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Swiss museum removes art over Nazi looting fears

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A leading art museum in Switzerland, the Kunsthaus Zurich, has announced the removal of five paintings from its exhibition for investigation into whether they were looted by the Nazis. These artworks are part of the Emil Bührle Collection, which includes pieces by renowned artists such as Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh. The collection is named after Emil Bührle, a German-born arms dealer who profited during World War II by supplying weapons to the Nazis.

The investigation follows the release of new guidelines to address the restitution of cultural artifacts that were never returned to their rightful owners after being stolen during the Nazi era. The paintings under scrutiny are Monet’s “Jardin de Monet à Giverny,” Gustave Courbet’s “Portrait of the Sculptor Louis-Joseph,” Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s “Georges-Henri Manuel,” Vincent van Gogh’s “The Old Tower,” and Paul Gauguin’s “La route montante.”

The Emil Bührle Collection foundation board stated its commitment to finding a fair solution with the legal successors of the original owners, adhering to best practices. Another painting, “La Sultane” by Edouard Manet, is also under examination but will be handled separately as the foundation does not believe the new guidelines apply to it. The foundation has expressed willingness to offer financial compensation to the estate of Max Silberberg, the former owner, who was a German Jewish industrialist. Silberberg’s extensive art collection was sold under duress by the Nazis, and he is believed to have been murdered at Auschwitz.

Earlier this year, more than 20 countries, including Switzerland, adopted new best practices from the US State Department for handling Nazi-looted art. These guidelines were introduced on the 25th anniversary of the 1998 Washington Conference Principles, which aim to facilitate the restitution of stolen or forcibly sold items. These principles are crucial for families seeking to recover looted art, as Swiss law prevents legal claims for restitution or compensation for works from the Bührle collection due to statutes of limitations.

Stuart Eizenstat, the US Secretary of State’s special advisor on Holocaust issues, highlighted that an estimated 100,000 out of 600,000 stolen paintings, along with many books, manuscripts, religious items, and other cultural objects, have not been returned. Up to his death in 1956, Bührle amassed around 600 artworks, many of which are managed by the Bührle Foundation and have been on loan to the Kunsthaus Zurich. Other pieces remain with Bührle’s descendants.

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How the Elgin Marbles scream injustice for most Greeks

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More than 200 years after their removal by Lord Elgin, the Elgin Marbles remain a contentious issue, symbolizing perceived injustice among the majority of Greeks. The British claim of ownership is widely rejected, and the sculptures, often referred to as the Parthenon Sculptures, are seen as stolen treasures, taken through imperial theft.

In central Athens, a consensus prevails among the people, regardless of age, asserting that the Parthenon and its sculptures rightfully belong to Greece. The argument that the British Museum ensures better preservation is dismissed, with anecdotes about issues like a leaking roof at the museum cited as evidence to the contrary.

At the foot of the Acropolis, a dedicated museum has been waiting for 14 years to showcase the missing marbles upon their return. While countries like Italy have expressed willingness to return Greek antiquities, the British government has not followed suit, maintaining a contentious stance on the issue.

The cancellation of a meeting between UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has strained diplomatic relations. Cabinet minister Adonis Georgiadis, expressing a sense of offense, underscores the bipartisan unity in Greece, asserting that the return of the marbles is not merely a political stance but a matter of national and cultural significance.

Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis reinforces the claim, emphasizing the historical, just, and ecumenical cultural value attached to the sculptures. Despite the strained relations, there is a hope for a resolution, with Georgiadis expressing the wish for the British Museum to find a “reasonable way out” of a predicament seen as a “disgrace” by many Greeks.

Among the late-night shoppers in Athens, skepticism towards the British Museum’s motivations is evident, with some attributing the reluctance to financial concerns. The sentiment among Athenians is that the return of the marbles would not only make Greeks happy but also foster goodwill globally, promoting fairness and reasonability.

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Bashkortastan Beauty Iluza Isyandavletova Takes the Crown as Miss Asia 2023

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Iluza Isyandavletova from Bashkortastan has won the title of the Miss Asia 2023. Aayushma Bajracharya of Nepal achieved the first runner-up position, Cerena Ann Johnson from the UAE secured the second runner-up title, and Jinnapat Palsuea from Thailand earned the third runner-up position. The crowning ceremony was attended by former Miss Asia Winner Nguyen Thi Yen Trang, SAJ Group Hotels and Resorts CMD Sajan Varghese, Mini Sajan, CEO of SAJ Group Hotels and Resorts, and Jolly Antony, Chairman of Vibe Munnar. Dr. Ajit Ravi, Chairman of Pegasus, was also in attendance at the event.

