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The Role of the Departmental Council

Each Departmental Council in Bulgaria appointed a permanent committee made up of two of its members. This committee worked under the presidency of the prefect and was responsible for ensuring that all decisions of the Council were properly carried out. In this way, the committee acted as a link between the Council’s resolutions and their practical implementation throughout the department.

Additional Councils in Each Department

Besides the Departmental Council, every prefecture also had two important advisory bodies: a Medical Council and an Educational Council.

The Medical Council supervised all matters related to public health, including sanitary conditions, hospitals, and hygiene within the department. Its goal was to ensure the well-being and safety of the population Customized Guided Tour.

The Educational Council oversaw the operation of schools and educational institutions, ensuring that educational standards were maintained and that schools followed national policies.

These councils helped the prefect manage specialized areas of local governance effectively.

Administrative Subdivisions The Districts

For more efficient administration, the departments were divided into districts (arrondissements)—a total of 71 across the Principality. Each district was headed by a sub-prefect, who acted as the intermediary between the prefecture and the communes within his district.

The sub-prefect was also the chief of the district police, responsible for maintaining public safety and enforcing the law. He oversaw the work of the judiciary police, ensuring that legal and administrative regulations were followed.

Town Prefects in Major Cities

In larger and more important cities such as Sofia, Plovdiv, Roussé (Roustchouk), and Varna, there were special town prefects. These officials performed duties similar to police prefects and had authority within the city limits.

Town prefects were appointed by royal decree, based on the recommendation of the Minister of the Interior. They were responsible for applying national laws and local regulations to maintain public order, safety, and cleanliness in the cities.

Organisation of the Communes

The Bulgarian Constitution included a special article (Article 3) that guaranteed complete self-government to the communes, the smallest administrative units in the country.

The records of the Constituent Assembly show that the first Bulgarian lawmakers worked with great care and determination to protect the independence of these local communities. The long debates held during the drafting of the Constitution revealed their commitment to ensuring that local self-government would remain strong and free from excessive central control.

Although Article 3 of the Constitution was brief, the spirit and discussions behind it established the foundations of Bulgaria’s local autonomy, which became one of the cornerstones of the nation’s democratic administrative system.

Through this well-structured system of prefectures, districts, and communes, Bulgaria created a balanced and efficient administration. The combination of local independence and central oversight allowed both effective governance and community participation in public affairs.

#The Role of the Departmental Council

The Condition of Turkish Provinces

The description given earlier about the political and social life of the Ottoman provinces remained true even in the late nineteenth century. Many regions, and especially Macedonia, continued to show the same lack of modern administration, weak institutions, and simple rural life.

This was also the state in which the Russians found Bulgaria in 1877, during the Russo-Turkish War. The country had no proper system of administration, and most of the Ottoman structures that existed were inefficient and outdated.

The Arrival of the Russians in 1877

As soon as the Russian army crossed the Danube River, their leaders began to think about how to create a better system of administration for the Bulgarian lands. The Russians did not see their role only as liberators from Ottoman control but also as organisers of a new civil structure.

On this subject, there exists an important report prepared by the Russian Imperial Commissary in Bulgaria. This report was later read before the Constituent Assembly at Tărnovo, where the foundations of modern Bulgaria were discussed Istanbul Daily Tour.

A Special Administrative Commission

The reorganisation of Bulgaria was not left to chance. The task was entrusted to a special commission that accompanied the Russian troops. This commission was placed under the direct authority of the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian armies.

As early as July 7, 1877, the Imperial Commissary presented to the Commander-in-Chief a scheme for the civil organisation of the Bulgarian provinces. The sandjaks (large districts) and kazas (smaller districts) were to be governed under this new plan. At the same time, the governors were instructed to keep in operation the few institutions that had survived from Ottoman rule.

Difficulties During the War

However, in the turmoil of war, this project of reform was often forgotten or delayed. The task of rebuilding and reorganising an entire country while battles were still being fought proved extremely difficult. The results achieved at first were limited and not very encouraging.

For this reason, it was impossible to speak of a complete administrative organisation before the Treaty of San Stefano in 1878.

The Treaty of San Stefano and Russian Role

According to one of the clauses of this treaty, Russia appointed a Commissary-General. His official mission was to create and supervise the civil government of Bulgaria. This marked the true beginning of Bulgaria’s modern administrative structure.

The Russian intervention in 1877–1878 was not only a military campaign but also the starting point for a new political and administrative order in Bulgaria. While the process was difficult during wartime, the Treaty of San Stefano gave Russia the authority to lay the foundations of a civil government, which later shaped the future Principality of Bulgaria.

