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Classes of Teachers

Teachers in primary schools are divided into provisional and regular teachers.

Provisional teachers: Any person who has successfully graduated from a pedagogical school or a high school may be appointed as a provisional teacher. They receive a salary of 900 francs per year. After one year of practical experience, they can take the State examination.

Regular teachers: Those who pass the State examination become regular teachers, divided into three classes:

Third class: 1,140 francs per year

Second class: 1,426 francs per year

First class: 1,680 francs per year

Promotion to a higher class occurs every five years, based on successful teaching performance. This salary scale is the minimum, but parishes may increase salaries or grant additional fees if they wish Istanbul City Tour.

Maintenance of Primary Schools

The maintenance of primary schools is a shared responsibility between the State and the parishes.

Parish responsibilities: Parishes are in charge of school buildings, their upkeep, and providing materials, furniture, libraries, heating, and supervision of school gardens.

State responsibilities: The State pays the teachers’ salaries. Parishes contribute 400 francs per teacher, and the State budget covers the remaining amount. In poor parishes near the frontier, the State pays the entire salary.

This system ensures that all schools, whether rich or poor, can operate effectively and that teachers receive stable salaries.

Management and Control of Schools

The Ministry of Public Instruction has overall responsibility for the direction and supervision of all primary schools and other educational institutions that promote moral and intellectual development (Article 1 of the law).

The Ministry exercises this control through:

School inspectors who visit and supervise schools

Departmental education councils that oversee regional schools

Educational committees that guide teaching methods and programs

This system ensures that all primary schools operate uniformly, follow national regulations, and provide a high-quality education to all children.

By combining state oversight with local parish involvement, Bulgaria ensures that education is well-organized, fair, and accessible to every child in the Principality.

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Collective Responsibility of the Cabinet

All measures taken by the Prince in urgent matters must be adopted collectively by the Cabinet Council. This means that all ministers share responsibility for the decisions made. Once these measures are adopted, they must be submitted for approval to the National Assembly at its earliest session.

A special provision of the Constitution strictly forbids the introduction of new taxes or duties through these emergency regulations. Only the National Assembly has the authority to impose or change taxes.

Government Regulations and Decrees

The Government may issue measures and regulations to ensure the proper application of laws. These regulations must first receive the approval of the Prince. After approval, they are published in the Official Journal as decrees, which gives them legal force. This system ensures that laws are applied consistently, while maintaining oversight by both the Crown and the legislative body Istanbul Day Tour.

Judiciary Prerogatives of the Crown

The Prince also holds judicial powers, which include:

Right of Pardon – The Prince can reduce or cancel punishments for convicted persons. No capital punishment can be carried out unless approved by the Prince, who may replace it with a lighter sentence.

Right of Amnesty – Amnesty can only be granted through a special law, which requires the joint sanction of the Prince and the National Assembly.

All law courts in Bulgaria issue their decisions in the name of the Prince, reflecting the central role of the Crown in the administration of justice.

Hereditary Monarchy and Regency

The royal title is hereditary, passed in the direct male line. The heir attains majority at 18 years old. If the heir succeeds to the throne before reaching majority, a regency council exercises the royal powers during his minority. The regency consists of three members, who must be current or former ministers or members of the Supreme Court, and are appointed by the Grand National Assembly.

Civil List of the Prince

The Constitution sets the Civil List of the Prince at one million francs per year, ensuring financial support for the royal household while maintaining transparency and accountability.

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The Bulgarian Empire under Tsar Simeon

Expansion and Glory

Under Tsar Simeon, the son of Boris I, the Bulgarian Empire reached its greatest extent. The empire included Bulgaria proper, Wallachia, parts of Hungary and Transylvania, Albania, Epirus, Macedonia, and Thessaly. Simeon, no longer satisfied with the title of king, called himself Tsar, meaning “Emperor and Autocrat of all Bulgarians and Greeks.” This imperial title was used by Bulgarian rulers until the Ottoman conquest centuries later.

During Simeon’s reign, Bulgaria became a major political and military power in the Balkans. The arts, literature, and culture also flourished, making this period a golden age for the Bulgarian nation.

Decline and Internal Struggles

Unfortunately, the glory of Simeon’s reign did not last. Internal conflicts arose due to the jealousy and ambition of the nobility, called the boyars. These knights and officials had great influence and often challenged the central authority City Tours Istanbul.

