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Election of the Mayor and Municipal Executive

The Municipal Council elects from among its members a mayor and two assistant mayors. Together, they form the municipal executive, which is responsible for carrying out the council’s decisions.

The mayor represents the commune in all its relations with other public authorities and government departments. He acts as the official head of the commune and is responsible for ensuring that the decisions of the Municipal Council and the orders of the central government are carried out faithfully within the limits of the law.

As the local administrative authority, the mayor has the right to issue orders and make regulations that have the same legal force as those of other government officials. Failure to obey these local regulations can result in fines of up to fifty francs in towns and twenty-five francs in rural communes. This power enables the mayor to maintain order, discipline, and efficiency in the daily affairs of the commune Customized Guided Tour.

The Role of the Mayor

The mayor’s responsibilities are broad. He ensures the smooth functioning of public services, supervises local police and safety matters, and oversees public works and sanitation. In many cases, he acts as a link between the local and national governments, implementing national laws at the local level. The mayor also represents the commune in legal matters and signs all official documents on its behalf.

Justice in the Principality

According to Article 13 of the Constitution, the judiciary power belongs solely to the law courts and magistrates, who act in the name of the Prince. This separation ensures the independence of the judiciary from the executive and legislative branches of government.

The law courts are bound to apply the laws of the Principality exactly as written. When the law is unclear or incomplete, judges must follow the general spirit of the law and, if no law exists on the issue, decide according to common usage and fairness.

Absence of Administrative Courts

In the Principality, there are no separate administrative courts. All disputes between citizens and administrative authorities are handled by the ordinary law courts. Administrative officials are forbidden to make decisions regarding civil rights disputes, as such matters fall exclusively under the authority of the judiciary.

This system reinforces the rule of law and protects the rights of citizens by ensuring that all disputes, whether civil or administrative, are judged impartially by independent courts rather than by government officials.

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The Appointment of Prince Dondoukoff-Korsakoff

After the Treaty of San Stefano, Russia was responsible for organising the civil government of Bulgaria. The choice fell on Prince Dondoukoff-Korsakoff, who was appointed as Commissary-General. Originally, he was given two years to complete this important task. However, the Treaty of Berlin (1878) shortened this period to only nine months, making his work much more difficult.

The First Administrative Council

To begin his mission, Korsakoff established an administrative council, which can be considered the first form of civil government in Bulgaria after the war. This council consisted of six members, each in charge of an important department:

Commissary’s chancery and diplomatic correspondence

Military affairs

Interior administration

Justice

Finance

Public instruction and religions

This was a significant step forward, as it gave Bulgaria its first organised governing body in modern times.

Division of Northern and Southern Bulgaria

For practical purposes, Northern Bulgaria was provisionally divided into sixteen departments, which were further subdivided into thirty-two districts Istanbul Daily Tour.

Southern Bulgaria, however, was treated differently. Known as Eastern Roumelia, it was given a special status under the Treaty of Berlin and placed under a separate administrative arrangement.

Judicial Reforms and the Provisional Rules

One of the most important achievements during this period was the reform of the judiciary system. The chief of the judiciary section, Lucanoff, created a commission to prepare regulations for justice. The result of their work was the document called “Provisional Rules for the Organisation of Justice in Bulgaria.”

These rules were officially proclaimed at Plovdiv on August 24, 1878. They introduced a completely new system of justice, replacing the old Ottoman institutions, most of which existed only in name.

Structure of the New Judiciary

Under the new rules, justice was placed in the hands of Councils of Elders and various courts.

Councils of Elders were created in every commune, giving local communities a voice in justice and administration.

Ordinary courts included district courts and departmental courts, the latter acting as courts of appeal.

Exceptional jurisdictions were also recognised. These included administrative, military, religious, and Mahommedan courts, each with specific responsibilities.

The work of Prince Dondoukoff-Korsakoff and his council laid the foundations of Bulgaria’s modern administration and judiciary system. Although his time was limited by the Treaty of Berlin, the establishment of councils, departments, and new courts marked a decisive break from the Ottoman past and gave Bulgaria the framework for its future as an independent principality.

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The Central Stara Planina

Landscape and Peaks

The central section of the Stara Planina is also bounded by peaks on the north side. Its southern slopes descend steeply into the level plains, creating a sharp contrast in the landscape. From this part of the range, travelers can enjoy views of the highest peaks of the Stara Planina.

Several summits rise above 2,000 metres. Among them, the Yumrukchal (Botev Peak) stands at 2,372 metres, making it the tallest in this section.

