics covered:The British War Cabinet's caution after KutThe Russian threat and the Sykes-Picot AgreementThe strategic importance of oilGeneral Maud's superstitious commandThe Ottoman evacuation of BaghdadThe destruction of Ottoman infrastructureLooting and the restoration of orderMaud's proclamation and Iraqi scepticismBritain's imperial ambitions in the Middle EastEugene Rogan's The Fall of the Ottomans is available from all good bookshops. Please consider buying from an independent retailer.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider supporting us – we are migrating from Patreon to Substack. Details in the show notes.Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive ContentBecome a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory▸ Join the Community & Continue the ConversationFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcastSubstack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com▸ Read Articles & Go DeeperWebsite: explaininghistory.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Fall of Baghdad In this solo episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we continue our exploration of Eugene Rogan's masterful The Fall of the Ottomans, examining the British campaign to capture Baghdad in 1917 – a victory that helped redeem the catastrophic humiliation of Kut.The surrender at Kut in April 1916 had been one of the worst disasters in British military history. Thousands of British and Indian soldiers, starved into submission, were marched into captivity and then worked to death building Ottoman railways. The British government was deeply wary of any further advances in Mesopotamia. But the Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force, smarting from the stigma of defeat, was determined to score a victory.Drawing on Rogan's narrative, we trace the campaign from the cautious advance on the Tigris to the fall of Baghdad. General Maud, a commander who had been wounded in France and was the last man off the beach at Gallipoli, was determined to break the Ottoman defences. Despite orders from London that barred an advance on the city, Maud pushed forward – driven in part by a superstitious belief that 13 was his lucky number.The Ottoman Sixth Army, worn down by illness, desertion, and casualties, was desperately understrength. Halil Pasha had been forced to redeploy forces to confront a Russian threat on the Persian frontier, leaving Baghdad dangerously exposed. When the British finally broke through at the Shumran Bend, the Ottoman retreat became a rout – pursued by British gunboats that wreaked havoc on exhausted and demoralised Turkish soldiers.The recapture of Kut was a symbolic victory. But the fall of Baghdad, which followed shortly after, was the first major British victory in the Middle East – a triumph that had eluded them since the beginning of the war.Topics covered:The disaster at Kut and its aftermathGeneral Maud's command and his superstitious beliefsThe Russian threat on the Persian frontierThe battle for Kut (December 1916 – February 1917)The breakthrough at Shumran BendThe Ottoman retreat and the naval pursuitThe symbolic recapture of KutBritish fears of Muslim insurrection in IndiaEugene Rogan's The Fall of the Ottomans is available from all good bookshops. Please consider buying from an independent retailer.If you enjoy the podcast, please consider supporting us – we are migrating from Patreon to Substack. Details in the show notes.Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive ContentBecome a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory▸ Join the Community & Continue the ConversationFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcastSubstack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com▸ Read Articles & Go DeeperWebsite: explaininghistory.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore the complex history and contemporary character of Turkish Cypriot Islam, a tradition often described as highly secular, private, or even residual. My guest, Mete Hatay (Senior Research Consultant from the Peach Research Institute in Oslo), helps me unpack the many explanations Turkish Cypriots themselves have given for this secularism -- from claims of Alevi or crypto-Christian ancestry to broader narratives shaped by modern Turkish nationalism and a long history of religious marginalization. We trace Islam's arrival in Cyprus and examine how early patterns of settlement—including the banishment of heterodox or “undesirable” Muslim groups to the island—shaped the religious landscape. The episode examines how the mid-19th century Ottoman reforms began dismantling these traditions long before modern secularism took hold. We explore how efforts to centralize authority, suppress heterodox practices, and control waqf resources alienated Cypriot Muslims from their own religious institutions. British colonial rule, despite preserving formal autonomy through the Evkaf, further weakened Islamic infrastructure. We also look at how Cyprus became an unexpected refuge for Young Turks and how, in the early 20th century, Kemalist ideals found unusually fertile ground among Turkish Cypriots--shaping attitudes toward religion, education, and public life for decades to come.

Benjamin Fortna, professor of history at the University of Arizona, on “The Shortest History of Turkey: From the Ottoman Empire to the Turkish Republic” (Old Street Publishing). Please support Turkey Book Talk on Patreon or Substack. Supporters get a 35% discount on all Turkey/Ottoman History books published by Bloomsbury Academic, transcripts of every interview, and links to articles related to each episode.

How much of the Middle East's history was actually shaped by the West? The story most of us learned about who created the modern Middle East is incomplete. Dan is joined by historian Simon Sebag Montefiore, author of The Cauldron, who argues that we give Western powers too much credit and the people of the region too little agency. In Part I of their conversation, they trace the forces that shaped the region, from the Ottoman legacy and the rise of nationalism to the Iranian Revolution and Islamism. Purchase a copy of Simon's book The Cauldron here. Get your tickets to a live taping of Call me Back at the Streicker Center in NYC on October 22. —-This episode is sponsored by RootOne. Help the Jewish teen in your life experience Israel for themselves. Visit RootOne.org to learn more. Call Me Back is made possible by our subscribers. If these conversations are where you turn to understand Israel and the Jewish world, consider joining them. It's what keeps this show going. Become a Subscriber - Inside Call me Back ___ In this episode: - Who really made the modern Middle East? - The myth of empire as a Western phenomenon - How the Middle East lost its diversity - Did the nation-state fail the Middle East? - Why Iran's 1979 revolution changed everything - How Khomeini turned Islamism into a regional force ___ More Ark Media: Want to join Ark Media? Check out our careers page for new openings. Explore Israel Votes Listen to Ark News Daily Listen to For Heaven's Sake Listen to What's Your Number? Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Beth Pearlman, Brittany Cohen, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Yuval Semo

Before we begin our adventures exploring the history and folklore of the Thirteen Colonies of America, we present our first episode of Series 8: A Brief History of America!We explore the history of North America from the earliest human migration across the Beringia land bridge, now the Bering Strait.Looking at the distinct archaeological stages of American pre-history, we talk through the Lithic, the Archaic, the Formative, the Classic and the Post-Classic phases, and the development of distinct societies and cultures. It's a fascinating picture of complex early societies with incredible trade networks like the Hopewell Exchange System, which allowed goods and resources to travel great distances from their place of origin.All this came before the first contact with European explorers. Searching for a western route through to India to bypass Ottoman control of eastern trade, sailors made landfall in the Americas almost by accident, yet it ultimately led to wide-scale colonisation.We hope it's an interesting listen, whether you are American or otherwise - and the story of how 'America' got its name should at least make you laugh!About Three Ravens

