Bałkany - określenie medialne czy region geograficzny?

The paper aims to give specific content to the notion of the Balkans. The author looks at the linkages between the geographically distinct Balkan Peninsula and the Balkans as they are popularly referred to in the media. The article discusses the evolution of the term and the changes in the range of the area on the basis of historical maps. Based on the analysis of the materials, the author concludes that its historical past played a crucial part in the emergence of the Balkan region. The expansion of the Ottoman Turks to the Balkan Peninsula brought the destruction of the existing political structures and a deep transformation of the social relations following the Islamisation of the Balkans. Far-reaching ethnic, cultural and religious changes took place, which last until the present day. The author also looks for the common characteristics of the Balkan countries, manifested primarily in the multi-cultural character of the region and in the linkages between man and the environment. The analysis indicates that the Balkans are fallaciously identified with the Balkan Peninsula as, though being located on the Peninsula, they form a smaller area culturally. The spatial range of the Balkans has changed along with political developments.