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Educational Committees in Towns and Villages

Article 21 of the Law of 1891 provides for the establishment of an educational committee in every town and village. These committees act as a special committee of the communal councils and are responsible for managing the educational work in their areas.

The composition of the committees is as follows:

In towns five members

In villages three members

The mayor of the town or village serves as the president of the committee by right, while the other members are elected by universal suffrage and secret ballot, at the same time as the municipal council elections.

Duties of Educational Committees

The educational committees have the following responsibilities:

Appoint Teachers – They select qualified teachers for the primary schools.

Maintain Schools – They provide the necessary funds and resources to keep the schools running.

Assist Poor Students – They ensure that children from poor families have access to education.

Prepare School Budgets – They manage the finances of the schools, including salaries, materials, and maintenance costs.

Supervise School Buildings – They inspect school buildings, classrooms, and furniture to ensure proper conditions for learning.

Construct New Facilities – They find resources to build new school buildings, supply educational equipment, and ensure all children attend school regularly.

Manage School Property and Funds – They administer school property and any funds donated or allocated to the schools.

Private Schools in Bulgaria

In addition to national schools, Bulgaria has various private educational establishments. These include:

Schools of Mahommedans

Schools organized by Christian congregations and associations

Schools of Jewish communities

Schools run by private individuals

Regulation of Private Schools

No private school may open without authorization from the Ministry of Public Instruction. The Ministry exercises permanent supervision over all private educational institutions through its inspectors Customized Tours Istanbul.

Teacher Qualifications

Teachers in Jewish and Christian schools must meet the same standards as teachers in national schools. Mahommedan teachers must be Bulgarian subjects and possess the required level of learning to hold the title of “hodja.” This ensures that all students, regardless of school type, receive quality education.

#Educational Committees in Towns and Villages

Voting Process

Voting in Bulgaria is done by secret ballot to protect the privacy of each elector. The ballot-box is locked with three keys: one key remains with the president of the returning bureau, and the other two with the members of the bureau.

Before voting, the elector must show his electoral card, which is checked against the electoral list. The vote, which must be folded in four, is handed to the president, who places it in the ballot-box without opening it.

Role of the Returning Bureau President

The president of the returning bureau has full authority over the police and army forces in the electoral district to maintain order during the polling. Voting takes place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

After the polling ends, the president appoints two electors to help verify the results. Candidates and their agents are allowed to observe this process.

Verification of Votes

First, the electoral cards are counted and compared with the marginal notes on the electoral lists. If there is a discrepancy, the electoral lists take priority, and the incident is recorded.

Next, the ballot-box is opened. Votes that are not properly filled are not counted, but they are included in the official records.

The result of the counting is written in a special report, signed by the members of the returning bureau, the verifiers, and the candidates or their agents. This ensures transparency and accountability Istanbul Day Tours.

Reporting and Proclamation of Results

Two copies of the report are made:

First copy – sent to the president of the District Court, along with all ballots, electoral lists, and cards, sealed by the municipality.

Second copy – sent to the sub-prefect.

The District Court, without opening the parcel of ballots, checks the majority required and proclaims the candidates who received the highest number of votes as the deputies.

This system ensures that elections are fair, transparent, and carefully monitored, giving confidence to both electors and candidates in the democratic process.

#Voting Process

The Reign of John and Peter Assen

A Golden Age

The reign of John and Peter Assen marked a brilliant period in Bulgarian history. Art and literature flourished as never before, and commerce developed greatly. Bulgaria once again became a respected and feared power abroad. The country enjoyed stability and prosperity while the Assen dynasty ruled, and the empire regained its strength and influence in the Balkans.

Decline of the Assen Dynasty

Unfortunately, this period of glory did not last. The Assen dynasty ended in 1237, and Bulgaria fell into the hands of usurpers. Once more, the country became divided, and several leaders, including Roman, George Terter, and Michael Shishman, tried to restore dynasties and protect Bulgaria. Despite their efforts, they failed to maintain unity City Tours Istanbul.

During this time, neighboring powers threatened Bulgaria from all sides. The Serbs attacked from the west, the Magyars from the north, and the Turks, already settled in the south of the peninsula, began to expand their control.

Ottoman Conquest

Bulgaria’s political independence ended as a result of the famous and tragic Battle of Kossovo in 1393. After this defeat, Bulgaria became a province of the Ottoman Empire. Soon afterward, the Bulgarian Church lost its autonomy and became subject to the Phanar in Constantinople, which controlled spiritual matters.