#The Condition of Turkish Provinces

Hydrography of Bulgaria

General Features

The hydrography of Bulgaria, or the system of its rivers and waters, is shaped both by the climate and by the country’s geographical position. Three great basins receive all of Bulgaria’s waters:

The Danube River to the north,

The Black Sea to the east, and

The Aegean Sea (Archipelago) to the south.

Bulgaria has no single large river that dominates its territory, since the numerous mountain ranges divide the land into smaller valleys. As a result, most rivers remain short and separated. The only important exception is the Iskar River, which flows across the entire width of the country, from the Rila Mountains through Sofia and into the Danube Sightseeing Turkey.

The Danube River

The Danube forms the entire northern frontier of Bulgaria. It is one of the longest and most important rivers in Europe. For Bulgaria, it serves as both a natural border and a transportation route. Many small tributaries from the Danubian Plain flow northward into it. However, due to the flat terrain near its banks, navigation is not always easy, and seasonal changes in water levels affect transport.

The Black Sea

The Black Sea is the second great water basin for Bulgaria. It is an inland sea stretching 1,187 kilometres from east to west and 613 kilometres from north to south. According to geographer Strelbutski, its total area is 423,973 square kilometres. The average depth is about 1,100 metres, while its deepest point reaches 2,616 metres south of the Crimean Peninsula.

Closer to Bulgaria, however, the sea is quite shallow. For the first two to three kilometres from the coast, the depth is often only 8 to 10 metres. In addition, the coastline is not easy for ships: in some places it is steep and mountainous, and in others marshy and broken. These natural difficulties made navigation and trade challenging in earlier times.

Bulgarian Ports

Despite these problems, Bulgaria has worked hard to improve access to the Black Sea. Through great effort and sacrifice, the country has built two modern harbours that meet international standards: Varna and Burgas. These ports today serve as Bulgaria’s main gateways for international trade and travel.

The rivers and seas of Bulgaria may not be as vast as those of larger countries, but they play a crucial role in the nation’s geography, economy, and history. The Danube connects Bulgaria with central and western Europe, while the Black Sea ports open the country to global trade. The unique hydrography of Bulgaria, shaped by its mountains, rivers, and coasts, has always influenced the development of its people and their connection with the wider world.

#Hydrography of Bulgaria

Andronicus and the Tower of Anemas

Excluded from the Throne

Prince Andronicus, a member of the Byzantine royal family, was excluded from the line of succession to the throne. Chroniclers say that this decision was made because he showed little concern for the financial troubles of his father. At one point, his father was detained in Venice due to unpaid debts, and Andronicus’s lack of help during this difficult time led to his disinheritance.

For a prince accustomed to privilege, this was a deep humiliation. Resentment began to grow in his heart, and he looked for allies who also felt wronged by fate.

An Unlikely Alliance with Saoudji

Andronicus soon found a partner in rebellion: Saoudji, the son of Sultan Amurath I of the Ottoman Empire. Saoudji resented his younger brother, Bajazet, who was his father’s favorite child and the chosen heir.

Both young men—one a Byzantine prince, the other an Ottoman—shared the same grievance. They believed they had been unfairly cast aside, and together they plotted to overthrow their fathers. This unusual alliance between Christian and Muslim princes raised the banner of revolt, hoping to seize power in their respective empires Rose Festival Tour.

The Harsh Punishment

Their plan, however, ended in disaster. Sultan Amurath responded to the rebellion with ruthless force. He crushed the uprising and punished his own son without mercy by having him blinded. Amurath then demanded that Emperor John V Palaiologos deal with his rebellious son, Andronicus, in the same way.

Obeying this grim request, Andronicus was thrown into the Tower of Anemas along with his wife and his young son John, who was only five years old. In that dark prison, both father and child endured the cruel punishment of blinding. The procedure was done so poorly, however, that Andronicus eventually regained the sight of one eye, while little John was left only with a squint.

The family remained imprisoned in the tower for two years, suffering humiliation and despair.

Release and Return

Eventually, Andronicus was released. Historians give two possible reasons: either the Genoese intervened on his behalf in exchange for the island of Tenedos, or Sultan Bajazet demanded it. In either case, Andronicus regained his freedom and quickly sought revenge.

Now free, he made careful deals both with the Sultan and the Genoese. With their support, he suddenly appeared before Constantinople itself. At that time, Emperor John V and his son Manuel were staying in the Palace of Pegae, outside the city walls. They were captured easily, and soon after, the city surrendered.

