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Duties of the Departmental Educational Council

The departmental educational council plays a very important role in Bulgaria’s education system. The Law on Public Instruction defines its duties as follows:

Uniform Application of Laws – The council ensures that educational laws and regulations are applied consistently across the entire department.

Resolving Disputes – It examines and resolves disputes that may arise between educational committees, parish councils, and teachers.

Reviewing Teacher Discipline – The council reviews disciplinary actions taken against teachers to ensure fairness.

Punishment for Violations – It punishes parents or teachers who break rules regarding mandatory attendance in primary schools.

Opening New Schools – The council considers proposals for new schools and examines other matters affecting education in the department.

All decisions made by the departmental educational councils are submitted to the Minister of Public Instruction. The Minister has the power to approve, annul, or modify these decisions to ensure consistency with national education policies Customized Tours Istanbul.

Role of Educational Committees

The educational committees are among the earliest autonomous Bulgarian institutions. They first appeared during the Turkish domination and grew in importance despite the persecutions faced by Bulgarians.

These committees acted as representative organs of the Bulgarian nation and contributed significantly to:

The intellectual and moral awakening of the Bulgarian people

The foundation of an independent Bulgarian Church

The organization of the first Bulgarian schools

By the time Bulgaria gained political independence, the country had numerous schools, trained teachers, and educated citizens, which were largely the result of the work of these committees.

Because of their key role in the national revival, educational committees became a traditional institution in Bulgaria. They have been maintained by various education laws and continue to form a vital part of the country’s educational system today.

Significance

The departmental educational councils and educational committees together form the backbone of Bulgaria’s education administration. They ensure that schools operate properly, laws are followed, teachers are guided and trained, and students receive a consistent and high-quality education. Their existence reflects Bulgaria’s long-standing commitment to education as a national priority.

#Duties of the Departmental Educational Council

Election Rules and Protection of Electors

No electors may be called to serve in the military or any other state service during the five days before the election or on the day of polling. Anyone who has already been called must be released immediately. This ensures that every elector is free to vote without interference.

Electoral Cards

Every elector must be provided with an electoral card by the municipality. Without this card, no one can vote.

The Ministry of the Interior sends special cards to all communes.

The communal authorities must fill in each card with the elector’s name, surname, age, and other necessary details.

The card also indicates the election for which it is issued and the voting section where the elector must vote.

These cards must be distributed at least ten days before the election.

Electors who were accidentally omitted can apply to the Justice of Peace, who is authorized to issue replacement electoral cards. The Justice of Peace also writes a report against the defaulting mayor, who can face criminal prosecution Istanbul Day Tours.

Candidate Requirements

Every candidate must have the support of at least twenty electors, and their names must be submitted to the District Court. Candidates may be represented at each polling place by an elector who ensures their interests are respected during the voting process.

Returning Bureau

The returning bureau is responsible for managing the voting process at each polling station. It is composed of:

President – must be a judge.

Four other members – including:

one member of the departmental council,

one mayor,

and two primary school teachers.

Ten days before the election, the Courts of Appeal select the presidents by lot from the Court of Appeal, district courts, and Justices of Peace.

The other members are chosen by the District Court in the same way.

This system ensures that the election process is fair, organized, and transparent, giving all electors the opportunity to vote freely and safely.

#Election Rules and Protection of Electors

The Constantinople Conference and the Powers’ Proposal

In 1876, a conference was held in Constantinople to discuss reforms in the Balkans. At the first meeting, Comte de Chaudordy, the French Envoy Extraordinary, presented a project of reform on behalf of the Powers. This plan concerned Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Bosnia, and Herzegovina.

While he spoke, the plenipotentiaries were startled by the sound of great guns. It was a carefully planned event. The President of the Conference, Sawfet Pacha, rose and announced that the firing celebrated the beginning of constitutional government in the Ottoman Empire. He declared:

“The great deed, which is this moment being accomplished, changes a state of things which has lasted six centuries. The Constitution, granted by His Majesty the Sultan to his peoples, is proclaimed. It opens for Turkey a new era of happiness and prosperity.”

