European Influence Research Articles

Parliamentary procedure in the Finnish Parliamentary Reform of 1906. A safeguard of democracy or an obstacle to democratization?

ABSTRACT This article explores the debates and innovations in parliamentary procedure in the Finnish Grand Duchy of the Russian Empire. It focuses on the radical parliamentary and suffrage reform of 1905-06, when Finland’s outdated Diet of four Estates was replaced by a unicameral parliament elected through universal male and female suffrage. Until then, Finland had been a latecomer in parliamentary development, with reformists eager to study and apply European experiences, models, and concepts. These European influences inspired Finnish actors to pursue procedural innovations while balancing the risks and benefits of the dramatic reform. While many parliaments were struggling with limited time and considered imposing restrictions on the right to speak, Finnish reformists chose a different path, embracing the traditional ideals of careful, thorough, and multivoiced deliberation. This approach became heavily politicized and was particularly challenged by socialist newcomers, leading to an open struggle between competing concepts of democracy and parliament.

The Emergence of Modern Prose Narrative in Iraq: Maḥmūd Aḥmad al-Sayyid and the Search for Form

Abstract This paper examines the efforts of the early twentieth century writer Mahmud Ahmad al-Sayyid (1903–1937) to remake literary culture in Iraq. Al-Sayyid’s essays advocated abandoning what he characterized as socially disinterested and decorative prose, urging Arab writers to embrace a literature of social commitment. Al-Sayyid charted a path that sought to distance Arabic cultural production from European influence, envisioning literary rebirth through the politics of anti-colonialism and by establishing solidarity with other colonized peoples. Yet these efforts were itinerant and often contradictory. Al-Sayyid’s circuitous path toward an embrace of the realist short story embodies the complexities of cultural formation during a dramatic historical shift. Aesthetically, these complexities manifest in the syncretism of al-Sayyid’s fiction, which engaged with and reproduced extant Arabic literary forms and themes. This article historicizes the emergence of a modern prose tradition in Iraq through critical assessments of the early modern Iraqi maqāmah and the short prose form of the ruʾyā, arguing that the circulations of these local forms were critical to the making of the reformist prose of al-Sayyid. It then examines the novella Jalāl Khālid, arguing that the text’s formal indeterminacy and narration of romantic and revolutionary failure inscribes an ironic stance toward the project of the nation and its aesthetic corollary, the novel. Finally, the article analyzes al-Sayyid’s short story “Sakrān” (1929), which is emblematic of a decades-long realist trend in Iraqi prose fiction that reoriented Iraqi prose toward a global trend of literary realism in the global south.

The Embodiment of National Image in Ceramic Products with China and European Countries Exchange and Dissemination Case Study: Turkish Coffee Cups

Culture is a broad concept encompassing material and spiritual aspects acquired through socialization and experience. It includes language, beliefs, ethical standards, and consumption patterns, uniting people within a community and significantly influencing their behavior. Culture plays an important role in design and influences the design process according to ever-changing behavior patterns. Product design, a subset of the design field, provides a tangible platform for expressing cultural knowledge. Consequently, product design is a significant medium for illustrating the impact of cultural influences. The interaction between different cultures further shapes design fields, leading to the development of products that may acquire new characteristics or undergo adaptations based on the specific geographical context in which they are situated. Especially when the field of gastronomy, and food and beverage utensils is examined, it is known that the ceramic tools used are in new design relationships in this context. Traditional Turkish coffee culture encompasses the convergence of Chinese, Turkish, and European influences in product design today, exemplified by the use of Turkish ceramic coffee cups. The purpose of this study is to illustrate how national images and a country’s national identity are constructed and expressed in the designs of its ceramic products from the perspective of material culture studies, from past to present, starting from the Chinese, Ottoman Empire and Europe interaction, how shaped today’s ceramic Turkish coffee cups of today and also new possibilities that can process around this area.

Aranyapur Pancharatna Temple: A Study of its Archaeological and Historical Significance in Cumilla, Bangladesh

Ratna style temple architecture flourished in the Bengal Delta from the mid-17th century to the 19th century. Although there is a clear distinction between the Ratna style temples and the ancient Bengal temples built in the North Indian Nagara and South Indian Dravidian styles, a careful analysis of the architectural structure of the Ratna temples reveals influences from both North and South Indian temple architecture. The incorporation of Indo-Islamic architectural features into Ratna temples, as seen in other contemporary structures like mosques, palaces, and forts, has given this style its uniqueness. This style of temple construction is not found elsewhere in the Indian subcontinent, except in the Bengal region. Among the various Ratna styles, the Pancharatna temple architecture is the most prevalent. The aim of this study is to review the origin and development of the Ratna style temple in Bengal and to provide a brief insight into the amalgamation of various architectural styles in the Pancharatna temples across Bengal by examining the architectural features of the Aranyapur Pancharatna temple in Cumilla. Through field surveys and photographic data analysis, the researcher has identified the architectural characteristics of the Ratna style, including Indo-Islamic and European influences, as well as the indigenous Chala style of Bengal. Additionally, other features of the aforementioned temple, such as its octagonal shape, sanctum sanctorum, arched circumambulatory path, three entrances on three sides, and the curved cornice of the central Ratna, have been compared with those of other Pancharatna temples in Bengal.

Exploring Key Stakeholders in the Romanian Food Chain: An Analysis of European Influences and Local Dynamics

Exploring Key Stakeholders in the Romanian Food Chain: An Analysis of European Influences and Local Dynamics

Recipes for Life: Black Women, Cooking, and Memory

In African American history, food has functioned as expression of colonial power and control, and as a source of Black celebration and liberation. Cookbooks written by Black women from the mid-eighteenth century to late twentieth century reflect the long history of the development of African American cuisine. These texts are practical and instructional, while also offering insights into the transnational development of food as an expression of cultural history through African, Indigenous, and European influences. African Americans, and more specifically Black women, have contributed to the food history of the Southern United States by developing a distinct African American cuisine and creating the texts by which to publicly declare their knowledge and ensure its survival. By analyzing the cookbooks of Malinda Russell, Edna Lewis, Vertamae Smith-Grosvenor, and Carole and Norma Jean Darden, a timeline of cookbooks from the Civil War to the Black Power Movement can be established. Their commonalities, including the use of cookbooks as autobiographies, community memoirs, and genealogical records, are features that resonated with the Civil Rights Movement in the latter half of the twentieth century. Food is more than a means of survival. It is a constantly evolving expression of culture, people, and celebration.

Medieval European Witchcraft and the Perception of Women in Select Philippine Short Stories

This study addresses the persistent narrative of witchcraft-related violence in the contemporary era by delving into its historical root – the medieval practice of witch-hunts. It investigates gendered motifs linked to women accused of witchcraft and sorcery, using Morgan le Fay in Thomas Malory’s Morte Darthur as a reference. By examining gender stereotypes, we aim to demonstrate how medieval European concepts of witchcraft and sorcery have become entrenched in modern perceptions of women. This investigation employs Philippine literary texts – The Witch by Edilberto Tiempo and May Day Eve by Nick Joaquin, characterising women exhibiting postcolonial dispositions. Our central hypothesis holds that these contemporary stories adapt the medieval classic. The findings point to the medieval traces in the characters of Minggay and Agueda, leading to their societal categorisation as metaphorical witches. Textual analysis exemplifies strategies such as “un/belonging” the self to demonstrate “herstory,” acknowledging one's beliefs to express innate tendencies, and challenging social structures to promote reclamation of oppressive structures. This study contributes to understanding the challenged “mythical” nature of women’s identity in the modern era. Hence, the adaptive platform of medieval European influence lends support to stabilising women’s positionality rather than their essentiality.

Dance of the Diaspora: Afro-Brazilian Movements in Salvador

This paper explores the vibrant cultural landscape of Afro-Brazilian dance forms in Salvador, Brazil, emphasizing their role as both a reflection and a reinforcement of community identity. Through a historical lens, we examine how these dances have served as mediums of resistance against cultural assimilation and oppression, while also fostering social cohesion and affirming cultural heritage. We delve into the evolution of these dance forms, from their origins blending African, indigenous, and European influences, to their modern-day manifestations and their impact on global Afro-diasporic communities. The study highlights how contemporary dance groups in Salvador innovate and preserve these traditions, ensuring their relevance and vitality both locally and internationally. Through this analysis, we showcase the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation and the profound role of dance in cultural preservation and social transformation within Afro-Brazilian communities.