Mountain Passes

Surprisingly, despite its great height, the central part of the Stara Planina contains some of the best mountain passes. The Araba Konak and Hainboaz (Pass of the Republic) are each less than 1,000 metres high, making them relatively easy to cross Sightseeing Turkey.

Other passes are higher, ranging between 1,300 and 1,700 metres, but they are still more accessible than might be expected. This is because the mountains here are narrower, and the surrounding plains gradually penetrate into the heart of the range.

The most famous route is the Shipka Pass (1,260 m). It has great historical importance, especially during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, when fierce battles for Bulgarian liberation were fought there.

The Eastern Stara Planina

Structure and Features

The eastern section of the Stara Planina is very different from the central and western parts. Here, the mountains are lower and less rugged. The geological folds are more superficial, and as a result, there are no very high peaks or ancient rock formations.

Instead, the range is divided into several longitudinal chains, shaped partly by the proximity of the Black Sea. Although the area does not have great summits, its structure makes it less accessible.

The Sredna Gora Mountains

Connection with Other Ranges

Running parallel to the Stara Planina to the south is the Sredna Gora mountain chain. Like the Stara Planina, it gradually decreases in height toward the east.

At the western end, the Ihtiman Mountain forms a kind of nucleus that links together the Rila, the Rhodopes, the Stara Planina, and the Sredna Gora. It also separates the river basins of the Iskar and the Maritsa.

Peaks and Valleys

The valley of the Strema River divides the Sredna Gora into two distinct sections:

The Sredna Gora proper – high, thickly forested, and picturesque

The Karadja Dagh (Roebuck Mountain) – lower but equally significant

The highest summit of the chain is Great Bogdan Peak (1,574 m).

Fertile Plains

Between the Stara Planina and the Sredna Gora lie some of Bulgaria’s most fertile plains, such as:

Zlatitsa

Karlovo

Kazanlak (famous for its production of rose oil)

Sliven

To the south, between the Rhodopes and the Sredna Gora, extends the wide and fertile Maritsa Plain, one of Bulgaria’s richest agricultural regions.

The central and eastern Stara Planina and the Sredna Gora mountains form an important part of Bulgaria’s natural geography. They provide not only dramatic landscapes and strategic passes but also fertile valleys that have supported Bulgarian culture, agriculture, and history for centuries.

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Prisoners of the Tower of Anemas

Veccus and His Final Years

Some historians believe that the prison of Anemas influenced the conversion of John Veccus, the former Patriarch of Constantinople. Being held in a dark and fearful fortress could certainly change a man’s outlook. Yet the historian Pachymeres insisted that Veccus changed his views not because of pressure or fear, but because of his honesty and sincere search for truth.

What cannot be denied is that Veccus suffered greatly for the beliefs he finally adopted. Although he once rose to the highest position in the church, he eventually lost favor and spent his final years in another prison. Twenty-five years after his stay in Anemas, he died in confinement at the Castle of St. Gregorius, near Helenopolis (modern-day Yalova in Turkey). Many considered him a martyr for his convictions Rose Festival Tour.

The Despot Michael’s Downfall

The Tower of Anemas also became the prison of Michael, a Byzantine noble given the title of Despot by Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos. Michael had first been married to Princess Anna, a union arranged after a failed attempt to ally with Serbia. But after Anna’s death, he caused scandal by marrying the daughter of the Bulgarian king Terter. She was the former wife of the King of Serbia, and this controversial match angered the Byzantine court.

Worse still, Michael was accused of treason against the emperor. For this crime, he was confined with his wife and children in the prison of the Great Palace. When he attempted to escape, he was moved for greater security to the Tower of Anemas, and later to the prison at Blachernae. His fall from high favor to disgraceful captivity was a warning to others at court.

Syrgiannes the Intriguer

Another famous prisoner of Anemas was Syrgiannes, a restless adventurer known for his endless intrigues. During the bitter civil war between Andronicus II and his grandson Andronicus III, Syrgiannes often switched sides, betraying one to support the other.

Earlier, he had already been imprisoned for conspiring to assassinate Emperor Andronicus II. After five years, in 1322, he was transferred to Anemas by John Cantacuzene, then Grand Domestic, who hoped that better treatment would win Syrgiannes’ loyalty. At Anemas, he lived more comfortably than most prisoners. He could receive visits from his mother, and even stay with his wife and children.

But kindness did not cure his ambition. After his release, he returned to conspiracy and rebellion. His story ended violently when assassins put an end to his life.