However, this constitutional promise was short-lived. By the end of the morning, the Ottoman representatives rejected the proposals of the Powers. They argued that the Constitution already guaranteed liberty for all nationalities, using this as a reason to oppose foreign interference City Tours Istanbul.

Proposed Reforms for Bulgaria

The project for Bulgaria included dividing the Bulgarian-inhabited territories into two provinces.

Eastern Province: The capital was to be Timovo, and it would include the Sandjaks of Roustchouk, Timovo, Toultcha, Varna, Sliven, and Philippopolis (excluding Sultan-Eri and Ahi-Tchdebi), along with the kazas of Kirklisi, Moustapha-Pacha, and Kasilagatch.

Western Province: The capital was Sofia, including the Sandjaks of Sofia, Vidin, Nisch, Upkub, Monastir, the three kazas north of SMs, and the kazas of Stroumitza, Tikvesch, Velds, and Kastoria.

The Powers suggested that small districts, with populations ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 people, should serve as the basic administrative units. This plan aimed to provide better local governance while respecting the population distribution.

Significance of the Proposal

Although the Ottoman Empire rejected these measures, the Constantinople Conference marked an important step in international recognition of Bulgaria. For the first time, European powers officially addressed the question of Bulgarian autonomy. Even though the reforms were not immediately implemented, the conference laid the groundwork for the eventual creation of the Bulgarian Principality in 1878.

#The Constantinople Conference and the Powers’ Proposal

The Seaward Walls of Constantinople

Early Repairs and Challenges

Early Period and Initial Effectiveness

After their construction, there are no detailed records of repairs to the seaward walls of Constantinople for the next 250 years. Despite this, the walls must have been structurally sound, because they successfully withstood significant threats during the seventh century. In 610, the fleet of Heraclius used the walls as a staging point to overthrow the tyrant Phocas. Later, between 673 and 678, the city faced a siege by the Saracens, yet the walls held firm, protecting the southern approaches to Constantinople. These events demonstrate that even without formal records, the walls were robust and strategically effective.

Restoration under Tiberius Apsimarus

The condition of the seaward walls entered a new phase during the reign of Tiberius Apsimarus. As Admiral of the Imperial fleet in the Aegean, he witnessed the growing strength of the Saracens, who had expanded from the Nile to the Atlantic. Aware of the dangers both on land and sea, Tiberius recognized the necessity of maintaining the city’s maritime defenses. Upon his return to Constantinople, he ordered the neglected walls to be repaired and strengthened, ensuring they could withstand future attacks. His efforts marked the beginning of a systematic approach to fortifying the seaward walls Private Bulgaria Tours Yachting.

Renewed Efforts under Anastasius II

About eight years later, Anastasius II took additional steps to reinforce the seaward walls. These repairs were prompted by the Saracens’ preparations for a second major assault on the capital of Eastern Christendom. The work was highly effective; by 718, when the Saracen fleet attacked with more than 1,200 vessels, the city’s defenses, including the strengthened seaward walls, successfully repelled the invasion. The repairs and vigilance of the Byzantine authorities ensured that Constantinople remained secure and unconquered during this critical period.

Natural Threats: Ice and Flooding in 764

The seaward walls also faced unusual natural challenges. In the spring of 764, an extreme Arctic winter had frozen the northern and western Black Sea for nearly 100 miles from the coast, with ice reaching 60 feet deep. On top of this ice, a layer of snow 45 feet high accumulated. When the thaw came, enormous ice-floes traveled down the Bosporus, forming massive ice-piles at the entrance to the Sea of Marmara. These ice masses extended from the Palace of Hiereia (Fener Bagtchessi) to the city, and from Chrysopolis to Galata, reaching as far as Mamas at the head of the Golden Horn. The seaward walls were tested by these extraordinary conditions, which could have caused serious damage, highlighting the walls’ durability and strategic importance in protecting the city.

