Today is Republic Day in Brazil. This day commemorates the proclamation of the republic in 1889.
Today is the anniversary of Nazi Germany’s Gypsy Condemnation Order. On this day in 1943, Heinrich Himmler (1900-1945), the all-powerful commander of the Schutzstaffel (SS), issued an order to place nomadic and part-Gypsies in concentration camps in accordance with the ethnic cleansing policy of Nazi Germany. As many as half a million Gypsies are estimated to have been killed during the Holocaust.
Today is Independence Day in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC). In 1975 the Turkish Federative State of Cyprus was declared as a first step toward a future federated Cypriot state, but was rejected by the Republic of Cyprus, the UN and the international community. After eight years of failed negotiations with the leadership of the Greek Cypriot community, the north declared its independence on Nov. 15, 1983 under the name of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Today is Independence Day in the state of Palestine. On this day in 1988, the Palestine National Council (PNC), meeting in Algiers, proclaimed independence.
Today is Peace Day in the Ivory Coast. As a nation devoted to peace, on this day, they proudly declare that their second religion is peace.
Today is America Recycles Day in the US. Marked on Nov. 15, this is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and buy recycled products.
Today is the anniversary of the founding of the Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ) of Ankara.
On this day in 2006, the Al-Jazeera English global 24 hour news channel was launched. The sister channel of Al-Jazeera Arabic is the only English-language news channel headquartered in the Middle East.
Today is the anniversary of the 2003 İstanbul bombings. On this day in 2003, two truck bomb attacks were carried out at the Beth Israel and Neve Shalom synagogues in İstanbul. The explosions devastated the synagogues and killed 27 people, also injuring more than 300 others.
Today is the first day of the Nativity Fast (or Winder Lent) in the Orthodox Church. The fast is similar to the Western Advent, except that it runs for 40 days instead of four weeks. The fast is observed from Nov. 15 to Dec. 24.
Today is the Shichi-go-san (7-5-3) festival in Shintoism. Celebrated on Nov. 15 or the nearest Sunday, the festival is named after the ages of the children taking part -- seven (shichi), five (go), three (san). On this day, parents take boys of 3 and 5 years old and girls of 3 and 7 to give thanks to the gods for a healthy life so far and pray for a safe and successful future.
Gregorian Calendar: 15 November 2009 C.E.
Hijri Calendar: 28 Dhul-Qadah 1430 A.H.
Hebrew Calendar: 28 Cheshvan 5770
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