Terracotta to Terraces: Tracing the Unique Temple Architecture of Bengal

This paper explores the diverse architectural styles of temple construction in Bengal from the 9th to the 19th centuries. Through a detailed examination of structural variations and decorations, the study highlights how the intermingling of Hindu, Islamic, and later European influences shaped the distinctive temple architecture in this region. The research uses architectural analysis and historical texts to identify key styles, such as the 'do-chala' and 'char-chala' huts, alongside the more ornate 'Ratna' and 'naba-ratna' structures. These styles reflect the religious and cultural synthesis and the geographical and material constraints influencing temple architecture in Bengal. The findings underscore the role of Gaudiya Vaishnavism and regional patronage in fostering a unique architectural heritage characterized by its terracotta embellishments and innovative structural forms. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of South Asian architectural diversity and its socio-religious contexts, offering insights into the region's broader patterns of cultural interchange.

Europeanisation of spatial planning. The Western Balkans between innovation and resistance

ABSTRACT Since the dissolution of the centralized economic systems, the Western Balkans have embarked on a gradual integration into the European Union. This entailed the introduction of new legislation, the assimilation of novel concepts and ideas, and the adoption of instruments and operational methods. This adaptation has permeated several sectors. While the EU’s jurisdiction does not explicitly extend to spatial planning, it has cast its shadow on this field. This paper undertakes a twofold mission. First, it traverses the cultural, institutional, and territorial spheres to unearth the tangible evidence of the Europeanisation of spatial planning in the region. Secondly, it delves into the subtle resistance mechanisms to external pressures that have also contributed to shaping spatial planning and land use. The confluence of evidence showcases that, despite being exposed to pervasive European influences, the evolution of spatial planning in the Western Balkans remains intrinsically tethered to historical paths.

Strengthening the Contribution of the Investigations of Basil Davidson’s A History of West Africa 1000-1800

This article aims to assess the contribution of Black Africa to the progress of humankind at the time of the Great Empires and even before. To do so, Africans must immerse themselves in the knowledge of their past. The background of West African civilization and history must serve as a rear-view mirror for the advancement of the current generation. Indeed, Basil Davidson, who was an important recorder of information about Africa, edifies us on the main discovery of this older generation based on his study of African iron tools. This invention contributed enormously to the improvement of the population’s well-being and the creation of families, and later villages. These were followed by the foundation of the first kingdoms, culminating in empires such as Ghana, Mali, Songhayand other kingdoms like Senegamby, Mossi, Igbo, Asante, Bono, and Kanem-Bornu. During this period of prosperity, man belonged to his community. The people of the past were imbued with values that placed the interests of the group above those of the individual. Then came the interval between the end of the empires and the independence of West African countries. During this era, the influence of Europeans through slavery and colonization was a heavy weight on their heads. The methodology uses both descriptive and qualitative analyses. Utilizing the framework of Afrocentricity theorized by Molefi Kete Asante we will examine Davidson’s orientation to the data he discussed in order to seek an African perspective on the facts. It is from this angle that this article enlightens on how the writer addresses this question of civilization and prosperity in his work.

The image of a human in the poetry of Abai Qunanbaiuly (1845-1904) and Ahmed Shawqi (1868-1932)

Relevance. The relevance of this study is conditioned by the importance of the variety of factors in the field of studying human nature and the concepts surrounding personality. Many researchers, working not only for the benefit of the literary world like Abai Qunanbaiuly and Ahmed Shawqi but also in the interests of philosophy, psychology, sociology, and many other sciences, put the phenomenon of human personality and identity at the centre of their studies. Purpose. The main purpose of the study is to analyse the image of a person in the poetry of two authors who worked on the same fundamental moral axes � Abai Qunanbaiuly and Ahmed Shawqi. Methodology. Research methods within the framework of this study were the ones that are basic for literary review. These include the analysis of poetic works, which reveals all the necessary categories, a historical method that allows getting acquainted with the specific features of the region of residence of poets or their historical homeland. Moreover, the psychological method was necessary for a more personal and deep acquaintance. Results. Abai Qunanbaiuly and Ahmed Shawqi both portrayed complex, flawed human characters in their poetry, emphasizing freedom, courage, and tolerance. They transcended cultural boundaries, blending regional heritage with European influences. Qunanbaiuly promoted progressive ideas like women's rights, while Shawqi combined simple language with emotionally rich depictions. Conclusions. Their nuanced portrayals of human nature continue to resonate globally, offering enduring insights into philosophical and psychological aspects of the human condition. Their work demonstrates lasting literary and cultural significance beyond their immediate contexts. Keywords: poetry; comparative approach; Abai Qunanbaiuly; Ahmed Shawqi; human image; literary creativity

