28.09.2022 02:31 Date: September 28, 2022 Location: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
27.09.2022 07:45 Date: September 27, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates Dr. Jale İnan, the first female Turkish archaeologist. She famously located the missing half of the Farnese Hercules statue at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and worked with the government to return the statue to Turkey. The return of the statue was successfully concluded on this day in 2011. İnan was born in Istanbul in 1914. Her father, the director of the Istanbul Archaeological Museum, was one of Turkey’s first archeologists. He inspired her interest in the ancient world. In the 1930s, she won scholarships to study archeology at the universities of Berlin and Munich. Unfortunately for İnan, World War II began shortly after her arrival in Germany. Despite the war around her, she never lost focus on her studies. She stayed through the war and finished her thesis, “Examination of Art History in Sacrifice Rituals on Roman Coins,” from a bunker in 1943. After she completed her PhD, she returned to Turkey and became an assistant to the Chair of Ancient History and Numismatics at University of Istanbul. During this time, she joined an excavation at Perga, an ancient Greek city in Anatolia where she helped unearth one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: The Temple of Artemis. İnan went on to lead the restoration of several significant ancient cultural sites, such as the Temple of Apollo in Side. Over the course of her prolific career, she uncovered so many artifacts that the Antalya Museum had to undergo expansion not once, but twice, to make space for the relics. Each year, the Antalya Women's Museum bestows the Dr. Jale İnan Award to a remarkable Turkish woman carrying on her legacy. Location: , , , , Tags:
23.09.2022 09:00 Date: September 23, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates Saudi Arabia’s 91st National Day. On this day in 1932, King Abdul Al-Aziz ibn Saud renamed the late kingdoms of Nejd and Hejaz to Saudi Arabia by royal decree. The day honors the unification of multiple groups across the Arabian Peninsula coming together under one banner. A majority of countries, communities and tribes in the Middle East were under the control of the Ottoman Empire until the end of World War I. King Abdul was the ruler of Nejd during this time. By 1925, he conquered and reclaimed a number of territories including his family’s ancestral city Riyadh, the oasis region of Al-Hasa and Hejaz . He ruled over Nejd and Hejaz until 1932 when he unified both regions and renamed the greater nation to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabians declared National Day a public holiday in 2007. However, celebrations have always occurred since the first year of unification back in 1932. The theme and identity for this year’s National Day reflects the phrase “This is our Home”. The tagline is launched in line with Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, a transformation project that aims to broaden the horizons of Saudi Arabia’s economy, society and national interests. Every year, people enjoy light shows, airplane flyovers by the Saudi Hawks and special deals at malls and other establishments. A fireworks display is also held at night to end the celebrations. Saudis can be seen holding their national flag, like the one waving in today’s artwork. Happy National Day, Saudi Arabia! Location: Tags:
22.09.2022 13:46 Date: September 22, 2022 Location: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
21.09.2022 00:01 Date: September 21, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates Armenia’s 31st Independence Day! On this day in 1991, the Armenian people voted in a referendum to declare independence from the Soviet Union. After 95% of citizens voted in favor of independence, the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic became the Republic of Armenia. Fall is the most important season in Armenia because many public holidays and events take place. Among them is Independence Day, celebrated to remember the establishment of Armenia’s democracy. The Declaration of Independence was written and adopted during a session of the Supreme Council of Armenia in 1990. In October 1991, Levon Ter-Petrosyan was elected as Armenia’s first president after receiving 83% of the vote. A few months later, the international community formally recognized the country’s sovereignty after the collapse of the USSR. In December 1991, Armenia joined the Commonwealth of Independent States, a regional coalition that encourages social, political and economic cooperation. On Independence Day, the Armenian people celebrate with large festivals, parades and performances all throughout the country. Political leaders traditionally visit memorial sites like the Yerablur Pantheon to honor the fallen, while the president gives out awards to recognize citizens and military personnel for their achievements and contributions to the country. Children get involved in the holiday by partaking in chalk-drawing events and painting their faces with colors of the national flag—just like the one waving in today’s artwork! Happy Independence Day, Armenia! Location: Tags:
20.09.2022 15:00 Date: September 20, 2022 Location: Tags: , , , ,
19.09.2022 00:45 Date: September 19, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates Respect for the Aged Day, or Keiro-no-Hi in Japanese. On the third Monday of September, Japanese communities pay respect to older citizens who have paved the way for future generations. In 1947, the holiday originated in a small village now known as Taka. Taka’s mayor, believing the younger generation should look up to older community members, invited everyone to the village auditorium to enjoy delicious treats while listening to older adults pass on wisdom. This way of celebrating older people quickly spread across Japan, and became a national holiday in 1966. Today, families spend the three-day weekend celebrating their older relatives with shared meals and gifts, like hand-drawn portraits from the grandchildren. In cities and towns, community volunteers deliver free obento lunches to older people—containing meals like juicy Hida beef and rice cooked with matsutake, a beloved spicy mushroom that smells like cinnamon. Many communities also organize keirokai shows at retirement and nursing homes, where children perform dances and honor older people with elegant bouquets. Happy Respect for the Aged Day! Thanks to all of our elders who take time to share their wisdom, experiences and stories. Location: Tags:
19.09.2022 00:45 Date: September 19, 2022 In the 1952 Olympics, Dana Zatopkova won a gold medal in the women's javelin throw one hour after her husband, Emil Zapotek, won the men's 5,000 meter run. Today's Doodle celebrates the Czech power couple of track and field’s shared 100th Birthday! This Doodle was created by Prague-based guest artists and . Both Emil and Dana were born on September 19, 1922. Dana developed a passion for sports while she grew up in Karviná, Czech Republic. Before she ever threw a javelin, Dana was a talented handball player and played in college and professionally where she led her team to a Czechoslovakian handball title. The javelin throw soon caught Dana’s attention. Rumor has it she reached 34 meters the first time she gave it a try. She later became the first Czech woman to throw a javelin over 40 meters, which qualified her for the 1948 Olympic Games. Over in Zlín, teenage Emil worked at a shoe factory. It was there that he was encouraged to run in a local race where he finished second out of a hundred participants! Emil became a private in the Czech army and trained at night by running in his combat boots while holding his breath to build up his lung capacity. His legend grew after he rode a bicycle from Prague to Berlin and won the 5,000 meter race in an Allied Occupation meet. Emil witnessed Dana's qualifying javelin throw and congratulated her on making the Olympics. After bonding over their shared birthday, the two formed a relationship. They traveled together to the 1948 Olympic Games in London where Emil won gold in the 10,000 meter race and Dana placed seventh in the javelin throw. Shortly after, the couple married. Dana and Emil made history at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki. Emil won the gold medal in 5,000 meter, 10,000 meter and the marathon—his frist ever—breaking the Olympic record in all three races. Dana not only placed first and set an Olympic record for the javelin throw but became the first Czech woman to win an Olympic gold medal. Due to the couple’s performance that year, Czechoslovakia took home more gold medals than any country besides the United States. They broke a combined 35 world records in a marriage that lasted 52 years. Dana received the Olympic Order for distinguished contributions to the Olympic movement. The editors at Runner's World Magazine named Emil the Greatest Runner of All Time. Happy 100th birthday, Emil Zátopek and Dana Zátopková! Location: , , , , Tags:
18.09.2022 06:15 Date: September 18, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates National Day in Chile. On this day in 1810, Chile celebrated the First National Government Board Assembly, which started the process of independence from Spanish colonial rule and began an eight-year struggle for sovereignty. Spain's conquest of Chile began in the 16th century, along with many other Central American countries. Inspired by Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela’s independence, Chile also wanted to become an independent republic. The abdication of Spain’s throne in 1808 and the Peninsula Wars provided an opportunity for Chileans to establish a political foothold and create their own government. Although the declaration was made in 1810, Chileans did not gain independence until February 12, 1818 after a long struggle against Spanish forces. On Fiestas Patrias, the people of Chile celebrate with parades, concerts, parties and barbecues. Many are given the day off to relax, travel or spend time with friends and family. Traditional food and drink like empanadas de pino, anticuchos, melon con vino and terremotos are enjoyed by citizens throughout the country. The Chilean national flag’s colors each symbolize a feat of the country’s history and geography. The blue represents the sky, the white stands for the Andes mountains, the red embodies the sacrifices made by Chile’s people and the white star symbolizes progress and honor. Today’s National Day Doodle artwork represents Crin, a unique folk craft that involves weaving horsehair into ornaments like butterflies, dolls, flowers and more. It’s a 200-year old craft that originates from a small town called Rari, and is entirely made by hand. Happy National Day, Chile! Location: Tags:
17.09.2022 11:30 Date: September 17, 2022 Location: Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
16.09.2022 16:15 Date: September 16, 2022 Today’s Doodle, hand-embroidered by Mexico City-based guest artist , celebrates Mexico’s Independence Day. On this day in 1810, Mexico began a decade-long conflict that resulted in their freedom from Spain. The holiday originated when revolutionary leaders gathered in the small village of Dolores, Mexico. A local priest rang the church bell to summon the villagers and gave a powerful and famous speech that urged his fellow citizens to revolt against Spanish rule—now known as the Cry of Dolores. Today, the President of Mexico rings that very bell and recites the same speech on a live broadcast the night before Independence Day. Fireworks light the sky across the country as Mexicans prepare for the next day’s festivities. On Independence day, the national military and local bands parade through the heart of Mexico City. People dressed in red, white and green gather in the streets as mariachi music fills the air. Embroidery is woven into the fabric of Mexican culture and the crowd proudly displays hand-embroidered dresses and flags. Other popular designs include the Bell of Dolores, like the one in today’s Doodle. In the evening, families and friends host dinner parties with traditional meals like pozole, a stew that’s seasoned with Chile peppers, onion and limes. Happy Independence Day, Mexico! Guest Artist Q&A with Maité Jiménez Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Mexico City-based guest artist . Below, she shares her thoughts behind the making of this Doodle: Q. What was your creative process for this Doodle artwork? A: Me dedico a estudiar textiles mexicanos, por lo que gran parte de la investigación se basó en blusas bordadas de manera artesanal, blusas que se usan de manera diaria en muchas regiones de México y que se usan a manera de festejo durante el 15 y 16 de septiembre. También quise integrar elementos que son facilmente identificables como parte de la celebración de la independencia de México. Q. Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? Are there specific elements of the artwork that have symbolic meaning? A: El título fue tomado de un fragmento de un poema de Nezahualcóyotl , que remarca la importancia de las flores en México desde tiempos ancestrales. La frase "Dejemos al menos flores" habla de tratar de dejar a nuestro paso belleza y celebrar llo que el mundo nos ofrece y me pareció pensar en México desde estos símblos pacíficos, femeninos y cercanos a la tierra. Mi inspiración es el bordado mexicano, las flores son un elemento recurrente en los textiles tradicionales y que hablan de la gran diversidad de flora que hay en México, También me inspiro en el trabajo artesanal que conlleva el bordado, trabajo que lleva muchisima dedicación y que en su mayoria es realizado por mujeres que muchas veces queda invisibilizado y desvalorizado. La Campana de Dolores es el símbolo patrío que representa el llamado a la independencia, un símbolo que igualmente está relacionado con un sonido potente y hermoso y no con la guerra ni las batallas. Me gusta la idea de subrayar aspectos que deignifiquen la labor de las mujeres y usar símbolos de paz y de respeto y admiración por la naturaleza. Location: Tags:
15.09.2022 11:15 Date: September 15, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates Independence Day in Guatemala! On this day in 1821, Guatemala declared independence after 300 years of Spanish colonial rule. In ancient times, the territory now known as Guatemala was the central homeland of Mayan culture. However, in the 16th century, Spanish forces conquered the territory and claimed it as part of New Spain . During this time, it became an administrative state of New Spain. Inspired by the American and French Revolutions, Central Americans sought sovereignty for their respective states. On September 15, 1821, the Independence Act of Central America was signed into law by the regional congress in Guatemala City. This created the United Provinces of Central America, or the República Federal de Centroamérica, in 1823. The republic included other countries like Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua—these nations all share the same date for Independence Day. Guatemala once again declared freedom from this coalition in 1839, and became an independent republic on March 21, 1847. Today, Guatemalans celebrate their nation’s independence with festivals, concerts, parades and civic murals. White and blue Guatemalan flags, like the one waving in today’s artwork, fly high in the sky throughout the country. Traditional foods like tacos, tostados and tamales are also enjoyed and shared between community members. Happy Independence Day, Guatemala! Location: Tags:
15.09.2022 11:15 Date: September 15, 2022 Today’s Doodle celebrates Nicaragua National Day, which marks the signing of the Act of Independence. On this day in 1821, the country, along with several other Central American nations, gained independence from Spanish rule. As a collective, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras begin the celebrations with a torch ceremony. The ‘flame of independence’ is lit in Guatemala and carried across all five countries in a relay marathon. In Nicaragua, local students carry the torch by foot to Costa Rica as a reminder of the journey made in 1821 when news of Central American freedom was spread. As pictured in today’s Doodle, many Nicaraguans get in the holiday spirit by decorating streets, markets, houses and cars with the national flag. Unlike other Central American countries, Nicaraguan school marching bands come together to compete for the title of the best musical group in the country. This festival also hosts performances like folk dances, poems and songs. Happy National Day, Nicaragua! Location: Tags:
15.09.2022 11:15 Date: September 15, 2022 Today's Doodle celebrates El Salvador’s Independence Day. On this day in 1821, El Salvador, along with Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, declared autonomy from Spain. The five countries formed the Federal Republic of Central America—and after its dissolution, El Salvador became a sovereign nation in 1841. To commemorate their country’s independence, Salvadoran families kick off celebrations in the early morning by feasting on pupusas, El Salvador’s national dish. The hand-made corn tortillas are stuffed with local ingredients like squash flowers, and cheese served with a spicy El Salvadoran slaw called curtido. In the afternoon, people gather across major cities to watch student bands march alongside patriotic floats. And by nightfall, families and friends are meeting on beaches to view stunning fireworks. El Salvador’s national flag, like the one in today’s Doodle, decorates houses and buildings throughout the country. The blue and white design features a central coat of arms that is intentionally similar to the flag of the Federal Republic of Central America—which represents Central American unity. Happy Independence Day, El Salvador! Location: Tags:
15.09.2022 11:15 Date: September 15, 2022 Today's Doodle celebrates Costa Rica Independence Day. On this day in 1821, the country declared autonomy from Spain as it adopted the Act of Independence of Central America along with El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Costa Rica joined the other four countries to form the Federal Republic of Central America two years later. After Costa Rica withdrew from the Federal Republic, it became a fully sovereign nation in 1838. Costa Ricans honor the day with parades, folklore shows and fireworks. On the morning of Independence Day, school bands march in a parade while children dressed in traditional costumes dance to the beat of the drums. Families also celebrate by eating food like casados—an overflowing plate of rice, beans, salad and tortillas. Depicted in today's artwork, Costa Rica’s national flag features dark blue, white and red horizontal stripes with a central coat of arms. The dark blue represents perseverance, the white symbolizes peace while the red conveys the warmth and generosity of Costa Rican culture. Happy Independence Day, Costa Rica! Location: Tags:
