2024-03-17

Ala Kachuu - forced marriage in Kyrgyzstan

Ala Kachuu - forced marriage in Kyrgyzstan

Ala Kachuu, also spelled ala kachuu or alaqachuu, is a controversial and harmful cultural practice prevalent in certain regions of Central Asia, notably in Kyrgyzstan. This practice, also known as "bride kidnapping," involves the abduction of a woman or girl by a man or group of men with the intention of forcing her into marriage. The term "Ala Kachuu" translates literally to "take and run" in Kyrgyz.

History

The precise origin of Ala Kachuu is subject to debate, but it is widely acknowledged as a practice rooted in patriarchal traditions and social norms within certain communities of Central Asia. This practice has persisted for centuries despite efforts by various groups to combat it.

Practice

In typical cases of Ala Kachuu, the perpetrators often target unmarried women or girls, though instances of married women being abducted have also been reported. Motivations for these abductions vary but often include reasons such as a desire to circumvent costly or complicated official marriage procedures, as well as economic and social factors.

Following the abduction, the victim is often isolated from her family and friends and is frequently subjected to physical and psychological pressure to accept the marriage. In many cases, the victim is also raped as part of the abduction and captivity process.

Consequences

Ala Kachuu has devastating consequences for its victims, both physically and psychologically. Women who are kidnapped in this manner often face severe trauma, including mental health issues such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, these forced marriages can lead to abusive relationships and early marriages, thereby compromising the rights and well-being of women and girls.

Responses

Despite international recognition of Ala Kachuu as a violation of fundamental human rights, the practice persists in some regions of Central Asia due to complex socio-cultural factors and inadequate protection and prevention measures. However, there are ongoing efforts, both locally and internationally, to raise awareness about this issue, to strengthen laws against kidnapping for marriage, and to support victims.

Non-governmental organizations, women's rights activists, and other stakeholders are working to raise awareness about the dangers of Ala Kachuu, provide support to victims, and advocate for legislative and social changes to eliminate this harmful practice.

Conclusion

Ala Kachuu is a devastating cultural practice that persists in certain regions of Central Asia despite efforts to combat it. As a violation of fundamental human rights, it requires urgent and coordinated responses from governments, international organizations, NGOs, and civil society to protect women and girls from this form of violence and to promote gender equality and human rights.

Légende - Photo
Perchance, CC0, https://perchance.org/
Sources

Tartini's sonata: a work inspired by Satan

The Devil's Trill Sonata, also known as "Sonata in G minor for Violin, Op. 1, No. 4, B.G5", is a remarkable composition by the renowned Italian composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini (1692-1770). This iconic piece, considered one of the most demanding in the violin repertoire, has gained worldwide renown not only for its technical complexity but also for the fascinating story that surrounds it.

The Devil's Trill Sonata was composed by Tartini in the early 18th century, likely between 1713 and 1714. This solo violin sonata consists of four movements: Larghetto affettuoso, Allegro moderato, Andante, and Presto, each demanding exceptional virtuosity from the violinist.

What particularly distinguishes this sonata are the rapid and intricate trill passages that unfold throughout the work, hence its evocative nickname. These trills, requiring great dexterity and extreme precision, pose a formidable challenge for performers, contributing to the reputation of the piece as a masterpiece of the violin repertoire.

The Legend of the Pact with the Devil

The legend surrounding the Devil's Trill Sonata adds a mystical dimension to this already remarkable work. According to tradition, Tartini had a dream in which he made a pact with the devil, asking him to teach him the violin. In this dream, the devil played music of transcendent beauty, from which Tartini awoke deeply inspired yet also frustrated by his inability to reproduce those divine sounds.

To express his frustration and fascination, Tartini purportedly composed the Devil's Trill Sonata, attempting to capture even a fraction of the music he had heard in his dream. The sonata is thus interpreted as a representation of Tartini's trials and torments in his quest for musical perfection, reflecting both the fascination and anguish of his dream experience.

