Search Results (103)

Wave energy in short-fetch, semi-enclosed seas depends on how closely the response of a converter matches locally generated, short-period waves. This study makes that match explicit for the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara, the Aegean, and the Eastern Mediterranean, the four seas around Türkiye, as four distinct regions within a single study area. Twenty years (May 2006 to March 2026) of three-hourly significant wave height and energy period from the Copernicus Marine global wave reanalysis (0.2°) were combined with GEBCO 2026 bathymetry to map the wave power flux, to screen cells inside a first-order 25–100 m deployment-depth band, and to rank three candidate sites in each region. Specific power matrices were applied to three full-scale reference converters (Pelamis P-750, AquaBuOY and Wave Dragon) and to two shallow-water archetypes, the Oyster surge flap and the Wavestar multi-float machine, standing for contemporary shallow-water design classes, at full scale and under Froude similitude. The best deployable sites of the Black Sea and the Aegean carry mean fluxes of 3.1–3.6 kW m⁻¹, and the Marmara sites define the low-resource end member at 0.2–0.8 kW m⁻¹; mean energy periods at the twelve sites range from 2.7 to 5.4 s. At their original scale the three reference converters reach capacity factors of up to 3.4%, because their specific power matrix response bands fall largely outside the regional sea-state distribution. Scaling changes that. Froude scaling to 0.20–0.25 of the original linear dimensions moves the response into the dominant 4–5 s band and raises the capacity factor to 30–47% at the seven sites where the mean flux exceeds 2.5 kW m⁻¹, at scaled rated powers of about 2–25 kW; the two archetypes reach 7–19% at full scale and 49–59% once scaled at the same sites. Both the preferred scale and the achievable capacity factor are near-uniform along the Black Sea rim, the Aegean archipelago, and the Levantine shore, so the analysis yields a single regional design specification, as follows: a small, short-period converter deployed in modular arrays. Full article

How elevation and topography structure floristic diversity, endemic plant distribution, life-form composition, and taxonomic filtering remains poorly documented for the Levantine ranges of the Eastern Mediterranean, where explicit ecological hypotheses have not been tested. We surveyed 169 plots (1067–2436 m) on the western slopes of Mount Hermon (Lebanon), a protected mountain, using Canonical Correspondence Analysis and nonparametric tests to compare species composition, diversity, endemism, life-form, and family-level metrics among three bioclimatic belts (supra-, oro-, and cryoro-Mediterranean). Although the six predictors explained 10% of total floristic variation, elevation and temperature jointly dominated the ordination, with precipitation, slope, and aspect contributing independent effects. Species richness and alpha diversity declined with elevation while beta diversity increased, driven by species replacement between belts. Endemism responses depended on geographic scale: endemism rate increased while Eastern Mediterranean endemism declined with elevation. Life-form composition shifted markedly, with phanerophytes and therophytes giving way to hemicryptophytes and thorny chamaephytes at high elevation. Woody species assemblages showed the strongest compositional response to elevation, with relict deciduous woodland specialists of the oro-Mediterranean belt among the most conservation-sensitive taxa identified. Family-level composition responded only weakly to elevation, demonstrating scale dependence of elevational filtering. Our results provided floristic baseline for conservation in Mount Hermon’s newly established nature reserve. Full article

Beyoğlu emerged as one of the principal centers of Western influence in the late Ottoman Empire due to the presence of Levantine communities and European institutions. This study investigates the role of the Sixth Municipal Department, the first modern municipal organization in the Ottoman Empire, in shaping urban governance, architecture, and cultural transformation in Beyoğlu. Using a historical-analytical approach, the research examines Ottoman archival documents, travelogues, memoirs, contemporary newspapers, architectural evidence, and secondary literature. The findings demonstrate that Levantines occupied influential positions within the municipal administration and significantly shaped urban development through investments in transportation, lighting, sanitation, public spaces, and architectural projects. However, municipal services were distributed unevenly and primarily benefited affluent Levantine and European residents, while poorer Muslim and non-Muslim neighborhoods received limited attention. The study further reveals that the Sixth Municipal Building, designed in a European Neo-Classical style, symbolized the institutional and architectural dimensions of Ottoman Westernization. Beyond urban administration, Levantine influence contributed to transformations in social life, consumption patterns, language, and architectural culture. The article concludes that the Sixth Municipal Department played a pioneering role in the emergence of modern municipal governance in the Ottoman Empire, while simultaneously reflecting the social inequalities and cultural dynamics that accompanied the Westernization process. Full article