During the reign of Boris II (963 AD), a boyar named Shishman Mokar seized control of Western Bulgaria, creating a separate kingdom. At the same time, Bulgaria faced external threats. The Russians invaded, and Boris II sought help from the Byzantine Emperor John Tzimisces, who exploited the situation to gain control of the kingdom.

Tsar Samuel and Temporary Reunification

The successor of Shishman, Tsar Samuel, restored the Bulgarian state. His reign was almost as brilliant as Simeon’s, and he reunited the kingdom, establishing Prespa as the capital. However, after long wars with Byzantium, Bulgaria was eventually subjugated in 1015.

The people, who had never experienced foreign rule, longed for freedom. Many revolts occurred, showing the Bulgarians’ persistent desire for independence.

The Revival of the Bulgarian Kingdom

Around 1186, two brothers, John and Peter Assen, led a successful rebellion against Byzantine control. They re-established the Bulgarian kingdom and made their hometown, Tarnovo, the new capital. From that time, Tarnovo became the historic and cultural center of Bulgaria, symbolizing the nation’s revival and resilience.

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The Seaward Walls of Constantinople

Importance Beyond Military Strength

Although the seaward walls of Constantinople were not as crucial as the land walls in military terms, they are historically important. These walls were closely linked to political events, and even more so, to the commercial life of Constantinople, which was the leading trade center of the Middle Ages. Merchants, ships, and goods passing through the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara depended on the security provided by these fortifications.

Origins and Expansion

The construction of the seaward walls developed gradually as the city expanded. Originally, the walls ran from the Acropolis (Seraglio Point) to the Neorium on the Golden Horn and to the point later called Topi on the Sea of Marmara. Under Constantine the Great, the walls were extended further north to the Church of St. Antony Harmatius and south to the Church of St. Emilianus. Later, in 439, Theodosius II lengthened the walls so that they connected with the ends of the land walls: at Blachernae in the north and the Golden Gate in the south Jeep Safari Bulgaria.

Maintenance and Challenges

The seaward walls required constant repair and maintenance, not only because of occasional attacks but also because of natural hazards. Earthquakes frequently damaged these fortifications, as they did with other public buildings. Their location along the sea exposed them to storms, moisture, and erosion, which could weaken the structures over time.

During the early centuries of the Byzantine Empire, when the Imperial navy dominated the seas, the seaward walls were sometimes neglected. No enemy fleet dared approach Constantinople, so repairs were less urgent. However, as the sea power of the Empire declined and other maritime nations became stronger, the seaward defenses became a priority. Maintaining them became an essential responsibility of the state to protect both the city and its thriving commerce.

Earthquake Damage and Restoration

A major earthquake in 447, which severely damaged the new land walls built under Anthemius, also affected the seaward walls, particularly the sections facing the Sea of Marmara. An inscription over Yeni Kapou, the gate at the eastern end of Vlanga Bostan, records that the Prefect Constantine repaired the damage. This restoration was part of a broader effort to rebuild the city’s fortifications after the devastating earthquake.

In summary, the seaward walls of Constantinople were more than defensive structures; they were vital to the city’s political stability and commercial success. While less critical in direct military confrontations than the land walls, they were constantly maintained, extended, and repaired to withstand natural disasters and the rising threat of maritime enemies. Their history illustrates the adaptation and resilience of Byzantium in preserving its capital through centuries of both human and natural challenges.

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A Rich Land for Ethnology and Archaeology

Bosnia is home to a wonderful national museum, which showcases the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage. The region is considered especially valuable for ethnology—the study of people, cultures, and traditions. In fact, Bosnia remains a largely unexplored area for ethnographic research, with many potential discoveries still buried in the soil.

A few years ago, Bosnia hosted an international congress of archaeologists and ethnologists, and the Austrian government welcomed the guests warmly. The event was meant to encourage scientific interest in Bosnia’s past. The reports published by the congress gained international attention, but there is no record that the United States participated in this important gathering.

Layers of History Still Waiting to Be Studied

Bosnia has a long and complex history. Throughout the centuries, the land has been inhabited by many different civilizations, each leaving its mark. The Romans and Greeks once built great cities here. These advanced cultures were later overrun by invading tribes, but Bosnia continued to rebuild and evolve with each new wave of people.

Today, many ancient remains are still visible, especially in the valleys of the mountains. Much of the country’s ancient art and architecture is buried underground. Alongside Roman and Greek ruins, there are also traces of Germanic, Gothic, Saracenic, and Turkish influence. Sadly, most of these sites have not been carefully studied. Some were even damaged or looted by locals searching for treasure or using the stones to build their homes Private Sofia Tour.