Get a better way to stay informed at https://ground.news/winston and see through biased media. Subscribe through my link for 40% off unlimited access.LIVE EVENT: Is Islam compatible with the West? Get your discounted first release tickets now before they sell out: https://winstonmarshall.eventbrite.co.uk I can't wait for you to join us in London for one of the most important debates of our timeIn this episode of The Winston Marshall Show, I sit down with historian and author Roger Crowley to explore the extraordinary fall of Constantinople in 1453 and the final collapse of the Byzantine Empire. We discuss Mehmed II's Ottoman conquest, Constantine XI's last stand, the religious struggle between Islam and Christianity, the revolutionary military technology that finally breached Constantinople's legendary walls, and what happened when the city fell. We also explore the transformation of Hagia Sophia, the shockwaves the conquest sent across Europe, and what the fall of a civilisation that had survived for over 1,000 years can teach the West today. A fascinating conversation about empire, faith, war, and why no civilisation should ever take its survival for granted.WATCH THE EXTENDED CONVERSATION HERE: https://www.winstonmarshall.co.uk/Chapters00:00 Why Constantinople Mattered04:12 Islam's Attempts to Conquer Constantinople10:56 The Christian Roman Empire18:17 Catholics vs Orthodox: The Great Schism22:45 The Rise of the Ottoman Empire28:06 Mehmed II vs Constantine XI36:45 The Defence of Constantinople43:50 Could Constantinople Have Survived?48:48 The Superweapon That Changed Warfare53:33 Jihad & Religious Fervour58:17 The Final Assault01:02:19 What Happened Inside Hagia Sophia?01:08:45 The Lessons of Constantinople's Fall01:11:47 How Europe Reacted01:19:51 Why Has the West Forgotten This History?01:23:11 Erdoğan & the Ottoman Legacy

How did the vastness of the Eurasian steppe shape the political model of Russian imperialism? What does the Russian Empire have in common with other Eurasian empires — the Ottoman, Persian, Mughal, Chinese, and others? What are the roots of Russia's assimilationist imperialism and its claims to global domination? And why is the Russian political model so deeply rooted in the logic of war and military conquest? *** “Thinking in dark times” is a podcast by UkraineWorld, an English-language media outlet about Ukraine brought to you by Internews Ukraine Host: Volodymyr Yermolenko, the editor-in-chief of UkraineWorld and president of PEN Ukraine. Guest: Michael Khodarkovsky, an American historian of Ukrainian origin and one of the leading scholars of Russian and Eurasian history. We talk about his new book, The Steppe and Its Empires: The Russian Empire and Its Eurasian Counterparts, published by Yale University Press in 2026. In this book, Khodarkovsky looks at Russia not so much through its relationship with Europe, but by comparing it with the empires of Eurasia — the Ottoman, Persian, Mughal, and Chinese empires. Book: https://yalebooks.co.uk/book/9780300284386/the-steppe-and-its-empires/?utm_source=chatgpt.com *** Listen on various platforms: https://li.sten.to/explaining-ukraine UkraineWorld: https://ukraineworld.org/en *** SUPPORT: You can support our work on https://www.patreon.com/c/ukraineworld Your help is crucial, as we rely heavily on crowdfunding. You can also contribute to our volunteer missions to frontline areas in Ukraine, where we deliver aid to both soldiers and civilians. Donations are welcome via PayPal at: ukraine.resisting@gmail.com. *** CONTENTS: 00:04 Intro 00:00:45 Who is Michael Khodarkovsky and what is his new book, "The Steppe and Its Empires," about? 01:52 Why should Russia be studied in the context of Eurasian empires, not European ones? 05:38 How do Eurasian empires like Russia, Persia, or China broaden our understanding of imperialism and colonialism beyond the Western maritime empires? 10:26 How did the Eurasian steppe influence the Russian Empire's identity and its expansionist drive? 15:38 What is the "include and rule" principle of Eurasian empires, and how did it differ from Western "divide and rule" strategies? 18:07 Did Russia have feudalism, and how did its lack of feudalism differentiate it from Western European states and even Ukraine? 25:51 What is the concept of "universal monarchy" in Eurasian empires, and how did it separate them from Western monarchies? 33:23 Why were Eurasian empires, particularly Russia, "organized for war" rather than "organized for law"? 39:13 What factors allowed Russia to build such a highly centralized state, even more so than other Eurasian empires? 45:51 What is Ukraine's unique place in the historical narrative of steppe and Eurasian empires, especially concerning its dual nomadic and sedentary influences?

"I would be prepared to accept the status of independence for Cyprus on the condition that this status shall not be changed, either by union with Greece, by partition, or by any other way, unless the United Nations approves such a change." Archbishop Makarios, September 1958 In this episode, we explore connections between the American struggle for independence from Britain in 1776 and the Cypriot struggle for independence from Britain nearly 200 years later. Here is a list of key terms, organizations, and people: ENOSIS: the union of Cyprus with Greece TAKSIM: the partition of Cyprus between Turkish and Greek populations NATIONAL RADICAL UNION OF CYPRUS: precursor to EOKA EOKA: the name of the Greek nationalist organization TMT: the name of the Turkish nationalist organization AKEL: the trade union party of Cyprus, with links to communism Archbishop Makarios: Leader of the enosis movement and first president of Cyprus Jason Loukianou: proponent of a liberal republic of Cyprus Antonios Triantafyllides: lawyer and nationalist politician assassinated in 1934 for agreeing to participate in British Colonial Advisory Council General Georgios Grivas: Greek nationalist and military leader of EOKA Topics include: -a brief history of modern Cyprus from 1776, during Ottoman rule (1570-1878), through British rule (1878-1960) -the changing governance models in Cyprus and the evolving legal status of Cypriots while under British rule -the re-introduction by the British of democratic practices, constitutional rule, and a liberal legal system into Cyprus -the impact of the Great Depression on Cyprus -the impact of WWII, the Greek Civil War, and the Cold War on Cyprus Prof. Varnava's books can be found here: [Assassination in Colonial Cyprus in 1934 and the Origins of EOKA](https://anthempress.com/books/assassination-in-colonial-cyprus-in-1934-and-the-origins-of-eoka-pb) [British Cyprus and the Long Great War, 1914-1925: Empire, Loyalties and Democratic Deficit ](https://www.routledge.com/British-Cyprus-and-the-Long-Great-War-1914-1925-Empire-Loyalties-and/Varnava/p/book/9781138698321?fbclid=IwAR3EVpbAACDza6h6eIHrw1H5ghmBXeMRmEKGjtwGIaIgpG1wGVxBH-5Y36E) [Serving the Empire in the Great War: The Cypriot Mule Corps, Imperial Loyalty and Silenced Memory](https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526103673/) [ British Imperialism in Cyprus, 1878-1915: The Inconsequential Possession](https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9780719086403/) The cover image depicts the British military hoisting the Union Jack in Nicosia, Cyprus, on 12 July 1878.

In this episode, Richard Pater speaks with Dr Simon Waldman about Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's grip on power, the erosion of Turkish democracy and Turkey's neo-Ottoman ambitions. Waldman examines antisemitism in Turkish society, Ankara's support for Hamas and its growing influence in Syria. He also assesses Turkey's potential return to the F-35 programme, its naval ambitions in the eastern Mediterranean and the prospects for repairing relations with Israel. Dr Simon Waldman teaches in the Defence Studies Department at King's College London. His research focuses on Turkish history and politics, international diplomacy in the Middle East, state-building and leadership, and the Arab Israeli conflict. He is the author of Anglo-American Diplomacy and the Palestinian Refugee Problem and co-author of The New Turkey and Its Discontents.