Life under Ottoman Rule

Under Ottoman rule, Bulgarians, like all other Christian peoples in the Balkans, lived under political and religious subjugation. Europe, preoccupied with its own wars, remained mostly ignorant of the suffering of the Christians in the Ottoman Empire. The domination was not only political but also cultural and spiritual, affecting every aspect of life.

Despite centuries of foreign rule, the Bulgarian people preserved their language, faith, and traditions, keeping alive the hope of eventual freedom. The Ottoman period, though harsh, is a crucial chapter in Bulgarian history, showing the resilience and endurance of the nation.

#The Reign of John and Peter Assen

The Inscriptions of Emperor Theophilus

A Prayer of Dedication

One of the most remarkable features of the seaward walls of Constantinople is the number of inscriptions left by Emperor Theophilus (829–842). These words were more than mere records; they were prayers and declarations of faith. A dedication reads:

“Possessing Thee, O Christ, a Wall that cannot be broken, Theophilus, King and pious Emperor, erected this wall upon new foundations: which wall, Lord of All, guard with Thy might, and display to the end of time standing unshaken and unmoved.”

This inscription is both a spiritual dedication and a symbolic prayer. It reveals how the emperor saw himself not only as a builder and protector of the city but also as a servant of Christ, entrusting his work to divine protection.

Towers South of Deirmen Kapoussi

On the first tower south of Deirmen Kapoussi (today known as Yenikapı), an inscription reads:

“Tower of Theophilus, faithful and great King and Emperor in Christ.”

Above this dedication is a marble slab carved with a cross and the well-known Byzantine battle cry: “Jesus Christ conquers” (IC XC NIKA). This phrase appeared often on coins, banners, and walls, reminding both citizens and enemies of the empire’s faith in divine protection Private Bulgaria Tours Yachting.

On the second tower south of the gate, another inscription repeats the same theme:

“Tower of Theophilus, Emperor in Christ.”

Similar, though fragmentary, inscriptions are still visible on the third, sixth, seventh, and ninth towers south of Deirmen Kapoussi. These repeated dedications emphasize how determined Theophilus was to leave his name and faith marked across the city’s defenses.

Lost Inscriptions Recorded by Historians

Some inscriptions have disappeared with time, but their texts survive thanks to historians like Von Hammer, who recorded them in his work Constantinopolis und der Bosporus. His notes preserve the memory of several vanished inscriptions, including those found on the Gate of St. Barbara (Top Kapoussi).

That gate once bore the proud words:

“Theophilus … having renovated the city.”

This dedication was repeated on the adjoining wall, showing that the emperor wanted all who entered to know who had strengthened the defenses.

The Towers of Top Kapoussi

The two towers flanking the Gate of St. Barbara also carried the standard inscription marking Theophilus’s contribution:

“Tower of Theophilus, Emperor in Christ.”

These dedications not only celebrated his building efforts but also tied the strength of the walls directly to his authority and piety.

Inscriptions near the Seven Towers

According to Von Hammer, similar inscriptions were also found near the Seven Towers (Yedikule), one of the city’s later fortresses. Another inscription honored both Theophilus and his young son, Michael III, who had been appointed as co-emperor while still a child. This shows how the inscriptions were also used to highlight the continuity of the dynasty, linking the father’s achievements with the son’s future rule.

The Lasting Legacy of Theophilus

The numerous inscriptions of Theophilus form a unique chapter in Byzantine history. No other emperor left his name inscribed on the city’s walls so frequently. These words were more than stone carvings; they were symbols of imperial pride, Christian faith, and the determination to protect Constantinople. Even in their ruined state, the remains of these inscriptions remind us of an emperor who rebuilt the city’s defenses with devotion, expense, and vision, ensuring their endurance until the final days of the Byzantine Empire.

#The Inscriptions of Emperor Theophilus

Cattaro and Montenegro's Political Importance

Cattaro is only important because it is the port of Montenegro, a small principality in the Balkans. This port has caused a lot of disagreement between European countries. It is also the end point of the road to Cetinje, which is Montenegro’s capital. Although Cattaro is close to Montenegro, it does not belong to the country. This is because England and Austria are worried that Prince Nicholas, the ruler of Montenegro, would give the port to Russia if he had control over it.