Bosnia offers a huge opportunity for archaeological research, much like what has been done in Greece. Scholars and research groups could find incredible discoveries if systematic studies were carried out.

Comfortable Hotels and a Welcoming Policy

Visitors to Bosnia can find good hotels in every region, many of which were built with government support. In some cases, the government gave financial help (subsidies) to help establish hotels that would attract tourists and businesspeople. This has proven to be a smart investment, making the country more appealing to travelers.

Austria’s Supportive Approach to Economic Growth

Austria’s approach in Bosnia is very different from that taken by the United States in its new territories, such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. In those regions, U.S. lawmakers discouraged investment, fearing that private companies might earn profits. They even banned the creation of new businesses or franchises, slowing down economic growth.

In contrast, Austria welcomed foreign capital and encouraged development in Bosnia. They even built hotels to make investors and visitors feel welcome and comfortable. This strategy helped to promote a positive image of the country and supported its long-term growth.

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Ferdinand and Marie's Ambitions

Both Princess Marie Louise and King Ferdinand were eager to increase their power and status. They wanted to be known as king and queen instead of simply being titled as “princes.” In fact, they even had crowns made in Munich, hoping for a favorable vote from the Sobranje (the Bulgarian parliament). However, Stambouloff, who was a true democrat, did not support this desire. He believed that one day Bulgaria should have a republican form of government, not a monarchy. Stambouloff opposed the royal couple’s ambitions, leading to a conflict between them. This disagreement ended with his resignation and the selection of Mr. Stoiloff, his bitter enemy, as his successor.

Stambouloff’s Fall

Stambouloff may have survived the dispute if it weren’t for his own arrogance and a domestic scandal involving one of his closest assistants. In a moment of anger, he wrote a hasty resignation letter. Under the influence of his wife, Prince Ferdinand quickly accepted the resignation Ephesus Daily Tour.

After leaving office, Stambouloff spoke to a sympathetic friend, a correspondent from a German newspaper. In the interview, he sarcastically criticized both Ferdinand and Princess Marie. He shared embarrassing and humiliating stories about his time working with them. This was a huge mistake.

The Ruin of Stambouloff

The interview was published across Europe and in Bulgarian newspapers, including those that had once supported Stambouloff. Public opinion turned against him, and the royal family was furious. Prince Ferdinand even took legal action and sued Stambouloff for defamation. He then made several moves to punish Stambouloff’s supporters. Ferdinand fired anyone suspected of supporting Stambouloff and arrested some of his trusted associates for mismanagement. He also revoked pensions for those who had worked with Stambouloff and confiscated the property of his allies. This created a climate of fear in Bulgaria, with many people scared to support Stambouloff.

Stambouloff’s Complete Fall

The Bulgarians, known for being quick to change their opinions, turned against their former hero. Even the parliament, which Stambouloff had controlled for years, passed a law to confiscate his property, although it was almost worthless. Stambouloff, now desperate, tried to flee the country, but Prince Ferdinand ordered the police to stop him from leaving. Stambouloff’s fall from power was now complete, and he found himself isolated and abandoned by those who had once admired him.

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The City of Constantine Expansion and Fortifications

In the year 328 AD, Emperor Constantine the Great began the transformation of Byzantium into New Rome, the future city of Constantinople. This marked the beginning of a new era. Constantine expanded the city’s borders and built strong new walls for its protection.

According to tradition, the emperor walked the boundary of his future capital with a spear in hand, personally marking the outline. When surprised officials asked how far he would go, he reportedly answered:

“Until He stops Who goes before me.”

This story shows the deep meaning Constantine gave to his work. The city’s transformation was not just political or military—it was spiritual and historical Sofia Sightseeing.

The Challenge of Identifying the City’s Boundaries

Determining the exact size of Constantine’s new city is not easy today. Some ancient descriptions are unclear, and many landmarks no longer exist. However, by comparing historical sources with modern geography, we can still form a fairly good idea of the area.

The New Land Wall and City Limits

The new land wall built by Constantine crossed the historic peninsula (promontory) of Byzantium. It was located just east of two major cisterns:

The Cistern of Mokius, near the Seventh Hill (west of Avret Bazaar).

The Cistern of Aspar, near the valley between the Fourth and Sixth Hills, along the road from the Mosque of Sultan Mehmed to the Adrianople Gate.

