In 1922, the Greeks and the remaining Armenians in what is now Turkey were forced to leave their homeland, and the properties they left behind were termed "abandoned property" (emval-i metruke). This legal designation implied that the absent owners still held their property rights and were represented by the state. However, in practice, their homes, lands, and belongings were confiscated. These assets were repurposed to satisfy the immediate housing needs of the remaining population, distributed among the wealthy and powerful, and sold at public auctions. Initially, only a small portion of the abandoned property was under the control of the new Ankara government, which was eager to use it as a source of revenue for its strained finances. Before this could be fully realized, the government encountered various forms of both active and passive resistance: homeless individuals and refugees took over the "abandoned" properties, while members of parliament were initially hesitant to pass laws that would legitimize government control over these assets. Beginning in 1924, the compensation for incoming migrants from Greece (the so-called exchangees) threatened the state's financial stability and created friction between the newcomers and the existing residents. By exploring these aspects of the "abandoned property" situation, this book offers important insights into the socio-economic and political history of early republican Turkey.

The revival and unity movement led by Naum Faiq gave rise to numerous influential individuals who greatly shaped the young Assyrian national movement through their literary works. Among Naum Faiq's long-time collaborators was Senharib Balley (1878-1971), who became a notable champion for the national cause, actively promoting it through his writings.

In his early years, Balley's family endured tragedy during the 1895 massacres in Amid (Diyarbakir), resulting in the deaths of his father and one brother, while he himself suffered serious injuries. In his hometown, he quickly rose to prominence as a key figure in the Intibah movement at the turn of the 20th century, playing an essential role in its growth across Upper Mesopotamia.

In the United States, Senharib Balley's name has become closely associated with the founding of various organizations, including the Assyrian American National Federation, which he co-founded in 1913. Even a few years before his death, he continued to share his insights on current Assyrian issues through different magazines.

Balley's extensive writings and correspondence provide readers with a window into the intellectual discussions that took place during a difficult fifty-year span for our people. Yet, in many respects, these works inspire a sense of bravery and assurance regarding national identity and the necessity of safeguarding it.

What drove over 15,000 people from the former Soviet bloc to enlist in ISIS, making up nearly a third of the group's foreign fighters?

In this insightful study, renowned journalist Katerina Sergatskova explores one of the most overlooked facets of global terrorism. Drawing on years of investigative journalism from Georgia, Turkey, Iraq, and Ukraine, she reveals the personal stories of ISIS recruits, their families, and even those falsely accused of ties to the organization.

Through engaging interviews and groundbreaking reporting, Sergatskova highlights how post-Soviet fighters shaped ISIS, the group's growth into the Caucasus, and the unexpected role Ukraine has played as a sanctuary for some of its veterans.

Alongside this narrative, she connects modern extremist networks to historical figures like Dzhokhar Dudayev and Shamil Basayev, illustrating how past conflicts have laid the groundwork for ISIS's reach.

This examination is not only deeply human but also carries significant geopolitical weight, challenging common perceptions about terrorism, migration, and security in the post-Soviet context — underscoring the necessity of grasping these dynamics for global stability.