An Imperial Family in Chains

Later in the 14th century, the Tower of Anemas once again housed members of the imperial family itself. Emperor John VI Palaiologos imprisoned his eldest son, Andronicus, in the tower. Yet Andronicus managed to escape. In a twist of fate, John VI himself was later locked in the same tower, along with his two younger sons, Manuel and Theodore.

These imprisonments revealed the tragic weakness of the Byzantine Empire. Family rivalries and internal struggles left the state divided and vulnerable, while foreign powers waited impatiently to seize Byzantine lands.

The Tower of Anemas was not just a prison of stone walls and iron doors. It was a witness to the rise and fall of powerful men—patriarchs, nobles, generals, and even emperors. Each story from its cells reflects the instability of the Byzantine world, where ambition, betrayal, and family conflict often led to captivity behind its walls.

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A Two-Person Police System for Safety and Integrity

To prevent corruption and avoid scandals, each Bosnian gendarme (police officer) is always accompanied by a deputy or assistant. This assistant serves two important roles. First, he is a student or trainee, learning the duties of a gendarme with the hope of being promoted in the future. Second, he acts as a witness and a form of control, making sure his senior officer behaves properly.

The senior gendarme is responsible for training his assistant and is expected to be a good example in both behavior and performance. This system creates a strong form of mutual accountability, which helps reduce abuse of power and encourages honest behavior.

Strict Punishment for Corruption

Although the system is well-designed, there have still been some cases of dishonesty. At times, corrupt or abusive officers have made their way into the force. However, the punishments for such misconduct are very serious. When a case is discovered, it is treated as a chance to teach others a lesson and to show the public that bad behavior will not be tolerated.

Thanks to this strict approach and strong regulations, the Bosnian gendarmes have earned a strong reputation. Most reports agree that they are a model police force, well-respected and trusted by the local people. Their positive image has played a major role in the success of the Austrian administration in Bosnia.

The Historic Heart of Sarajevo Carsija

The oldest part of Sarajevo, known as Carsija, still keeps much of its oriental charm. The area is made up of narrow, winding streets that meet at sharp angles. Shops and bazaars line the streets, with doors and stalls opening directly onto the sidewalks, just like in other Middle Eastern towns.

Inside these shops, merchants and craftsmen sit either squatting or cross-legged, making and selling their products. While most of what is sold appears to be traditional Bosnian handicrafts, much of it is actually imported. For example:

Colorful silks and cottons often come from Germany and France, Gold and silver embroidery, designed in Arabesque patterns, usually comes from Austria, Jewelry, fancy pipes, and velvet slippers are often imported from Paris

Real Local Craftsmanship

If you want to buy something truly handmade in Bosnia, the safest way is to watch it being made in front of you. In the markets, you’ll see artisans working non-stop from sunrise to sunset, only pausing to pray at the mosque, drink coffee, or smoke a cigarette Sofia Sightseeing.

This is the typical Bosnian idea of relaxation. Many men, especially if they are not working, will drink coffee and smoke all day. It is even said that some people consume up to 100 cups of coffee and 100 cigarettes a day—an incredible example of Bosnian leisure habits.

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Bulgaria Gains Limited Independence

After the end of the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878), the Great Powers of Europe met in Berlin to decide the future of the Balkan countries. At the Congress of Berlin, they told the people of Bulgaria that they could manage their own government and choose their own king. However, this independence came with conditions.

Although Bulgaria was now mostly self-governing, it still had to pay an annual tribute to the Ottoman Sultan, instead of the taxes the Sultan used to collect directly. The amount of this payment was never clearly decided, and the financial relationship between the two nations became confusing and disorganized. To this day, it remains unclear, and an international commission may be needed in the future to settle the issue Local Ephesus Tour Guides.

Unclear Financial Obligations

Bulgaria was also made responsible for a part of the Turkish national debt, but just like the tribute payments, the exact share Bulgaria had to pay was never determined properly. This added more confusion to the already complicated financial relationship between the two countries.

Russian Supervision and Election Issues

Once the Great Powers had set the conditions, elections were organized in Bulgaria. These elections were supervised by Russian troops, who were present at voting stations. Unfortunately, their presence was not neutral. The Russian soldiers tried to influence voters through intimidation, persuasion, and empty promises. Their actions led to a vote that was not entirely free or fair.