From the seventh to the eighth century, the seaward walls of Constantinople proved to be both resilient and essential. They protected the city against military attacks and withstood extreme natural forces, ensuring the security of the capital. Efforts by emperors such as Tiberius Apsimarus and Anastasius II show that the maintenance of these walls was considered crucial for the survival of the Byzantine Empire, particularly against the growing naval power of its enemies.

#The Seaward Walls of Constantinople

The Story of St. Luke's Relics

Helena, the daughter of Brankovic, married Tyrtko, the last king of Bosnia, and took the relics of St. Luke with her as part of her dowry. When the Turks captured Jajce, she managed to escape, taking the sacred remains of St. Luke with her. She carried the relics to Italy, where they were placed in the convent of St. Giustina in Padua.

A Beautiful Voyage Along the Adriatic Coast

A voyage along the Adriatic coast to Venice or Trieste is one of the most enjoyable trips you can imagine. The scenery is absolutely beautiful. The skies and waters are a clear blue, and the hills are painted with purple hues. In autumn, the landscape is further enriched by the orange and red leaves of the trees, creating a breathtaking harmony of colors that is rare to find anywhere else in the world.

The little islands scattered along the coast help to protect the shore from rough waters, making the journey peaceful. The steamers glide smoothly through the islands without feeling the wind, tide, or any other disturbances that might make a sea journey uncomfortable. The experience is similar to sailing through the famous Inland Sea of Japan, except here, you have the coast on one side, and on the other, you are surrounded by islands on both sides Sightseeing Sofia.

Convenient Travel and Beautiful Stops

There are several steamers available, two or three times a week, so travelers have the freedom to stop at any of the charming little towns along the coast for a short break—whether it’s twenty-four or forty-eight hours. After exploring these towns, travelers can continue their journey whenever they like. This flexibility makes the journey even more enjoyable.

#The Story of St. Luke's Relics

The Mysterious Publications

The police were unable to determine the source of the mysterious publications. However, many people believed that the letters had been given by Stavreff to his loyal friends to use for his protection in case of emergency. It seems that the letters served their purpose, as Stavreff has not been executed yet, although he remains in solitary confinement under a death sentence.

Ferdinand’s Controversial Decision

In 1900, Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria was involved in an action that caused strong reactions from Catholic countries and the rest of the world. This event followed his marriage to Marie Louise of Orleans. Ferdinand made a vow that his children would be baptized and educated in the Roman Catholic Church, which was a condition set by his wife’s family. Ferdinand himself is a Roman Catholic by birth and baptism. He has even built a chapel in his palace, has a Catholic chaplain, and attends mass every morning at 7 a.m. He also makes it a point to attend mass during his yearly visits to an Austrian spa, showing his consistent commitment to his faith Private Tour Guide Ephesus.

The Changing of Faith for His Son

However, shortly after the death of his wife, Marie Louise, in 1899, Ferdinand made a surprising decision. He placed his eldest son, Crown Prince Boris, who was only five years old, under the care of a Russian priest from the Greek Church. The priest secretly baptized Boris and began educating him in the Greek Orthodox faith. This action was believed to have been suggested by Russia, but many people doubt that the Czar approved of it. In fact, leaders from several Catholic nations, including the Emperor of Austria, the King of Italy, and the German Emperor, publicly condemned Ferdinand’s decision.

The Other Children’s Education

While the Crown Prince was raised in the Greek Orthodox faith, the other children of Prince Ferdinand were brought up in the Roman Catholic faith, as initially promised by Ferdinand and his wife.

#The Mysterious Publications

The Soulou Monastery and Its History

The Soulou Monastery, originally founded by Romanus Argyrus, was one of the most important monastic establishments in Constantinople. The monastery’s church survived the Turkish conquest and remained under Greek control until 1643, when Sultan Ibrahim handed it over to the Armenian community. Since then, the church has been destroyed by fire twice. Today, it has been rebuilt and is known as St. George Church. The church is often called Soulou Monastir (the Water Monastery) because it is located next to an ancient cistern. It stands in the Psamathia district, at the southern slope of the Seventh Hill.

