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Primary Schools and Population in Bulgaria

Distribution of Schools

The statistical tables for the school year 1903-1904 show that almost all schools of the different nationalities in Bulgaria were mixed schools, including those of the Mahommedans and Tartars.

Of all the schools in Bulgaria, 75.27% were Bulgarian—this includes national, private, Protestant, Catholic, and Mahommedan schools. The remaining 24.73% belonged to other nationalities, such as Turkish, Greek, Jewish, French, German, Armenian, Roumanian, and Lipovane.

Schools Compared to Population

According to the census of January 1, 1901, the Principality of Bulgaria had a total population of 3,744,283, with 1,909,567 males and 1,834,716 females.

During the school year 1903-1904, there were 4,344 schools, which means there was approximately one school for every 862 people Customised Private Istanbul Tour.

However, this proportion varies among different nationalities:

For the Bulgarian population (2,887,860), there was one school for every 943 inhabitants.

For the Mahommedan population (539,656), one school for every 563 inhabitants.

For the Greek population (70,887), one school for every 1,337 inhabitants.

For the Jewish population (32,573), one school for every 1,018 inhabitants.

This shows that smaller minority communities often had fewer schools per person compared to the majority Bulgarian population.

Number of Students

The total number of students in all schools was 340,668, including 220,620 boys and 120,048 girls. The distribution by nationality was as follows:

Schools Boys Girls Total Students Bulgarian national 167,760 94,541 262,301 Bulgarian private 1,243 505 1,748 Bulgarian Mahommedan 805 343 1,148 Bulgarian Catholic 246 196 442 Bulgarian Protestant 113 104 217 Turkish 23,537 20,051 43,588 Greek 3,173 1,673 4,846 Jewish 2,694 1,659 4,353 Armenian — 367 793 French — 297 309 Tartar — 141 115 German — 115 88 Roumanian — 139 109 Lipovane — — 16

Observations

These statistics show that the Bulgarian schools accounted for the vast majority of students, reflecting the size of the Bulgarian population. Minority communities had smaller numbers of schools and students, but all had access to education according to the national law.

The data also highlight the importance of mixed schools, which helped promote education for both boys and girls across all nationalities in the Principality.

#Primary Schools and Population in Bulgaria

The Grand National Assembly

The Grand National Assembly of Bulgaria has the same structure as the ordinary National Assembly. Its members are elected in the same way and represent the people through a system of deputies. The main difference is the number of deputies. In a Grand National Assembly, the number of members is twice as many as in the ordinary Assembly. This means that every 20,000 inhabitants send two deputies instead of one.

The Grand National Assembly is a special body and has the power to decide only on matters for which it has been specifically convened. It is not a permanent institution but is called only in exceptional and important cases.

When the Grand National Assembly is Convened

The Grand National Assembly is called in the following situations:

Territorial Changes – To decide on questions of exchanging or giving away part of the territory of the Principality.

Revision of the Constitution – To make changes or improvements to the Constitution.

Succession to the Throne – To elect a new Prince when the reigning family becomes extinct and there are no descendants who can inherit the throne.

Regency – To appoint regents when the heir to the throne is underage.

Foreign Authority – To authorize the Prince to accept the government of another State, if such a case arises Istanbul Tours Guide.

These duties show that the Grand National Assembly is reserved for major national decisions that affect the future of the country.

The State Budget

Every year, the State Budget must be submitted to the legislative Assembly for approval. The budget is carefully examined chapter by chapter. The Assembly has the power to reject or modify any chapter, but it must always give clear reasons for its decision.

In urgent situations where the National Assembly cannot be convened in time, the previous year’s budget remains in force. However, this is only valid if the Assembly later approves it in its next session. In such cases, the ministers share joint responsibility for the expenditures made.

Importance of These Institutions

Both the Grand National Assembly and the State Budget play a central role in Bulgaria’s governance. The Grand Assembly ensures that the most critical constitutional and territorial matters are decided collectively, while the budget guarantees that public money is spent legally and responsibly. Together, they safeguard both the political stability and the financial order of the country.