G'day mates! Today is the first installment of MELTEMBER!!! To celebrate we're talking all about Australians and their service in WW1 at Gallipoli. The Gallipoli fighting featured thousands of Australians dying to try to take an Ottoman peninsula. This movie stars Mel Gibson, Mark Lee, and was directed by Peter Weir. What better way to kick off MELTEMBER than the movie that put Mel Gibson on the map! We are proud to announce our NEW Patreon is available: https://www.patreon.com/reviewinghistory Please Like and Subscribe! Click the Bell to Get Notifications! Please give us a rating and a review on ApplePodcasts. It helps potential sponsors find the show! Check out The Wholly Roast use promo code RHP26 or Rhist26 Sign up for @Riversidefm: https://www.riverside.fm/?via=reviewi... Sign up for @BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/reviewinghistory Buy Some Merch: www.reviewinghistorypod.com/merch Email Us: Reviewinghistorypod@gmail.com Follow Us: www.facebook.com/reviewinghistory twitter.com/rviewhistorypod letterboxd.com/antg4836/ letterboxd.com/spfats/ letterboxd.com/BrianRuppert/ letterboxd.com/brianruppert/list…eviewing-history/ twitter.com/Brianruppert #comedy #history #podcast #comedypodcast #historypodcast #gallipoli #ww1 #worldwarone #australia #australian #melgibson #peterweir #turkey #film #cinema #movies #moviereview #filmcriticisms #moviehistory #hackthemovies #redlettermedia #rlm #historybuff #tellemstevedave #tesd

In today's programme, we will mark the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Mohács, a turning point that profoundly reshaped Central Europe and the territory of present-day Slovakia. We will look at the battle itself, the subsequent Ottoman expansion and its lasting military and cultural impact on the region, while also exploring the Mohács 500 SK exhibition at Zvolen Castle. Our guests are historian Michal Duchoň from the Military History Institute and Denis Haberland, curator of the Mohács 500 SK exhibition.

In this briefing, The MirYam Institute's In-House Analysts Yaakov Lappin and Ruth Wasserman-Lande evaluate: Israel's airstrike on Turkish military assets in Syria.President Erdogan's neo-Ottoman ambitions, and the strategic imperative to counter Ankara-backed jihadist threats.Egypt's dual policy toward Hamas, cross-border security challenges, and Cairo's refusal to join the Turkish-Saudi-Pakistani "Mecca Agreement".Support the showThe MirYam Institute. Israel's Future in Israel's Hands.Subscribe to our podcast: https://podfollow.com/1493910771Follow The MirYam Institute X: https://bit.ly/3jkeUyxFollow Benjamin Anthony X: https://bit.ly/3hZeOe9Like Benjamin Anthony Facebook: https://bit.ly/333Ct93Like The MirYam Institute Facebook: https://bit.ly/2SarHI3Follow Benjamin Anthony Instagram: https://bit.ly/30m6uPGFollow The MirYam Institute Instagram: https://bit.ly/3l5fvED

Recorded on August 24, 2026: The war in Iran appears to have reached a dangerous stalemate, raising a critical question: Can economic pressure succeed where military action has not? Mike and Laureen discuss the latest sanctions and economic boycott against Iran and ask what the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps actually values — and whether further economic pain will change its behavior or simply deepen the suffering of ordinary Iranians.  The conversation then turns to Turkey: Is the Prime Minister pursuing a modern, neo-Ottoman vision of Turkish power? With Turkey's large military, growing drone and missile capabilities, NATO membership and relationships with groups including Hamas and Hezbollah, what would happen if Turkish and Israeli interests eventually turn into direct military confrontation? And perhaps most importantly, what would NATO do if two countries with radically different relationships to the alliance ended up at war?  Finally, the episode examines a provocative argument about the Palestinian people: Is sympathy enough, or do Palestinians need the truth about the forces and ideologies shaping their future? The discussion considers what responsibility looks like when confronting the realities of Hamas, the broader regional power struggle and the human consequences of the conflict. Thank you for listening, sharing and subscribing to The Third Opinion Podcast.

Today's episode is about the Battle of Mohács and its significance. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn a few new words from a legend. You will also learn how to say “Be grateful“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find my version of the legend of Vysoka.Episode notesIn today's episode, I'm talking about the Battle of Mohács and its significance. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn a few new words from a legend. You will also learn how to say “Be grateful“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find my version of the legend of Vysoka.Slovak lesson1. povesť (legend) 2. zázrak (miracle) 3. kňaz (priest)4. sviatosť (sacrament) 5. monštrancia (monstrance)6. modliť sa (to pray)7. modlitba (prayer) 8. vďaka (gratitude / thanks)9. vďačnosť (gratitude)10. Buďte vďační (Be grateful)Povesť “Zázrak vo Vysokej”Niekde vo svete je svetadiel Európa. Niekde v tej Európe bola malá krajina dnes známa ako Slovensko. Na tom Slovensku, blízko Banskej Štiavnice, bola malá horská dedinka Vysoká. Jedného dňa, keď si dedinčania vykonávali svoju prácu, sa v neďalekom údolí ozval dupot koní a krik osmanských jazdcov. Hneď na to sa rozozvučal zvon na poplach a niekto skríkol: „Turci idú!“ Dedinčania vedeli, že nemajú šancu sa ubrániť. A tak všetci, aj starci, ženy a deti, v panike utekali hore strmým svahom. Dúfali, že v hustých dubových lesoch nájdu svoju záchranu.Miestny kňaz, otec Matej, rýchlo vzal z oltára to najcennejšie, čo v dedine mali – zlatú monštanciu so sviatosťou oltárnou. Opatrne ju pritlačil k hrudi a rozbehol sa za ostatnými.Turci však boli na koňoch a prví jazdci s vytasenými šabľami dorazili na okraj lesa rýchlejšie ako dedinčania. Útek bol na konci. Krik útočníkov silnel a zdalo sa, že osud dediny je spečatený.V tom momente otec Matej vystúpil na vyvýšenú skalu. Zodvihol zlatú monštanciu vysoko nad hlavu, otočil sa tvárou k blížiacemu sa vojsku a začal sa nahlas modliť.Zrazu z malej bielej hostie uprostred monštancie vyšľahol lúč čistého, oslepujúceho svetla. Nebolo to obyčajné svetlo. Bolo jasnejšie ako poludňajšie slnko a preťalo tmavý les s ohromnou silou. Žiara zaliala celé údolie.Turecké kone začali divoko erdžať a stavať sa na zadné. Vojaci, zasiahnutí náhlou slepotou a nadpozemskou silou, v panike padali zo sediel. V ich očiach to nebol záblesk zo zlatej nádoby, ale hnev samotného neba. Prestrašení na smrť, s krikom o pomoc, sa otočili a bezhlavo utekali späť odkiaľ prišli.Svetlo pomaly zhaslo a v lese nastalo hlboké ticho. Ľudia sa pomaly vrátili do svojich domovov. Vedeli, že dedina Vysoká bola zachránená. A na mieste tej skaly, kde sa stal tento zázrak, ľudia ešte dlhé storočia šepkali modlitby vďaky.English translation: Legend “The Miracle in Vysoká”Somewhere in the world there is the continent of Europe. Somewhere in that Europe there was a small country known today as Slovakia. In that Slovakia, near Banská Štiavnica, there was a small mountain village called Vysoká.One day, while the villagers were doing their work, the pounding of horses' hooves and the shouting of Ottoman riders sounded in a nearby valley. Immediately after that, the alarm bell began to ring and someone shouted, “The Turks are coming!” The villagers knew they had no chance to defend themselves. And so everyone, even the old men, women, and children, ran in panic up the steep slope. They hoped that they would find safety in the dense oak forests.The local priest, Father Matej, quickly took from the altar the most precious thing the village had: a golden monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament. He carefully pressed it to his chest and ran after the others.But the Turks were on horseback, and the first riders with drawn sabers reached the edge of the forest faster than the villagers. The escape was over. The attackers' shouting grew louder, and it seemed that the village's fate was sealed.At that moment Father Matej climbed onto a raised rock. He lifted the golden monstrance high above his head, turned his face toward the approaching army, and began to pray aloud.Suddenly, from the small white host in the middle of the monstrance, a beam of pure, blinding light burst forth. It was no ordinary light. It was brighter than the sun at noon and cut through the dark forest with tremendous force. The radiance flooded the entire valley.The Turkish horses began to neigh wildly and rear up on their hind legs. The soldiers, struck by sudden blindness and a supernatural force, fell from their saddles in panic. In their eyes, it was not a flash from a golden vessel, but the anger of heaven itself. Terrified to death, crying for help, they turned around and fled headlong back the way they had come.The light slowly faded, and deep silence settled in the forest. The people slowly returned to their homes. They knew that the village of Vysoká had been saved. And at the place of the rock where this miracle happened, people whispered prayers of gratitude for many long centuries afterward.Timestamps00:34 Introduction to the episode02:16 About the Battle of Mohács08:31 Fun fact13:43 Slovak lesson17:05 Legend of Vysoka in Slovak20:24 Legend in English23:49 Final thoughtsIf you have any questions, send it to my email hello@bozenasslovak.com. Check my  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bozenasslovak/ where I am posting the pictures of what I am talking about on my podcast. Also, check my website  https://www.bozenasslovak.com© All copywrites reserved to Bozena Ondova Hilko LLC

