The Balkans

Definition

The Balkans is a geographical region in Southeast Europe with various cultural and historical identities. It includes countries like Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece etc.

Analogy

Imagine the Balkans as a colorful patchwork quilt. Each patch represents a different culture or nation with its unique pattern but they're all stitched together into one piece - representing geographical unity despite cultural diversity.

Related terms

Balkanization: A geopolitical term used when a larger region is divided into smaller hostile units. Originated from how Balkan Peninsula got fragmented into several small nations after fall of Ottoman Empire.

Ottoman Empire: A state that controlled much of Southeast Europe (including Balkans), Western Asia and North Africa between 14th and early 20th centuries.

Yugoslavia: A country in the Balkans during 20th century, created after WWI and dissolved into several smaller states in the 1990s.