The Xerolophos and the Forum of Arcadius

The Xerolophos was the name of the Seventh Hill in general, but it was sometimes used to refer specifically to the Forum of Arcadius (which is located in Avret Bazaar). The forum was located at the summit of the Seventh Hill.

Location of the Exokionion

Based on this information, the Exokionion must have been situated between the Sigma and the Forum of Arcadius, occupying the upper western slope of the Seventh Hill Sofia Guided Tours.

Additional Evidence for the Location of the Exokionion

There are a few more pieces of evidence that support this conclusion. First, the Church of St. Mokius, which was used by the Arians for their religious services in the Exokionion, stood on the Seventh Hill. The church was located on the road that connected the Sigma to the Forum of Arcadius. Additionally, the church was close to a large ancient cistern known as the Tchoukour Bostan, which was located to the north-west of the Forum.

In summary, the Exokionion was a district on the Seventh Hill, between the Sigma and the Forum of Arcadius. It was a significant area in the early history of Constantinople, particularly in connection with the Arians and their religious services. The church of St. Mokius and the nearby cistern provide further evidence for the district’s location.

#The Soulou Monastery and Its History

Hotels in Sofia Comfort and Style

Sofia offers a variety of hotels that combine comfort, elegance, and good service. Here are some of the best options in the city for different tastes and budgets.

Crystal Palace Hotel

Location: B-5, ul. Shipka 14 Contact: Tel: 948 94 88

The Crystal Palace is a unique hotel because it was created by adding a large glass and steel structure on top of a historic 19th-century apartment building. Although this change was controversial due to conservation concerns, the hotel is now one of the most elegant and best-rated in Sofia.

Rooms: The rooms are bright and spacious, decorated with reproduction furniture that gives a classic feel. They include all modern comforts to make your stay pleasant.

Health and Fitness Club: The hotel features a cozy fitness club decorated in warm coffee and cinnamon colors. It is perfect for relaxing after a busy day.

Downtown Hotel Sofia

Location: C-3, Blvd. Vasil Levski 27 Contact: Tel: 930 52 00

Downtown Hotel is a solid four-star hotel located in the city center. It offers comfortable rooms with plush carpets and some reproduction furniture that adds a classic touch Bulgaria Trips.

Restaurant: The restaurant is surrounded by a beautiful winter garden filled with greenery, adding a unique atmosphere.

Rooms: The rooms are simple but cozy, suitable for business and leisure travelers alike.

Greenville Hotel

Location: G-7, ul. Atanas Dukov 36 Contact: Tel: 819 19 19

Greenville is a complex of three buildings located in a green park area south of the city center. It offers a mix of standard rooms and studio apartments.

Rooms: Light and luxurious, decorated with flower bouquets and original paintings to create a warm, homely atmosphere.

Ideal for: Travelers who want a quiet and peaceful environment but still close to the city.

Kempinski Hotel Zografski

Location: G-7, Blvd. Dzheims Bauchert 100 Contact: Tel: 969 22 22

The Kempinski Hotel Zografski is a five-star hotel known for its high standards and large size. It may not feel very cozy because of its high-rise design, but it offers excellent luxury and service.

Rooms: Currently decorated in onyx blue and green, some floors are being updated with beige colors.

Special Features: The hotel has a Japanese garden and a pavilion-style Sakura restaurant, reflecting its origins with Japanese investors from the 1980s.

#Hotels in Sofia Comfort and Style

Bulgarian Army's Commitment to Justice and Morality

Orders for Inquiry into Wrongdoing

On January 10th, 1913, the Bulgarian Army issued a strong order requiring an immediate inquiry into any excesses, robberies, and violations. The order stated:

“The Bulgarian Army must show the world that justice and law are supreme within its ranks, and criminals will not go unpunished.”

This order came after earlier instructions from General Savoff, who issued orders on October 14th, 1912, and December 13th, 1912. His later order emphasized:

“Let us not forget that we are fighting for a noble human ideal: the liberation of a population suffering under a harsh and unjust regime. May God help the brave sons of Bulgaria to fulfill this noble purpose and to keep each other in check, so that our great and glorious work is not tarnished in the eyes of the civilized world and our beloved homeland Turkey Sightseeing.”