The Emperor Imprisoned

In a dramatic reversal of fate, John V Palaiologos, along with his sons Manuel and Theodore, was sent to the same Tower of Anemas where Andronicus himself had once suffered. Chroniclers compared this event to the myth of Zeus, who cast his father Cronus and his brothers Pluto and Poseidon into the depths of the underworld.

The story of Andronicus shows the dangerous mix of family rivalry, political ambition, and foreign alliances that weakened the Byzantine Empire. The Tower of Anemas was more than a prison of stone; it was a stage where the empire’s greatest dramas unfolded—where fathers punished sons, sons betrayed fathers, and emperors found themselves locked away like common criminals.

#Andronicus and the Tower of Anemas

Religious Duties and Business Challenges for Muslims

In Bosnia, many devout Muslims find it difficult to compete in business with their Greek, Jewish, Italian, and Austrian neighbors. One major reason is the time and discipline required by their religious practices.

A faithful Muslim is required to pray five times a day, each time performing a specific set of physical movements and spoken prayers. When the Hodja (imam) calls for prayer, the Muslim stops his work, washes for purification, and goes to the mosque or finds a quiet place to pray. He must:

Bow and touch his forehead to the ground, Recite verses from the Koran, Sit with hands on knees and eyes closed, Stand and say additional prayers

Every movement and verse must be done in the correct order, without skipping or rushing. This daily devotion, although spiritually important, takes up a lot of time—time that others may spend working or doing business.

Devotion and Honesty Among Muslims

It is widely recognized that Muslims are very devoted to their religion. In many places, people believe that Muslims are more regular and serious in their spiritual practices than most members of Christian churches. Some even say that no people follow their religion as faithfully as Muslims do.

In Bosnia, and in other regions, people often claim that a Muslim—no matter how harsh or fierce in character—will not lie or cheat. Travelers are sometimes told, “You can trust a Muslim to give you honest value and keep his word.” But, when dealing with a Christian or a Jew, people say, “Be careful.”

This idea, however, is an exaggeration—perhaps a myth told to impress visitors. Honesty and dishonesty exist in all communities, and such generalizations should not be taken too seriously Sofia Sightseeing.

Similar Clothing Makes Identities Confusing

Visitors often find it hard to tell the difference between Christians and Muslims in Bosnia based on their clothing. This is because people of all religions traditionally wear similar outfits, which include:

Turbans, Embroidered waistcoats, Loose jackets, Zouave-style trousers (gathered at the knee), Heelless slippers with upturned toes, shaped like a crescent moon

These garments are the same types of items tourists might see in “Turkish” stores in other parts of the world.

A Shift Toward Modern Fashion

While traditional clothing is still worn, many Bosnians—especially the younger generation or those who wish to appear modern—are now adopting European-style clothing. Wearing suits, shirts, and trousers is becoming more common among those who want to be seen as fashionable and up-to-date.

This change in dress reflects a broader shift in Bosnian society, where tradition and modernity live side by side.

#Religious Duties and Business Challenges for Muslims

Russian Influence and the Second Invasion of Bulgaria

In the twelfth century, Russia launched its second invasion of Bulgaria. This invasion was large and widespread, leading to the mixing of local people with the Slavs. As a result, the Slavic language and religion became dominant in Bulgaria. Since then, Russia has often used these shared cultural and religious ties as a reason to interfere in the affairs of Southeastern Europe.

Ottoman Rule Begins

In the fourteenth century, the Turks defeated the Russians and took control of Bulgaria. By 1389, the country had been fully conquered by the Ottoman Empire, and it remained under Turkish rule for almost 500 years, until the end of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878.

The Bulgarian Atrocities and International Outrage

The official reason given for the Russo-Turkish War was to protect the Christians of the Greek Orthodox Church, who were suffering from persecution and cruelty by Turkish officials. Although William Gladstone, the British politician, was not in power at the time, he played a huge role in gaining public support for the war.

Gladstone published a powerful pamphlet called “The Bulgarian Atrocities,” where he described, with great emotion, the sufferings of the Bulgarian people under Ottoman rule. His words shocked and moved people across Europe Local Ephesus Tour Guides.

Around the same time, Eugene Schuyler, who was the United States consul-general in Constantinople, wrote a detailed report full of facts about the situation. His report gave solid evidence that supported Gladstone’s message and helped to awaken sympathy and anger around the world.