Where the Walls Ended

The southern end of the land wall reached the Sea of Marmara, somewhere between today’s Daoud Pasha Gate and Psamathia Gate.

The northern end reached the Golden Horn, near the area where the Stamboul end of the modern inner bridge stands.

At the same time, the old sea walls of Byzantium were repaired and extended to connect with the new land wall. This created a complete line of fortifications that surrounded Constantine’s new capital.

A New Era for an Ancient City

With these changes, Constantine turned a Greek trading colony into a Roman imperial city. It now had strong defenses, expanded territory, and the potential to become the heart of an empire. The city would later grow even larger under later emperors, but this foundation laid by Constantine was a major turning point in its history.

Constantinople was born, and the world would never be the same.

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Trifon Zarezan – Bulgaria’s Winegrower Celebration

Trifon Zarezan, also known as St Valentine’s Day for Wine, marks an important event in the Bulgarian wine calendar. On this day, vineyard workers and wine lovers come together to celebrate the start of pruning season with a lively ritual:

Sprinkling the vines with wine to bless them and ensure fertility.

Pruning the vines by hand, symbolizing the cycle of renewal.

Following the work, families and friends gather for a long feast, filled with homemade wine, traditional dishes, and singing.

When Is Trifon Zarezan?

Figuring out the exact date can be tricky, because different communities follow different calendars:

Some celebrate on February 1, which aligns with the new style calendar Bulgaria Vacations.

Others celebrate on February 14, following the old Orthodox Christian calendar.

If you’re planning to join the fun, a good idea is to prepare for partying throughout February—you’ll meet villagers raising a glass to “Trifon Zarezan!” more than once.

How People Celebrate

Villages and towns host festivals, where local winemakers share their newest wines.

Pruning competitions are sometimes held to see who can work fastest and neatest.

Expect folklore music and dancing, hearty food like grilled meats, banitsa (cheese pastry), homemade bread, and of course, lots of wine.

For wine lovers, it’s a chance to taste fresh vintage, learn about traditional Bulgarian wine, and join in for an unforgettable rural experience.

Sofia’s Hotel Scene – A Wide Variety

Sofia has seen a big growth in hotel options in recent years. You can now choose from budget stays to luxury resorts—and the official star ratings are generally reliable. Most hotels list prices in euros, but you can also pay in Bulgarian leva at the same conversion rate.

Featured Hotel Grand Hotel Sofia

Location: B‑3, ul. Gurko 1 — right in the heart of Sofia

Phone : [phone]

Why It Stands Out

Prime location: Next to the National Theatre, City Art Gallery, Bulgaria Hall, and within walking distance of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Professional staff: Welcoming and well-trained at every level.

Spacious rooms: All rooms are large with both bathtubs and showers.

Elegant design: High-quality furniture and solid finishes that feel classic and durable.

Grand Café: Located on the ground floor facing City Garden, famous for serving delicious cakes and pastries.

Why Choose Grand Hotel Sofia?

Excellent location — perfect for touring central Sofia.

Top quality — well-deserved privileges of a five-star rating.

Spacious, charming interiors — ideal for both work and rest.

Nice extras — like the Grand Café and easy access to cultural landmarks.

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Attacks on Schools

The Carnegie Commission describes how the Greek and Serbian armies took control of Bulgarian schools. These schools were important centers of Bulgarian culture and education. According to the report:

When the Greek and Serbian forces arrived in a town, their first action was to close the schools and use them as places for the soldiers to stay.

The teachers were gathered together and told that if they didn’t agree to teach in Greek or Serbian, they would no longer be needed. Those who refused to teach in those languages and continued to declare themselves as Bulgarians faced persecution.

The severity of the persecution varied, but in many cases, if the teachers refused to cooperate, they were either allowed to leave for Bulgaria or sent to prison in Salonica or Uskub Turkey Sightseeing.

Persecution of Priests and Bishops

Next, the priests and bishops were targeted. The Carnegie Commission explains:

The priests were first pressured to change the language used in their church services. They were also forced to accept Serbian or Greek religious authorities.

The priests were ordered to mention the names of these new authorities in the church liturgy.

If a priest resisted, their Exarchate (the Bulgarian Church) was taken away from them and given to the Greek Patriarchate. They were also forbidden from communicating with their congregation. Any small act of disobedience led to accusations of political propaganda or treason.

Persecution of Bishops

The bishops faced even harsher treatment. For example:

Bishop Neophyte of Keles and Bishop Cosmas of Debra were both expelled.