Positive Comments from the Carnegie Commission

The Carnegie Commission made a positive remark about these orders:

“In the middle of all the horrors we have had to describe, it is refreshing to read these words, so different from the harsh threats seen in King Constantine’s famous telegram.”

King Constantine was the king of Greece, related to the German Emperor, and took the throne after his father was assassinated. At the time of the Bucharest Conference, the German Emperor worked hard to secure Kavala and Seres for King Constantine.

Recognition of Bulgarian Efforts for Justice

The Carnegie Commission went on to praise the Bulgarian officers and intellectuals for their commitment to justice and nobility, saying:

“The desire to remain just and noble is a virtue we have only seen among Bulgarian officers and intellectuals.”

The Bulgarian Army made strong efforts to ensure justice and morality during the war. They set clear orders to punish wrongdoers and reminded their troops of the noble ideal they were fighting for. The Carnegie Commission recognized and appreciated these efforts, highlighting the justice and nobility shown by Bulgarian officers and intellectuals.

#Bulgarian Army's Commitment to Justice and Morality

Border Security and Control in Bulgaria

Tightened Border Security

From the 1960s to the late 1980s, Bulgaria’s border security became incredibly tight, especially in areas 15 to 20 kilometers deep into the country. This was achieved through a combination of methods, including minefields, a network of special appliances known as “Klyon,” and a large network of State Security agents. These measures made it almost impossible for anyone to cross the border illegally.

Escape attempts were severely punished. People who tried to escape were either shot on the spot or captured and put on trial. Until 1975, the usual sentence for those caught attempting to flee was up to 15 years in prison. This harsh policy made crossing the border a dangerous and almost impossible task for anyone wanting to escape the regime Personal Istanbul Tours.

The Impact of the Berlin Wall

In 1961, the construction of the Berlin Wall created a new wave of escape attempts as many citizens of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) sought to flee to the West. Some tried to use the Southern Bulgarian border as a route, but most of them were either caught or killed in the process. Those who were caught were handed over to the GDR authorities, where they faced severe punishment. The Bulgarian government cooperated with East Germany’s regime to prevent such escapes and tightly controlled the border area.

Cooperation Between Bulgaria and the GDR

Bulgaria’s State Security was an integral part of the broader Eastern Bloc security system, with its operations coordinated through the KGB (the Soviet Union’s intelligence service) in Moscow. The Bulgarian security services worked closely with the German Stasi (East Germany’s secret police), forming a strong bond built on Soviet strategies of control and surveillance.

This cooperation included many shared responsibilities:

Surveillance of citizens both in Bulgaria and East Germany. Elimination of political enemies and anyone considered a threat to the regime. Espionage and recruitment of foreign citizens for intelligence purposes. Carrying out KGB orders in third countries, including industrial espionage. Monitoring political emigration, particularly from countries like Germany.

Spying on each other, as both the Bulgarian and East German secret services kept tabs on each other’s citizens and officials.

One of the most important activities of this cooperation during the 1970s and 1980s was the monitoring and suppression of East German citizens who attempted to escape to the West via the Southern Bulgarian borders. The Stasi would inform Bulgarian State Security about any contacts between GDR citizens and their relatives in the Federal Republic of Germany, often in Bulgarian resorts or through student connections at universities. The Stasi would also report on the behavior and contacts of Bulgarian officials when they traveled to West Germany.

The border security measures in Bulgaria from the 1960s to the 1980s were part of a larger effort to prevent escape and control the movement of citizens under the communist regime. The close cooperation between Bulgarian and East German security forces made it nearly impossible for people to flee, while also strengthening the authoritarian system. The collaboration between the Bulgarian State Security and the Stasi further helped control the population and suppress any attempts at resistance or defection. As a result, many individuals who tried to escape were either caught, punished, or killed, while their families also suffered under the regime’s control.

