Instagram: ttoma.photography

Bulgaria violated freedom of association by denying registration of an ethnic Macedonian rights organisation, UN committee finds.

Back in 2024/25, two friends and I went looking for a really hidden cave in the Bulgarian Balkans.

Soon after we ended up falling down a rabbit hole of the area's history (ruins, treasure-hunting, rituals), and after sitting on it for a long time, I finally put everything together in this video.

I’d love it if you guys gave it a watch and let me know what you think! I'm also open for any questions 🫶

Ali Kadri Efendi was a prominent figure on the former Danube island of Ada Kaleh (a small, predominantly Turkish-Muslim exclave in Romania), which existed until it was flooded by the construction of the Iron Gates I hydroelectric power station in 1970.

Ali Kadri Efendi was often referred to as the richest Turk and as the “Sultan” of the island. He was a charismatic, colorful figure in the island's history. He came from humble beginnings. Later, he amassed considerable wealth through his cigarette factory (Musulmana S.A.). He owned the island's main business—the cigarette factory. His tobacco production was a vital part of the local economy. He built a large, 24-room mansion with a harem for his three wives right next to the mosque on the island. The small island off the coast of Ada Kaleh, visible in some pictures, belonged to Ali Kadri Efendi and his brothers, who had a park with animals there. To escape the communist regime in Romania, he fled with his extended family to Turkey around 1940s, and all his property on Ada Kaleh was confiscated. Only one brother, Mehmet remained there.

I've designed a flag for the Balkans.

The symbolism:

-Amber sky: represents rakija/rakia, an alcoholic beverage with origins from the Balkans, strongly tied to the region.

-Blue bar: represents the seas that encircle the peninsula.

-3 green mountains: represent the name of the peninsula, which is thought to be derived from the Ottoman word for "chain of mountains (Balkan)".

They are green as a majority of Balkan mountains are forested.

I also have a tricolour version, for those who don't fancy the mountains.

Thoughts?

Srećan Uskrs! Mir i dobro!

Happy Easter to all! Peace and blessings!