MOROIUL by Nicolae Dincă
▲▲▲ ALTCULTURE MAGAZINE Nr.107, 7/2026 ▲▲▲
Noi mai credem încă în cultură!
Abstract:
In „Moroiul”, published in ALTCULTURE Magazine (no. 107, 2026), author Nicolae Dincă crafts a rich, atmospheric narrative steeped in the folklore, rustic mythology, and superstitions of the Olteț valley. Set against the bleak backdrop of a freezing November night, the story follows two local fiddlers, Vasile al lui Biță and Nelu, as they navigate a disorienting fog after performing at a raucous, decadent party hosted by a local politician.
Blending dark rural realism with elements of the uncanny, the text captures the psychological descent of the two musicians into profound terror when they mistake a decaying, wind-beaten tree stump for a terrifying phantom or „moroi” demanding music. Through vivid dialogue, ancestral echoes of outlaws like Biță Duduveică, and a masterful shift from supernatural dread to sobering daylight realization, the narrative explores the fragility of human perception, the haunting weight of solitude, and the timeless power of folklore in the Romanian countryside.
Dar viața ta? de Doria Șișu
▲▲▲ ALTCULTURE MAGAZINE Nr.107, 7/2026 ▲▲▲
Noi mai credem încă în cultură!
Abstract:
In the excerpt from „7 ani”, titled „Dar viața ta?” and authored by Doria Șișu, the text delivers an intense, deeply introspective monologue on existential solitude, maternal love, and the heavy burdens of memory. Framed through a poignant dialogue with an unseen interlocutor, the narrative explores a life viewed as accidental and uncelebrated, haunted by the realization of lost time and the painful weight of self-reckoning.
The excerpt captures a raw emotional reckoning with regret, focusing on an unconditional, all-consuming love for a daughter and a partner—the two beings for whom the narrator would sacrifice everything. Through lyrical vulnerability and poignant imagery of longing, the text reflects on the inevitability of mortality, the desire to transcend physical absence to remain a comforting presence like rain or wind, and the quiet exhaustion of a soul coming to terms with its own deeply felt destiny.
„Colindătorul” ▲▲▲ ALTCULTURE MAGAZINE Nr.107, 7/2026 ▲▲▲
Noi mai credem încă în cultură!
Abstract:
In the excerpt from Sub semnul lui 12, titled „Colindătorul” and authored by Ion Bogdan Martin, the narrative unfolds on Christmas Eve in 2014, capturing a domestic debate between Olivia, a principled judge, and Tibor, her pragmatic real estate counselor partner. Set against a backdrop of television news broadcasts covering historic weather warnings, international scandals, and religious history, the couple navigates contrasting worldviews on faith, skepticism, and justice. The atmosphere shifts from playful banter and tension regarding career choices to a touch of the uncanny when an enigmatic, humble caroler visits their apartment, refusing money and sharing spiritual parables before departing mysteriously. The excerpt concludes with an air of suspense as Olivia uncovers an unexpected package left beneath the Christmas tree.
Polul de Putere (III) de Claudiu Iordache
▲▲▲ ALTCULTURE MAGAZINE Nr.107, 7/2026 ▲▲▲
Noi mai credem încă în cultură!
Abstract:
In „Polul de Putere II”, published in ALTCULTURE Magazine (no. 107, 2026), author Claudiu Iordache delivers a profound philosophical critique of contemporary power structures, state mechanics, and the psychological subjugation of the modern individual. Challenging Francis Fukuyama’s premise on the „End of History,” the essay argues that history continues to be driven by the unyielding expansion of power and the commodification of human existence.
Drawing upon a rich tapestry of philosophical and sociological thought—including thinkers like Umberto Eco, Zygmunt Bauman, Friedrich Nietzsche, Erich Fromm, and John Gray—Iordache examines how the American-led model of hyper-competition and global capitalism fosters a culture of mass conformity, alienation, and moral exhaustion. The text explores the tragedy of the „insignificant man,” the docile citizen who willingly trades liberty for security, consumption, and systemic servitude. Ultimately, the essay contrasts the destructive allure of centralized power with the redemptive, quiet resistance of authentic creation and spiritual autonomy, warning that a civilization defined solely by profit and market logic risks perishing from the very weight of its own mechanical success.