#The Grand National Assembly

Election of the Bulgarian Prince

After the Russo-Turkish War and the preliminary Treaty of San Stefano, it was agreed that the Prince of Bulgaria would be freely chosen by the Bulgarian people. However, this choice also required the approval of the Sublime Porte (the Ottoman government) and the consent of the Great Powers of Europe. The Prince could not be a member of any reigning European family, ensuring that Bulgaria would have a leader connected primarily to the Bulgarian nation. If the throne became vacant, a new election would follow under the same conditions and procedures.

Preparation of the Constitution

Before the election of the Prince, an assembly of notables was to be convened. This assembly would include representatives of Bulgaria, a Turkish Commissioner, and an Imperial Commissioner. The assembly was responsible for drafting a constitutional statute, which would define the form of government, rights, and duties of citizens. The statute was to be modeled on the constitutions of other Danubian principalities established after the Treaty of Adrianople in 1830. The meetings of the assembly were planned to take place in Timova or Philippopolis, important centers of Bulgarian administration at the time Guided Tours Turkey.

Confirmation by the Treaties

The Treaty of San Stefano laid the foundation for this system, effectively sketching the form of government that Bulgaria would adopt. Later, the Congress of Berlin reviewed and confirmed these decisions. According to the Treaty of Berlin, Bulgaria was to be an independent Principality, still technically subject to the Ottoman Sultan, but governed by a Christian administration with a national militia. The election of the Prince and the drafting of the constitution were key steps in establishing the autonomy and self-governance of Bulgaria.

Significance

This process marked the first formal recognition of Bulgaria’s political independence in modern times. By combining the authority of the people, the oversight of the Ottoman government, and the guarantee of the Great Powers, Bulgaria was able to establish a constitutional and autonomous state, laying the foundation for its future development as a nation.

#Election of the Bulgarian Prince

The Walls Along the Golden Horn

The harbour fortifications of Constantinople were built to protect the city from attacks coming from the sea. These strong walls stretched along the Golden Horn, covering the area from the Acropolis (today’s Seraglio Point) to the point where the land walls ended at Blachernae. According to the traveler Bondelmontius, the Golden Horn walls were reinforced with about one hundred and ten towers.

Unlike the great land walls, these fortifications consisted mostly of a single line of defense. Still, they were extremely important, as they protected the northern side of the Byzantine capital, which was always vulnerable to naval attacks.

The Location of the Walls

The harbour walls were built at a short distance from the water. This was done to allow space for commercial activities and the heavy traffic of the port. However, this narrow strip of land outside the walls was much smaller in ancient times than it is today. Over the centuries, earth and rubble deposits extended the land outward, giving the present shore a different shape Bulgaria Tours.

This difference in distance explains an important historical event. During the Fourth Crusade, in 1203 and 1204, the Venetian fleet was able to bring its ships so close to the Golden Horn walls that soldiers could fight face to face with the defenders. In at least one case, a flying bridge was extended from a Venetian ship directly to a tower of the wall. This allowed the attackers to cross over and capture the tower. Such an action would be impossible at the current distance between the shore and the walls, except perhaps near Seraglio Point.

The Strategic Importance of the Golden Horn

The Golden Horn was one of the most vital parts of Constantinople. It served both as a commercial harbor and as a line of defense. Any enemy who managed to break through here could easily threaten the heart of the city. That is why the Byzantines invested great effort in maintaining and repairing these fortifications whenever danger approached.

The walls along the harbour did not just protect trade; they also represented the wealth and power of the empire. Merchants, sailors, and foreign visitors arriving at Constantinople first saw these defenses, which stood as a reminder of the city’s strength.

The Gates of the Harbour Walls

One of the most notable features of the Golden Horn fortifications was their gates. These gates provided controlled access between the city and the waterfront.

To the east of the Xylo Porta (the “Wooden Gate”), a break in the wall shows the location of a gate that the Ottomans later named Küçük Aivan Serai Kapısı, meaning “the Small Gate of Aivan Serai.” This gate was connected by a short street leading southwards to the famous Church of the Theotokos at Blachernae. To the north, it opened onto the Aivan Serai landing place, which served as a small port for that district of the city.

It is believed that this gate was once known as the Porta Kiliomene. Historical records suggest that Byzantine emperors used this very gate when they arrived by water to visit the Church of the Theotokos or the nearby Blachernae Palace. The Senate would receive the emperor here, marking the gate as a ceremonial entrance.