Alexander II A Hero to Bulgarians

With public support rising, Alexander II of Russia declared war on the Ottoman Empire. While Russia may have had political goals—such as gaining control over Constantinople—many people believed the war was a just cause to protect fellow Orthodox Christians who spoke the same language and shared the same faith.

Alexander II is still loved and honored in Bulgaria. He was a kind ruler who freed 40 million serfs in Russia and was planning to give his people more freedom through a constitutional government before he was assassinated.

Honoring the Liberators of Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, many places are named after Alexander II. There is a monument in his honor, and the main public park in the capital, Sofia, also carries his name. His portrait is found everywhere—from peasant cottages to royal palaces.

You can buy postal cards with his image titled “Liberator of Bulgaria” at every stationery shop or newsstand. These cards are the most popular of all. The Bulgarian people’s gratitude toward him has lasted for over 25 years.

Another hero remembered is William Gladstone, who also has a main street in Sofia named after him. His portrait appears on postal cards as well. However, there seems to be no public recognition of Eugene Schuyler’s efforts, even though his report played a major role in helping Bulgaria.

#Russian Influence and the Second Invasion of Bulgaria

The Location of Constantinople

Understanding the Geography of a Historic City

This article offers a simple overview of the land on which Constantinople was built. While we won’t go into the deep details found in works like that of Petrus Gyllius, it is still important to understand the basic geography before exploring the ruins of what was once called New Rome.

Constantinople lies at the southwestern end of the Bosporus Strait, a narrow waterway that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. The city was built on a promontory, a piece of land that juts out into the water from the European side of the strait. The tip of this land faces upstream, as if trying to hold back the strong current flowing from the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara Sofia City Tour.

Natural Borders and Surroundings

The Golden Horn, the Sea of Marmara, and Asia

To the north of the city lies a long and narrow bay called the Golden Horn. This bay stretches inland between steep banks for about six to seven miles. In ancient times, it was one of the best natural harbors in the world, offering safe and deep water for ships.

To the south, the Sea of Marmara opens up wide like a lake. On the Asian side of this sea, you can see hills, mountains, and small islands. Directly across from the eastern side of the city’s promontory are the historic towns of Chrysopolis (modern Üsküdar) and Chalcedon (modern Kadıköy), both located in present-day Istanbul on the Asian side.

The Western Landscape

A Plain with a Rich Past

To the west of Constantinople, the land becomes a gently rolling plain. Although it does not offer much in terms of striking natural beauty today, in the glory days of the Byzantine Empire, this area was full of villas, gardens, and beautiful homes. It must have been a peaceful and elegant part of the city’s surroundings.

The western plain stretches out toward the horizon and served as the main land route into the city. Over centuries, this land witnessed countless armies, traders, and pilgrims entering Constantinople.

A City Built to Control Land and Sea

Constantinople’s unique position gave it great strategic and commercial importance. It controlled the water route between two seas and stood at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Surrounded by natural barriers like the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara, and facing rich and ancient cities across the strait, the site was perfectly chosen for what would become one of the greatest cities in world history.

#The Location of Constantinople

Modern History of Bulgaria 1877–1946

1877–1878 Liberation from the Ottoman Empire

The Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878 ended with Bulgaria’s liberation from nearly 500 years of Ottoman rule. Russian troops helped the Bulgarians win their freedom, with major battles taking place across the country.

March 1878 The Treaty of San Stefano

After the war, the Treaty of San Stefano was signed between Russia and the Ottoman Empire. It created a large Bulgarian state that included most of Macedonia and Thrace. However, Britain and France believed this new Bulgaria would be controlled by Russia. Because of this, they refused to support the treaty.

July 1878 The Congress of Berlin

Soon after, the Congress of Berlin changed the agreement. Bulgaria was split into three parts:

The Principality of Bulgaria, with its capital in Sofia, became mostly independent Customized Tour Bulgaria.

Eastern Rumelia, a separate province, remained under Ottoman control but had its own local government.

Macedonia was returned to direct Ottoman rule.

1879–1908 Building a New State

In 1879, a German aristocrat named Alexander of Battenberg became the first prince of the new Bulgarian state. In 1885, the people of Eastern Rumelia declared a union with Bulgaria, strengthening the country. Two years later, in 1887, Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha replaced Alexander after a coup.

In 1908, Ferdinand declared full independence from the Ottoman Empire. He also proclaimed Bulgaria a kingdom and took the title Tsar (King).