In this Conflicted Conversation, Simon Sebag Montefiore returns to the show, this time to talk about his new book The Cauldron: The Making of the Modern Middle East. Simon explains: How Britain and France tried — and often failed — to shape the post-Ottoman Middle East Why Sykes–Picot is a misleading shorthand for the region's modern borders How Atatürk, Nasser and other Middle Eastern leaders remade the region through their own choices The violent shift from Ottoman pluralism to nationalist, more homogeneous states Why Nasser's charisma produced a powerful Arab myth but a disastrous authoritarian model Why traditional monarchies in Morocco, Jordan and the Gulf often outlasted revolutionary republics How America became the Middle East's dominant anti-imperial imperial power after Europe's retreat Why militias, parastates and insurgencies make “total victory” in today's Middle East so elusive Find Simon on X: x.com/simonmontefiore Visit Simon's website: www.simonsebagmontefiore.com Join the Conflicted Community here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://conflicted.supportingcast.fm/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find us on X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/MHconflicted⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ And Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ And Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/conflictedpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Conflicted is a Message Heard production. Executive Producers: Jake Warren & Max Warren. Produced and edited by Thomas Small . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lara Krinsky opens the briefing by introducing Dr. Mordechai Kedar as a veteran Israeli military intelligence expert whose focus is understanding the cultures, ideologies, rivalries, and psychology behind Middle Eastern actors, not just their surface-level statements. Kedar begins with Turkey, arguing that Israel's strike on the Abaza airbase in northern Syria was a direct warning to Erdogan after Israeli intelligence saw preparations for a deeper Turkish military move into Syria, closer to Damascus and therefore closer to Israel. He frames Erdogan's worldview as neo-Ottoman and Muslim Brotherhood-influenced, saying Turkey sees former Ottoman lands—including Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Israel—as part of its historical sphere, while also supporting Hamas and presenting a growing strategic challenge to Israel. Kedar says Israel's post–October 7 doctrine is to deal with threats while they are still “small,” explaining that Israel's actions against Turkey, Hezbollah, Iran, and Hamas are part of a broader message that Israeli security now comes before every other consideration. He also argues that new regional alignments—especially between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia—reflect fear that the U.S. may eventually pull back before Iran is defeated, leaving Sunni states exposed to Iranian revenge and destabilization. The conversation closes with Kedar warning that Western leaders often misread the Middle East because they apply Western assumptions to a region shaped by religion, tribalism, deception, and jihadist ideology, while Lara ends by reminding viewers that Israel's soldiers must be ready for whatever comes next and urging support for their humanitarian and well-being needs.

Acclaimed historian Simon Sebag Montefiore returns to Unholy to discuss his sweeping new book, The Cauldron: A History of the Middle East between 1900 and 2026. He tells Yonit and Jonathan that understanding the region today requires starting at the dawn of the 20th century — thanks to the long shadow still cast by the Ottoman Empire and its collapse. They talk of the often underestimated significance of Saudi Arabia, the convulsions that followed the Iranian revolution of 1979 and the extent to which Israel is - unexpectedly - a Middle Eastern state like any other.   ⏱ CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:52 Why the book starts in 1900 02:49 Ibn Saud and the House of Saud 07:31 1979 and the Iranian revolution 09:55 The empire states, none of them Arab 13:13 Israel as a post-Ottoman state 18:22 Ben Gurion, Ataturk, Reza Shah 21:46 Middleness, pipelines and Haifa 26:35 The 1840 Damascus blood libel 30:02 Purity tests and historians' nerve 33:58 The King and Britain's minorities    

As the birthplace of wine and the vinifera grape species, Georgia (the country), has wine deeply embedded in its culture. Yet, having survived conquest by three empires, fine wines are not the current norm in Georgia, where the Russian Communists focused on quantity over quality. Irakli Gilauri is launching Gilauri Wines to change that and to give wine collectors all over the world a chance to taste and connect with the best of the Ancient Terroir that is his home country of Georgia. Detailed Show Notes: Irakli's background: public company CEO (Bank of Georgia, Georgia Capital), wine collector for 20 years, took UC Davis winemaking coursesMission: to make a fine wine from Georgia that showcases the original terroir of wineGeorgia (the country) wine historyThe birthplace of wine, 8,000 years agoWhere vitis vinifera originated (the broader South Caucasus region)Located between the Caucasus Mountains, Black Sea and Caspian Sea; between Russia, Turkey, and AzerbaijanOne of the only biodiversity hotspots with a mid-temperate climateMain wine region Kakheti (Eastern Georgia), ~85% of grapes grown there, similar to Napa as it sits between 2 mountain rangesMain grape is Saperavi, closest to vitis silvestris, one of the original vinifera grape varietiesWine is embedded deep in Georgian culture, people believe grapes and wine allowed it to survive 3 empires (Persian, Ottoman, and Russian) and keep their language, script, and faithThe “oldest wine cellar in the world”~40k old bottles, from the early 1840s, including First Growth BordeauxsCollection of the Russian Romanovs (originally housed in St Petersburg)During WWII, Stalin moved the cellar into three places, including one in TbilisiGeorgian government is authenticating the wines and will auction some offGilauri WinesStarted w/ 10 grape varieties (incl Saperavi, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) in 5 locations, needed to conduct research on mapping terroir to deliver top quality because the Communists only cared about quantityStarted in 2022, but first vintage will be 2024, 2022 and 2023 wines will not be released as the quality was not high enoughHas the potential to produce 75k bottles, but 1st vintage will only be 1,800 bottles (1,200 Saperavi, 600 Chardonnay), with the rest bulked outWinegrowing is very different from the Georgian norm; focused on quality (e.g. - mixed Guyot pruning with only 1 cane, cover crops, green harvesting, 500L barrel fermentation, cold maceration for aromas (which cannot be done in traditional qvevri)Saperavi clonal material from Italy, Georgian nurseries have too much virusDTC focused brand; in order to share with fellow wine lovers, not enough for retail US, UK, EU, Switzerland availableIn US, also producing a Vine Hill Ranch Napa Cabernet with Nigel Kinsman at Wheeler Farms, and can use that license to import and sell Georgian wines DTC; Napa Cab as the sister wine to Georgian SaperaviHas conducted blind tastings of top New World and Old World wines to compare with Gilauri's “Ancient World” wineAllocations of 1st Georgian wines Dec 2026, 1st Napa wines Spring 2027Vanessa Conlin MW coming on to help promote the wines in the USJoin the allocation list at Gilauri.comWine, food, & travel go togetherSommTV producing a cooking show for Georgian cuisine, which is a mix of Asian, European, and Middle Eastern influencesWill have a free private concierge to organize wine trips to GeorgiaTrying to get access to “Stalin Cellar” for list membersLoyal clients will also have access to 4 bedroom house in GeorgiaExpected pricing:

On this high-stakes edition of The Adult in the Room, Victoria Taft breaks down major geopolitical escalations, domestic religious persecution, and the memory-holing of pandemic authoritarianism: COVID Tyranny Flashback & Dr. Chris Rake: Victoria revisits the coercive media montage of 2021–2022—where politicians and pundits falsely claimed vaccines stopped transmission 100% while demanding the unvaccinated be fired and exiled from public life. Plus, we re-examine the iconic footage of UCLA anesthesiologist Dr. Chris Rake being escorted out of UCLA Medical Center for refusing the jab. Rev. Jim Harden (CompassCare vs. Jane's Revenge): CompassCare CEO Rev. Jim Harden joins the show to discuss the aftermath of the $500,000 firebombing of his Buffalo pregnancy medical clinic by the militant pro-abortion group Jane's Revenge. Harden details the FBI's weaponization against pro-life pregnancy centers, lawsuits from NY AG Letitia James, the physical dangers of chemical abortion pills (Mifepristone), and his push alongside Sen. Josh Hawley and Rep. Chris Smith for the Personhood Clarification Act to secure 14th Amendment protections from fertilization. Iran SITREP — Edmond Fitton-Brown: Former UN Counter-Terrorism Sanctions Monitoring Coordinator and FDD Senior Fellow Edmond Fitton-Brown returns for an urgent global briefing. Fitton-Brown reveals how Iran is actively harboring Al-Qaeda's top leadership (including leader Saif al-Adl and the "Hattin Committee"), analyzes Turkey's neo-Ottoman ambitions under Erdogan, details the strategic importance of Somaliland's independence, and breaks down sectarian violence against Christians in Nigeria alongside U.S. naval blockade workarounds in the Strait of Hormuz.

William Turner, a British traveller in the early 1800s, left one of the more vivid foreign descriptions of Cyprus under Ottoman rule. He claimed that Turkish Cypriots practiced a more relaxed form of Islam than he had seen in major Ottoman cities -- pointing to things like drinking, eating pork, and looser religious habits, though his comments reflect both his biases and limited encounters. He was also struck by how Turkish Cypriot women moved unveiled in public, which contrasted sharply with the norms he knew from Constantinople. While not a literal portrayal of the whole island, Turner's observations show how outsiders already viewed Cypriot Islam as shaped by local custom, rural life, and cultural mixing. This sets the stage for next month's episode on Turkish religion, secularism, and identity in Cyprus with Mete Hatay!

The Hamlet Podcast - now bringing you a twice weekly exploration of Shakespeare's Othello. Act One, Scene Three | We shift to the Duke's chamber, where reports are flying in about the threat to Cyprus from the Ottoman empire. Written and presented by Conor Hanratty

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the latest episode!Today we travel to the Middle East and hear about the Battle of Megiddo, a little-known but stunning Allied success in September 1918. Meticulously planned and executed by General Allenby, the battle ended Turkish resistance in WWI and resulted in the capture of more than 75,000 Ottoman soldiers. 

In this episode of Chronicles, Luca and Rory continue to discuss Childe Harold's Pilgrimage. This time exploring the decay of Greek dignity under Ottoman oppression, and Childe Harold's wonder at the untamed vitality of Albania.

Headlines tell you there's a war on Israel's borders. But they don't explain why it matters, who's fighting, or how 50 years of history shapes today. Ilan Schulman - kibbutznik, IDF paratrooper, intelligence officer, and PhD scholar of Syrian cities - walks us through the real complexity. Syria isn't one nation but ~200 tribes loyal to different interests. Understanding jihadists requires reading the Quran, not just analyzing weapons. The Ottomans' 500-year control of this region echoes in today's geopolitics. Iran builds power through schools and hospitals, not just missiles. And the 1973 Yom Kippur War - which nearly destroyed Israel - reshaped military philosophy that still drives strategy today.Key Takeaways:Syria = 200 tribes, not one unified nationUnderstand enemies by reading their holy texts (Quran, Hadith, Sirah)Ottoman history (500 years) still shapes regional power dynamicsYom Kippur War (1973): Israel learned strategic depth doesn't exist on populated landIsrael shifted from "Does enemy want to attack?" to "What can enemy do?"Iran's expansion relies on infrastructure control (schools, hospitals, fuel, banking) more than weaponsTribal loyalty > national identity; sectarian divisions > bordersContext, history, and ground-level truth matter more than headlinesChapter Markers: 00:00—Intro; 02:23—Ottoman history; 05:25—Islamic theology & jihadist motivation; 10:26—Eli Cohen legacy; 11:06—Intelligence failures; 16:19—Analyzing enemies by capability, not intention; 17:46—Yom Kippur War (1973); 24:36—Weapon confiscation mission; 35:00—Syrian tribal reality; 40:28—Why understanding requires ground truthWhy This Matters: You cannot understand Middle Eastern conflicts from headlines. Real understanding requires knowing the history, religion, tribal structures, and the perspectives of people actually living these conflicts. That's what this episode provides.Subscribe to the Jewish Road Podcast. Visit thejewishroad.com for transcripts, resources, and tours (October 2026 departure available). Share with someone who wants the real story behind the headlines.

Given how central Israel is to the Bible, it seems at best avoidant to not attempt to put this ancient nation - and its present day iteration - in context.No politics or agenda, just a bit of history that allows listeners to understand Israel's biblical origin story, and what happened next.Written and produced by Chas BayfieldMusic by Michael Auld and Jon Hawkins MusicCover art by Lisa GoffE: contact@whollybuyable.comX: Wholly Buyable Podcast

Onur İnal on “Gateway to the Mediterranean: An Environmental History of Late Ottoman Izmir” (Cambridge University Press). The book shows how the cosmopolitan coastal city of Izmir flourished in the 19th century to become a major link between the Ottoman Empire, Europe and the rest of the world. Please support Turkey Book Talk on Patreon or Substack. Supporters get a 35% discount on all Turkey/Ottoman History books published by Bloomsbury Academic, transcripts of every interview, and links to articles related to each episode.