Legacy of the Golden Horn Walls

The walls along the Golden Horn remind us of the city’s long struggle for survival. They were not as strong as the massive land walls, but they played a critical role in protecting the city’s northern front. Over the centuries, these walls witnessed crusaders, Genoese fleets, Ottoman forces, and countless merchants passing by.

Today, much of the Golden Horn shoreline has changed, yet traces of these fortifications still tell the story of Byzantium’s determination to defend its great capital.

#The Walls Along the Golden Horn

Entering Hellenic Ground

When you leave Brindisi, heading east, you enter Hellenic land, the land of Greece. The Adriatic Sea, though often praised for its beauty, is known to have an unpredictable temperament. While it’s often called “the blue Adriatic,” “the gem of seas,” or “the sapphire sea,” it is also known as “the stormy Adriatic.” An experienced sailor once told me, “It can stir up more waves than the Atlantic Ocean with the slightest provocation.”

Steamers to Greece

The steamers to Greece usually leave Brindisi at midnight, so they can arrive at the Greek coast early in the morning. When you wake up, you might be able to see the sunrise over the Albanian mountains of Turkey, which are often covered with snow. This marks your arrival in the land of mythology. Every island, mountain, and valley here is linked to a Greek legend or an ancient battle from the classical world. You’ll find that the places and names of ancient history feel real and familiar as you look at them from the deck of the steamer.

The Island of Corfu

The first stop in Greece is Corfu, a beautiful island located off the coast of Turkey. Here, you get your first look at oriental life and its customs. Tourists often get excited and start taking pictures of everything, from the ruins to the unique scenes that remind them of the warriors, heroes, and philosophers they read about in their studies. Greece is full of such historical sites Private Sofia Tours.

Ithaca and the Odyssey

Ithaca, the island connected to Odysseus, stirs strong memories. According to Homer’s Odyssey, after being shipwrecked, Ulysses (Odysseus) landed on Corfu. He swam to the shore and, to protect himself from the cold, made a bed of dead leaves on the rocks. After enduring great hardships and dangers, he fell into a deep, dreamless sleep. There, he was discovered by Nausicaa, the daughter of King Alcinous. Homer describes Nausicaa’s beauty in detail, and she led Ulysses to her father’s palace. The palace had lovely gardens with delicious fruits, marking the beginning of Ulysses’ return journey after many years.

#Entering Hellenic Ground

The Cistern of Bonus and Its Importance

The Cistern of Bonus was located in a particularly cool area of Constantinople, making it an ideal spot during the hot summer months. Due to this location, Emperor Romanus I decided to build a palace near the cistern. This palace, known as the New Palace of Bonus, served as his residence during the warmer season.

Cool Location and Attractive Views

In Constantinople, there was no cooler place to be in the summer than the terrace where the Mosque of Sultan Selim now stands. The area offered a great view of the Golden Horn, which made it even more attractive. This combination of coolness and breathtaking views made it the perfect spot for the emperor to escape the heat of the summer months Private Sofia Tour.

Proximity to the Church of the Holy Apostles

Another important factor to consider is the Cistern of Bonus’s proximity to the Church of the Holy Apostles. On the eve of an important annual service held in the church to honor Constantine the Great, the Imperial Court would often stay at the Palace of Bonus. This was done to be within easy riding distance of the church for the festival the next morning. The close location of the Palace of Bonus to the Church of the Holy Apostles made it a convenient place for the emperor and his court to stay during the event.

The Route from the Palace to the Church

On the way from the Palace of Bonus to the Church of the Holy Apostles, there was an old cistern that had been converted into market gardens. This cistern might have been the one near the Mosque of Sultan Selim, which further supports the idea that the Cistern of Bonus was located near the mosque.

The Wall of Constantine and Its Relation to the Cistern

The Wall of Constantine, which surrounded Constantinople, passed close to the Cistern of Bonus. Specifically, the wall moved from the Cistern of Aspar to the Golden Horn, passing near the Mosque of Sultan Selim. This supports the idea that the cistern near the mosque could have been the Cistern of Bonus.

A Key Difference in Identification

However, there is a significant issue with identifying the Cistern of Bonus with the reservoir near the Mosque of Sultan Selim. The Cistern of Bonus was roofed, while the reservoir beside the mosque appears to have always been open. This key difference suggests that while the two locations are close, they may not be the same.

