This handbook provides a comprehensive exploration of the history and cultural dynamics of the Black Sea region, a historically significant and diverse area shaped by various civilizations, languages, and religions over centuries. Edited by Ninja Bumann, Kerstin S. Jobst, Stefan Rohdewald, and Stefan Troebst, the work is the result of extensive collaboration among researchers and contributions from international workshops. It delves into historical, linguistic, and cultural aspects, reflecting on the region's role as a historical meso-region influenced by imperial powers such as the Russian and Ottoman Empires. The text emphasizes the importance of linguistic diversity and the contextual use of place and personal names, particularly in light of modern geopolitical contexts. Aimed at scholars, historians, and cultural researchers, the volume is a vital resource for understanding the complexities of the Black Sea region's history and its cultural intricacies. |