Archimandrite Methodius, the bishop of Uskub, faced even worse treatment. According to the Carnegie Commission:

Methodius was forced out of his house and locked in a room. He was beaten by four soldiers until he lost consciousness.

After being thrown into the street, he managed to escape and find shelter in a nearby house owned by a Frenchman. This man helped him by informing the French Consul in Uskub about what happened.

Under the Consul’s protection, Methodius left for Salonica, where he was examined by foreign doctors. The doctors confirmed his story and found his injuries were serious.

This persecution of religious leaders and educators was part of a wider effort to suppress Bulgarian identity in the territories controlled by Serbia and Greece after the war. The Carnegie Commission’s report highlights the harsh treatment of the Bulgarian people and the efforts to erase their cultural and religious heritage.

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The Lovech Labour Camp The Camp of Death

The Establishment and Conditions at Lovech Labour Camp

The Lovech Labour Camp, often referred to as “The Camp of Death,” was established in 1959 in Bulgaria. It became notorious for its brutal conditions. The first group of 166 prisoners was transferred from the Belene Labour Camp to Lovech, where they were forced to work at a nearby stone quarry. The prisoners, including intellectuals and artists, were subjected to inhumane working conditions. They were forced to meet impossible labour quotas, and many were beaten to death in sadistic ways. Others died from torture, exhaustion, or systematic thrashing.

The camp became infamous for its harsh and cruel treatment of prisoners. The prisoners’ suffering was so intense that Lovech earned its reputation as a “death camp.” It was not just a place of forced labour, but a place where people faced constant fear of brutality and death Istanbul Day Trips.

The Role of General Mircho Spassov

In 1990, after the fall of the communist regime, General Mircho Spassov, who was once involved in the creation of the Lovech Labour Camp, confessed to the Prosecutor in the Labour Camps’ Case No. 4. He stated:

“We, members of the Politburo of the Central Committee and our Ministry, vigorously copied the Soviet comrades’ methods and drew from their experience. In 1959, I was the youngest Deputy Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and was assigned to set up the camp in Lovech.”

His admission showed that the Lovech Labour Camp was not an isolated incident but part of a larger system of repression inspired by the Soviet regime.

The Skravena Labour Camp

In the summer of 1961, a group of 300 women from the Lovech Labour Camp were transferred to another camp in Skravena, a town in the Botevgrad region. The women were subjected to the same harsh conditions as the men in Lovech. This move further illustrated the widespread nature of Bulgaria’s forced labour system during the communist era.

The Legacy of Political Prisoners in Communist Bulgaria

Alongside the labour camps, there were 22 jails across Bulgaria that also held political prisoners until the fall of the communist regime in 1989. These jails, much like the labour camps, were places of punishment for anyone who opposed the communist government.

Despite the suffering of these prisoners, no one was held accountable for the deaths, torture, and abuses that occurred in these camps. After the fall of the communist regime, those responsible for the camps were never punished.

The Case of Nadia Dunkin

One of the key witnesses of the labour camps’ atrocities was actress Nadia Dunkin, who had herself been a prisoner in one of the camps. Just before she was scheduled to testify in court about the horrors she had witnessed, she was found dead in her home. Her death remained suspicious, and the case was eventually closed in 2002 due to limitations.

Statistics of Prisoners Sentenced for Counter-Revolutionary Activities By July 1956, there were thousands of people imprisoned for counter-revolutionary activities. The following table shows the breakdown of prisoners by social status:

Social Status Number of People % of All Sentenced Poor and middle-class peasants 1,168 42.58% Tradesmen 370 13.49% Workers 357 13.01% State employees 349 12.72% Freelancers 175 6.38% Kulaks 120 3.37% Members of Collective Farms 100 3.65% Students 67 2.44% Unemployed 37 1.35% Total 2,743 100% These statistics show the widespread nature of political repression and the diverse social backgrounds of those who were imprisoned for their opposition to the government.

Political Prisoners with the Longest Sentences Some of the political prisoners who served the longest sentences include:

Vasil Uzunov – 28 years

Ilija Minev – 27 years

Vasil Zlatarov – 20 years

These individuals were among the many who endured harsh treatment in the prisons and labour camps.

The Lovech Labour Camp and the broader system of political repression in communist Bulgaria were part of a widespread effort by the regime to silence and punish anyone who opposed its rule. The brutality faced by prisoners in these camps, including forced labour, torture, and execution, is a dark chapter in Bulgaria’s history. Unfortunately, many of those responsible for these crimes were never held accountable. The legacy of these camps continues to haunt the memories of the survivors and their families.