Cooking beyond flavors: Exploring the chemical reactions in the preparation of duck in Tucupi of Pará - Brazil

Regional cuisine is a cultural treasure that offers a wealth of unique flavors, techniques, and traditions. In the Brazilian gastronomic scene, the State of Pará stands out for its culinary diversity and emblematic dishes representing the fusion of indigenous, African, and European influences. "Pato no tucupi" is a typical dish from the region that delicately enchants residents and visitors due to its unique characteristics. Even though it is a traditional preparation, duck in tucupi has attributes that justify the study to understand better the transformations involved in this preparation. This work aimed to understand the chemical transformations associated with the main ingredients of this dish, which are duck, jambu, and tucupi. Bibliographic exploration encompassed Google Scholar, books, articles, and specialized gastronomy and food magazines, supplemented by observational inquiries into tucupi production in a flour mill. Several chemical reactions have been identified in these ingredients, such as the formation of hydrocyanic acid from the enzymatic hydrolysis of the glycosides linamarin and lotaustralin. The duck also undergoes important changes related to non-enzymatic browning through the occurrence of Maillard and protein denaturation caused by heating during preparation. In turn, jambu leaves stand out in the dish's composition due to the sensation of numbness caused by the presence of the aliphatic alkylamine spilanthol. Cooking these leaves leads to the formation of chlorophyllide and pheophytin from chlorophylls a and b. This study delves into the traditional knowledge shaping regional cuisine while offering more profound insights into the chemical reactions driving this culinary process.

The curious case of Karl Nagalhard and the central European influence on the early studies on the Cenozoic paleobotany in Turkey

The curious case of Karl Nagalhard and the central European influence on the early studies on the Cenozoic paleobotany in Turkey

Genre and Style Dimensions of Ukrainian Piano Music of the 20th — Early 21st Century

The article explores the evolution of Ukrainian piano music from the 20th to the early 21st century, which is a significant component of Ukraine’s cultural and artistic heritage. It analyzes the process of changes in genre and stylistic parameters of piano music and their impact on the process of forming national identity, encompassing both the revival of folk traditions and the introduction of avant-garde techniques. Particular focus is put on the interaction of Ukrainian composers with global musical processes, which has enriched the musical language by integrating new compositional techniques. The study also considers the cultural and historical contexts that influenced the formation of styles and genres during periods of avant-garde, modernism, and postmodernism. The research emphasizes the importance of continuously updating musicological methods to understand innovative phenomena in piano music and their impact on the development of musical culture. It has been determined that piano music of the 20th and early 21st centuries has become a significant indicator of genre and stylistic transformations in the musical arts. It serves as a foundation for innovative ideas that later found expression in chamber and symphonic music. Ukrainian piano music has played a key role in preserving national traditions, combining them with European influences. Particularly significant is the endeavor of Ukrainian composers to blend folklore and national melos with classical-romantic traditions, as well as their ability to adapt to social challenges, reflecting social changes and influencing the formation of a new cultural identity.

Pasai Muslim Diaspora in the 16th Century on the North Coast of Java

This research aims to explain the Pasai Muslim diaspora on the North Coast of Java. This research uses historical research methods which include heuristics (primary sources such as Suma Oriental Tome Pires and secondary sources such as Asian Trade and European Influence in the Archipelago between 1500 and around 1630, Sociological Historical Studies of Indonesian Society Volume 1, Islamic Archeology of the Archipelago, Critical Review of History Banten, Sunan Gunung Jati (between Fiction and fact) Grounding Islam with a structural and cultural approach), source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. The results of this research found that the process of the Pasai Muslim diaspora in the North Coast of Java occurred in the 16th century, resulting in the formation of the Cirebon Sultanate. It also shows that the Pasai Muslim diaspora had spread to parts of West Java brought by Sunan Gunung Djati. After controlling the West Java region, Sunan Gunung Djati then founded the Sultanate of Banten, led by his son, Sultan Hassanudin.
 Keywords: diaspora, Muslim, Pasai, North Coast of Java

The Blood Brotherhood and Colonial Treaties and Alliances: Between Myth and Reality