The Cistern of Bonus played an important role in the life of Constantinople. It was strategically located in a cool and pleasant area, close to the Palace of Bonus and the Church of the Holy Apostles. While there is evidence to support its location near the Mosque of Sultan Selim, the difference in the structure of the cisterns makes it uncertain whether they are the same. Further research may be needed to fully confirm the exact location of this significant Byzantine landmark.

#The Cistern of Bonus and Its Importance

Arte Hotel

Location: B-3, bul. Knyaz Dondukov 5 Contact: Tel: 402 7100

Arte Hotel opened at the end of 2005 and is located in a great central spot on a busy boulevard in Sofia. Even though the area can be noisy with the city’s famous screechy trams, the hotel is well soundproofed, so you can expect a peaceful night’s sleep.

The hotel owner loves art and has decorated the halls and restaurant with a beautiful collection of modern Bulgarian paintings. This makes the hotel feel unique and creative, fitting well with its name.

Rooms at Arte Hotel are modern and stylish, with white walls and decorations in warm terracotta or chocolate colors. Every room has a flat-screen TV for your entertainment. Breakfast is not included in the room price and costs an extra €10 per person Bulgaria Private Tour.

Atlantic Hotel

Location: H-8, ul. 19a 2, Simeonovo Contact: Tel: 961 34 00

Atlantic Hotel is located in Simeonovo, a quiet suburb on the lower slopes of Mount Vitosha. This hotel is perfect for guests looking for a peaceful, luxurious retreat outside the busy city.

The building looks impressive with two fancy turrets and feels very cozy inside. Bathrooms are a bit small, but the rooms are comfortable. One of the highlights is the restaurant on the top floor, which offers lovely views of Sofia.

Best Western Hotel Europe

Location: G-8, ul. Liditse 1 Contact: Tel: 970 15 00

Best Western Hotel Europe is a modern hotel on a quiet suburban street. The rooms are decorated in bright, cheerful citrus colors that create a fresh and happy atmosphere.

Some rooms have large bathrooms with bathtubs, but this is not guaranteed for every booking. The hotel’s top floor has a Sky Bar that offers fantastic views looking west towards the city and south towards Mount Vitosha.

Best Western Hotel Expo

Location: G-8, bul. Tsarigradsko shose 149 Contact: Tel: 817 81

Best Western Hotel Expo is an elegant business hotel located halfway between Sofia’s airport and city center. The hotel has a modern design with stylish details and interesting artwork in the rooms.

The staff is very professional and helpful. However, the hotel is in a plain part of town, so the views from the windows are not very exciting.

#Arte Hotel

The Murder of the Greek Bishops and the Conduct of the Greek Army

The Death of the Greek Bishops

The Carnegie Commission confirms that one Greek Bishop, the Bishop of Demir-Hissar, was killed. However, the claim that four Greek Bishops were murdered is not supported by evidence.

Brutal Actions of Greek Soldiers

The Carnegie Commission reports that European witnesses saw Greek soldiers behaving brutally.

Fifteen wounded Bulgarian soldiers took refuge in the Catholic Convent of Paliortsi, near Gheogeli, where they were cared for by the nuns Guided Turkey Tours .

Father Alloati, a priest, informed the Greek Commandant about the soldiers, prompting a search of the convent for a Bulgarian band leader named Arghyr, who was not there.

During the search:

Father Trepitche, a Bulgarian Catholic Priest, and the Armenian doctor of the convent were severely flogged in front of the Greek officers.

A Greek soldier attempted to rape a nun.

A sum of 300 Turkish pounds was stolen.

Five Bulgarian women and a young girl were tortured.

Many peasants were arrested without reason.

The Greek officer in charge threatened to kill Father Alloati and burn down the convent.

The Carnegie Commission comments that if such actions could happen in a building protected by the French flag, then it is likely that Bulgarian peasants suffered far worse.

The Discovery of Greek Soldiers’ Letters

On July 27th, the Bulgarians captured the baggage of the Greek 19th Infantry Regiment at Dobrinichte. Among the items found were letters written by Greek soldiers, which were mostly stamped with the regimental postal mark.

The Carnegie Commission carefully examined these letters and concluded:

The letters were genuine and confirmed the actions and thoughts of the Greek soldiers at the time.

