Balkans

The Balkans is a geographical area in southeastern Europe with various geographical and historical definitions, partially corresponding with the Balkan Peninsula. The region takes its name from the Balkan Mountains that stretch throughout Bulgaria. The highest point of the Balkans is Musala, 2,925 meters, in the Rila mountain range, Bulgaria. The concept of the Balkan Peninsula was created by August Zeune in 1808, but modern geographers reject the idea of a Balkan Peninsula due to its disputed borders. The term Balkan has its origin from Turkish and may be related to the word 'mud' or 'swampy forest', and was used mainly during the time of the Ottoman Empire. The Balkan Mountains were called Haemus in classical antiquity, derived from the Thracian word *saimon, 'mountain ridge', or from the Greek word haima, 'blood', according to different theories.learn more on wikipedia