In a legendary anecdote, the musician told the astronomer Jérôme Lalande about the genesis of this incredible sonata:

"One night, in the year 1713 I dreamed I had made a pact with the devil for my soul. Everything went as I wished: my new servant anticipated my every desire. Among other things, I gave him my violin to see if he could play. How great was my astonishment on hearing a sonata so wonderful and so beautiful, played with such great art and intelligence, as I had never even conceived in my boldest flights of fantasy. I felt enraptured, transported, enchanted: my breath failed me, and I awoke. I immediately grasped my violin in order to retain, in part at least, the impression of my dream. In vain! The music which I at this time composed is indeed the best that I ever wrote, and I still call it the "Devil's Trill", but the difference between it and that which so moved me is so great that I would have destroyed my instrument and have said farewell to music forever if it had been possible for me to live without the enjoyment it affords me."

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The Devil's Trill Sonata has become one of the most iconic pieces in the violin repertoire, performed and studied by generations of violinists worldwide. Its influence extends far beyond the world of classical music, inspiring adaptations, tributes, and references in various artistic media.

This work embodies not only the technical virtuosity and emotional expression characteristic of baroque music but also the power of myth and legend in artistic creation. The fascination with the tale of the pact with the devil has helped keep Tartini's memory and music alive, adding a layer of mystery and mysticism to his already impressive musical legacy.

Légende - Photo
Андрей Романенко, Public domain, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violin_Sonata_in_G_minor_(Tartini)#/media/File:Le_Songe_de_Tartini_par_Louis-L%C3%A9opold_Boilly_1824_(color).jpg
Sources
A ghost photographed at Gilson Cemetery

A ghost photographed at Gilson Cemetery

A ghost has been discovered on Google Maps appearing to wander through a cemetery located in New Hampshire, on the East Coast of the United States...

Amy Pendleton posted a video on TikTok showing us a mysterious and ghostly figure concealed behind a stone wall. This ghost is located in Gilson Cemetery in Nashua, a city in Hillsborough County.

The figure appears to be a middle-aged man. It is facing towards the camera.

Gilson Road Cemetery is one of the most haunted places in New Hampshire. Situated in an isolated area of Nashua, this cemetery holds the remains of several individuals who died under mysterious or tragic circumstances. Some stories suggest it served as a mass grave for murder victims or suicides. Others claim it's a site of paranormal activity, such as apparitions, voices, feelings of coldness, or unease.

Gilson Road Cemetery dates back to the 18th century and is named after the Gilson family, who owned the surrounding land. Among the graves is that of Betsey Gilson, who died in 1791 at the age of 22, and her son John, who died in 1794 at the age of 4. The cause of their deaths is unknown, but some believe they fell victim to illness or poisoning. Other members of the Gilson family are also buried in the cemetery, along with soldiers from the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.

Gilson Road Cemetery is reputed to be haunted by the spirits of these deceased individuals, who manifest themselves in various ways. Some visitors have reported seeing shadows, silhouettes, or faces in the cemetery, especially at night. Others have heard strange noises, such as crying, laughter, whispers, or screams. Some have even felt physical contact, such as caresses, pinches, or blows.

Légende - Photo
TikTok / Google, Copyright, https://nypost.com/2024/01/01/lifestyle/ghost-spotted-haunting-historic-cemetery-on-google-street-view/
Sources

2024-03-10

The Holodomor, the Ukrainian famine orchestrated by Stalin

The Holodomor, the Ukrainian famine orchestrated by Stalin

The genocide perpetrated by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in Ukraine between 1932 and 1933, also known as the Holodomor (from Ukrainian: Голодомор, literally "extermination by hunger"), remains one of the darkest chapters in Ukrainian and global history. This tragedy was characterized by an artificially induced famine orchestrated by the Soviet regime, resulting in the deaths of millions of people, primarily Ukrainians.

In the 1920s and 1930s, the USSR pursued a policy of forced collectivization of agriculture as part of its socio-economic transformation towards socialism. This policy aimed to eliminate private land ownership and collectivize agricultural production under state control. Ukraine, known as the "breadbasket of the Soviet Union," was particularly targeted due to its high grain production.

Outbreak of Famine

In 1932, Soviet authorities, led by Joseph Stalin, implemented brutal economic policies aimed at forcing Ukrainian peasants to join collective farms. These policies included the forced requisition of crops and livestock, as well as unattainable production quotas imposed on peasants. Farmers who resisted these measures were severely repressed, with their lands confiscated, and often deported or executed.