The contestants underwent a grooming session conducted by Pegasus, a renowned organization dedicated to fostering the growth of young talents and showcasing their modeling careers and abilities to the world. Pegasus, with its commitment to empowering emerging talents, played a pivotal role in refining and enhancing the skills of the participants, ensuring they were well-prepared for the global stage. Through these grooming sessions, Pegasus exemplifies its mission to provide a platform for aspiring individuals to step forward confidently and make a mark in the world of modeling and talent.

Out of numerous Miss Asia pageant hopefuls, 15 emerged as finalists. Unfortunately, two contestants faced unexpected challenges, including visa issues, which hindered their participation in the finals. The well-deserving winners of Miss Asia 2023 were adorned with splendid gold crowns designed by Preeti Prakash from Parakkat Jewellers. Thirteen contestants showcased their poise and elegance on the runway throughout the competition, featuring three distinct rounds: the National Costume Round, the White Cocktail Round, and the Royal Blue Gown Round.

SAJ Group Hotels and Resorts, in collaboration with DQUE, played a crucial role as the primary partners in coordinating the Miss Asia 2023 event, organized by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd. Unique Times, FICF, Vibe, Parakkat Resorts, and DQUE Face and Body Skin Friendly Soap provided their support as powered by Partners. Aiswaria Advertisements, Kalpana International, Times New, UT World, Europe Times, Photogenic Fashion and Weddings, Neenu Pro The Sound Experts, Green Media, Good Day Hotels and Resorts, Akshay Inco, Alcazar, FOG, St Joseph’s Hospital Trust, and JD Institute of Fashion Technology served as co-partners. The objective of this competition was to highlight the diverse cultural heritage and profound values of the participating countries while also promoting tourism.

Sub Title Winners

Miss Asia Social Media – Nguyen Thi Kim Trang (Vietnam)

Miss Asia Fashionista – Chen Chia Pei (Taiwan)

Miss Asia Talent – Natalia Savina (Russia)

Miss Asia Diligent – Azhar Zhumabekova (Kazakhstan)

Miss Asia Inspiring – Aayushma Bajracharya (Nepal)

Miss Asia Vivacious – Risa Nakatani (Japan)

Miss Asia Shining Star – Ella Anak Apit (Malaysia)

Miss Asia Ramp Walk – Meurel Beverly Viegas (India)

Miss Asia Tenacious – Rashmi Subedra (Sri Lanka)

Miss Asia National Costume – Kalisa Putri (Indonesia)

Miss Asia Adorable – Cerena Ann Johnson (UAE)

Miss Asia Renaissance – Jinnapat Palsuea (Thailand)

The judging panel featured esteemed individuals including Rozanne Diasz (Miss Sri Lanka Universe 2005 and Grooming instructor), Mr. Alonkot Sungkahapong (CEO, Starfighter), Dr. Mahima Bhakshi (Model & Entrepreneur), Harmeet Singh Gupta (Managing Director, U&I Entertainment), and Rita Mathan (Owner, Pro Nail Studio).

Contestants in the Miss Asia 2023 lineup featured Iluza Isyandavletova representing Bashkortastan, Meurel Beverly Viegas from India, Kalisa Putri representing Indonesia, Risa Nakatani from Japan, Azhar Zhumabekova from Kazakhstan, Ella Anak Apit from Malaysia, Aayushma Bajracharya from Nepal, Natalia Savina from Russia, Rashmi Subedra from Sri Lanka, Chen Chia Pei from Taiwan, Jinnapat Palsuea from Thailand, Cerena Ann Johnson from the UAE, and Nguyen Thi Kim Trang from Vietnam.

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Food News Trending

Overcoming Resistance: Insects Appear on Italian Plates Against All Odds

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In a small room near the Alps in northern Italy, millions of crickets are being processed to become food despite initial resistance. The crickets are frozen, boiled, dried, and pulverized to create a light brown flour used in various food products such as pasta, bread, energy bars, and even sports drinks. Italy, known for its culinary traditions, has traditionally resisted the idea of eating insects, with the government even taking steps to ban their use in pizza and pasta production. However, several Italian producers have been experimenting with cricket-based pasta, pizza, and snacks.

The shift towards insect consumption in Italy is driven by sustainability concerns. Insect farming requires significantly less water and land compared to traditional livestock farming, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Insects are also rich in vitamins, fiber, minerals, and amino acids, making them a nutritious superfood. However, the main challenge to widespread adoption of insect-based food is the price, as it remains more expensive than traditional alternatives.