#Border Security and Control in Bulgaria

The Story of the Blue Waters

Sibel Ersoy’s Underwater Photography Exhibit

Diving instructor Sibel Ersoy is showcasing her amazing underwater photos at the Marina Art Gallery. These photos were taken in various places around the world, including Kuşadası, Antalya, Kaş, Honduras, Miami, Belize, Mexico, and many more diving locations. The exhibition will be open until July 15th. Come and enjoy the beauty of the sea creatures and mysterious shipwrecks through Sibel Ersoy’s unique perspective.

Turkey A Journey Through History

EBRUALEM Workshop’s Art Exhibition

After completing the Ebru Art Course from the Ministry of Education, four women from the EBRUALEM Workshop held a karma exhibition (a group exhibition). The four artists—Ersin Aksu, Nazan Yuksel, Berrin Akdere, and Cemaliye Deveciler—showcased their beautiful art. Many art lovers and Ebru artists in Kuşadası attended the event. Visitors from abroad also showed great interest Coastal Bulgaria Holidays.

Upcoming Exhibitions in Kuşadası

The Calikuşu Culture Centre will feature Serpil Berk’s “Bazil Painting” exhibition from July 1st to 15th. The Söke Magnesia Culture-Art Association will display oil paintings from July 15th to 30th. Success at the Harpoon Fishing Championship

Turkey’s Harpoon Fishing Championship was held in Didim, organized by the Turkish Sub-Aqua/Underwater Federation. During the event, the winners of the first three places were awarded trophies at a ceremony in Setur Marina.

Kuşadası Sportsmen’s Achievements

Hasan Salbaș, Mustafa Saplı, and Sedat Yüce from the Kuşadası Sailing Club achieved second place as a team out of 43 teams and 130 participants. In the individual competition, Hasan Salbaș came first out of 130 contestants and was selected for the National Team after winning third place in the final race. The ceremony was held at Setur Marina, with many guests, including Kuşadası Mayor Esat Altingün, Coast Guard Boat Commander Munir Gümüşbaykal, Harbour Master Yaşar Karabacak, Marina Director Çağlar Altıntaş, Sailing Club President Behzat Kumbasar, and their families.

#The Story of the Blue Waters

Albanian Society and Unity

The Albanians can be compared to the Scots. In the northern highlands, they live in clans, while in the more fertile southern lowlands, the clan system is not present. Despite differences, like the Scots in the past, Albanians share one common bond—hatred of the Slavs.

Because of their fierce passion for fighting, other nations have feared them. This has left the Albanians mostly to themselves. The lack of roads, difficult mountain passes, and tribal rivalries have made each region isolated and self-sufficient.

A Fierce Sense of Honour

The Albanians have a strong sense of honour. A woman can travel safely in Albania because she is seen as weak, but an Albanian man would not hesitate to shoot someone for a small insult, just as he would shoot a dog that barked at him. There is a sense of deep independence Istanbul Day Tour.

Albanian Beliefs and Customs

The Albanian has no art, literature, or national politics. He doesn’t think of himself as an Albanian separate from other races, but his honour is the most important thing to him. His honour includes many things:

He is not a thief, though he is allowed to take the belongings of the man he kills.

He will never rob a man who is unarmed. To him, that would be dishonourable.

He will not harm a woman. By tradition, he is allowed to shoot any man who interferes with his women, so he keeps his hands and eyes off other men’s women.

It is not fear of punishment that keeps him moral. The Albanian is not afraid of bullets, but his honour makes him respect the vulnerability of women, as they cannot fight back.

#Albanian Society and Unity

Tax Collection and the Burden on Peasants

The tax collector takes as much as possible from the peasants. Then, his superior takes a portion from him, and the Vali (governor) takes from the superior. The court officials at the Yildiz Kiosk take from the Vali. Additionally, the peasants have to deal with the *zaptiehs* (police officers), who are poorly paid and rarely fed. The *zaptiehs* survive by demanding money or goods from the already struggling farmers. I use the word “wretched” to describe the peasants from a European point of view. However, the Turkish peasant, like most Turks, is a fatalist. He accepts whatever happens and is often quite happy, even singing while working, despite the hard labor Central Synagogue.

