A Sea of Transience: Poetics, Politics and Aesthetics along the Black Sea Coast

Transience is found in every meeting and form of coexistence between people and things that live and exist by, or move across or along, the Black Sea. This volume focuses on the scales of transient moments and histories and enables readers to see and sense the many forms of transience that occur in a given landscape, sea, or space.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 10 February 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Transience permeates every encounter and manifestation of human-object coexistence along the vast expanse of the Black Sea. It manifests in diverse forms and guises, ranging from de facto states to tourism, migration, trafficking, and military deployments. To fully capture the essence of this fleeting phenomenon, it is imperative to employ evocative, emotional, and imaginative language. This volume, with a particular emphasis on poetics, politics, and aesthetics, delves into the scales of transient moments and histories, allowing readers to perceive and experience the myriad forms of transience that unfold within a specific landscape, sea, or space.

The Black Sea serves as a captivating stage for the interplay of human presence and the natural world. Its vastness and complexity evoke a sense of wonder and awe, as individuals and objects navigate its waters, intertwining their destinies in intricate ways. The region's rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes contribute to its allure, drawing visitors from all corners of the globe.

One of the most striking aspects of transient presence in the Black Sea is the diversity of forms it takes. From the bustling ports and cities that thrive on trade and commerce to the remote islands and coastal communities that exist in relative isolation, the Black Sea offers a tapestry of human experiences. The region's geopolitical significance also plays a role in shaping its transient landscape, with conflicts, alliances, and power struggles leaving their mark on the region's history and geography.

Tourism is a significant contributor to the transient presence in the Black Sea. Millions of visitors flock to the region each year to explore its beaches, historic sites, and natural wonders. The tourism industry provides employment opportunities for local communities, promotes cultural exchange, and contributes to the region's economic development. However, it also brings with it challenges, such as environmental degradation, overcrowding, and cultural insensitivity.

Migration is another form of transient presence in the Black Sea. People from various countries, seeking better opportunities or escaping conflict, migrate to the region. The Black Sea serves as a transit point for migrants traveling to Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. However, the journey can be perilous, with many migrants facing human rights abuses, exploitation, and drowning.

Trafficking is a dark aspect of transient presence in the Black Sea. Human beings are trafficked for various purposes, including forced labor, sex work, and organ harvesting. The Black Sea is a major route for human trafficking, with many victims being subjected to horrific conditions and exploitation.

Military deployments are also a significant contributor to transient presence in the Black Sea. Countries in the region frequently engage in military exercises, training operations, and peacekeeping missions. These deployments can have both positive and negative impacts on the local communities, with economic disruptions, displacement, and environmental damage being some of the negative consequences.

In addition to these forms of transient presence, the Black Sea is also home to a rich cultural heritage that reflects the region's diverse history and traditions. The Black Sea region has been inhabited for thousands of years, with a rich tapestry of languages, religions, and customs. This cultural heritage is an important part of the region's identity and contributes to its appeal as a tourist destination.

To fully appreciate the transient presence in the Black Sea, it is important to approach it with a sense of awe and respect. The region's beauty, complexity, and fragility require careful stewardship and conservation. Efforts to promote sustainable tourism, protect migrant rights, combat trafficking, and promote peace and stability in the region are crucial to preserving the transient presence and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

In conclusion, the Black Sea is a vibrant and dynamic region characterized by the constant interplay of human presence and the natural world. Transient presence is a defining feature of this region, taking various forms and guises, from tourism to migration, trafficking, and military deployments. To fully capture the essence of this fleeting phenomenon, it is essential to employ evocative, emotional, and imaginative language. This volume, with a particular emphasis on poetics, politics, and aesthetics, delves into the scales of transient moments and histories, allowing readers to perceive and experience the myriad forms of transience that unfold within a specific landscape, sea, or space.

The Black Sea serves as a captivating stage for the interplay of human presence and the natural world. Its vastness and complexity evoke a sense of wonder and awe, as individuals and objects navigate its waters, intertwining their destinies in intricate ways. The region's rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes contribute to its allure, drawing visitors from all corners of the globe.

One of the most striking aspects of transient presence in the Black Sea is the diversity of forms it takes. From the bustling ports and cities that thrive on trade and commerce to the remote islands and coastal communities that exist in relative isolation, the Black Sea offers a tapestry of human experiences. The region's geopolitical significance also plays a role in shaping its transient landscape, with conflicts, alliances, and power struggles leaving their mark on the region's history and geography.

Tourism is a significant contributor to the transient presence in the Black Sea. Millions of visitors flock to the region each year to explore its beaches, historic sites, and natural wonders. The tourism industry provides employment opportunities for local communities, promotes cultural exchange, and contributes to the region's economic development. However, it also brings with it challenges, such as environmental degradation, overcrowding, and cultural insensitivity.

Migration is another form of transient presence in the Black Sea. People from various countries, seeking better opportunities or escaping conflict, migrate to the region. The Black Sea serves as a transit point for migrants traveling to Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. However, the journey can be perilous, with many migrants facing human rights abuses, exploitation, and drowning.

Trafficking is a dark aspect of transient presence in the Black Sea. Human beings are trafficked for various purposes, including forced labor, sex work, and organ harvesting. The Black Sea is a major route for human trafficking, with many victims being subjected to horrific conditions and exploitation.

Military deployments are also a significant contributor to transient presence in the Black Sea. Countries in the region frequently engage in military exercises, training operations, and peacekeeping missions. These deployments can have both positive and negative impacts on the local communities, with economic disruptions, displacement, and environmental damage being some of the negative consequences.

In addition to these forms of transient presence, the Black Sea is also home to a rich cultural heritage that reflects the region's diverse history and traditions. The Black Sea region has been inhabited for thousands of years, with a rich tapestry of languages, religions, and customs. This cultural heritage is an important part of the region's identity and contributes to its appeal as a tourist destination.

To fully appreciate the transient presence in the Black Sea, it is important to approach it with a sense of awe and respect. The region's beauty, complexity, and fragility require careful stewardship and conservation. Efforts to promote sustainable tourism, protect migrant rights, combat trafficking, and promote peace and stability in the region are crucial to preserving the transient presence and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

In conclusion, the Black Sea is a vibrant and dynamic region characterized by the constant interplay of human presence and the natural world. Transient presence is a defining feature of this region, taking various forms and guises, from tourism to migration, trafficking, and military deployments. To fully capture the essence of this fleeting phenomenon, it is essential to employ evocative, emotional, and imaginative language. This volume, with a particular emphasis on poetics, politics, and aesthetics, delves into the scales of transient moments and histories, allowing readers to perceive and experience the myriad forms of transience that unfold within a specific landscape, sea, or space.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800737860