Montenegro is officially independent, and it is protected by the great European powers. However, the ruling family of Montenegro has a very close relationship with the Russian royal family, and many believe there is a secret treaty of alliance between them. Like other Balkan states, Montenegro was a province of Turkey until 1878, when the Treaty of Berlin gave it independence. Although Montenegro has a small population of only 228,000 people—which is smaller than the population of Washington D.C.—its political importance is much greater.

Two daughters of Prince Nicholas, the ruler of Montenegro, have married cousins of the Russian Czar. Another daughter is married to the King of Italy, and a fourth is the Duchess of Leuchtenburg, whose husband is close to being a king. These royal connections show the strong influence of Montenegro in European politics.

The Historic Town of Ragusa

Ragusa, another coastal town, is an old and charming place with a rich history. In the Middle Ages, Ragusa was almost as powerful as Venice, Naples, or Genoa, and it managed to defend itself against the Turks. One of the most famous events in Ragusa’s history is when Richard the Lionheart landed here after returning from the Crusades Sightseeing Sofia.

During a dangerous storm at sea, Richard made a vow that if he survived, he would build a church to honor his patron saint at the place where he landed safely. After surviving, he first landed on the small island of La Croma. However, he then went to Ragusa, where the people treated him so well that he decided to ask the Pope for permission to build the church there, instead of on the small island. The Pope, however, did not grant Richard’s request, and Richard, a respectful man, decided to build churches in both places. The church in Ragusa was destroyed by an earthquake in the seventeenth century, but the church on the island of La Croma still stands today.

#Cattaro and Montenegro's Political Importance

The Bandits and St. Ryle Monastery

It would not be unusual for the bandits who captured Miss Stone to take her to the St. Ryle Monastery if they happened to be in the area. If the bandits needed to stay for a longer time, the monastery could have provided shelter. Based on the bandits’ known habits, the government ordered a search of the monastery. The monastery has seen many attacks throughout its history, and it has been a place of suffering as well as devotion during various periods in Bulgarian history Private Tour Guide Ephesus.

Historical Significance of St. Ryle Monastery

The frescoes on the walls of the monastery show the fanaticism of the Muslim invaders. They have left their mark on the paintings that depict Christian saints and legends by making cuts with their scimiters and punches with their yataghans (a type of sword). The cells in the monastery are small, damp, and lack any modern comforts, but the monks seem content, and it appears they haven’t completely given up on worldly pleasures.

St. John of Ryle and St. Methodius

St. John of Ryle lived in the 10th century and died in the year 976. He was an important figure in Bulgarian Christianity. St. Methodius, who helped introduce Christianity to Bulgaria, lived from 852 to 888. The monastery itself was built in the 11th century. At that time, Bulgaria was a powerful kingdom, and its wealth and royal court were admired around the world.

The Glory of Old Bulgaria

In the past, the palaces of the Bulgarian czars in Tirnova, the ancient capital of Bulgaria, were grand and showed signs of great wealth. The ruins of these palaces still exist today and are a reminder of their original splendor. The walls of the palaces were decorated with gold and had mosaics made of gilded glass. The pillars were made of polished marble, and the design used a lot of bronze for decoration.

Life of the Bulgarian Czars

Old records describe the life of a Bulgarian czar who sat on a throne made of ivory and decorated with gold, silver, and precious stones. His audience chamber was made of marble, and his robe was decorated with pearls. His girdle was covered in diamonds, and his armor made a sound from the gold coins hanging around his neck and shoulders. The czar also wore bracelets, anklets, and collars decorated with expensive jewels. His scepter was set with rubies, diamonds, and sapphires. These kinds of objects can now be seen as relics in the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia.

#The Bandits and St. Ryle Monastery

The Exokionion District and Its Significance

The Exokionion (Greek: Ἐξοκίωνιον) was a district located just outside the Constantinian Wall. It got its name from a column in the area that had a statue of the founder of the city. Due to a change in the name over time, this area was also called the Ilxeakionion (Greek: Ἐξοκίωνιον).

The Exokionion in Ecclesiastical History

In ecclesiastical history, the Exokionion is especially important because it became known as the place where Arians were allowed to hold religious services. This happened when Theodosius the Great, who supported orthodox Christianity, banned heretical worship within the city. As a result, the Arians and the people of the Exokionion were often considered synonymous. Over time, this district became a popular area, with many fine churches and luxurious homes Sofia Guided Tours.

Different Views on the Location of the Exokionion

Many people have had different opinions on where exactly the Exokionion was located. The historian Gyllius thought it was on the Fifth Hill. He based his view on the fact that when he visited the city, he found a noble column on that hill, about half a mile northwest of the Mosque of Sultan Mehmed.