The Carnegie Commission describes serious mistreatment and violence committed by the Greek soldiers, including attacks on civilians, priests, and nuns. The letters discovered provided further evidence of the tensions and cruelty during the conflict.

#The Murder of the Greek Bishops and the Conduct of the Greek Army

Bulgaria's Involvement in the 1968 Prague Spring

During the Prague Spring of 1968, Bulgaria took part in a Soviet-led invasion to suppress the political reforms happening in Czechoslovakia. The Bulgarian military played an active role in this operation, which was part of the larger Soviet effort to maintain strict control over Eastern Europe.

Bulgarian Military Units’ Tasks

As part of the intervention, the 12th Regiment of the Bulgarian army was assigned to take control of the cities of Banska Bistritsa and Zvolen, located in Slovakia. Their mission was to disarm the Czechoslovakian military units stationed in these areas. Meanwhile, the 22nd Regiment was tasked with taking control of the airports near Prague, specifically the Ruzyne and Vodohosti airports.

The soldiers involved were conscripts, meaning they were required to serve in the military, and most of them were unaware of their exact mission until the very last moment. For many of these young soldiers, the situation was a shock, especially when they encountered protesting students in the streets of Czechoslovakia. As some soldiers later reported, they were deeply disturbed by the sight of Czechoslovakian boys and girls, who were about the same age, standing in front of their tanks, protesting the invasion Customized Tour Istanbul.

One soldier from the 22nd Regiment lost his life during the mission. Although this may seem like a small casualty in the larger context, it highlights the violence and danger involved in the invasion.

Psychological Impact on Bulgarian Soldiers

The conscripted soldiers were shocked and experienced psychological trauma after being sent to Czechoslovakia. Many of these young men were not prepared to face the moral dilemma of having to suppress a peaceful protest led by people their own age. This emotional burden stayed with them long after the events ended. The trauma caused by seeing their peers stand up against their tanks remained a deeply troubling memory for many soldiers.

Political Repression in Bulgaria After the Prague Spring

In the wake of the Prague Spring, the Bulgarian Communist Party, led by the Politburo, pursued a hardline approach to prevent any similar movements within Bulgaria. The party’s primary goal was to maintain strict control over information that could influence Bulgarian society. The Communist regime tightened its grip on freedom of speech, especially among intellectuals and young people.

The Communist authorities increased their surveillance and pressure on artists, writers, and anyone who might oppose the regime’s policies. This period marked a return to the cultural stagnation that had occurred earlier between 1947 and 1958. Artistic freedom was restricted, and the government closely monitored anyone expressing non-conformist views.

The Role of State Security

As writer Georgi Markov later noted, following the events in Czechoslovakia, the State Security and its ideological departments grew significantly in strength. They expanded their power and took full control over all forms of ideological expression. Markov himself became a target of the State Security after he criticized the Bulgarian Communist regime. In 1978, Markov was murdered in London, likely because of his outspoken opposition to the government.

The events of 1968 had a profound impact on both Czechoslovakia and Bulgaria. For Bulgaria, the military intervention marked a strong commitment to Soviet-led policies. However, it also caused significant psychological trauma for the Bulgarian soldiers involved, who were forced to take part in an invasion they did not fully understand. Meanwhile, in the political and cultural sphere, the Communist regime tightened its control, ensuring that any form of dissent would be harshly suppressed, leaving a lasting impact on Bulgarian society.

#Bulgaria's Involvement in the 1968 Prague Spring

The Role of Women in Ancient Ceremonies

During important ceremonies, the prytaneis (officials in charge of religious duties) were accompanied by women called chaladeporos (basket carriers). These women carried baskets filled with sacred objects, helping with the rituals to protect the sacred fire (Hestia) during the ceremonies.

Change in Religion Over Time

As time passed, religion in the region changed. The new religion gradually replaced the old beliefs. The gods who were once believed to protect Ephesus lost their power, especially after major earthquakes in the 3rd century AD. These earthquakes not only affected the physical city but also weakened the people’s trust in their traditional polytheistic (many gods) religion. This created the conditions for new religious movements to spread, including the Mithraic cult and Christianity.

This shift is supported by the fact that the Prytaneion was not rebuilt after this period, and the Agora (public gathering area) was abandoned Customized Tour Bulgaria.

