---
title: "Today in history: Burj Khalifa rises, Braille embraces, and more"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/27965/today-in-history-burj-khalifa-rises-braille-embraces-and-more
published: 2024-01-04T05:54:00Z
language: en
section: "Social"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# Today in history: Burj Khalifa rises, Braille embraces, and more

> January 4th marks a day brimming with significant moments across history, from international alliances to towering accomplishments and inspiring innovations.

**January 4th** marks a day brimming with significant moments across history, from international alliances to towering accomplishments and inspiring innovations.

![en.vogue.me](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/f4894b7a-c150-43a5-adb2-b3297ebae64a.jpg)

*Sursa: en.vogue.me*

Let's take a glimpse into the tapestry of events woven on this date:

**1717: Forging Alliances:** Europe witnessed the formation of the **Triple Alliance**, uniting the Netherlands, Great Britain, and France against Spanish ambitions. This strategic pact aimed to maintain the continent's power balance amidst rising tensions.

**1918: A Voice in Exile:** During World War I, the second series of the weekly publication **"La Roumanie"** emerged in Paris. This vital lifeline kept Romanian culture and spirit alive amidst the hardships of exile.

**1947: Media Mirror:** Across the border in Germany, the iconic news magazine **"Der Spiegel"** launched its inaugural issue. This influential publication quickly established itself as a critical voice and watchdog in post-war Germany.

**1948: Freedom Dawns:** In Southeast Asia, a momentous occasion unfolded as **Burma declared independence from Great Britain**. This historic day marked the birth of a new nation and the culmination of a long struggle for self-determination.

**2010: Piercing the Sky:** Dubai soared to new heights with the official opening of the **Burj Khalifa**, then the world's tallest building. This architectural marvel, boasting 163 floors and boasting the fastest elevators on Earth (clocking in at 64 km/h!), redefined the skyline and became a symbol of human ambition.

**Beyond the Milestones:**

* Music lovers celebrate the birthdays of Romanian singer **Mihai Constantinescu** (1946) and bassist **Alex Calancea** (1977).
* Literary circles remember the passing of Romanian Symbolist poet **Elena Farago** (1954) and French novelist, playwright, and Nobel laureate **Albert Camus** (1960).

**A Global Spotlight on Accessibility:**

January 4th also holds a special significance for the visually impaired community. It marks **World Braille Day**, commemorating the birth of **Louis Braille** in 1809. His revolutionary invention – the tactile alphabet with raised dots – empowered millions with communication and literacy, opening doors to education and opportunities.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**

[Audio: https://trm.blob.core.windows.net/photos/cad0b2fd-707f-445b-b4f1-516578fa1bd7.jpg](https://original.trm.md/video/definst/MP4:2024/1/2/04-01-24-CALENDAR.m4a/playlist.m3u8)