A Strange and Confusing Constitution

At the same time, a new constitution was written by a clever Russian politician. The constitution was approved by the people, but most Bulgarians did not understand it. In fact, many experts believe that even today, no one fully understands the document. It was written in a vague and ambiguous way, possibly on purpose, to allow for flexibility and manipulation by those in power.

Prince Alexander of Battenberg Becomes Ruler

After much discussion and correspondence, the Bulgarian National Assembly finally selected Prince Alexander of Battenberg as their ruler. He was only 24 years old at the time and was serving as a lieutenant in the German army, under his great-uncle, Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany.

Prince Alexander had family ties to many of Europe’s royal houses. He was the nephew of the Russian Czar, and his brother, Prince Henry, was married to Queen Victoria’s daughter, Beatrice. Because of these family connections, many believed Alexander would be a neutral and fair ruler.

He was also well-liked by many. Known for his friendly personality, bravery, and honesty, Prince Alexander won the respect of both his people and European leaders.

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A Perfect Place for a Great City

Constantinople was built in one of the most beautiful and strategic places in the world. The natural setting alone made it a perfect location for a great city. Surrounded by sea and land routes, it had both beauty and power. But to understand the true importance of Constantinople, we must look closely at its geography.

Geography and History Go Hand in Hand

The story of Constantinople cannot be told without understanding its unique location. No other city in the world owes more to its position. Its strength, long life, and influence all came from the land and sea around it.

Geography had a huge impact on the city’s history. Constantinople was both deeply connected to the world and yet easy to defend. It could open its doors to trade and ideas from across the continents, or it could shut them tight against its enemies Sofia City Tour.

At the Crossroads of Continents

Constantinople stands where Europe and Asia nearly touch. The narrow strip of water between them, only about half a mile wide, is the Bosporus Strait. The city is right at this crossing point.

It is also where several major waterways come together:

The Mediterranean Sea reaches up through the Aegean Sea and Sea of Marmara from the south.

The Black Sea (once called the Euxine) and the Sea of Azov open routes to the north.

This location made Constantinople a center for trade, politics, and culture. Rich and powerful regions surrounded it, and goods from three continents could flow through its markets.

Easy to Defend, Hard to Attack Constantinople’s geography also made it easy to protect. Enemies coming by sea had to pass through narrow straits:

The Dardanelles (or Hellespont) from the Aegean

The Bosporus from the Black Sea

These narrow channels could be guarded with ships and forts. Enemy fleets found it nearly impossible to sneak through.

On land, the city stood on a narrow strip of land, easy to wall off. Strong defenses along the western side of the city could stop even large armies. A small but well-prepared group of soldiers could hold back thousands.

A City in the World—And Above It

Constantinople was both in the world and apart from it. It welcomed trade, wealth, and culture, yet it could close itself off in times of danger. This rare combination made it one of the most powerful and long-lasting cities in history.

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Understanding Body Language in Bulgaria

One of the first things a visitor to Bulgaria should learn is that body language here is different from most other countries. In Bulgaria:

Shaking your head means “yes”

Nodding your head means “no”

This can be very confusing for foreigners. It’s a unique tradition that has survived through centuries of Bulgarian culture and history. Many visitors find this reversed gesture system strange, but it’s something locals use daily.

To avoid misunderstandings, it’s a good idea to practice these gestures in front of a mirror before heading out. With a bit of effort, you’ll get used to it—and it might even impress the locals!

National Tourist Information Centre

If you’re in Sofia and need help as a tourist, visit the National Tourist Information Centre, located at:

Address: pl. Sveta Nedelya 1

Phone: [phone]

Website: www.bulgariatravel.org

This center recently received a full makeover and now offers a modern and welcoming environment. The staff are friendly and speak good English. They offer:

Free city maps

Local travel advice

Help with public transport and sightseeing tips

You’ll find stylish stools where you can sit while the staff answer your questions or look up information in their database. However, please note: the staff cannot book hotels for you. They do, however, offer helpful locally published guides—like this one Customized Tour Bulgaria!

