This book offers rare insights into the cultural traditions that have shaped the Balkan region - from pagan times, through folk culture, the medieval Christian churches, the encounter between Christianity and Islam, up to the religious and national mythologies that have proved so destructive in the present day. With the Balkans a central focus of European concern at the beginning of the twenty-first century, this volume is a timely reminder of the complex cultural processes that continue to affect the modern world.

This book offers rare insights into the cultural traditions that have shaped the Balkan region--from pagan times, through folk culture, the medieval Christian churches, the encounter between Christianity and Islam, up to the religious and national mythologies that have proved so destructive in the present day. With the Balkans a central focus of European concern at the beginning of the 21st Century, this volume is a timely reminder of the complex cultural processes that continue to affect the modern world.

Arriving in Europe in the 14th century, the Qipchaq Tatars are the longest surviving Muslim people in Europe. They form the historical core of the Muslim community in the Baltic States, Belarus and Poland where Muslims are few in number compared with those in other parts of the European Union and in Russia. In the first historical study of this important community, Harry Norris investigates the earliest contacts between the Baltic peoples and the world of Islam. He examines the trade routes of the Vikings and the early Slavs and Balts who had commercial relations with Arab merchants, trading in amber, furs, Middle Eastern silks and other luxury goods. Norris surveys the Qipchaq Tatars' history, their Muslim faith, their culture, their literature and their life as indigenous Europeans in New Europe today. He draws contrasts and similarities between other Muslim communities in Europe, including the diverse immigrant Muslim groups in the Nordic countries that border the Baltic Sea: Finland, Sweden and Denmark. This book is of importance to those studying the rich cultural heritage of minority groups of European Muslims and their position in Europe today, as well as those interested in the study of migration.

Arriving in Europe in the 14th century, the Qipchaq Tatars are the longest surviving Muslim people in Europe. They form the historical core of the Muslim community in the Baltic States, Belarus and Poland where Muslims are few in number compared with those in other parts of the European Union and in Russia. In the first historical study of this important community, Harry Norris investigates the earliest contacts between the Baltic peoples and the world of Islam. He examines the trade routes of the Vikings and the early Slavs and Balts who had commercial relations with Arab merchants, trading in amber, furs, Middle Eastern silks and other luxury goods.
Norris surveys the Qipchaq Tatars' history, their Muslim faith, their culture, their literature and their life as indigenous Europeans in New Europe today. He draws contrasts and similarities between other Muslim communities in Europe, including the diverse immigrant Muslim groups in the Nordic countries that border the Baltic Sea: Finland, Sweden and Denmark. This book is of importance to those studying the rich cultural heritage of minority groups of European Muslims and their position in Europe today, as well as those interested in the study of migration.

"Clearing his throat, Pete said, "I have some really bad news, guys; the explosion blew a big hole in the bottom of the cabin. I can hear sea water rushing in; it's already flooding through the hold in the floor."" On a peaceful, sunny Sunday in 1948, six couples from Ocala, Florida, step onto a wooden boat named "Hazy Days" docked off the Gulf of Mexico. It's nearly thirty-eight feet of old Florida charm, with gaily painted racing stripes and enough room for the women to chat and the men to stretch out and fish. The boat cruises under the expert care of its captain, the old salt L. B. Wilson and his fishing guide, trusted friend, and close ally Buck Gilley. The two expect little more on this fine Florida Sunday than a slight sunburn and an ice bin full of fresh Florida grouper. But tragedy strikes the "Hazy Days" some thirty miles off the coast. It catches fire, and all fourteen hearty souls are forced to dive into the salty brine. Among them, they share nine life vests. But it's not enough-nine innocent lives are lost. Author Anzie Norris lost her aunt and two uncles in the accident and seeks to tell their heartbreaking story in "Gone Fishing: A Novel of Old Florida and Her Tragic Seas."

"A charming and agreeable surprise... A welcome gift to Westernreaders." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Editor Jayyusi offers amajor example of the Arabic folk epics or romances called siras... The siras arefull of heroic adventures, exotic landscapes, love affairs, friendships, supernatural dangers, magical spells, and great Arab heroes.... " -- LibraryJournal

"This text should find its place alongside thetranslations of other epic traditions of the world as a text well suited for use inuniversity courses on the Middle East, world literature, epic, and folklore."-- Journal of Arabic Literature

This colorful panorama recountsthe fantastic tales of a sixth-century Arab king and offers unusual perspectives ongender, religion, race, and ethnicity. Composed between the 13th and 16th centuriesand presented here in English for the first time.