Inscriptions Found in the Prytaneion

Several inscriptions found in the Prytaneion show the gratitude of prytanists (officials) and their connection to the gods. Here are some examples:

“I, Fabonia Flacilla, prytanis, give thanks to the Hestia of the council and the eternal fire… for they let me return home safely after performing all the rituals for a whole year.”

“I, Aurelia Juliane, a virtuous and faithful prytanis, give thanks to Hestia and all the gods for bringing me safely back to my family.”

“We, Aurelius Euporistos, hestiuchos, and Aurelia Timothea, chaladeporos, give thanks for good fortune to the Hestia of the council, the eternal fire, and to all gods.”

“Aelius Elpidephoros, hestiuchos, and Aelia Pantheia, chaladeporos, give thanks to the Hestia of the council and the eternal fire… for a happy year.”

“God of all the best, the wise city founded by Androklos, virgin Hestia, and you, the mightiest of all gods, Artemis, be helpful to Tullia at all times, for the reason of our gratitude: he serves the city as prytanis and has used all his wealth for good works.”

Kuşadası and Its History

Kuşadası is named after the island nearby. In 1534, Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha built an inner castle on the island. Later, Ilyas Aga, the Governor of the Sigla district, surrounded it with city walls, marking the island’s historical significance.

#The Role of Women in Ancient Ceremonies

A Difficult Journey to Berat

Starting the Journey

Berat is located almost directly south of Elbasan, but I don’t know the exact distance. In the East, people don’t measure by distance but by how long it takes. The journey to Berat took fourteen hours, with only two short breaks of half an hour each. It rained for almost the entire trip, except for the last half hour.

We were supposed to leave at 2 AM. My Albanian guide, my dragoman, and I were ready, but the Turkish soldiers didn’t want to leave in the rain and darkness. After two days in Elbasan, with its coffee houses and cheap tobacco, the soldiers had become lazy Istanbul Day Tours.

Delays and Difficulties

Eventually, some of the soldiers were ready, and we started our journey. The guide led the way on a slow horse that made a lot of noise but didn’t move very quickly. We made our way through the dark streets of Elbasan, passing ducks and soldiers.

#A Difficult Journey to Berat

Villages and Tensions in Macedonia

We passed through a Bulgarian village, a Greek village, and a mixed village. In the mixed village, the Greek priest had become very disliked by the Bulgarians. He and his two daughters were murdered, but no one knows who did it!

Spies and Espionage

Spies are everywhere in this region. The system of spying is very much a part of Eastern culture. One day, news came to Constantinople that prisoners in the Drama prison were being mistreated. A respected religious man, or hodja, was sent to Drama. He was invited to stay with the Governor as a guest, but he disappeared. A watch was also stolen, so a chase began. He was soon caught and thrown into prison as a thief and an imposter. It turned out that he was a spy sent from Constantinople Who we are.

Conflicts Between Greeks and Bulgarians

We came across a well built by a good Bulgarian. It had a plaque with his name on it. The Greeks in the village smashed the well, and when the Bulgarian man was dying, the Greeks gathered around his house and mocked him.

Throughout Macedonia, I never heard anything good said about the Greeks. The Turks often joke about them, calling them “the runners” because of how they fled from the Sultan’s troops in the Turko-Greek War. The Greek people, however, often spoke very harshly and violently. One day, while Greeks were talking in Drama, someone shot a dog in the street. The Greeks were terrified, held each other, and then locked themselves in their houses. They thought a group of Bulgarians had attacked.

Political Murders and Tensions in Mixed Villages

In one village, both Turks and Bulgarians lived together. The village had about 1,200 people, but they were all starving and scared when our horses entered the area. There had been political murders of Bulgarians, and although the Greeks were blamed, it seemed that fellow Bulgarians had committed the crimes. These people didn’t support the revolution and might have been reporting to the Turks.

While Captain Smyly was investigating, the village leaders—both Turk and Bulgar—gathered around. We were surprised to find that a few Bulgarian “teachers” had chosen this poor village for their holiday spot. We knew they were spies for the Bulgarian revolutionaries—and they knew that we knew.