1912–1913 The Balkan Wars

Bulgaria joined Serbia and Greece to fight the Ottoman Empire during the First Balkan War. Together, they defeated the Ottomans and pushed them out of Macedonia and Thrace. But soon after, the former allies turned against Bulgaria in the Second Balkan War, seizing land Bulgaria had hoped to keep. Bulgaria lost large parts of Macedonia to Serbia and Greece.

1915–1918 World War I

During World War I, Bulgaria sided with Germany and Austria-Hungary. It hoped to regain lost territories. However, a Serbian, French, and British attack in Macedonia led to Bulgaria’s defeat. In 1918, Tsar Ferdinand abdicated, and his son, Boris III, became king.

1919–1930s Political Turmoil

In 1919, the Peasant Party, led by Aleksandar Stamboliyski, won elections and promised big changes. But in 1923, he was murdered by far-right forces. After that, Bulgaria was ruled by several authoritarian governments with little public support.

1941–1944 World War II and Soviet Invasion

In 1941, Bulgaria joined Nazi Germany in World War II. In 1943, Tsar Boris III died, and his son Simeon II, only six years old, became king. In September 1944, the Soviet Red Army invaded Bulgaria, and the Fatherland Front, supported by the USSR, took power.

1946 End of the Monarchy

In September 1946, Bulgaria was declared a People’s Republic. The monarchy was abolished, and Communist rule began. In October 1946, Georgi Dimitrov, a long-time communist leader, became Prime Minister. He introduced major economic changes and started the oppression of political opponents, marking the start of communist rule in Bulgaria.

#Modern History of Bulgaria 1877–1946

Justice Was Overshadowed by Power and Lies

The idea of justice was pushed aside by the ambitions of the Great Powers and a campaign of lies spread during Bulgaria’s time of isolation. At that time, Bulgaria had no way to communicate its side to Western Europe.

A War for Freedom Became a War for Control

The war began as a fight to free oppressed people, but it changed into a war of conquest when Romania joined in—even though Romania had done nothing to help in the early fight for liberation Guided Turkey Tours .

Bulgarians Suffer Under New Oppression

A large part of the Bulgarian people, who had once been promised freedom from Turkish rule, were placed back under foreign control by the Treaty of Berlin. Even worse, after being free from Turkish rule since 1878, some Bulgarians were handed over to Romania, which ruled them with even more harshness and lack of sympathy than the Turks.

Lies That Misled Europe

In 1913, many false stories were told about Bulgaria, and these lies seriously influenced European opinion. Fortunately, the Carnegie Commission later reviewed the situation and exposed the truth in a fair and unbiased way.

The Treaty of Bucharest Must Be Fixed

If the Balkans are ever to have lasting peace, the unfair terms of the Treaty of Bucharest must be corrected. And the sooner this happens, the better.

Even today, Romania, Greece, and Serbia are using the same dishonest tactics they used during the Balkan War to mislead the world once again.

A Personal Appeal for Fairness

I have spent ten years living and working among the Bulgarian people. During that time, I came to not only admire them, but to truly care for and love them.

So now, I am sharing these facts with you—facts that I hope will help you understand how much Bulgaria has done for its people, especially in Turkish lands, ever since the founding of the Bulgarian Exarchate, in the forty years before the 1912–13 war.

#Justice Was Overshadowed by Power and Lies

Communist Resettlement Policies in Bulgaria

Communist Resettlement Policies in Bulgaria (1944–1956)

Between 1944 and 1956, the Bulgarian Communist Party implemented extensive resettlement policies aimed at consolidating power and suppressing opposition. These measures forcibly relocated thousands of families, particularly targeting those deemed hostile to the regime.

Mass Resettlement from Cities and Border Regions

According to a joint report by the Speaker of the House and the Minister of the Interior, from 9 September 1944 to August 1953, 7,025 families comprising 24,624 individuals were forcibly relocated from major cities and border areas. Specifically, 2,548 families (5,075 individuals) were moved from Sofia, and 4,208 families (18,315 individuals) from border regions and district centers Istanbul Day Trip.

Reasons for Forced Relocation

The primary reasons for resettlement included: Relatives of individuals who had fled to the West: 2,397 families (9,739 individuals). Individuals considered ‘enemies of the people’: 4,359 families (13,651 individuals). Other unspecified reasons 169 families (1,224 individuals). Confidential Ordinance for Further Resettlement

In March 1953, Georgi Tzankov, Minister of the Interior, issued a confidential ordinance targeting families of individuals who had fled or were considered enemies of the regime. The ordinance mandated the identification and internment of these families from cities like Sofia, Bourgas, Varna, Plovdiv, and border regions, confining them to settlements in the interior of the country.