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International Women's Organizations

ICW and IAWSEC

At the time, there were two major international women’s organizations: the International Council of Women (ICW) and the International Alliance of Women for Suffrage and Equal Citizenship (IAWSEC). Many people believed that the ICW was more conservative, while the IAWSEC was considered more liberal. However, both organizations had similar activities. Their conferences and congresses served as a kind of global women’s parliament, where women from different countries could meet and discuss issues.

National Women’s Organizations

In most European countries, there were two national women’s organizations. One was often called the National Women’s Union or National Women’s Council, and it was a member of the ICW. The other organization worked to guarantee women’s rights in all parts of society and was a member of the IAWSEC. In some countries, such as Bulgaria and Czechoslovakia, there was only one national women’s organization that united all the local women’s groups. These national groups worked for women’s rights and were members of both international organizations Adventure Balkan Tours .

Political and Military Alliances in Eastern Europe

After World War I, several political and military alliances were formed in Eastern Europe. One of these alliances was called the Little Entente, created between Czechoslovakia, Romania, and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes in 1920-1921. Their goal was to protect the political situation in Central and Southeastern Europe.

In February 1934, another political group called the Balkan Entente was formed, including Greece, Romania, Turkey, and Yugoslavia. The Balkan Entente’s goal was similar: to maintain the political situation in the Balkans and prevent Bulgaria from changing the Peace Treaty of Neuilly. Bulgaria and Albania refused to sign this agreement.

Little Entente of Women

In May 1923, women activists from several countries in the Balkans, including Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Poland, and Czechoslovakia, created the Little Entente of Women (LEW) in Rome. This group was inspired by the political Little Entente formed earlier.

Bulgaria’s participation in the LEW was unusual because it was a defeated country after World War I and had little in common with the victorious states that formed the original Little Entente. However, Bulgaria’s involvement in the Little Entente of Women showed that Bulgarian women wanted to act independently from the political goals of their national government. They wanted to focus on women’s issues, rather than on political matters tied to the state.

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The Violent Reality of Elbasan

Elbasan is a town with about 20,000 people. There’s plenty of space for fights and arguments. In fact, murders in the streets are more common than street fights in English towns on a Saturday night. The Chief of Police, a Turk, told me that around 20 to 30 people are killed every week. He also said that only one out of every ten murderers is caught by the police. The Turkish authorities don’t get involved much. When someone is killed, their friends want to take revenge on the murderer. If the killer is thrown into prison, not only do his friends feel upset with the Turks for interfering, but the murderer’s friends also feel that he hasn’t been given a fair chance in the vendetta.

The Fear of an Outbreak

The Turkish authorities are afraid of an Albanian uprising. They do whatever they can to keep things peaceful. That’s why they don’t try very hard to collect taxes from Albanians, even though they do from other groups. If an Albanian kills a Turk, the authorities often make excuses, saying the Albanian was provoked. To keep the Albanians happy, the Sultan has made sure that his bodyguard in Constantinople is made up of Albanians. He also weakens the power of the Beys (tribal chiefs) by inviting them to the capital, praising them, and giving them medals Istanbul Tour Guide.

Breaking the Tobacco Monopoly

In Turkey, there is a strict tobacco monopoly. If anyone from a different ethnic group (like a Turk, Armenian, Bulgarian, or Greek) tries to break the government’s tobacco rules, they risk being thrown into prison. However, in Elbasan, the tobacco rules are ignored. Tobacco is sold openly, and the soldiers in my escort were involved in this illegal trade. They stuffed their bags, pockets, and even their pistol holsters with tobacco to sell it for a profit in Macedonia. I noticed that they went without food to make more room for tobacco. The captain of the guard knew what they were doing, and he smiled when he saw that I knew too. Later, I learned that each soldier made a small profit (about two medjedehs), as this tobacco was much better than the one sold by the government.

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Making Himself Comfortable

The young Englishman, without trying too hard, makes himself comfortable in his new life. He went from public school to university, and then straight into the Levant Consular Service. Along the way, he developed a sense of comfort that he carries with him. In the few years he has spent in Turkey, he has learned about local art, like prayer rugs, tapestries, and embroideries. After bargaining in the bazaars, he has bought valuable pieces that hang on his walls as decoration instead of traditional pictures.