#Villages and Tensions in Macedonia

A Different Way of Enjoying Life

Drinking and Family Time

A man is less likely to drink too much if he has something that encourages him to spend time with his wife and children. The people we call “foreigners” are not more virtuous than us, but they don’t have the same drinking problems we do. This is because, in their countries, drinking is part of the public life. People drink openly, and no one judges them or thinks they are becoming bad people for doing so. I thought about this as I watched the Bulgarians relax and enjoy themselves. But I was tired from the long day, so I went to my cozy room and fell asleep, listening to the lively music of a gypsy dance.

Philippopolis: A Unique City

Philippopolis is a city with its own character. It has more personality than Sofia because, while Sofia is trying to look like other big European cities, Philippopolis has stayed true to itself and takes pride in that. The people here seem to have a superior attitude, similar to the way people in old English cathedral cities feel about newer, fast-growing towns. The city’s trade is not huge, but the people are proud of the quality of their products Customized Tours Bulgaria.

Focus on Education

One interesting place in Philippopolis is the Alexander Gymnasium, a school founded in 1885. It cost nearly £26,000 to build and spends over £5,000 every year to maintain it. The school offers free education to boys between the ages of ten and twenty-two. The only cost is a small fee: 20 francs a year for older students and 10 francs for younger ones. This money goes toward buying books and clothes for the poorest students. There is also a similar school for girls, called the Lycée, where they receive the same kind of education, except that they don’t study classics. The Bulgarians really care about education and put a lot of effort into it.

#A Different Way of Enjoying Life

The Underground Resistance Movements in Bulgaria

Overview of Resistance Organizations

During the oppressive years of the communist regime in Bulgaria, many underground organizations formed to resist the government’s actions, particularly against land appropriation and political repression. These groups, composed of brave individuals from various backgrounds, organized armed resistance and sought to protect their rights and freedoms.

Union of Free Warriors

The “Union of Free Warriors” was established in the Pazardzhik region in 1949. This organization was created to oppose the forced land appropriations that the government was carrying out. With about 280 members, they formed an armed Goriyani detachment to fight against these injustices.

Underground Patriotic Organization

In the Trun region, the “Underground Patriotic Organization” was set up in 1949. Led by Nikola Yordanov, also known as Gudzho, this group initially had around 80 members. Under his leadership, the detachment grew to 450 members and organized itself into 30 fighting groups, covering 40 villages in the Breznik region and 10 villages in Trun Istanbul Day Tour.

Bulgarian Resistance Movement The “Bulgarian Resistance Movement” was formed in the autumn of 1950 under the leadership of Blagoy Zlatanski, who would later be executed by a firing squad in 1953. This organization had about 200 members and maintained close ties with the Goriyani movement in the Dupnitsa region.

Orange Party

The “Orange Party” was another underground group created in the Yambol district in 1950, formed by poor and middle-class peasants. They successfully set up structures in 21 villages, showing the widespread resistance against the regime.

Agrarian Centers and Youth Organizations

In the autumn of 1950, the “District Agrarian Center No. 1” was established in the Rousse region. Additionally, an Underground Organization of Samokov was formed around the same time but was discovered by the government in late 1951, leading to the execution of its leaders.

The “Committee for Resistance”, led by Kosta Deykov, also emerged in the Sliven region in 1950 and created a Goriyani detachment that spread across 19 villages in the Sliven, Kazanluk, and Nova Zagora districts.

Youth Activism

Youth organizations were particularly active during this time. The Agrarian Youth Union was created in Sofia in 1950 to fight against the regime. The “Call for Freedom” was another youth group founded in the Ihtiman region in the summer of 1950, led by Slavcho Zashev, who was sentenced to death in 1952.

Additional Organizations

Several other underground organizations were formed during this period, including:

“Partisan Students”, a group of expelled students in Sofia in 1951. “I Am Bulgarian”, created in the Plovdiv region in 1951. “The Goriyani Bulgarian Resistance Movement”, established on April 15, 1951, in Plovdiv. This group focused on training armed resistance units and set up four Goriyani detachments in various districts.

These underground organizations played a significant role in the resistance against the communist regime in Bulgaria. Despite facing harsh repression, their members showed immense courage and dedication in their fight for freedom and justice. Each group, from the Union of Free Warriors to the Goriyani Bulgarian Resistance Movement, contributed to the broader struggle for democracy and human rights in Bulgaria.