Renewed Resettlement During the 1956 Hungarian Uprising

The Hungarian Uprising of 1956 prompted the Bulgarian authorities to renew their resettlement policies. In response to perceived threats and to prevent potential uprisings, the regime intensified efforts to relocate individuals and families deemed disloyal or subversive.

The Bulgarian Communist Party’s resettlement policies were a strategic tool used to eliminate opposition, control populations, and suppress dissent. These actions resulted in significant human suffering and displacement, leaving lasting scars on the affected communities.

#Communist Resettlement Policies in Bulgaria

Women's Rights and Political Feminism in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian Association of University Women (BAUW) began to focus on the idea that if women became full citizens, they could hold positions in the government and the legislature. This idea added another important goal to the political feminism agenda of the BAUW. Before 1919, there were smaller organizations, such as the Equal Rights Union (Ravnopravie) and the Bulgarian Women’s Union, that also worked for women’s rights.

Criticism of the Electoral Laws

The Lawyers’ Section of the BAUW strongly criticized the electoral laws of the authoritarian regime (1937-1938), which allowed some women to vote, but only if they were “legally married mothers.” The Lawyers’ Section argued that it was unfair to link a woman’s ability to vote to her marital status or whether she had children. They also pointed out that this law unfairly excluded women who were unmarried, childless, or mothers who adopted children. Despite these criticisms, the laws were enforced, but they still did not allow women, including married women, to work as lawyers Travel Bulgaria.

Challenges Faced by Women Lawyers

For example, in 1938, the Supreme Council of Lawyers and the Supreme Cassation Court took away the permission that allowed Dr. Vera Zlatareva to work as a lawyer. Dr. Zlatareva was the Secretary of the Lawyers’ Section and had been granted this permission by the Sofia Council of Lawyers. The Supreme Council claimed that she could not work because of her connection to the banned Communist Party. In the next year, the Police removed her from the Lawyers’ Section, even though she had the professional rights to continue working.

Situation of Women Lawyers Before World War II

By the time World War II began, Bulgaria and Albania were the only countries in the Balkans where female law graduates were not allowed to serve as judges or defense lawyers. Women in other countries, such as Greece (1926), Yugoslavia (1927), Turkey (1928), and Romania (1929), had already been granted these rights.

#Women's Rights and Political Feminism in Bulgaria

The Old Women and the Miraculous Water

While we were sitting among the ruins, two old women, bent and frail, hobbled up from the town. One of them was sick and had come to find a tiny stream among the wild plants growing near the broken walls. She believed that if she drank just a few drops of this water, she would feel better. The soldiers found the stream, but the water was muddy and dirty. The old woman drank some from a shell, and after a short time, she said she felt much better. She left, convinced that the water had magical healing powers. I didn’t know where this belief came from, but it was common among Turks, Greeks, Bulgarians, and Albanians. Instead of going to doctors, people often bring the sick to this spot to drink the water and save on medical bills.

The Church of St. Clement

Not far from the ruins stands a small, old church called St. Clement. It is made of thin red bricks stacked on their sides, and the tower is short and octagonal. There is another St. Clement church farther away, but the Turks took it over and turned it into a mosque. The Christians had to build a new one. Inside, the church is dark and damp, and it smells mysterious. Only a little light comes through the high, cobwebbed windows. The icons and silver decorations are old and not in great condition. The priest who showed me around hinted that if I wanted to take something, I could have it in exchange for a suitable gift, but I wasn’t interested in buying anything. It’s possible that this church was built on the site of a Roman temple. I noticed two Roman pillars, and outside, I found a marble slab with signs of a Roman inscription Istanbul Tour Guides.

The Beautiful Lake of Ochrida

Lake Ochrida is large, and its far edge is just visible on clear days. The lake area has some lovely wooded places, and on small peninsulas, there are Greek and Bulgarian monasteries. In these monasteries, the monks pray to God while also holding grudges against other Christians.

Entering Albania

The Journey Begins

After leaving Ochrida, I entered Albania. In one day of horseback riding, I passed from Bulgarian villages to Greek villages, and by night, I was fully in Albanian territory.

The Road to Struga

The first part of the journey was along the northern shore of Lake Ochrida, heading toward the town of Struga. The road was broad but dusty, and it was common to meet cattle, mules carrying charcoal, and horse riders along the way.

