Tag: Balkan

Albanian bunkers ravaged by rising tides as erosion takes toll

by Briseida MEMA Agence France-Presse SEMAN, Albania (AFP) – Albania’s communist-era bunkers were meant to withstand a nuclear strike, but decades later the fortifications are being devoured by the sea as the country’s coastline is battered by erosion. The shores of the Balkan country are among the most affected in Europe by erosion, according to experts, who blame climate change and uncontrolled urbanisation for the scourge. Along the shores of Seman in central Albania, many […]

Balkan pepper relish stirs appetites and pride

by Rachel O’Brien with Rusmir Smajilhodzic Agence France-Presse LESKOVAC, Serbia (AFP) – It’s a source of Balkan rivalry but one ubiquitous smell: the wood-fire roasting of peppers wafting through towns and villages each autumn as families prepare the region’s best-loved relish. Slathered on bread, nibbled with cheese or served alongside meat dishes, “ajvar” has for generations filled the shelves of winter pantries — and the rich spread’s production is a matter of no little pride. “We […]