Turkey's growing regional ambitions, claims over Jerusalem, and ties to Russia raise serious questions about biblical prophecy and the rise of the Antichrist. In Episode 953 of The Smith and Rowland Show, Alan Smith and Jeff Rowland examine Turkey's Ottoman revival under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. They discuss Turkey's military presence in former Ottoman territories, the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque, Erdogan's statements about Jerusalem, and his goal of becoming a leader of the Muslim world. The conversation also connects current events involving Turkey, Russia, Iran, China, Israel, and the Middle East with passages from the Bible concerning the end times. The hosts consider whether Iran is the main focus or part of a larger conflict involving the nations that will move against Israel. Beyond geopolitics, this episode addresses the responsibility of Christians during a time of war and uncertainty. Smith and Rowland emphasize the need to preach the gospel, share faith with others, and keep Jesus Christ at the center of the Church's message. Topics include:  * Turkey's Ottoman ambitions and regional expansion  * Erdogan's claims regarding Jerusalem  * Hagia Sophia and the religious legacy of the Ottoman Empire  * Turkey, Russia, Iran, China, and the Middle East  * Biblical prophecy concerning Israel and the nations  * The Antichrist and the possible role of a Muslim leader  * The power of the gospel in Muslim nations  * Why Christians must remain focused on Jesus Christ Watch the full episode, then share your thoughts in the comments. How should Christians respond when world events appear to align with biblical prophecy? #TheSmithAndRowlandShow #BibleProphecy #Turkey #EndTimes #Antichrist

The Byzantine Empire didn't have to fall—history simply chose differently.The fall of Constantinople in 1453 is often presented as the inevitable end of a decaying empire—but what if that narrative is completely wrong? In this episode of History Rage, historian and author Laura Bolick dismantles one of history's most persistent myths: that the Byzantine Empire was doomed long before the Ottoman cannons fired.Drawing on her book Saving Byzantium: The Struggle to Salvage an Empire, Laura reveals a world full of missed opportunities, fragile alliances, political infighting, and last-minute efforts that nearly changed history. Rather than a slow collapse caused by decadence, the Byzantine story is one of diplomacy, survival, and desperate attempts to rally Western support that very nearly worked.At the heart of this story are two remarkable figures—Cardinal Johannes Bessarion and Isidore of Kiev—who risked everything to secure military aid from Western Europe. Their mission to unite the Orthodox and Catholic Churches was intended to bring the crusading forces that might have saved Constantinople. Incredibly, Ottoman commanders themselves nearly abandoned the siege before a final breakthrough changed the course of history forever.This episode explores the deeper causes behind the fall of Byzantium, including Western complacency, internal European conflicts, and the dangerous assumption that great cities could never truly fall. It's a powerful reminder that history isn't predetermined—it's shaped by decisions, timing, and human choices.In This Episode, We Discuss:Why the fall of Constantinople was not historically inevitableHow Western Europe failed to support Byzantium when it mattered mostThe political and religious tensions between Orthodox and Catholic ChurchesThe role of crusades in late medieval diplomacyHow the Ottomans engineered one of history's most remarkable siegesWhat Byzantium's fall teaches us about modern geopolitical complacencyAbout the GuestLaura Bolick is an art historian and researcher specialising in late medieval Byzantium and Renaissance intellectual culture. Her work focuses on the cultural survival of Byzantium and the figures who fought to preserve its legacy.Book: Saving Byzantium: The Struggle to Salvage an EmpireBuy from the History Rage Bookshop:https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781398122192(Using this link supports independent bookshops and the podcast.)Follow Laura BolickCheck your preferred bookseller for Saving Byzantium: The Struggle to Salvage an EmpireLook out for talks, articles, and appearances connected to Byzantine and Renaissance historyFollow & Support History RageLove bold historical debate and myth-busting scholarship? Here's how to stay connected:Website: https://historyrage.comTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/historyrageFacebook: https://facebook.com/historyrageInstagram: https://instagram.com/historyrageSupport the PodcastSubscribe on Apple PodcastsListen ad-free for £3/month via Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/historyrageShare this episode with fellow history enthusiastsYour support helps keep historical myths under siege.Why This Episode MattersHistory often looks inevitable in hindsight—but as this episode reveals, the fall of Byzantium was anything but certain. From near-abandoned sieges to failed crusades and shifting alliances, the fate of Constantinople hung on fragile moments and human decisions. Understanding those moments doesn't just reshape medieval history—it challenges how we think about the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Friday's Mark Levin Show, the Iranian regime cannot be overthrown from the air alone. We need to take an aggressive posture without ground troops: provide arms to the Iranian resistance movements, destroy Kharg Island (through which 85% of Iran's oil and gas flows, much of it to China), and rebuild later with private investment. Don't listen to the isolationists who favor an Iran deal. Meanwhile, we need to support Ukraine's licensing to build Patriot missile systems while withholding F-35s from Erdogan, who threatens Israel and Greece, occupies a third of Cyprus, and pursues neo-Ottoman ambitions. Also, an estimated 60,000 or more Moroccans and others from North Africa have invaded Spain, breaking into stores, burning cars, and rioting. Socialists, like Spain's PM, Marxists, and the Democrat Party create such conditions worldwide by opening borders and, in the U.S., by refusing to enforce immigration law. Democrats created unlawful sanctuary cities and states that nullify federal immigration statutes, withhold information from ICE, and encourage well-funded radical left groups to obstruct enforcement—even of those who have committed serious crimes. Later, Michael Whatley, the Republican Senate nominee in North Carolina, calls in and reports strong momentum after touring all 100 counties, where voters consistently seek a fighter focused on family success, economic opportunity, and safe communities rather than the record of his opponent, former Governor Roy Cooper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the midst of a world in upheaval, Erdoğan has remade Turkey in his own image. Once a shining portal that straddled East and West, Istanbul's streets now teem with nationalistic fervour, political repression and rampant corruption. In the old Ottoman neighbourhood of Karagumruk, journalist Suzy Hansen goes looking for the truth about modern Turkey. In this episode of the podcast, Suzy will show how– through the lives of local inhabitants–  conflicts are spiralling into regional crises, deepening the fault lines now fracturing Europe and the Middle East. Join us for an eye-opening account of a nation on the frontlines of history– the rise of an autocrat, the resurrection of an empire, and the human stories unfolding in its shadow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, Emmanuel Laroche speaks with Chef Maksut Aşkar, the chef behind Neolokal in Istanbul. This is a conversation about much more than one restaurant. It is a journey into Istanbul's food culture, the difference between Anatolian and Ottoman cuisine, the flavors of Antakya, Turkish breakfast, heirloom ingredients, sustainability, pistachios, desserts, mentorship, and the role of design in a dining experience. Chef Maksut explains why “Turkish cuisine” can be an oversimplification, why traditions must evolve to stay alive, and how Neolokal creates a bridge between memory and modern gastronomy. The episode document highlights themes including Istanbul's culinary richness, Anatolian versus Ottoman cuisine, spices, sustainability, storytelling, pistachios, mentorship, Turkish breakfast, desserts, and design. What you’ll learn from Chef Maksut Aşkar Istanbul’s culinary diversity and history Difference between Ottoman and Anatolian cuisine The concept of Neolocale and tradition updating Sustainable sourcing of rare ingredients The role of storytelling in culinary experience The importance of preserving culinary heritage Innovative techniques in traditional recipes The significance of pistachios in Turkish cuisine The open-source approach to culinary knowledge The future of Turkish culinary traditions   Chapters00:00 Introduction and guest introduction01:57 Istanbul as a city of gastronomy04:00 Geography and cultural melting pot of Anatolia06:07 Differences between Ottoman palace cuisine and Anatolian home cooking09:03 Unique ingredients and regional flavors13:02 Must-try foods for first-time visitors to Istanbul15:59 The concept of Neolocale and tradition preservation19:52 Innovating while respecting culinary heritage23:05 Storytelling and educational approach in the restaurant31:00 The importance of ingredients like pistachios and mulberry molasses32:56 Sharing recipes and open source philosophy36:01 Training young chefs and culinary mentorship37:00 Rapid fire questions and personal preferences49:58 Closing remarks and future outlook Beyond the Mic: My Stories in Print A Taste of Madagascar: Culinary Riches of the Red Island invites readers to join me on his unforgettable journey across the island of Madagascar, where a vibrant culture and stunning ecosystem intertwine to create an extraordinary culinary experience. Explore the unique ingredients and traditions that define Madagascar and discover their profound impact on the global culinary landscape. Alongside the captivating stories, the book presents a collection of exciting recipes that showcase the incredible flavors and ingredients of Madagascar. Get the book here! “Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door” is my debut book, published in Fall 2022. It features insights from chefs and culinary leaders interviewed on the Flavors Unknown podcast, offering a behind-the-scenes look at creativity, culture, and the future of the hospitality industry. Get the book here! Links to most downloaded episodes (click on any picture to listen to the episode) Chef Sheldon Simeon Chef Andy Doubrava Chef Nina Compton Chef Jacques Pepin Social media Chef Maksut Aşkar Instagram Social media Neolokal Instagram Links mentioned in this episode Neolokal in Istanbul SUBSCRIBE TO THE ‘FLAVORS UNKNOWN' NEWSLETTER