A Comfortable Home with Personal Touches

He has developed a taste for collecting old weapons, like silver-chased flint-lock pistols and Damascus steel sabres, their blades inlaid with gold and handles studded with coral and turquoise. He even taught a Turkish carpenter to build a comfortable lounge and covered it with a Persian rug, making a cozy divan. He bought a couple of well-padded English armchairs from Constantinople, which the Turks find awkward and undignified to sit in. His room is filled with small personal touches: a stack of pipes, his favorite English tobacco, and a table covered with pieces of embroidery. The table holds photographs in little silver frames, not the Turkish kind, but ones from England, bought in busy shops in London or Oxford Street.

Memories from Home

The photographs show his life before he came to Turkey. There are pictures of his family, including his mother and father, and some of him with his friends in their cricketing clothes before he left England. You can tell which pictures are of his family from where they are placed. He also keeps pictures of cheerful English girls—maybe sisters or friends of his sisters—some of whom he might have known well, while others may have forgotten him by now.

Thoughts of Home

The Vice-Consul, sitting alone in his comfortable room, sometimes misses the life he left behind in England. There are no bright restaurants, no theatres, no music halls, or close friends to hang out with. But even though he might feel lonely or homesick at times, it doesn’t make him weak. If he gets frustrated, he will likely swear, whistle, and light another pipe. In the morning, he takes out his horse, goes for a ride, and shakes off any feelings of gloom.

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Monuments to Russian Heroes

The Russian Monuments

In the mountains, there are tall, white obelisks that stand as reminders of the bravery of Russian soldiers. These monuments honor the courage of famous Russian regiments. They tell stories of the heroism shown during the battles. However, I did not see any monument honoring the brave Turkish soldiers. No one knows where the Turkish soldiers were buried.

A Quiet Moment in Nature

After riding for hours under the hot sun, the sound of a bird replaces the noise of battle. As I dismounted, I sought shelter in the shade of trees to rest and cool down. The peaceful sound of nature was a welcome change after the long ride Bulgarian Coast.

Riding Through Bulgarian Villages

The Bulgarian Villages

I spent most of a day riding through Bulgarian villages. The houses in these villages were low with large roofs that provided plenty of shade. Vines hung across the small streets. As I rode, the villagers offered me bunches of grapes, which I happily accepted. Along the narrow paths, there were countless trees full of plums, tart and refreshing, perfect for a dusty traveler.

The Legacy of Turkish Rule

Signs of the Turkish past were still visible. Many of the peasants wore clothes similar to those worn by the Turks, including colorful turbans. Although the people were Bulgarian by heritage, some still followed the Muslim faith. This was a result of the Turkish rule, when the conquerors forced the local people to convert to Islam. Over time, the people continued to follow the religion, even after the Turks left and the Bulgarians became free. This led to tension between those who followed Islam and those who became Christians.

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Citizens Deprived of Basic Human Rights

Overview of Human Rights Obligations

According to Article 2 of the Peace Treaty between Bulgaria and the Allied Powers, which was ratified by Decree No. 4 of the Presidency of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria on 26 August 1947, Bulgaria committed to upholding its citizens’ fundamental human rights. This treaty became effective on 15 September 1947. It states that Bulgaria must ensure that every person under its jurisdiction enjoys basic human rights and freedoms, regardless of race, sex, language, or religion. These rights include freedom of speech, a free press, freedom of religion, political beliefs, and the right to public gatherings.

Violations by the Communist Regime

Despite this commitment, the communist regime in Bulgaria, which lasted from 1944 to 1990, systematically violated the rights of its citizens. The government acted with impunity, ignoring the principles laid out in both the treaty and the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Citizens faced repression, censorship, and persecution if they opposed the regime or sought to express their opinions.

International Context: East Germany

In 1977, Erich Honecker, the First Secretary of the German United Socialist Party and the head of state of East Germany, made a statement claiming that there were no human rights activists in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) because all human rights were fully respected in that country. However, this was far from the truth, as many citizens felt compelled to leave East Germany due to the oppressive political climate. The number of people trying to legally emigrate continued to rise, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with the regime Private Tours Bulgaria Varna.

Emergence of the Expatriation Movement

By the end of the 1970s, an informal movement called “Voting on a Request for Expatriation” emerged. This movement was largely composed of young people who sought to escape the restrictions imposed by their government. Reports from activist Robert Havemann in 1976 indicated that the number of members in this movement had grown to around 120,000. Other estimates, such as those from the East German news agency AND, claimed the number could be as high as 200,000.