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00

Closed: Saturday and Sunday

Facts About Bulgaria

Here are some quick facts to help you understand the country better:

Population (July 2006 estimates): Bulgaria: 7,385,367 people

Sofia (capital): 1,377,531 people

Ethnic Groups

Bulgarian: 83.9%

Turkish: 9.4%

Roma (Gypsies): 4.7%

Religion

Bulgarian Orthodox: 82.6%

Muslim: 12.2%

Roman Catholic: 0.6%

Protestant: 0.5%

Geography and Borders

Total area: 110,550 square kilometers

Neighboring countries: Turkey, Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, Romania

Eastern border: The Black Sea, with a 354 km-long coastline

Highest mountain: Musala (2,925 meters), located in the Rila Mountains, south of Sofia

Time Zone

Bulgaria is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET):

GMT +2

When it is 12:00 (noon) in Sofia:

It is 11:00 in Berlin

10:00 in London

05:00 in New York

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This Is Not Just Another War

This war is not a small or local conflict. It is a life-or-death struggle for freedom. The Allies (like Russia, England, and France) are fighting a great mission to free all oppressed nations and people. It is a crusade for universal liberation.

What’s at Stake for the Slavs

If the Allies win, no Slavic land will remain under foreign rule. But if they lose, the Slavic people will face even worse oppression and tyranny than before Guided Turkey Tours .

What Should Bulgaria Do?

Bulgaria has already done much in the past to help its people and fight for liberation. So, will Bulgaria now stand by and watch these hard-won dreams be destroyed? Or will it act quickly?

Before the First Balkan War in 1912, Bulgaria successfully settled disputes with Serbia and Greece. It should now work just as quickly to reach a new agreement with them. The disagreements left over from that time, especially those from the Treaty of London, are few. Bulgaria’s diplomats should be able to solve them.

The Time for Slav Unity Is Now

The moment for Slavic freedom has arrived. Every Slavic country has a duty and an interest in joining this cause. They must use all their strength to support their people and defend freedom.

This is a “now or never” moment. Bulgaria cannot stay out of this war without damaging its honour or risking its future.

Let History Handle the Past

Bulgaria has faced many wrongs and hardships, especially since the Treaty of Bucharest. But those issues belong to history. Writers like O’Mahony have recorded what Bulgaria has suffered.

A New Chance for the Slavs

But today, the situation in Europe is completely new. Never before have the odds been so good for the Slavic nations—if they unite. If they put their differences aside and come together, they can finally achieve the freedom they all seek.

Fight for Peace, Liberty, and Humanity

The Allies are fighting with great courage in places like Poland, France, and Flanders to stop Pan-Germanism and militarism, which threaten to take away the freedom of all small nations.

That’s why Bulgaria and every other Slavic country should join the fight—not just for themselves, but for peace, liberty, and all of humanity.

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Complete State Control Over Banking

On 25 December 1947, the Bulgarian government passed a new law that gave the state complete control over the banking system. As a result of this law, 31 Bulgarian and foreign banks were nationalized—meaning they were taken over by the government.

This marked the end of the market economy in Bulgaria. From this point on, the country moved to a centrally planned system, where all economic activities were controlled by the Communist Party. Private entrepreneurship was no longer allowed, and management of all businesses was handed over to party officials, many of whom had no experience in running businesses.

No Private Businesses Left

After this transformation, not a single private business remained in Bulgaria. There were no privately owned shops, factories, workshops, or even small craft studios. The state owned and controlled everything Istanbul Day Trip.

Even urban homes and apartments were not safe from expropriation. In 1948, special housing committees were formed by local governments to take over homes from wealthier citizens. These homes were often used to house party functionaries, clerks, and newcomers from rural areas who supported the communist regime.

Many homes were also given to the relatives of victims of political purges—people labeled as “enemies of the people,” many of whom had been executed, imprisoned, or sent to forced labor camps.

Law on Urban Property and Personal Confiscation

The Urban House Property Bill, passed in the late 1940s, allowed for the full or partial confiscation of properties such as:

Houses Apartments Villas Offices

Citizens with larger or more valuable properties were targeted. Their wealth was considered “unjust” or “dangerous” to the goals of socialism. They were often forced to share their homes or give up part of their living space to strangers loyal to the regime.

The government used propaganda to justify these actions, claiming it was done for the benefit of the people. However, the real goal was to weaken the influence of the former middle and upper classes and punish opposition.

Economic Burden and Hidden Costs

Although these nationalizations and confiscations were presented as victories for socialism, they came at a huge cost. The government had to spend millions to maintain the newly nationalized businesses and homes. Often, these enterprises became inefficient, poorly managed, and unproductive, as they were now controlled by unqualified party members.

Even Communist Party documents later admitted that only a small percentage of the wealth taken from citizens actually helped the economy. Most of it was lost due to poor planning and corruption.

Religious Persecution

Alongside the economic and political changes, the communist regime also launched a campaign against the church. Following Karl Marx’s belief that “religion is the opium of the people,” the government sought to limit the influence of religious institutions. Churches were closely monitored, many were shut down, and religious leaders were often arrested, harassed, or forced to conform to state-approved teachings.

