Balkans etymology

Etymology

The term "Balkans" comes from the Ottoman Turkish word "balkan," meaning "mountain range." It was originally used to refer to the Balkan Mountains, which form a natural boundary between the Balkan Peninsula and the rest of Europe.

Meaning

The Balkans refers to a geographical region located in southeastern Europe, comprising the Balkan Peninsula. It includes countries such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia.

Origin

The term "Balkans" was first used in the 14th century by Ottoman chroniclers. It was gradually adopted by Western historians and geographers in the 19th century to describe the region.

Other Names

The Balkans has also been known by various other names throughout history:

• Rumelia: Used by the Ottoman Turks to refer to the European part of their empire, including the Balkans.
• Thrace: The ancient name for the geographical area that now includes parts of Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey.
• Illyria: The ancient name for the western part of the Balkans, corresponding to present-day Albania, Croatia, and parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Moesia: The ancient name for the region corresponding to present-day Serbia and Bulgaria.

Balkans relate terms

• Balkan

  Etymology The term Balkan derives from the Turkish word balkan which means mountain

• Balkans

  Etymology The term Balkans comes from the Ottoman Turkish word balkan meaning mount

• Balkanize

  Etymology Balkanize derives from the Balkan Peninsula a region in southeastern Europe

• Balkans

  Etymology The term Balkans comes from the Ottoman Turkish word balkan meaning mount

• partisan

  Etymology The word partisan comes from the French word partisan which in turn comes

• wine

  Etymology The word wine originates from the Latin word vinum which is believed to ha

• Albania

  Etymology and Meaning The name Albania derives from the Illyrian tribe known as the Al

• turkey

  Etymology The word turkey derives from the following sources Old French Turkie M

• Europe

  Etymology of Europe The name Europe comes from Greek mythology According to the leg

• Macedonia

  Etymology The name Macedonia is derived from the ancient Greek word Μακεδονία

• meditation

  Etymology Latin meditatio French méditation Old English meditian Meaning The a

• shebang

  Etymology The term shebang is thought to have originated in the early 19th century alt

• adequate

  Etymology Latin adaequatus meaning equal to or sufficient From the verb adaequ