A series of crises redrew the map of the Balkans under Ottoman control in the 19th century. The arbitrary division of the area and the power games played took no account of populations or nationalities.

Gjorgji Pulevski was the founder of the Macedonian Literary Society established in Sofia, Bulgaria, in 1888. It was one of the independent associations established by Macedonian immigrants in the Balkans, aimed at making a contribution to the awakening of the Macedonian national spirit.

This realistic and heart-wrenching painting charts the tribulations and agony of refugees on the roads of Herzegovina, fleeing the Turco–Serbian war (1875–78).

Away from the Balkans, the Ottoman Empire had to face continuing conflict with its northern neighbour Russia. In its wake, whole Circassian and Chechen villages chose voluntary exile in Ottoman lands, most notably Syria, the Levant and areas that are today part of modern Jordan. This cup symbolises their physical and cultural presence.

Away from the Balkans, the Ottoman Empire had to face continuing conflict with its northern neighbour Russia. In its wake, whole Circassian and Chechen villages chose voluntary exile in Ottoman lands, most notably Syria, the Levant and areas that are today part of modern Jordan. This samovar symbolises their physical and cultural presence.

The Slav-Macedonian Scientific and Literary Society, also known as the St Petersburg Colony, played an important role in the national awakening of Macedonians and bringing forth the issue of the independence of Macedonia in the international community.

The first Balkan War (1912–13) pitted Serbia, Bulgaria and Greece against the Ottoman Empire. The violence of the battles resulted in the significant movement and permanent dislocation of people, including Albanians, Bulgarians, Greeks and Turks.