In addition to cost, social acceptance plays a role in the resistance to insect food in Italy. The country prides itself on its Mediterranean diet, and some view insect products as a threat to Italian culinary traditions. Concerns about the potential health effects of consuming insects and the fear of deviating from established eating habits contribute to the opposition.

Italy is not the only country divided on the issue of insect food. Poland and other European countries have seen debates and political disputes surrounding the topic. However, countries like Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands have shown more openness to insect consumption.

As the global population continues to grow, finding sustainable food sources becomes crucial. Insect consumption is seen as a potential solution to meet the rising demand while minimizing the environmental impact. With the recent approval of insect consumption by the EU, the insect food sector is expected to grow, leading to potential price reductions and increased availability.

Producers like Ivan Albano, who runs the Italian Cricket Farm, see insect farming as an environmentally friendly and sustainable practice that could play a role in addressing global food challenges. Despite initial resistance, more people are showing curiosity and ordering cricket-based products, indicating a shifting mindset towards insect consumption. The hope is that as awareness and acceptance increase, insect food will become a viable option to feed the growing population while minimizing ecological impact.

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Jerusalem Armenians Uneasy as Contentious Land Transaction Raises Concern

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A procession of Armenian priests, distinguished by their peaked black headdresses and long robes, marches through the stone streets of Jerusalem’s Old City. Accompanied by suited individuals in felt tarboosh hats, carrying ceremonial walking sticks, they make their way to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for prayers.

While Jerusalem remains a focal point of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the presence of Armenians in the city dates back to the 4th century when Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity as its official religion. The Armenian community has a significant stake in the city’s most sacred Christian sites and resides in their own quarter, situated in the southwestern corner of the Old City, where approximately 2,000 Armenians reside.

However, the community now finds itself feeling vulnerable due to a controversial real estate transaction involving their own Church leaders. Amidst vehement protests, the Armenian patriarch has gone into hiding, and a disgraced priest, who denies any wrongdoing, has fled to California.

The unfolding situation reveals that approximately 25% of the Armenian Quarter has been sold on a 99-year lease to an enigmatic Jewish Australian businessman for a luxury development. This includes a substantial car parking area, one of the few remaining open spaces within the Old City walls, which has already been taken over by his company. Many Armenians had hoped this land could be used for the construction of affordable housing for young couples within their dwindling community.

Unofficially obtained plans indicate that the sale encompasses an Ottoman-era building housing five Armenian households, a restaurant, shops, and the seminary. Concerns have been raised that this could jeopardize the long-term viability of living within the quarter.

However, the controversy extends beyond the immediate community. The ramifications are seen as far-reaching, as losing this historically significant land, owned for 700 years, would not only impact the daily cultural life of the Armenians but also alter the overall fabric of Jerusalem. Hagop, a community activist, explains that it would disrupt the status quo and the intricate mosaic that defines the city.

During Orthodox Easter celebrations in April, panic gripped the Armenian community as news of the land sale spread. The Armenian Patriarch, Nourhan Manougian, admitted to signing away the land but claimed he had been deceived by a local priest in his employ.

The defrocked priest faced heated scenes as he was expelled from the Armenian Quarter, escorted away under Israeli police protection while residents labeled him a “traitor.” In recent times, Armenians have been participating in weekly protests, joining arms and singing patriotic songs beneath the window of the patriarch, who now remains secluded within his convent. They demand the revocation of the land deal.

Against the backdrop of increasing attacks on Christians in Jerusalem by extremist Jewish groups, some Armenians view this sale as self-inflicted harm to the Christian presence in the city. Arda, an Old City resident, laments the changing character of the city and asserts that religious nationalists are growing bolder due to the prevailing political climate in Israel.

East Jerusalem, including the Old City, was captured by Israel from Jordan in the 1967 Middle East War and subsequently occupied and annexed, despite lacking international recognition. Since then, it has remained at the center of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with both sides claiming it as their capital. Consequently, plots of land in this area are fiercely contested.

Near the Armenian Quarter, at Jaffa Gate, a notable entry point to the Christian Quarter, a reminder of these disputes persists. Two landmark hotels, managed by Palestinians, were covertly sold to foreign companies acting as proxies for a radical Jewish settler group. The Greek Orthodox Church’s lengthy legal battle to annul the deal was unsuccessful, and settlers moved into a portion of one of the hotels last year.

Armenian elders recount that settlers have frequently expressed interest in acquiring land within their quarter to bolster the Jewish presence in East Jerusalem. The proximity of the Armenian Quarter to the Jewish one makes it particularly desirable.

However, a spokesperson for the settler group involved in the Jaffa Gate property purchase claimed ignorance of the Armenian land sale when approached by the BBC.

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