Public Debt and Foreign Influence

In areas where public improvements like railways have been made, taxes are collected by the Department of Public Debt. These officials are often foreign representatives who are generally fair and avoid the corruption seen in other areas.

The Peasant’s Role in Supporting the Empire

The Turkish peasant is the one who carries the financial burden of the Empire because Turkey has few factories or other industries. The officials, from the highest to the lowest, live off the peasant, like parasites. Yet, despite all of this, the peasant remains happy. He continues working and takes moments to kneel, put his forehead on the ground, and thank Allah for His goodness.

The Turk’s Incompetence to Rule

One key point to remember is that the Turk is, by nature, not fit to rule. For the 500 years that the Turks have ruled over the Christian population, they have never recognized the responsibility that comes with power. The Turk sees the land as his by right of conquest and believes he is justified in living off the labor of those he conquered. Despite his flaws, there is still a sense of nobility in the Turk. Even in towns with mixed populations of Turks, Bulgarians, and Greeks, the Turks stand out with a natural sense of dignity.

#Tax Collection and the Burden on Peasants

Visiting Kasanlik's Rose Stores

Friendly Merchants with a Secret

During my visit to Kasanlik, I had the chance to explore a few local stores. The merchants were friendly, but each one quietly took me aside and whispered in my ear: “Of course, we get along with our competitors, but remember this: ours is the only genuine attar of roses. The rest is all fake. Our rivals will deny it, but we know the truth.” This same speech was repeated in every store I visited. I wanted to believe that all the attar from Kasanlik was pure, but after conducting my own research, I sadly concluded that none of it was completely pure.

The Strength of Attar and Its Price

How Strong is Attar?

Attar of roses is one of the strongest perfumes in the world. From every 4,000 pounds of roses, you get only 1 pound of attar, which is less than one-twenty-fifth of one percent. The peasant farmer earns about 18 shillings per ounce of attar. However, the same ounce sells for £68 in places like Paris or London Coastal Bulgaria Tours.

The scent of pure attar is so strong that only a tightly sealed jar can hold it in. Even a glass stopper won’t be enough to contain the smell. In fact, the scent is so powerful that it can be overwhelming and even cause headaches. This is one reason why attar is often diluted or mixed with other substances to make it more pleasant.

The Beauty of Kasanlik in June

A Land of Roses

The best time to visit Kasanlik is in early June. This is when you can hop on a horse and ride for two days, traveling forty miles each day, while surrounded by endless fields of beautiful damask roses. The air is filled with the scent of millions of roses. On a gentle breeze, the fragrance can travel up to 50 miles. Bulgarians living that far away have confirmed that the air from Kasanlik carries the sweet smell of roses.

Rose Picking in Kasanlik

The Beauty of the Harvest

In June, the village girls wake up early to pick roses. They fill their aprons with the flowers and load them into slow-moving ox carts. No flower festival, like the one in Nice, could ever match the sheer number of roses that fill the carts in Kasanlik. The brown-cheeked, black-eyed peasant girls also wear the most beautiful roses in their hair as they work.

#Visiting Kasanliks Rose Stores

Exaggerations and Atrocities

In Mr. Disraeli’s recent speech, he continued to assert that reports of atrocities in the region have been greatly exaggerated. He cited Mr. Baring’s findings as evidence, claiming there was no proof that human heads were paraded through the streets of Philippopolis or that forty young girls were burned alive at Novi-Selo. However, I believe the debate over whether heads were actually carted through the streets is somewhat irrelevant. Mr. Baring admits that the individuals who owned those heads had indeed been killed.

The Reality of Tamboli

Moreover, when Mr. Baring sent the telegram that Mr. Disraeli referenced so confidently, he had not yet visited Tamboli. Had he done so and spoken with the Italian Consul in Burgas, who has a business there, he might have reported a very different story. The Consul would likely have informed him that sackfuls of heads were dumped right outside his door. There is a steep slope leading down to a small river that flows through the town, and it is said that heads rolled down that hill, tumbling over each other in a gruesome chaos, as dogs eagerly pounced on them Jeep Safari Bulgaria.