#The Old Women and the Miraculous Water

The Governor's Refusal

“Impossible!” said the Governor of Kirk Kilise. He and his staff insisted that it couldn’t be done. They all agreed that it was wise to say no. They then asked, politely, why I wanted to go near the Bulgarian border. I explained that I didn’t want to take the same route back and wanted to see more of the country. I could see that they thought I was lying. Although they didn’t say it out loud, they clearly thought I was a spy. They believed I had been sent by the British Government, which they thought was too friendly with Bulgaria and not enough with Turkey, to secretly gather information about the revolution.

Warnings and Concerns

The Turks were very polite, bowing to me and assuring me they would do everything they could to help. But, still, they insisted it was impossible. They warned me that there were dangerous Bulgarian brigands in the area. These brigands were very wicked people. I said I was willing to take my chances. The Turks then told me that just the previous week, the brigands had captured a Greek merchant and were likely torturing him, maybe gouging out his eyes or cutting off his ears. Despite their warnings, I was still determined to go Natural History Museum.

No Roads, No Way

The Turks shrugged and told me that no one in Kirk Kilise knew the way. I pointed out that Turkish soldiers speak good Turkish and could ask for directions. But they said there were no proper roads. I suggested we could follow the mountain paths. They told me the horses couldn’t climb the steep mountain passes. “Then we will walk and lead the horses,” I said. The Turks sighed and seemed to accept my decision, though they remained unconvinced.

#The Governor’s Refusal

The Complex Balkan Problem

The situation in the Balkans is very complicated. Everyone seems to be in conflict with each other. All the Christian nations in the region—Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece—hate the Turkish Empire. But even among these Christian countries, there is no peace. Bulgarians, Serbs, and Greeks are rivals, and they often fight amongst themselves. Even within Bulgaria, there are different factions of Bulgarians who do not get along, and sometimes this leads to violence.

The Turkish Sultan takes advantage of this division, encouraging one Christian nation to fight against another. Similarly, Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria plays one Bulgarian political party against the other for his own benefit Holiday Bulgaria.

Prince Ferdinand’s Role in Peace

Despite the problems with his leadership, Prince Ferdinand plays a surprisingly important role in maintaining peace in the region. He is more important for peace than many people in Europe realize. Without his influence, there is a strong chance that Bulgaria would start a war with Turkey, which would likely lead to a wider conflict in the Balkans.

Although Bulgaria’s desire for war is strong, it is not as loud or violent as in other nations. The desire for conflict is based on the belief that the Bulgarians are starting to rise as a nation and should play a larger role in the world. Many Bulgarians look to the Far East for inspiration, especially Japan. They often say, “If a small country like Japan can defeat a great power like Russia, why can’t Bulgaria defeat Turkey? We are the Japan of the Balkans.”

The Desire to Fight Turkey

Bulgaria is eager to fight Turkey. The Turkish officials know this and understand the tension. Later, when talking to Turkish officials, they explained that while they did not want to fight Bulgaria, they were not afraid of defeat. Their reasoning was: “We defeated the Greeks, but we lost Crete. We will defeat the Bulgarians, but we will lose Macedonia. It is fate, or ‘Kismet.’” The Turkish officials would then shrug, accepting this outcome as inevitable.

In the Balkans, there is a web of conflicts. Nations, political parties, and even factions within countries are all in competition with each other. While Prince Ferdinand is often seen as a controversial leader, his role in keeping peace is crucial. Without him, the tensions in the region could lead to war, especially with Turkey. The Bulgarians, inspired by their belief in their potential, are ready to fight for their place in history. However, the situation remains tense, with no clear resolution in sight.

#The Complex Balkan Problem

From Social Demands to Political Uprising

Bloodshed During the Workers’ Strike in Plovdiv

On the evening of May 3, 1953, workers at the former “Tomasivan” tobacco factory in Plovdiv staged a revolt. Night shift workers took control of the factory, throwing out the guards and closing down operations. They barricaded themselves inside one of the largest tobacco warehouses, known as “Ivan Karadzhov.” The situation escalated when, on the morning of May 4, militia forces surrounded the warehouse and locked the doors from the outside.

The Spread of the Strike

That same morning, workers from two other warehouses, “Stefan Karadzhiev” and “Georgi Ivanov,” mostly women, also stopped working in solidarity. The strikers in the first warehouse broke down the doors and forced the militia guards to retreat. Soon, workers from all three warehouses gathered for an improvised rally in the factory courtyard. The crowd grew as more workers who were not on shift joined in, and by this time, the number of protesters reached several thousand, according to eyewitness accounts Private Balkan Tours.