A Country Under Total State Control

By the end of the 1940s, Bulgaria had become a fully controlled socialist state, with no private property, no free business activity, and limited personal freedoms. The government owned everything, from banks to homes, and even tried to control people’s beliefs. What was presented as progress was, in reality, a period of hardship, fear, and repression for many Bulgarian citizens.

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Women Artists and Architects in Bulgaria

Women artists and architects in Bulgaria had to work hard to be recognized. Like in many other countries, women studying at the Arts Academy were not initially allowed to take certain classes, such as nude-body drawing classes. However, this exclusion did not last as long in Bulgaria as it did in the West. By the late 1890s, after protests from some students, women were allowed to enroll in these classes.

The Women Artists Section

In 1928, the Women Artists Section of the Bulgarian Association of University Women (BAUW) was created. Its goal was to help develop the professional careers of educated Bulgarian women artists. Although women had been allowed to study at the Art School since it opened in 1896, the artistic world in Bulgaria was still not open to them. While there were many female actresses and musicians, female artists were often not given the same recognition. Many women artists rarely exhibited their work in independent or international exhibitions. Some even worked privately at home, becoming parlor artists, creating art just for themselves Travel Bulgaria.

Challenges for Women Artists

After World War I, some Bulgarian women artists went abroad to specialize, participate in exhibitions, and join new artist societies. However, their work was still not recognized in Bulgaria. They were not admitted to art societies’ boards, were not hired as lecturers at the Academy of Fine Arts, and did not have their works bought at exhibitions.

Exhibitions and Criticism

Despite these challenges, the Women Artists Section included nearly all professionally active women artists in Bulgaria. Between 1928 and 1943, three generations of women artists participated in the annual BAUW exhibitions. These exhibitions attracted a lot of visitors and sparked debates about women’s creativity. However, many critics described women’s work as imitative of men’s art and of low quality.

Encouraging Young Artists and International Recognition

Despite the sexist criticism, the Women Artists Section encouraged young women to create art. They helped ill and poor women artists and even took Bulgarian women’s art abroad. In 1937 and 1938, BAUW held an exhibition in Belgrade and Zagreb, which was very successful. The Section also motivated women artists to hold independent exhibitions, both in Bulgaria and abroad, and to participate in general art exhibitions.

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The Wild Country Beyond Struga

After leaving Struga, the land became wild and empty. There were no villages, and we saw very few people. We slowly climbed through an area with sparse trees until we reached the hills. We stopped at a small outpost, a caracol, where about twelve Turkish soldiers were stationed to keep watch for bandits in the hills.

Crossing Cafa Sane

Next, we faced a difficult climb over a mountain range called Cafa Sane, which rose 3,500 feet above the lake. We had to lead our horses up the steep path. The landscape reminded me of a Scottish moor—hilly and covered with bracken for miles Istanbul Tour Guides.

Meeting the Albanians

We soon reached a high plain where we encountered many tall Albanians with fearless eyes. We saw a few farms, but no villages. Albanians prefer to live alone on their farms, even if they are far away from other people. When they take their buffaloes to plough the fields, they always carry a gun, because they never know who they might meet along the way.

Entering Bandit Territory

At this point, we were in an area known for bandits. The captain of my guard became nervous, but I must admit, after sitting for so many hours in the saddle, I almost looked forward to a confrontation with the bandits. I thought I knew something the Turks didn’t. They were being very cautious—perhaps too cautious—trying hard to protect me from being captured. I knew that in the Greek-Bulgarian area, I could be a valuable prize for one of the revolutionary groups, not because I supported their cause, but because I could be worth a large sum of money to the Turkish government. But here, I felt safe.

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The Suffering of the Women and Villagers

The women were in terrible condition, looking exhausted and defeated. Many of them were breastfeeding their babies, with very little to eat—just dry bread to survive on.

Destruction of a Village

In one village, the best land—its grazing grounds, forest, and fields—was taken from the Bulgarians and given to the Muslim residents of a new village. The Bulgarian villagers were forced to support 600 soldiers who had not been paid for five months. These soldiers were supposed to restore peace and order in the area. The Bulgarian villages were also taxed to raise money to build barracks for the soldiers.