The Famine

As a result of these policies, a widespread famine broke out in Ukraine in 1932-1933. Peasants were deprived of their means of subsistence, unable to feed their families. Reports from the time document cases of cannibalism as desperate people sought to survive. Despite the rampant famine, Stalin and Soviet authorities refused to acknowledge the crisis, rejecting any international aid and prohibiting Ukrainians from leaving the region to find food elsewhere.

International Reaction

The international community, while aware of the suffering in Ukraine, largely remained silent in the face of the deliberate famine orchestrated by the USSR. Some countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom sent humanitarian aid, but it was often blocked by the Soviet government or insufficient to address the scale of the crisis.

Human Toll

The exact human toll of the Holodomor remains debated due to censorship and Soviet propaganda of the time. However, it is estimated that several million people perished in Ukraine during this period, making the Holodomor one of the largest genocides in history.

Recognition and Commemoration

Following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, Ukraine as well as many other countries officially recognized the Holodomor as an act of genocide perpetrated by the Soviet regime. Memorials have been erected in Ukraine and around the world to commemorate the victims of this tragedy.

Conclusion

The Ukrainian Genocide of 1932-1933 stands as a poignant testament to the horrors of totalitarianism and the devastating consequences of government policies on vulnerable populations. The Holodomor remains a crucial reminder of the need to uphold human rights and resist oppression wherever it manifests in the world.

Légende - Photo
Pkravchenko, FAL, https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holodomor#/media/Fichier:Holomor_Art_Denysenko_1.jpg
Sources
Unexplained Aerial Phenomenon Reported Over Reedville

Unexplained Aerial Phenomenon Reported Over Reedville

On February 6th, 2024, a couple in Reedville, Virginia, reported witnessing an unexplained aerial phenomenon (UAP) to the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC). The sighting occurred at approximately 6:45 PM local time and lasted for one to two minutes.

According to the witnesses, they were walking down Main Street when they noticed three red lights forming a triangle in the eastern sky. The sky was dark as it was past sunset and the moon had not yet risen. The witnesses described the area between the three red lights as being darker than the surrounding sky, suggesting they were emanating from a single object. They observed the object moving northward while rotating on its axis parallel to the ground. The triangular formation of the lights then shifted to a straight line, but the darkened area between them remained confined to the original triangular shape.

The size and distance of the object were difficult for the witnesses to determine, but they estimated it to be massive, appearing larger than a full moon in the sky. They reported no sound associated with the object. The object initially moved quickly but then slowed down to a near halt before accelerating again.

Shortly after observing the UAP, the witnesses noticed two jets approaching it at high speed. The familiar sound of the jets, identified as possibly A-10 models due to frequent sightings in the area, allowed the witnesses to estimate their altitude at around 1,000 to 2,000 feet. As the jets neared the UAP, it moved behind a stand of tall pines, obscuring the view from the witnesses. By the time they reached a clear vantage point, the UAP was gone, though the jets continued on their trajectories.

Légende - Photo
Ser Amantio di Nicolao, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Reedville_Historic_District_(June_2010).JPG
Sources

2024-03-06

Book - Communion

Book - Communion


Abstract

The book opens with Strieber waking up in his cabin with no memory of the previous night. He experiences recurring nightmares and flashbacks, eventually seeking help from a hypnotherapist specializing in UFO abduction claims. Under hypnosis, Strieber recovers memories of being abducted by non-human entities aboard a spacecraft and subjected to physical examinations.

Strieber goes on to describe his belief that these abductions have been occurring throughout his life, and interprets them as a form of communication or experimentation by an alien intelligence.

Impact and Reception:

The book became a bestseller, sparking significant controversy and debate. While some readers were convinced by Strieber's sincerity and detailed descriptions, others dismissed the book as fictional or a product of psychological factors.

Communion remains a notable work within the UFO and alien abduction subgenres, influencing popular culture and continuing to generate discussions about the possibility of extraterrestrial contact.

It is important to note that the book presents Strieber's personal experiences and interpretations, and the events described have not been independently verified.


Communion: A True Story

Author : Whitley Strieber
ISBN 10 : 0285643541
ISBN 13 : 9780285643543
Numbers of pages : 336
Publisher : Souvenir Press Ltd
Publication date : October 10, 2016

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