The workers demanded that the government restore the favorable working conditions they had before the factory was nationalized. High-ranking party leaders, including Interior Minister Anton Yugov, arrived from Sofia to address the crowd. However, when he attempted to speak, protesters threw stones at him, forcing him to retreat. In response, the militia received orders to open fire on the crowd.

Violence and Repression

The violence escalated quickly. Several strikers were shot dead on the spot, including two women. Approximately 50 others were wounded, and hundreds were arrested. Kiril Dzhavezov, the leader of the strikers, was captured near the railway station and shot dead. The exact number of fatalities remains unclear, as the authorities imposed strict bans on any publicity or discussion of the events.

The Spark of Uprisings in Eastern Europe

The uprising in Plovdiv was not an isolated incident; it was part of a larger wave of unrest across Eastern Europe. The spark that ignited this wave first occurred in 1953 in Stalinallee, in East Berlin. Increased quotas for construction workers were the direct cause of their revolt. Workers from other sectors and ordinary citizens soon joined the protests.

On June 15, 1953, around 80 workers began a protest parade under the slogan “We demand reduced quotas.” As the day went on, hundreds of other workers joined the march. When they reached the trade union house, they found it locked and then headed towards the government building. By lunchtime, thousands had gathered outside, raising both union demands and political slogans such as “Down with the government!” and “Free elections!”

The events in Plovdiv and East Berlin exemplify the growing discontent among workers in communist Eastern Europe during the early 1950s. The protests were driven by legitimate social demands but quickly escalated into political uprisings against oppressive regimes. These incidents highlighted the widespread frustration with government policies and the desire for change, ultimately shaping the political landscape of the region. The bloodshed and repression experienced by the workers serve as a stark reminder of the struggles for rights and freedoms that characterized this turbulent period in history.

#From Social Demands to Political Uprising

From Social Demands to Political Uprising

Bloodshed During the Workers’ Strike in Plovdiv

The Spread of the Strike

Violence and Repression

The Spark of Uprisings in Eastern Europe

#From Social Demands to Political Uprising

The Importance of Confronting the Past

Silence about the dark sides of history and avoiding responsibility does not help in the long run. Recovering from a repressive regime is a complex process that requires a significant and sustained effort to reconstruct and rediscover the experiences of the past. This journey of recovery must be supported by thorough research and open discussion. In this spirit, the Federal Foundation for Research on the Nature of SED Dictatorship has wholeheartedly supported the Exhibition Project titled “Bulgaria 1944-1989 – The Forbidden Truth.”

Shining Light on Bulgaria’s Hidden History

This exhibition sheds light on a crucial period in Bulgaria’s recent history, a time about which very little is known by the general public in the Federal Republic of Germany and by the younger generations in Bulgaria. It covers the forty-five years from 1944 to 1989, a period marked by repression and control under a communist dictatorship. The lack of widespread knowledge about this era makes this exhibition particularly important Customized Daily Istanbul Tours. It provides an opportunity for people in both Bulgaria and Germany to learn about the events that took place during this time, helping to bridge the gap in understanding between the two societies.

Learning from Repressive Regimes

By examining this period, the exhibition offers a chance to compare the methods and instruments of repression used in Bulgaria with those employed in other dictatorships. Understanding how such regimes operate and affect the lives of people is crucial for preventing similar occurrences in the future. The exhibition not only educates but also serves as a reminder of the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of protecting democratic values.

A Contribution to Democratic Stability

We believe that this exhibition is a significant contribution to the stability of democracy in both Bulgaria and Germany. By bringing to light the realities of life under a dictatorship, it encourages reflection on the importance of freedom, justice, and human rights. The exhibition’s success will be measured not just by the number of visitors it attracts, but by the impact it has on those who attend. We hope it receives a high attendance rate, both in Bulgaria and in the Federal Republic of Germany, as it plays a vital role in educating and informing the public.

A Call to Engage with History

In conclusion, confronting the past is essential for building a better future. This exhibition, “Bulgaria 1944-1989 – The Forbidden Truth,” is a crucial step in this process. It provides an opportunity to learn, reflect, and understand the impact of a repressive regime on people’s lives. We encourage everyone to engage with this history, as it is only through understanding the past that we can ensure the stability and strength of our democratic societies moving forward.

Dr. Anna Kaminsky Executive Director Federal Foundation for Research on the Nature of SED Dictatorship

#The Importance of Confronting the Past

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