AZULEJOS DIN SPANIA ȘI PORTUGALIA ▲ ALTCULTURE MAGAZINE nr.107, 07/2026 ▲
Noi încă mai credem în cultură!
Abstract
Title: “UNUSUAL PLACES IN EUROPE: Azulejos from Spain and Portugal”
Text: Adina Baranovschi
Photos: Bogdan Baranovschi
Publication: ALTCULTURE MAGAZINE no. 107, 07/2026 “We still believe in culture!”
Overview
As part of an ongoing 2026 monthly series highlighting unique natural and cultural attractions across Europe, the July installment focuses on the iconic ceramic tiles known as azulejos. Originating from the Arabic term al-zulaydj (meaning „polished stone”), these decorative tiles serve as a defining visual identity and architectural landmark throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
The article explores the history and craftsmanship of azulejos, tracing their evolution from Moorish heritage and 15th-century Italian majolica influences in Andalusia to 17th-century Dutch-inspired blue monochrome designs in Portugal. Featuring rich imagery, the piece highlights legendary tilework adorning churches, palaces, and facades across Spanish landmarks (Seville, Malaga, Granada, Córdoba) and Portuguese cities (Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, Braga, Guimarães), where geometric patterns and vivid pictorial scenes capture historic, religious, and daily life.
revistă editată de Asociația ECOULTOUR – OAMENI, FAPTE, IDEI – Brașov CIF 34237932, ING Bank, RO94INGB0000999916569535
Noi încă mai credem în cultură! Poți ajuta imediat prin PayPal, REVOLUT sau pe contul asociației ECOULTOUR!
CULTURE TO THE PEOPLE!
▲ ANOTHER KIND OF CULTURAL MAGAZINE / Un alt fel de revistă de cultură ▲ 64 pag. color, MONTHLY / lunar ▲ Director&FOUNDER / fondator: EUGEN MATZOTA ▲ALTCulture (Online) = ISSN 2601 – 159X ISSN-L 2601 -159X ▲ PUBLISHED BY / editată de Asociația ECOULTOUR – OAMENI, FAPTE, IDEI
EDITORIAL BOARD / Colegiul de redacție: ciprian cristea, CORINA GHEORGHEZA, ADRIAN GRAUENFELS, CLAUDIU IORDACHE, NICHOLAS JORDAN. BOGDAN MARTIN, EUGEN MATZOTA (redactor-șef), CRISTIANA MIRANCEA, MARIUS OANȚĂ, EUGEN D. POPIN, GHEORGHE SCHWARTZ, NICOLAE ULIERIU
LAYOUT, DTP, WEBDESIGN: EUGEN MATZOTA; RESPONSABILITATEA ASUPRA TEXTELOR APARŢINE AUTORILOR. ALTCULTURE.MAG@GMAIL.COM
Did you like it? DONATE, please! PayPal REVOLUT: @eugenematzota
MOROIUL by Nicolae Dincă ▲▲▲ ALTCULTURE MAGAZINE Nr.107, 7/2026 ▲▲▲ Noi mai credem încă în cultură! Abstract: In „Moroiul”, published in ALTCULTURE Magazine (no. 107, 2026), author Nicolae Dincă crafts a rich, atmospheric narrative steeped in the folklore, rustic mythology, and superstitions of the Olteț valley. Set against the bleak backdrop of a freezing November night, the story follows two local fiddlers, Vasile al lui Biță and Nelu, as they navigate a disorienting fog after performing at a raucous, decadent party hosted by a local politician. Blending dark rural realism with elements of the uncanny, the text captures the psychological descent of the two musicians into profound terror when they mistake a decaying, wind-beaten tree stump for a terrifying phantom or „moroi” demanding music. Through vivid dialogue, ancestral echoes of outlaws like Biță Duduveică, and a masterful shift from supernatural dread to sobering daylight realization, the narrative explores the fragility of human perception, the haunting weight of solitude, and the timeless power of folklore in the Romanian countryside.