However, Dr. Mordtmann argued that the name Exokionion referred to the area along the entire line of the Constantinian land fortifications, not just one specific location.

Correct Location of the Exokionion

The evidence, however, points to the Seventh Hill as the actual location of the Exokionion. In the historical account of the triumphal entry of Basil I. through the Golden Gate of the Theodosian Walls, the Exokionion is mentioned as being situated between two areas: the Sigma and the Xerolophos.

The Sigma is significant in the history of the sedition that led to the overthrow of Michael V. in 1042. The Sigma is described as being above the Monastery of St. Mary Peribleptos. This location of the monastery is well-known, helping to place the Exokionion on the Seventh Hill.

In conclusion, the Exokionion was a historically important area outside the city walls, known for its association with the Arian religious practices and as a later fashionable part of the city. Despite various theories, the evidence seems to point to the Seventh Hill as the true location of this district.

#The Exokionion District and Its Significance

Residence Oborishte

Location: G-8, ul. Oborishte 63 Contact: Tel: 814 48 88

Residence Oborishte is a very comfortable and relaxing place to stay. The hotel mostly offers two-room apartments that are warm and inviting. Rich colors are used throughout the rooms, creating a cozy and pleasant atmosphere. One of the highlights is the “Just Married” apartment, which features a large bathtub next to a wide double bed — it almost makes you want to rush to the registry office!

The hotel has a friendly, “make yourself at home” feeling, making guests feel very welcome. It is a good choice for travelers who want a peaceful place with a home-like atmosphere.

SkyWay Hotel

Location: H-8, bul. Simeonovsko Shose 166A Contact: Tel: 819 21 00

SkyWay is a brand-new hotel located in the middle-class neighborhood of Simeonovo, near Mount Vitosha. The building was recently renovated and offers a modern look combined with ethnic-style garden furniture and many houseplants. The hotel’s social areas are bright and welcoming Bulgaria Trips.

Rooms at SkyWay are decorated with bold colors and are almost big enough to play a round of golf inside! Guests can enjoy a cozy restaurant on site and use the business center with free internet and computers. The airport is easy to reach, and the city center is about a 15-minute taxi ride away.

Sofia Plaza Hotel

Location: F-7, bul. Hristo Botev 154 Contact: Tel: 813 79 79

Sofia Plaza is a comfortable, mid-priced hotel near Sofia’s main railway station. It is a tall, narrow building, but the rooms are cozy rather than cramped. The rooms feature blue carpets and peach-colored furniture, with TV, minibar, and enough desk space for a laptop.

Apartments include kitchenettes and extra fold-down beds, making them ideal for families or longer stays.

Sofia Princess Hotel

Location: F-7, bul. Maria Luiza 131 Contact: Tel: 933 88 88

If you like big hotels, Sofia Princess is the place for you. It is the largest hotel in Sofia and also has the biggest casino in the Balkans. The hotel is perfect if you want to enjoy a luxurious and lively atmosphere.

The rooms are decorated in rich red colors with tasseled curtains and fluffy cushions, giving them a very elegant and comfortable feel.

#Residence Oborishte

The Burning of Moslem Villages and Atrocities in Macedonia

Burning of Moslem Areas

During the wars, many Muslim villages were burned down. For example, in the town of Jeudje-Vardar, which was occupied by the Greek army, the Muslim quarter was almost completely destroyed. Even near Thessalonica, Greek troops set fire to Muslim villages. In the Drama district, the Greek population engaged in robbery, murder, and rape, targeting the Muslim people, until order was restored by a Bulgarian official Turkey Sightseeing.

Brutal Campaign of Robbery and Murder at Stroumitza

The Carnegie Commission also mentions a particularly brutal campaign of robbery and murder that took place at Stroumitza. This event is described as probably the worst incident of its kind.

A court was set up by Major Grbits, along with Serbian officers and other Bulgarian leaders.

The Muslim victims were brought before the court.

Major Grbits would ask if the person was “good or bad,” and without any discussion or defense, a single voice would condemn them.

Almost all of the victims were sentenced to death. Their money was taken by Major Grbits.

Punishments and Lack of Justice

After the atrocities, a Bulgarian court held a trial and sentenced three people, including Voultchew and Jckekov, to fifteen years of hard labor.

However, no punishment was given to Major Grbits, who was the leader of the operation and ultimately responsible for the atrocities. The Serbian government took no action against him.