Ongoing Suffering in the Adrianople Region

Since then, the situation for Bulgarians in the Adrianople region has been very bad. In many villages, Christians have been forced out of their homes, and soldiers have moved in instead. These soldiers, who had no fuel or firewood, survived by stealing. They burned the wooden parts of the houses and took the Christians’ cattle, grain, and poultry. Churches were either used for other purposes, destroyed, or desecrated. There were also many cases of rape. All of this has made the Christian population angry and desperate, and they are now ready for another rebellion Natural History Museum.

A Plan to Return to Adrianople

I planned to travel back to Adrianople from Kirk Kilise by a route to the north, staying as close to the Bulgarian border as possible.

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Misconceptions About Bulgaria

Many people in Britain mistakenly believe that Bulgaria is a wild and barbarous land. However, this belief is far from the truth. Bulgaria is just as safe as England, and the Bulgarian people like to think of themselves as trying to follow England’s example in many ways.

A Glimpse of Old Bulgaria

Tirnova: The Ancient Capital Tirnova, the ancient capital of Bulgaria, is a city with a unique charm. The name “Tirnova” means “the thorn,” and the city is shaped like a thorn, sitting on a rock above the Yantra River. It has long been a symbol of Bulgaria’s strength and history, causing both admiration and challenges for Europe.

A City Away From the Tourist Path

Tirnova is not a place visited by many tourists. It hasn’t been influenced by the modern, stucco-style buildings found in Sofia. Instead, it represents old Bulgaria—picturesque, romantic, and peaceful. The city is located to the north of the Balkan Mountains, surrounded by natural beauty. The landscape around it is rugged, with hills and the Yantra River making a curved path at the city’s base Holiday Bulgaria.

A City Like Edinburgh

If you can imagine Edinburgh Castle, but ten times bigger, built on a giant rock, with parts of the town hanging off the rock’s edge, you would have an idea of what Tirnova looks like.

First Impressions of Tirnova

I first saw Tirnova in the early morning, surrounded by mist and the glow of a beautiful sunrise. The view looked like a scene from an old medieval play, with misty trails along the river and tall pine trees growing on steep slopes. Above, the town seemed to spill over the rocks, a mix of white buildings with bright yellow shutters and vines climbing up the walls. The sky above was a pure, clear blue, with no clouds to interrupt the view.

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The Border Cooperation Between Bulgaria and East Germany

Agreement on Cooperation

In 1988, a new agreement was signed between the Bulgarian Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of State Security of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). This was based on a previous Cooperation Agreement established on November 26, 1974. Bulgarian Interior Minister Stoyanov and GDR Minister Erich Fritz Emil Mielke formalized this new agreement for cooperation and collaboration between their respective security agencies for the period of 1988 to 1993.

Joint Activities and Surveillance

As part of their ongoing partnership, a plan was created for joint activities between the Bulgarian State Security’s Department Six and the GDR’s Chief Directorate Two for the years 1984 to 1986. This plan aimed to strengthen efforts against Bulgarian citizens who had escaped to the West, as well as to monitor their relatives still in Bulgaria.

One significant report from February 24, 1953, highlighted the harsh measures to be taken against families of those who fled. It stated that:

Relatives of traitors who were not involved in legal proceedings and were able to work would be sent to the labor camp at Belene Private Balkan Tours.

All property owned by these relatives would be confiscated.

They would be held responsible for their remaining possessions, including livestock. Children aged 14 to 18 would be sent to Labor Schools operated by the Ministry of the Interior, with some reformatories designated for this purpose.

Younger children, aged 7 to 14, would be placed in special schools under the Ministry of Education.

Military and Intelligence Operations

The collaboration also involved military and intelligence operations along the Bulgarian borders. Both nations worked together to gather information about political emigration, monitoring citizens who attempted to leave. This joint effort was aimed at suppressing dissent and preventing any opposition to the communist regimes in both countries.

The Role of Stasi

The Stasi, East Germany’s secret police, provided valuable information to the Bulgarian State Security. This included intelligence about political émigrés and their activities abroad. Such collaboration ensured that both nations could effectively control their citizens and maintain the authoritarian status quo.

The partnership between Bulgarian State Security and the Stasi exemplified the extensive measures taken by Eastern Bloc countries to enforce their borders and suppress dissent. By sharing intelligence and coordinating efforts, these regimes sought to eliminate any potential threats to their power. The policies regarding the families of defectors demonstrate the harsh realities faced by those who dared to oppose the regime. Ultimately, these actions reflect a broader strategy of fear and control that characterized life under communist rule in Eastern Europe.