From Suzy Hansen, whose previous book, Notes on a Foreign Country, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, From Life Itself: Turkey, Istanbul, and a Neighborhood in the Age of Erdoğan (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2026) is a story for a world out of joint. An absorbing account of one neighborhood in Istanbul that has seen profound change, it offers lessons for all of us who feel the pressure of the disorienting global forces remaking our lives. Karagümrük, a neighborhood once dominated by Ottoman-era homes, is now known for petty thieves, cheap apartment blocks, and an influx of Syrian refugees. It's here that Hansen went looking for the truth behind the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's authoritarian turn, a catastrophic regional war, and an accelerating geopolitical crisis. She asks: Was Turkey a harbinger of what would soon arise in other countries, the resurgence of authoritarianism? Or do the lives in this neighborhood, and the transformations of Erdoğan's Turkey, reveal a more complex story? During a decade spent reporting from Karagümrük, Hansen discovered the neighborhood's secrets and got to know some of its people: Ismail, the longtime muhtar, or neighborhood councilman; Huseyin, a loyalist in Erdoğan's Islamic nationalist AK Party; and Ebru, a real estate agent and mother with ambitions to unseat Ismail. Through these local perspectives, Hansen connects the events unfolding in Karagümrük to the forces roiling Turkey, the Middle East, and the world, capturing the sweep of the last ten years in microcosm.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

From Suzy Hansen, whose previous book, Notes on a Foreign Country, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, From Life Itself: Turkey, Istanbul, and a Neighborhood in the Age of Erdoğan (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2026) is a story for a world out of joint. An absorbing account of one neighborhood in Istanbul that has seen profound change, it offers lessons for all of us who feel the pressure of the disorienting global forces remaking our lives. Karagümrük, a neighborhood once dominated by Ottoman-era homes, is now known for petty thieves, cheap apartment blocks, and an influx of Syrian refugees. It's here that Hansen went looking for the truth behind the Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's authoritarian turn, a catastrophic regional war, and an accelerating geopolitical crisis. She asks: Was Turkey a harbinger of what would soon arise in other countries, the resurgence of authoritarianism? Or do the lives in this neighborhood, and the transformations of Erdoğan's Turkey, reveal a more complex story? During a decade spent reporting from Karagümrük, Hansen discovered the neighborhood's secrets and got to know some of its people: Ismail, the longtime muhtar, or neighborhood councilman; Huseyin, a loyalist in Erdoğan's Islamic nationalist AK Party; and Ebru, a real estate agent and mother with ambitions to unseat Ismail. Through these local perspectives, Hansen connects the events unfolding in Karagümrük to the forces roiling Turkey, the Middle East, and the world, capturing the sweep of the last ten years in microcosm.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/middle-eastern-studies

Hamlet wagers 6 Barbary horses against 6 French swords. Falstaff talks about fighting with a Barbary hen. Bassanio in Merchant of Venice talks about travelling merchants going to foreign lands including "Tripolis, Mexico and England, Lisbon, Barbary, and India" There are also an additional 5 references to Barbary horses.   The Barbary States were Algeria, Tunisia, Tripolis, and Morroco. These were powerful coastal societies tied in various ways to the Ottoman world, and in Shakespeare's day they were central to English fears about piracy and captivity. Ships were seized. Sailors were enslaved. Families, merchants, churches, and governments negotiated over the price of a human life.  English first hand accounts of the Muslim world and the Barbary States in particular were sparse, even non-existent prior to Richard Knolles publication in 1603 where he writes the History of the Turks, the same year Shakespeare publishes his Ottoman-heavy play with a Moor in the title role, Othello.   Today we are joined by Daniel Vitkus, editor of Piracy, Slavery, and Redemption: Barbary Captivity Narratives from Early Modern England, and Abdulhamit Arvas, Associate Professor of English at the University of Pennsylvania and expert on early modern Muslims, Barbary pirates, and Shakespeare. They are here to help us explore the place of the Barbary Coast in Shakespeare's England, to understand the culture of hostages and holding someone ransom, what was happening to Britons that were taken captive and sold into slavery by the Barbary pirates, as well as to explain the surprising dichotomy of being afraid of the Barbary nation while admiring their products, like horses. 

In this episode of the Blood Brothers Podcast, Dilly Hussain speaks with Ottoman historian, content creator and the social media manager of 5Pillars, Alen Bašić. Topics of discussion include: Joining 5Pillars and Alen's first year at the organisation. Difference between working with Roshan Salih and Dilly Hussain. Ottoman history and Islam in Balkans. How did the Bosniak people embrace Islam? Devshirme, The Janissaries and Ottoman Jews. Former Yugoslavia and the Bosnian war. Serb and Croat mythologising and dehumanising Bosniak Muslims. The role of media in manufacturing consent for war and genocide. FOLLOW 5PILLARS ON:    Website: https://5pillarsuk.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@5Pillars Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5pillarsuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5pillarsnews Twitter: https://x.com/5Pillarsuk Telegram: https://t.me/s/news5Pillars TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@5pillarsnews

Mary welcomes back Pastor Andy Woods to talk about all the ways the world is heating up and bringing pressure to bear on believers and Jews alike – and prophecy fulfillment marches on. Today we look at the scary upgrade to automatic license plate readers (ALPRs). While some communities will surely wrestle with a tech that can provide entry points to our vehicle worlds in multiple ways, regardless of the pushback they will likely prevail. What kind of intrusion is this? A massive one. We also look at Canada’s C9 bill that tightens the noose around believers who wish to quote the Bible for all things pertaining to life and godliness. Is anyone home up north anymore with a conscience? We follow the story of the Jewish man in Ohio who simply wanted a prayer meeting in his home but was harassed at every turn. More stories: Erdogan’s Ottoman ambitions; Iraq port and highway development plan; the Presbyterian’s presbyopia about divestment and LGBTQ pastors; and the Scofield kerfuffle (this is a doozy). A very full hour with a fantastically knowledgeable guest.     Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

Jonathan Schanzer explores the Houthi threat in North Yemen and the potential for a wider regional conflict. While the US keeps Israel on the sidelines to avoid escalation, Turkey's "neo-Ottoman" ambitions are rising. Schanzer warns that Turkey seeks to fill the power vacuum left by Iran. (4)

CLiz Peek discusses the strong American economy, noting that small businesses feel relief as tariff threats abate and inflation falls. Lower energy and gasoline prices have cheered investors. Anecdotal evidence from local bookstores and ice cream parlors reinforces a positive outlook for consumer sentiment. (1)Liz Peek highlights the rise of the Democratic Socialists of America as a significant threat to established Democraticincumbents. Young voters are flocking to radical platforms promising free services. Rahm Emanuel emerges as a blunt voice for the party, urging a challenge against these "loons." (2)Jonathan Schanzer reports on the restart of hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz, where oil prices have hit $87 per barrel. The US is conducting air strikes against Iranian naval assets and drone bases. Schanzer questions why these strategic targets were not hit earlier in the conflict. (3)Jonathan Schanzer explores the Houthi threat in North Yemen and the potential for a wider regional conflict. While the US keeps Israel on the sidelines to avoid escalation, Turkey's "neo-Ottoman" ambitions are rising. Schanzer warns that Turkey seeks to fill the power vacuum left by Iran. (4)Mary Kissel analyzes the failure of the Iran ceasefire, noting that Iran calculated the US lacks the will for ground intervention. The conflict centers on Iran's suspect nuclear program, with potential new targets at Pickaxe Mountain. Public engagement remains low despite rising energy costs. (5)Mary Kissel discusses NATO's decision to reinforce Ukraine with advanced drone technology and Patriot missile manufacturing. Ukraine is hailed as the "future of warfare," transitioning from a security consumer to a security contributor. Kissel emphasizes the need for the US to counter Russian propaganda. (6)Joseph Sternberg examines Germany's economic struggles under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, including a shift toward deregulation and infrastructure borrowing. Massive layoffs at Volkswagen signal the end of traditional "lifetime employment." Merz faces political challenges from Social Democrats who resist aggressive free-market changes. (7)Joseph Sternberg addresses the assassination of former MP Ann Widdecombe, which is being investigated as a possible act of political violence. Sternberg notes that existential political rhetoric on social media often inspires such attacks. These tensions reflect broader global concerns regarding political polarization. (8)Gregory Copley critiques the stalemate in the Persian Gulf, suggesting that US air strikes alone cannot win without a plan for regime change. He advocates for supporting the domestic Iranian population against the clerical leadership. Turkey's opposition to empowering Kurdish forces remains a significant complication. (9)Gregory Copley discusses the inevitability of Ukraine's path to NATO, a move he views as a provocation to Russia. He argues the war preserves President Zelensky's power without a democratic mandate. However, he acknowledges Ukraine's technological ingenuity in developing swarming drone capabilities for modern combat. (10)Gregory Copley highlights Australia's declining regional power as Indonesia and India rise strategically. China'smissile tests and interest in Antarctica further destabilize the South Pacific. As the Antarctic Treaty ends, a scramble for the world's largest oil deposits appears imminent. (11)Gregory Copley details King Charles III's visit to the Isle of Man, the world's oldest continuous parliament. The King also held a private, discreet meeting with Prince Harry. Meanwhile, the UK faces rising anxiety over security for political leaders following the assassination of Ann Widdecombe. (12)Jeff McCausland discusses the closing of the Strait of Hormuz due to Iranian threats from land-based missiles and drones. President Trump faces a dilemma: muddle through, escalate with ground forces, or withdraw. McCausland warns that seizing territory like Kharg Island would result in significant casualties. (13)Jeff McCausland notes that Europe now views Ukraine as a security contributor due to its mastery of drone and robotic warfare. While Putin considers escalation or mobilization, Chinese pressure likely prevents the use of tactical nuclear weapons. The US continues to communicate "serious consequences." (14)Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa condemn Gustavo Petro's refusal to recognize election results in Colombia. They criticize Brazil's President Lula for his silence on criminal leftist regimes. The "Shield of the Americas" alliance is emerging to defend regional democracy and fight corruption. (15)Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa report that 60,000 people are missing in Venezuela following catastrophic earthquakes and government neglect. They propose an emergency temporary government to replace the Rodriguezsiblings. Brazil hosts 700,000 refugees fleeing the "gangland" regime's destruction. (16)All 16 segments formatted, tail numbers (1)–(16). Name check clean: Liz Peek, Peña Esclusa, Araújo with the accent, Ann Widdecombe all correct.

In this episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we explore the complex dynamics of the Mesopotamian campaign during the First World War – where subject peoples, caught between the collapsing Ottoman Empire and the advancing British, navigated their loyalties with survival in mind.**Drawing on Eugene Rogan's masterful *The Fall of the Ottomans*, we examine the Arab rebellions that erupted in the Middle Euphrates region in 1915. The Ottomans, desperate to hold their empire together, attempted to enforce conscription among their Arab subjects – many of whom had no desire to die in a war they had not chosen. When Ottoman authorities clamped down on deserters, the shrine cities of Najaf and Karbala exploded in rebellion.The rebellion was not nationalist in the modern sense. The rebels did not seek independence; they sought autonomy from a distant Ottoman state that was extracting their young men and disrupting their lives. In Najaf, deserters holed up in the shrine city. When Ottoman soldiers violated local customs by searching under women's veils, the townspeople turned against them. The rebellion spread to Karbala, Al-Hilla, Samawah, and other towns, with rebels burning government buildings, destroying records, and driving Ottoman soldiers out.As the British advanced up the Tigris and Euphrates, local populations made pragmatic choices. Arab villages flew white flags to welcome the new conquerors. The Ottomans, meanwhile, faced a collapse of morale that led to mass surrenders – including at the town of Amara, where a single British steamer with a crew of eight sailors accepted the surrender of hundreds of Ottoman troops.We also explore the divided loyalties of figures like Ali Djaoudat, an Iraqi Arab officer who had served the Ottomans loyally but secretly sympathised with the Arab autonomy movement. His capture by British forces – after being ambushed by Bedouin tribesmen who had turned against the Ottomans – illustrates the complexity of the situation.**Topics covered:**- Eugene Rogan's *The Fall of the Ottomans*- Ottoman conscription and desertion in Mesopotamia- The Najaf rebellion of May 1915- The Karbala uprising and its spread- The collapse of Ottoman morale- The British advance and "Townsend's Regatta"- The surrender at Amara- The divided loyalties of Arab officers- Robert Fisk's "Lord Blair of Kut" comment- The experience of colonised peoples between two empires---*Eugene Rogan's *The Fall of the Ottomans* is available from all good bookshops. Please consider buying from an independent retailer.**If you enjoy the podcast, please consider supporting us – we are migrating from Patreon to Substack. Details in the show notes.*Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive ContentBecome a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory▸ Join the Community & Continue the ConversationFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcastSubstack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com▸ Read Articles & Go DeeperWebsite: explaininghistory.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode: 1597 The Ottoman Empire telegraph, linking Europe and Asia.  Today, the telegraph connects Europe and Asia.

Why do Bosnian Muslims make and celebrate a plum brandy that Islamic law technically forbids — and what does their answer to that question reveal about four centuries of Ottoman rule, Balkan identity, and the extraordinary weight of contingency behind things that seem simple? How did the Ottomans simultaneously bring distillation to the Balkans, prohibit alcohol, and shape the culture that would eventually inscribe plum brandy on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list? And what is in a glass of šljivovica that a supermarket bottle of slivovitz will never contain?Join John as he tells the story of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the plum — the copper still, the neighbors arriving in October, and the soul extracted from a fruit that has outlasted every political settlement imposed on this landscape...----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies' personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

Jonathan Schanzer discusses the roles of Syria, Qatar, and Turkey in regional conflicts. He questions the reliability of the Syrian regime to tame Hezbollah, suggesting a "neo-Ottoman" Turkish agenda. Regarding Gaza, he notes Hamas is tactically contained but remains a threat, while warning against trusting Qatar. (8)SPARTA