This study reexamines the Golden Calf episode (Exodus 32–33, Deuteronomy 9) through a broad literary and historical lens, highlighting its origins in Late-Bronze-Age Near-Eastern mythology, particularly the Ugaritic Baal Cycle. The episode is positioned as a polemic against Levantine polytheism, where calves symbolize a Divine progeny, conflicting with Yahwistic monotheism. Later interpretations by Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and especially the late rabbinic work Pirke de-Rabbi Eliezer (PDRE) reveal evolving theological and political critiques. PDRE notably uses the narrative to challenge Byzantine icon veneration and Islamic prophetic impeccability, reflecting eighth-century Jewish responses amidst Khazar conversion and regional religious dynamics. The text’s emphasis on repentance, prophetic fallibility, and rejection of idolatrous political power underscores a distinctive Judaic stance on religious authority and governance. This integrative approach illuminates an example of the evolving translation of a motif, both by the Bible and from it, across changing religious contexts, showing the Golden Calf as a dynamic symbol in religious identity formation, polemics, and political theology from pre-Sargonic Mesopotamia through early medieval Eurasia. Full article

Social media has become a central arena for informal learning and civic participation, yet its capacity to convert exposure into meaningful sustainability engagement remains uncertain. This study examines the role of social media in enhancing awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among Arab youth and explores how digital platforms function as spaces for informal learning. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was administered to 370 respondents aged 17–45 across several Arab countries (primarily the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, and Algeria—countries selected because they are among the region’s most digitally connected societies and jointly represent the Gulf, Levantine, and North African sub-regions), measuring social media usage patterns, levels of SDG awareness, and forms of digital engagement; the data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (Pearson correlations, t-tests, and one-way ANOVA) that tested four hypotheses derived from an integrated research model. The findings show that visually oriented platforms, particularly Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, dominate youth media consumption, and that social media is the leading source of SDG-related information for the majority of respondents. However, engagement remains largely passive, confined to viewing, liking, and resharing content, revealing a persistent gap between awareness and active participation. The hypothesis tests confirm this pattern: SDG awareness is strongly associated with digital engagement (r = 0.71, p < 0.001), whereas breadth of platform use plays only a marginal role (r = 0.11, p = 0.044) and membership in sustainability-focused online groups confers no significant awareness advantage. Drawing on Uses and Gratifications Theory and Knowledge Management Theory, the study introduces the Digital Awareness–Engagement Conversion Model (DAECM), which conceptualizes the staged transition from digital exposure to engagement and advocacy. The results underline the need for interactive, localised, and youth-centred digital strategies that can translate passive awareness into sustained sustainability action. Given the non-probability sampling design, the findings are interpreted as exploratory. Full article

This paper seeks to illuminate the historical and biological intersections between Druze traditions and the silent architecture of Freemasonry within the Balkan milieu, a region historically defined by a constellation of preeminent scientists, writers, and artists whose legacies were forged within the crucible of Masonic thought. Central to this inquiry is the reconstruction of a familial intellectual lineage and genealogy of the author’s ancestor that maintained, for generations, a quietude of profound exchanges with esoteric custodians in France. These subtle conduits suggest the operation of “invisible networks” bound by an unstated ethical and philosophical cipher. To probe the biological currents beneath these traditions, the study unveils genetic evidence of the K1a5a haplogroup, a Levantine signature found within the domestic sphere. By examining this familial case study, the work suggests that the preservation of “the Secret” is not merely an intellectual endeavor, but a biological inheritance, where genetic markers and initiatory silence converge across centuries. The continuity of these invisible networks is historically evidenced by the 1926 Belgrade Masonic Peace Congress, led by French and German Grand Masters. This Legacy directly connects to its centennial peace declaration scheduled in Belgrade for late Juni 2026, showcasing the enduring role of the region in trans-regional diplomacy. Full article