[biserarose]

The Border Cooperation Between Bulgaria and East Germany

Agreement on Cooperation

In 1988, a new agreement was signed between the Bulgarian Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of State Security of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). This was based on a previous Cooperation Agreement established on November 26, 1974. Bulgarian Interior Minister Stoyanov and GDR Minister Erich Fritz Emil Mielke formalized this new agreement for cooperation and collaboration between their respective security agencies for the period of 1988 to 1993.

Joint Activities and Surveillance

As part of their ongoing partnership, a plan was created for joint activities between the Bulgarian State Security’s Department Six and the GDR’s Chief Directorate Two for the years 1984 to 1986. This plan aimed to strengthen efforts against Bulgarian citizens who had escaped to the West, as well as to monitor their relatives still in Bulgaria.

One significant report from February 24, 1953, highlighted the harsh measures to be taken against families of those who fled. It stated that:

Relatives of traitors who were not involved in legal proceedings and were able to work would be sent to the labor camp at Belene Private Balkan Tours.

All property owned by these relatives would be confiscated.

They would be held responsible for their remaining possessions, including livestock. Children aged 14 to 18 would be sent to Labor Schools operated by the Ministry of the Interior, with some reformatories designated for this purpose.

Younger children, aged 7 to 14, would be placed in special schools under the Ministry of Education.

Military and Intelligence Operations

The collaboration also involved military and intelligence operations along the Bulgarian borders. Both nations worked together to gather information about political emigration, monitoring citizens who attempted to leave. This joint effort was aimed at suppressing dissent and preventing any opposition to the communist regimes in both countries.

The Role of Stasi

The Stasi, East Germany’s secret police, provided valuable information to the Bulgarian State Security. This included intelligence about political émigrés and their activities abroad. Such collaboration ensured that both nations could effectively control their citizens and maintain the authoritarian status quo.

The partnership between Bulgarian State Security and the Stasi exemplified the extensive measures taken by Eastern Bloc countries to enforce their borders and suppress dissent. By sharing intelligence and coordinating efforts, these regimes sought to eliminate any potential threats to their power. The policies regarding the families of defectors demonstrate the harsh realities faced by those who dared to oppose the regime. Ultimately, these actions reflect a broader strategy of fear and control that characterized life under communist rule in Eastern Europe.

[biserarose]

The Border Cooperation Between Bulgaria and East Germany

Agreement on Cooperation

In 1988, a new agreement was signed between the Bulgarian Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of State Security of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). This was based on a previous Cooperation Agreement established on November 26, 1974. Bulgarian Interior Minister Stoyanov and GDR Minister Erich Fritz Emil Mielke formalized this new agreement for cooperation and collaboration between their respective security agencies for the period of 1988 to 1993.

Joint Activities and Surveillance

As part of their ongoing partnership, a plan was created for joint activities between the Bulgarian State Security’s Department Six and the GDR’s Chief Directorate Two for the years 1984 to 1986. This plan aimed to strengthen efforts against Bulgarian citizens who had escaped to the West, as well as to monitor their relatives still in Bulgaria.

One significant report from February 24, 1953, highlighted the harsh measures to be taken against families of those who fled. It stated that:

Relatives of traitors who were not involved in legal proceedings and were able to work would be sent to the labor camp at Belene Private Balkan Tours.

All property owned by these relatives would be confiscated.

They would be held responsible for their remaining possessions, including livestock. Children aged 14 to 18 would be sent to Labor Schools operated by the Ministry of the Interior, with some reformatories designated for this purpose.

Younger children, aged 7 to 14, would be placed in special schools under the Ministry of Education.

Military and Intelligence Operations

The collaboration also involved military and intelligence operations along the Bulgarian borders. Both nations worked together to gather information about political emigration, monitoring citizens who attempted to leave. This joint effort was aimed at suppressing dissent and preventing any opposition to the communist regimes in both countries.

The Role of Stasi

The Stasi, East Germany’s secret police, provided valuable information to the Bulgarian State Security. This included intelligence about political émigrés and their activities abroad. Such collaboration ensured that both nations could effectively control their citizens and maintain the authoritarian status quo.

The partnership between Bulgarian State Security and the Stasi exemplified the extensive measures taken by Eastern Bloc countries to enforce their borders and suppress dissent. By sharing intelligence and coordinating efforts, these regimes sought to eliminate any potential threats to their power. The policies regarding the families of defectors demonstrate the harsh realities faced by those who dared to oppose the regime. Ultimately, these actions reflect a broader strategy of fear and control that characterized life under communist rule in Eastern Europe.