The situation in Bulgaria and the German Democratic Republic highlights the struggles faced by citizens living under oppressive regimes. While treaties and declarations promised basic human rights, the reality for many was a life filled with fear, censorship, and repression. The rise of movements advocating for expatriation signifies the growing discontent among the youth and their desire for freedom. These historical events remind us of the importance of human rights and the ongoing fight to protect them for all individuals.

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Citizens Deprived of Basic Human Rights

Overview of Human Rights Obligations

According to Article 2 of the Peace Treaty between Bulgaria and the Allied Powers, which was ratified by Decree No. 4 of the Presidency of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria on 26 August 1947, Bulgaria committed to upholding its citizens’ fundamental human rights. This treaty became effective on 15 September 1947. It states that Bulgaria must ensure that every person under its jurisdiction enjoys basic human rights and freedoms, regardless of race, sex, language, or religion. These rights include freedom of speech, a free press, freedom of religion, political beliefs, and the right to public gatherings.

Violations by the Communist Regime

Despite this commitment, the communist regime in Bulgaria, which lasted from 1944 to 1990, systematically violated the rights of its citizens. The government acted with impunity, ignoring the principles laid out in both the treaty and the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Citizens faced repression, censorship, and persecution if they opposed the regime or sought to express their opinions.

International Context: East Germany

In 1977, Erich Honecker, the First Secretary of the German United Socialist Party and the head of state of East Germany, made a statement claiming that there were no human rights activists in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) because all human rights were fully respected in that country. However, this was far from the truth, as many citizens felt compelled to leave East Germany due to the oppressive political climate. The number of people trying to legally emigrate continued to rise, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with the regime Private Tours Bulgaria Varna.

Emergence of the Expatriation Movement

By the end of the 1970s, an informal movement called “Voting on a Request for Expatriation” emerged. This movement was largely composed of young people who sought to escape the restrictions imposed by their government. Reports from activist Robert Havemann in 1976 indicated that the number of members in this movement had grown to around 120,000. Other estimates, such as those from the East German news agency AND, claimed the number could be as high as 200,000.

The situation in Bulgaria and the German Democratic Republic highlights the struggles faced by citizens living under oppressive regimes. While treaties and declarations promised basic human rights, the reality for many was a life filled with fear, censorship, and repression. The rise of movements advocating for expatriation signifies the growing discontent among the youth and their desire for freedom. These historical events remind us of the importance of human rights and the ongoing fight to protect them for all individuals.

[lifestylehints]

Citizens Deprived of Basic Human Rights

Overview of Human Rights Obligations

According to Article 2 of the Peace Treaty between Bulgaria and the Allied Powers, which was ratified by Decree No. 4 of the Presidency of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria on 26 August 1947, Bulgaria committed to upholding its citizens’ fundamental human rights. This treaty became effective on 15 September 1947. It states that Bulgaria must ensure that every person under its jurisdiction enjoys basic human rights and freedoms, regardless of race, sex, language, or religion. These rights include freedom of speech, a free press, freedom of religion, political beliefs, and the right to public gatherings.

Violations by the Communist Regime

Despite this commitment, the communist regime in Bulgaria, which lasted from 1944 to 1990, systematically violated the rights of its citizens. The government acted with impunity, ignoring the principles laid out in both the treaty and the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Citizens faced repression, censorship, and persecution if they opposed the regime or sought to express their opinions.

International Context: East Germany

In 1977, Erich Honecker, the First Secretary of the German United Socialist Party and the head of state of East Germany, made a statement claiming that there were no human rights activists in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) because all human rights were fully respected in that country. However, this was far from the truth, as many citizens felt compelled to leave East Germany due to the oppressive political climate. The number of people trying to legally emigrate continued to rise, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with the regime Private Tours Bulgaria Varna.

Emergence of the Expatriation Movement

By the end of the 1970s, an informal movement called “Voting on a Request for Expatriation” emerged. This movement was largely composed of young people who sought to escape the restrictions imposed by their government. Reports from activist Robert Havemann in 1976 indicated that the number of members in this movement had grown to around 120,000. Other estimates, such as those from the East German news agency AND, claimed the number could be as high as 200,000.

The situation in Bulgaria and the German Democratic Republic highlights the struggles faced by citizens living under oppressive regimes. While treaties and declarations promised basic human rights, the reality for many was a life filled with fear, censorship, and repression. The rise of movements advocating for expatriation signifies the growing discontent among the youth and their desire for freedom. These historical events remind us of the importance of human rights and the ongoing fight to protect them for all individuals.