Seagrasses are vital ecosystem engineers and habitat architects in coastal environments, with Posidonia oceanica in the Mediterranean playing a crucial role as an indicator of ecological health. As an endemic and vulnerable species, P. oceanica meadows are highly susceptible to environmental degradation, underscoring the importance of non-destructive monitoring techniques. Traditional SCUBA-based surveys are accurate but resource-intensive and difficult to scale, especially for estimating shoot density and leaf length. This study applies a conservative acoustic-based approach to assess Posidonia oceanica biometrics, habitat characteristics, and ecological status along the Turkish Levant coast. The method offers a non-destructive alternative to SCUBA surveys and addresses a regional knowledge gap in Mediterranean seagrass monitoring. Acoustic data collected during winter and summer 2019 along the Turkish Levant coast were analyzed to estimate seagrass biometrics and derive ecological indicators, with validation via SCUBA observations. Results show that acoustic methods can reliably estimate shoot density, leaf area index, and canopy height. They provide broad-scale coverage and efficiency, though further refinement is required to improve calibration across depths and substrates. While acoustic methods provide broad, non-invasive coverage, they are affected by spatial and temporal variability that SCUBA surveys capture more reliably. Calibration of the POSIBIOM (vers 1.1) algorithm was based on specimens collected at 15 m depth on rocky substrates. While this provided consistent regression relationships, it may limit accuracy when extrapolated to habitats such as sand, mud, or matte. This study represents the first high-resolution, spatiotemporal mapping of P. oceanica meadows and benthic habitats along a significant portion of the Turkish Levant coast using acoustics alone. Overall, the study highlights the potential of acoustics as a scalable, non-invasive tool for seagrass monitoring. This approach contributes to ecosystem-based management and conservation strategies in the Mediterranean. Future work will focus on refining models to address bottom type- and depth-dependent acoustic responses and improve biometric accuracy. Full article

The Mediterranean Sea is both a global biodiversity hotspot and the world’s most heavily invaded marine region, where non-indigenous species arrivals are accelerating under intensifying shipping, Suez Canal traffic, aquaculture, and climate warming. Yet, despite rapidly growing research activity, a comprehensive synthesis of the scientific literature on Mediterranean marine invasions has been lacking. This study provides the first Mediterranean-wide combined bibliometric and topic-modeling analysis of invasive marine species research, using 3521 unique documents retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science. We quantify temporal growth in publications and citations, map the conceptual structure of the field through co-citation, co-word, and topic modeling, and reveal pronounced regional and thematic biases. Latent Dirichlet Allocation resolves 13 coherent topics, dominated by first records of non-native species, invasive macroalgae, alien species diversity, and ecological impacts, with strong signals for Lessepsian migration and climate-driven range shifts, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean. Spatial and thematic analyses reveal pronounced regional biases, with invasion hotspots in the Aegean and Levantine seas contrasted by comparatively sparse coverage of western and central sub-basins, and notable gaps in predictive modeling and socioeconomic assessments. The results underscore the need to rebalance effort toward under-studied regions and themes, while leveraging existing collaboration networks and methodological advances to support MSFD (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) implementation, International Maritime Organization (IMO) instruments, and broader ecosystem-based management. The reproducible framework presented here offers a baseline for periodically tracking research evolution and guiding adaptive, transboundary governance of Mediterranean marine bio-invasions. Full article

Ports and recreational marinas are established hotspots for the introduction and secondary spread of non-indigenous species (NIS), mainly via vessel transport and biofouling on artificial substrates. In the AlienPorts project, we surveyed fouling and associated macrobenthic assemblages in four major Greek marinas across distinct marine regions—Rhodes (Levantine), Heraklion and Piraeus–Zea (Aegean), and Patra (Ionian)—from 2021 to 2022, applying two complementary protocols: (i) photoquadrat surveys and (ii) scraped assemblage sampling. The photoquadrats recorded twelve NIS and seven cryptogenic species, which were dominated by sessile fouling taxa, especially ascidians. The scraped samples revealed 106 polychaete and amphipod species, including 25 taxa (23 NIS, two cryptogenic). Six of the polychaetes are new NIS for the Mediterranean, and thirteen of the taxa are newly recorded as NIS in Greek waters. Heraklion had the highest NIS richness (18 NIS + two cryptogenic), while the other marinas hosted approximately ten NIS/cryptogenic taxa. In contrast, NIS often dominated the population densities, with Zea being the most impacted based on the NIS to native species ratios for both diversity and abundance. The two methods detected largely distinct biodiversity components and shared only one NIS, underscoring a strong complementarity. The multivariate analyses confirmed significant differences among marinas (ANOSIM, p < 0.01). These results support integrated, multi-method monitoring to enhance the early detection and impact assessment under MSFD Descriptor 2. Full article