Dar viața ta? de Doria Șișu ▲▲▲ ALTCULTURE MAGAZINE Nr.107, 7/2026 ▲▲▲ Noi mai credem încă în cultură! Abstract: In the excerpt from „7 ani”, titled „Dar viața ta?” and authored by Doria Șișu, the text delivers an intense, deeply introspective monologue on existential solitude, maternal love, and the heavy burdens of memory. Framed through a poignant dialogue with an unseen interlocutor, the narrative explores a life viewed as accidental and uncelebrated, haunted by the realization of lost time and the painful weight of self-reckoning. The excerpt captures a raw emotional reckoning with regret, focusing on an unconditional, all-consuming love for a daughter and a partner—the two beings for whom the narrator would sacrifice everything. Through lyrical vulnerability and poignant imagery of longing, the text reflects on the inevitability of mortality, the desire to transcend physical absence to remain a comforting presence like rain or wind, and the quiet exhaustion of a soul coming to terms with its own deeply felt destiny.
„Colindătorul” ▲▲▲ ALTCULTURE MAGAZINE Nr.107, 7/2026 ▲▲▲ Noi mai credem încă în cultură! Abstract: In the excerpt from Sub semnul lui 12, titled „Colindătorul” and authored by Ion Bogdan Martin, the narrative unfolds on Christmas Eve in 2014, capturing a domestic debate between Olivia, a principled judge, and Tibor, her pragmatic real estate counselor partner. Set against a backdrop of television news broadcasts covering historic weather warnings, international scandals, and religious history, the couple navigates contrasting worldviews on faith, skepticism, and justice. The atmosphere shifts from playful banter and tension regarding career choices to a touch of the uncanny when an enigmatic, humble caroler visits their apartment, refusing money and sharing spiritual parables before departing mysteriously. The excerpt concludes with an air of suspense as Olivia uncovers an unexpected package left beneath the Christmas tree.
Polul de Putere (III) de Claudiu Iordache ▲▲▲ ALTCULTURE MAGAZINE Nr.107, 7/2026 ▲▲▲ Noi mai credem încă în cultură! Abstract: In „Polul de Putere II”, published in ALTCULTURE Magazine (no. 107, 2026), author Claudiu Iordache delivers a profound philosophical critique of contemporary power structures, state mechanics, and the psychological subjugation of the modern individual. Challenging Francis Fukuyama’s premise on the „End of History,” the essay argues that history continues to be driven by the unyielding expansion of power and the commodification of human existence. Drawing upon a rich tapestry of philosophical and sociological thought—including thinkers like Umberto Eco, Zygmunt Bauman, Friedrich Nietzsche, Erich Fromm, and John Gray—Iordache examines how the American-led model of hyper-competition and global capitalism fosters a culture of mass conformity, alienation, and moral exhaustion. The text explores the tragedy of the „insignificant man,” the docile citizen who willingly trades liberty for security, consumption, and systemic servitude. Ultimately, the essay contrasts the destructive allure of centralized power with the redemptive, quiet resistance of authentic creation and spiritual autonomy, warning that a civilization defined solely by profit and market logic risks perishing from the very weight of its own mechanical success.
AZULEJOS DIN SPANIA ȘI PORTUGALIA ▲ ALTCULTURE MAGAZINE nr.107, 07/2026 ▲ Noi încă mai credem în cultură! Abstract Title: “UNUSUAL PLACES IN EUROPE: Azulejos from Spain and Portugal” Text: Adina Baranovschi Photos: Bogdan Baranovschi Publication: ALTCULTURE MAGAZINE no. 107, 07/2026 “We still believe in culture!” Overview As part of an ongoing 2026 monthly series highlighting unique natural and cultural attractions across Europe, the July installment focuses on the iconic ceramic tiles known as azulejos. Originating from the Arabic term al-zulaydj (meaning „polished stone”), these decorative tiles serve as a defining visual identity and architectural landmark throughout the Iberian Peninsula. The article explores the history and craftsmanship of azulejos, tracing their evolution from Moorish heritage and 15th-century Italian majolica influences in Andalusia to 17th-century Dutch-inspired blue monochrome designs in Portugal. Featuring rich imagery, the piece highlights legendary tilework adorning churches, palaces, and facades across Spanish landmarks (Seville, Malaga, Granada, Córdoba) and Portuguese cities (Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, Braga, Guimarães), where geometric patterns and vivid pictorial scenes capture historic, religious, and daily life.