For centuries, the Balkans has been riddled in violence, proceeded or followed by frequent political changes. Ancient tribal migrations from Asia, the Roman–Greek wars, the inquisition and the crusades, violence has always been part of the scene in southeastern Europe. The Ottoman invasions, however, set the tone of modern history, starting the clash of religions and cultures.
The fact is to most Western Europeans, not to mention to the Americans, “the Balkans” is somewhere far away in the east and southeast, on the periphery of Europe, hence on a doorstep of Asia, Greece excluded, of course.
Where does Asia begin? We aspire to define Asia beginning beyond the Ural Mountains. Although we refer to Turkey as Asia Minor, we consider it the “Gateway to the East” and think of it being in both Europe and Asia.
At Nis and Leskovac, the region still looks and feels as Central Serbia, but that changes south of Vranje. Suddenly minarets protrude from the skyline of villages and instead of Greek Orthodox churches, Muslim mosques dominate the village scape. To the west, at Bujonavac (featured image), a mountain ridge separates this region from Kosovo.
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