Misplaced Focus on Numbers

It is indeed true that forty young girls were not burned alive at Novi-Selo; that tragedy took place in Batak, where, instead of forty, it was two hundred girls, women, and children who suffered that horrific fate. The people most to blame in this situation appear to be the newspaper correspondents. According to Mr. Disraeli and Sir Henry Elliot, the real crime was not the loss of thousands of innocent lives but the exaggeration of those numbers. It seems that they would prefer the report to state 25,000 people were killed rather than 30,000, even if the true number of victims was indeed terrible.

The Distortion of Truth

The serious issue here is not merely the counting of casualties but the very real pain and suffering that these atrocities have caused. It is appalling that the focus should be on minor discrepancies in numbers rather than the actual brutalities inflicted upon innocent people. For instance, while it is a trivial matter whether a certain number of children were killed, the fact that countless lives were brutally taken is the true tragedy.

In conclusion, the issue is not simply about accurate numbers; it is about acknowledging the profound loss of life and the horrors that have occurred. Mr. Disraeli and Sir Henry Elliot may find fault with the reporting of these atrocities, but they must also recognize the true gravity of the situation. The emphasis should be on understanding the suffering of the victims rather than nitpicking over the specifics of their reports.

#Exaggerations and Atrocities

Exaggerations and Atrocities

The Reality of Tamboli

Misplaced Focus on Numbers

The Distortion of Truth

#Exaggerations and Atrocities

Underground Armed Resistance of the Goriyani

Emergence of the Goriyani Movement

After the communist regime was established in Bulgaria in the autumn of 1944, an underground armed resistance movement began to take shape. This movement was known as the “Goriyani,” or “Forest Dwellers.” Its members came from various backgrounds, primarily rural areas, and included middle-class and poor farmers who strongly opposed the government’s expropriation of their land.

By the end of 1947, peasants made up 47% of those involved in the Goriyani resistance. This number increased to a peak of 70% between 1950 and 1951. As the government eliminated opposition parties and enforced mass collectivization of land, the Goriyani movement spread across the country. Throughout the 1950s, there were very few mountainous regions in Bulgaria that did not have active Goriyani groups, supported by many locals.

Government Response to the Resistance

The communist regime was determined to crush the Goriyani movement. By the end of 1948, this struggle led to the creation of the first internal military battalions. By October 1950, there were ten battalions in total: two in Sofia and one in each of the cities of Plovdiv, Burgas, Varna, Stara Zagora, Yambol, Blagoevgrad, and Belogradchik. The Politburo of the Central Committee of the Bulgarian Communist Party decided to reorganize these internal military troops into a division, increasing their numbers significantly Istanbul Tour Guide.

These troops were trained to operate like the Soviet Union’s internal forces and were expected to show unwavering loyalty to the Communist Party. Their main mission was to fight against and eliminate the Goriyani detachments, thereby suppressing the entire resistance movement in Bulgaria.

State Security Reports and Clashes

By 1951, the State Security reported the existence of 176 underground resistance groups, with 47 located in Sofia. This information highlighted the scale of the Goriyani movement and the challenges facing the regime.

On October 1, 1951, a significant confrontation occurred when 19 young men were killed during an action against a Goriyani detachment in the Turiya forest in the Kazanluk region. Around the same time, State Security troops were engaged in fierce battles with two Goriyani groups in the Iskar River pass, with 30 and 40 members in each group, respectively.

The Goriyani movement represents a crucial chapter in Bulgaria’s struggle against the communist regime. Comprising mainly of farmers and rural citizens, the resistance fought fiercely to defend their rights and land. Despite facing brutal crackdowns from the government, the Goriyani movement reflected the widespread discontent and resilience among the Bulgarian people during a time of oppression. The conflicts and efforts to suppress this movement highlighted the intense struggle between the regime and those who sought to resist its control.

#Underground Armed Resistance of the Goriyani

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