#The Underground Resistance Movements in Bulgaria

The Underground Resistance Movements in Bulgaria

Overview of Resistance Organizations

Union of Free Warriors

Underground Patriotic Organization

Orange Party

Agrarian Centers and Youth Organizations

Youth Activism

Additional Organizations

Several other underground organizations were formed during this period, including:

#The Underground Resistance Movements in Bulgaria

Mixed Sentiments Towards King Peter

King Peter’s Isolation

In the hearts of the Serbian people, there’s a mix of admiration and regret for England’s refusal to recognize King Peter. While they respect England’s principled stand, they also lament the isolation it brings to King Peter himself. Despite his kind nature, King Peter feels like an outcast among kings. Neither he nor the Crown Prince has won the favor of the populace. The lack of popular support is evident when officials turn away or retreat to shops and side streets rather than salute the king. The crowds rarely cheer, and hats are seldom raised in his presence.

Ambivalence Towards the Regicide

Do the Serbian people truly approve of the violent removal of Alexander and Draga? It’s unlikely. While they may have desired the removal of the king and queen, their preference was likely exile, not murder. The conspiracy to assassinate them was driven by a faction within the army, not by the general populace. Despite their love for their country, the Serbian people have a resigned acceptance of circumstances, tinged with an Asiatic shrug of the shoulders. They recognize the disgrace brought upon their nation but fear that resistance would only lead to further bloodshed and potentially invite Austrian intervention, spelling the end of Serbia’s autonomy Private Tours Bulgaria.

Undercurrents of Conspiracy

Beneath the surface of Belgrade lies a web of conspiracy. Rumors abound of movements to hold the conspirators, including the king, accountable for their actions and even subject them to execution. There are whispers of restoring the Obrenovitch dynasty or seeking a Montenegrin prince with a clean record to ascend the throne. Some even envy Bulgaria’s progress under a foreign prince and contemplate similar paths for Serbia’s future.

#Mixed Sentiments Towards King Peter

Unveiling the Mysteries of Thracian Temples

The Temple in the Golyama Arsenalka Mound

In the 5th century BC, a temple emerged within the Golyama Arsenalka mound, offering a glimpse into ancient Thracian beliefs. The temple’s floor, crafted from meticulously arranged flagstones, unveils a circular recess symbolizing the sun. Encircling this central motif are three concentric belts, reflecting the Thracian concept of the Universe encompassing underground, terrestrial, and celestial realms. Although ancient plundering has disturbed the site, remnants of golden jewelry have been discovered amidst the gaps.

A Glimpse into Royal Burials

Within this burial ground lies the resting place of a Thracian ruler, dating back to ancient times. Among the remarkable discoveries within the tomb is a golden mask, a unique artifact within Thracian territories, alongside a distinctive signature ring. The ruler’s interment included an array of weaponry and armor, comprising a breastplate, swords, lances, and arrows, rendering this find one of the most opulent in Bulgaria’s history Private Tour Istanbul.

The Temple of Seuthes III (Golyama Kosmatka)

Constructed during the latter half of the 5th century BC, the Temple of Seuthes III within the Golyama Kosmatka mound boasts a complex architectural design. Comprising a rectangular chamber, a circular chamber, and a sarcophagus hall, the temple stands as a testament to Thracian spiritual practices. Noteworthy are the vibrant adornments embellishing the marble gate, symbolizing the cardinal directions and the cyclical nature of existence. Within the tomb, a treasure trove awaits discovery, including a magnificent golden wreath, ornate wine goblets, and intricately decorated armor pieces.

Celebrating Thracian Heritage

Experience the enchanting allure of Thracian rituals during the annual Celebrations of the Valley of the Thracian Kings, held on 2nd and 3rd September. This event, inspired by the rich cultural heritage of the Thracians, aims to foster a deeper appreciation for their way of life. The festivities encompass a diverse array of activities, from exhibitions showcasing Thracian heritage through the eyes of artists to guided tours of the Valley of the Thracian Kings. Additionally, a scientific symposium delves into the significance of cultural tourism in the Thracian lands, offering insights for both scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Unlocking the Past: Embracing Thracian Legacy

Join us in unraveling the mysteries of ancient Thracian temples and celebrating the enduring legacy of this remarkable civilization. Through exploration, discovery, and cultural immersion, let us embark on a journey through time, where the echoes of Thracian rituals and traditions resonate with timeless allure.

#Unveiling the Mysteries of Thracian Temples

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