Abstract This article examines the representation and use of the blood exchange between European expeditionary leaders, that worked in the service of king Leopold II, and African rulers in Central and East Africa during the late nineteenth century. While the blood brotherhood played a role in the appeasement of African rulers and the conclusion of treaties, the details and origins of the procedure are often unclear. Europeans believed that the blood brotherhood was an African legal custom, even though recent anthropological studies suggest it differed from the inter-African version of the blood brotherhood. Europeans styled the blood brotherhood as the African counterpart to the European treaty, which served to support the legality of the much-contested treaties that Leopold II’s representatives had concluded, often under dubious circumstances. While the blood brotherhood therefore functioned as a practical tool to establish European influence and sovereignty over African rulers, it was also as a means of glorifying the white European explorer as a pseudo-scientist and well-meaning broker of peace. This article complicates the traditional narrative of how treaties were concluded during the Scramble for Africa and highlights the need for a critical re-examination of the legal practices and representations of colonialism.

Complexity of Legal Harmonisation in Southeast Asia: A Diversity of Legal Systems & Languages

The eleven countries of the Southeast are quite diverse in terms of culture, religion, language and legal system. All members except Thailand were colonies of European powers who introduced their legal systems. Even Thailand, which was never colonised, was influenced by the laws of the European powers. This European influence has resulted in a range of political and legal systems. Although English is the working language of ASEAN, it is the national language of none. Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Thailand use a non-Latin script, and Vietnam uses Latin-based orthography to complicate matters further. The diversity of national and official languages is a crucial element impacting the ability of ASEAN member states to harmonise their laws, so there is a common approach to prosecuting international criminal activity. Such an approach is critical as the ASEAN Economic Community moves to greater integration. The article briefly describes the importance of language in understanding legal concepts. Then, it describes the variety of legal systems in place across Southeast Asia, which, other than the case of Thailand, are vestiges of their colonial past. The article discusses three possible models for harmonisation/ cooperation: a set of model laws, accession to an international treaty, or an agreement to cooperate. In the case of Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore, where legal systems use English, all three models could be used. For the other seven countries, because of their language diversity, it is argued that the set of model laws is inappropriate. The preferred option is a treaty or convention that sets out the scope and minimum requirements to be included in the local law and the obligations to cooperate. The Convention on Cybercrime (Budapest Convention) is a possible model. Keywords: Southeast Asia, Cybercrime Convention, Law harmonisation, Legal translation, Model law

Unpacking the impact of mega-regional agreements: the EU–Mercosur case

Mega-regional trade agreements progressively became a mechanism for the European Union (EU) to include a wide range of commitments in interregional negotiations. There is a well-developed scholarly debate on the EU’s normative power, but we have not seen a similar weight of research on how third countries react to European influence. We suggest that the focus on the macro analysis of state-level interests hides that domestic groups are impacted by EU rules and mobilise to respond to what is perceived as an imposition of European norms. This article explores the EU–Mercosur Agreement and, considering the pivotal role of Brazil in potentially obstructing it, we conducted documentary research to analyse how Brazilian stakeholders have reacted to the EU norm-spreading. We mapped influential individuals and organisations engaged in disclosing their positions and influencing the negotiation outcome. The results demonstrate that while supporters are those directly benefiting from trade liberalisation, opposition comes mainly from sectors impacted by the beyond-trade norms.

Historical and Molecular Perspectives on the Presence of Helicobacter pylori in Latin America: A Niche to Improve Gastric Cancer Risk Assessment.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is responsible for causing chronic gastritis, which can cause peptic ulcer and premalignant lesions such as atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia, with the risk of developing gastric cancer. Recent data describe that H. pylori colonizes the gastric mucosa of more than 50% of the world's population; however, this bacterium has been described as infecting the human population since its prehistory. This review focuses on the populations and subpopulations of H. pylori, differentiated by the polymorphisms present in their constitutive and virulence genes. These genes have spread and associated with different human populations, showing variability depending on their geographical distribution, and have evolved together with the human being. The predominant genotypes worldwide, Latin America and Chile, are described to understand the genetic diversity and pathogenicity of H. pylori in different populations and geographic regions. The high similarity in the sequence of virulence genes between H. pylori strains present in Peruvian and Spanish natives in Latin America suggests a European influence. The presence of cagA-positive strains and vacA s1 m1 allelic variants is observed with greater prevalence in Chilean patients with more severe gastrointestinal diseases and is associated with its geographical distribution. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the genetic diversity of H. pylori in different regions of the world for a more accurate assessment of the risk of associated diseases and their potential impact on health.