Cassiopea andromeda is an invasive alien jellyfish that is increasingly reported across the Mediterranean Sea, yet its invasion dynamics and ecological implications remain poorly understood. This study provides an updated assessment of its spatial and temporal distribution, evaluates its potential impacts on ecosystem services and biodiversity, and explores management options through the 8Rs framework. An aggregated dataset of georeferenced records (1886–2025) was compiled from scientific literature and citizen-science platforms. Spatio–temporal analyses—including kernel density, key spatial distribution characteristics, spatial autocorrelation, and local hotspot detection—were applied to identify invasion phases, aggregation patterns, and directional dispersion. Results reveal two distinct invasion stages: a century-long arrival phase confined to the Levantine Basin, followed by an accelerated expansion since 2008, with a persistent hotspot in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and a westward dispersal trajectory. Evidence of ecological impacts within the Mediterranean Sea remains limited, however studies from other regions indicate both potential benefits and localized negative interactions with marine organisms. Application of the 8Rs model highlights implemented, feasible and challenging coordinated basin-wide strategies to support adaptive management of this alien resource. Full article

Coccolithophores are important components of marine phytoplankton and are found to be useful indicators of the environmental conditions of the upper water column. In this study, we investigate coccolithophore abundance and composition in the Cretan Sea and South Cretan area (Eastern Mediterranean), and their relation to prevailing hydrodynamic conditions during late February/early March 2019. Results showed that total coccolithophore abundance ranged from 26.3 × 10² to 258.8 × 10² coccospheres L⁻¹, averaging at 135.8 × 10² coccospheres L⁻¹. Among the 45 identified species, the opportunistic Emiliania huxleyi was the most dominant, representing 89% of the coccolithophore assemblage. In the Cretan Sea, this species showed relatively homogeneous abundances throughout the upper 100 m depth of the water column; however, towards the Rhodes Cyclone, where a weak stratification had started, and the mixed layer was relatively shallow, higher abundances were found at depths shallower than 50 m. Syracosphaera molischii co-occurred with Emiliania huxleyi, whereas Rhabdosphaera clavigera, Syracosphaera pulchra, and Syracosphaera mediterranea were also present but in lower abundances, reflecting the influence of warm, salty Levantine Surface Water. Based on the morphological analysis, Emiliania huxleyi was mostly represented by heavily calcified forms consistent with winter-spring patterns in the Aegean Sea. The observation of signs of dissolution with high relative abundances of etched/corroded coccospheres indicates the sensitivity of Emiliania huxleyi to the prevailing circulation pattern during the 2019 mixing event within the Rhodes gyre. Full article

Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) sightings along the Lebanese coast were recorded between 2020 and 2025. This study aims to provide insights into the consistency of monk seal presence, their habitat use, and their feeding behaviour in the studied area. The research relied on photographic and video materials gathered from social media reports, as well as contributions from local fishers and divers. A total of 43 sightings were recorded, with photo-identification possible for 34 of these. The study confirmed the presence of at least three distinct individuals, including one adult female frequently utilizing marine caves in Amchit and Rawsheh. Video recordings of feeding behaviour revealed prey species such as grey mullet and octopus, which are also targeted by local fisheries, suggesting potential conflicts between the seals and the fishing sector. This study emphasizes the need for a more systematic, long-term monitoring approach, including the use of infrared cameras, to identify suitable habitats and more accurately assess seal presence. The research further recommends a region-wide effort to understand monk seal movements within the Levantine Basin and to support broader conservation initiatives for the species. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Bedouins (nomads) and the Fellahin (farmers) of Jordan represent two distinct subpopulations, characterized by unique lifestyles, settlement patterns, and linguistic features. This study aims to estimate the frequency of 27 Y-STRs in these two Jordanian subpopulations, along with various forensic parameters and paternal lineage comparisons with neighboring populations. Methods: Twenty-seven Y-STRs were typed in two major Jordanian subpopulations: Bedouin nomads (n = 101) and Fellahin farmers (n = 98). The forensic and paternal genetic lineage parameters and Y-haplogroup predictions were estimated. In addition, we conducted multidimensional scaling (MDS) and centroid analyses based on the Fst distance matrix to compare the sampled communities with neighboring populations from the MENA region, East Africa, Southeast Europe, and South Asia. Results: The Y-haplogroup predictions revealed differences in the predicted lineage composition based on the Y-STR profiles. The predicted J1a2a1a2 haplogroup predominated among the Bedouins (74.3%), whereas the Fellahin displayed a more heterogeneous profile, with notable frequencies of J1 (40%) and J2 (17.3%). Furthermore, the Fellahin exhibited remarkable genetic diversity and significant gene flow, providing plausible evidence of kinship with neighboring Levantine and Arabian groups. In contrast, the Bedouins showed consistently lower diversity across multiple loci, indicating long-term tribal isolation and, therefore, the potential effects of genetic drift. The MDS and centroid analyses positioned the Fellahin among the genetically interconnected Middle Eastern populations, while the Bedouins were clustered with the Arabian Peninsula populations. Conclusions: Overall, the contrasting genetic signatures of the two Jordanian subpopulations reflect their settlement patterns and sociocultural practices. In addition, the Y-STR dataset generated in this study enhances the Jordanian forensic database and to extends our understanding of paternal lineage structures in the West Asian/Levantine region. Full article

Since it was first observed in Israel in the 1970s, and due to its subsequent negative impact on human activities, the nomad jellyfish Rhopilema nomadica has earned itself a spot on the list of the 100 Worst Invasive Alien Species in the Mediterranean. It was assumed to originate in the Red Sea, or in the Indo-Pacific region, but in the absence of additional reports of live specimens outside the Mediterranean, its origins have remained a mystery. Here, via molecular analysis, we present the first verified results of the existence of R. nomadica in the Western Indian Ocean. Moreover, using additional evidence from Cassiopea andromeda and R. nomadica, we propose that the construction of the Aswan High Dam may have led to the proliferation of R. nomadica in the Levantine Basin. Full article

Until recently, the Karpathos water frog (Pelophylax cerigensis) was considered endemic to Karpathos Island (Greece) and has recently been reclassified by the IUCN as Endangered (EN), having been previously assessed as Critically Endangered (CR). The species faces severe threats primarily associated with the scarcity of freshwater bodies in the southern Aegean Sea. Over the past decade, demographic assessments have revealed a marked population decline, driven by the intensifying effects of climate change, including reduced rainfall, and increasing summer temperatures. In addition, the few natural ponds that persist during the dry summer months are often shared with the Levantine freshwater crab (Potamon potamios), resulting in increased frog mortality due to predation. Despite these challenges, recent developments provide cautious optimism. These include the construction of a dam in southern Karpathos and the taxonomic reassessment of the water frog population on the neighboring island of Rhodes as conspecific with P. cerigensis. In response to the species’ precarious status, the Hellenic Herpetological Society designed and implemented a National Action Plan aimed at the protection and conservation of the Karpathos water frog. The Action Plan includes a series of targeted mitigation measures, such as the construction of artificial ponds to retain water during the summer, as well as a hydrological study addressing the seasonal drying of the ecologically important Eleimonitria spring. A key component of the Action Plan involves education and outreach initiatives targeting primary school students, local residents, and visitors, highlighting the frog’s ecological importance and conservation needs. Informational brochures will be distributed across the island to raise awareness of the species’ conservation status and the importance of safeguarding its habitat. The implementation of this Action Plan aims to secure the long-term survival of the Karpathos water frog and to strengthen integrated conservation efforts across its extremely limited range. Full article