Co-compiled by Norman Itzkowitz, Ph.D. 1959.

The difficult subject of ethnic conflict in the Balkans, and the historical and political background of the area are clarified through broadsheets, historical documents, photographs and illustrations. A history of the Ottoman Empire, explanations of such concepts as ethnic cleansing and nationalism, provide understanding of the tragic events that have occurred since the breakup of Yugoslavia. Historians: Norman Itzkowitz & Enid Goldberg. The contents of this Jackdaw feature:

Broadsheets

• Nations, Nation-states and Nationalism
• History of the Balkans through 1918
• The Ottoman Influence
• The Balkans After 1918
• Ethnic Cleansing

Timeline: 540–1995 Historical Documents

• 16th-century scenes of the Battle of Kosovo.
• Portrait of Sultan Bayezid I.
• Excerpt from Serbian folk poem, “The Battle of Kosovo.”
• Maps of the Ottoman Empire: 1353 and mid-17th century.
• Excerpt from the Timar Register.
• 18th-century painting of Ottoman Grand Vizir receiving a foreign ambassador.
• Maps illustrating the impact of nationalism on Europe.
• Excerpt from Mazzini’s nationalist oath.
• Excerpt from Gladstone’s Bulgarian Horrors.
• Serbian, Russian, British documents on events leading to Congress of Berlin.
• Documents pertaining to the creation of Yugoslavia.
• Signatures and seals of the signers of the Treaty of Lausanne.
• Poster: World War II and the rise of Tito.
• Map: territorial division of Bosnia-Herzegovina under the Dayton Accords.

Study Guide / Lesson Plan – Reproducible Activities