Distortion of Reports in the Media

The Carnegie Commission also addresses how the Greek and French newspapers distorted the reports about atrocities in the Kukush region, which were carried out by a cruel guerrilla leader named Donthew. Some reports wrongly claimed these acts were committed by the Bulgarian regular army shortly before the second Balkan war.

The Carnegie Commission report highlights the brutality and injustice that occurred during the Balkan wars, with Muslim villages being destroyed and atrocities carried out by various groups. Many innocent people suffered, and despite some punishments for individuals involved in these crimes, major offenders like Major Grbits were not held accountable.

#The Burning of Moslem Villages and Atrocities in Macedonia

Joint Activities Between Bulgarian State Security and Stasi

Plans for Cooperation

In 1983, a plan was created outlining the future collaboration between Department Six of the Bulgarian State Security and Chief Directorate Two of Stasi (East Germany’s Ministry of State Security) for the period 1984 to 1986. This plan focused on shared intelligence gathering and strategies for dealing with citizens who attempted to escape to the West. This partnership highlighted the strong cooperation between the Eastern Bloc countries in maintaining control over their citizens and preventing defection.

Repression Against Escapees and Their Families

A State Security report from 24 February 1953 described harsh measures against Bulgarians who had escaped to the West and their families who remained in Bulgaria. The report outlines several punitive actions, such as:

Imprisonment: The relatives of those who escaped were to be sent to the Belene labor camp, especially if they were not involved in legal proceedings Personal Istanbul Tours.

Confiscation of Property: The report ordered the confiscation of all immovable property owned by the escapees or their families.

Responsibility for Possessions: The escapees’ remaining belongings, including livestock, were to be treated as the responsibility of their families.

Punishment for Children: Children aged 14 to 18 were to be sent to Labor Schools, which were operated under the Ministry of the Interior. Children aged 7 to 14 were to be placed in special schools run by the Ministry of Education.

These measures reflect the extreme steps the regime took to control families of defectors and punish anyone associated with them. Such tactics were used to discourage any attempts at escape, as well as to isolate families and prevent them from challenging the government.

Surveillance and Intelligence Sharing

The Bulgarian State Security worked closely with the Stasi in monitoring and suppressing political opposition. In one example of this cooperation, Stasi provided the Bulgarian government with information about the activities of political emigrants, including those who had fled the country or attempted to organize resistance.

The Stasi played a significant role in intelligence gathering, not just on a domestic level, but also by monitoring Bulgarians abroad, including in countries like the USA, Yugoslavia, Greece, Italy, and the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany). These efforts were part of a broader strategy to control and eliminate political opposition across the Eastern Bloc.

Collaboration Between the Bulgarian and East German Security Forces

A significant part of this cooperation included the exchange of information and strategies related to tracking down and stopping individuals involved in political emigration. Both the Bulgarian State Security and the Stasi sought to prevent citizens from escaping to the West and to monitor political activities that could threaten their regimes. This included spying on Bulgarian officials who traveled to the West and gathering information on their interactions with Western political groups.

The partnership between the Bulgarian and East German intelligence services was not only about tracking escapees but also about ensuring that the Eastern Bloc remained tightly controlled through surveillance and suppression of any dissent, whether within the borders or abroad.

The close collaboration between the Bulgarian State Security and the Stasi reflected the broader security practices within the Eastern Bloc, where nations worked together to control their citizens. The harsh measures against defectors, their families, and anyone attempting to escape were part of the repressive tactics used by these regimes. The intelligence-sharing agreements, like the ones described for the years 1984–1986, show the lengths to which these governments went to maintain control over their populations and prevent any signs of rebellion or escape.

#Joint Activities Between Bulgarian State Security and Stasi

Prostitution in Ancient Greece

In history, many women have risen from prostitution to powerful positions, such as Aspasia, the wife of Pericles. In places like Lydia, Carthage, and Cyprus, young girls were allowed to earn money through prostitution as a way to save up for their dowries. In Ancient Greece, prostitution was a normal part of daily life. It wasn’t hidden or frowned upon by society. Unlike the Romans, the Greeks didn’t have sexual relations with slaves until 30 BC. Men who married later in life often turned to prostitution to meet their sexual needs Coastal Bulgaria Holidays.

In Greek society, women were seen as less important than men, and their virginity was highly valued. A wife was expected to be faithful to her husband. Since unmarried men needed women for sex but couldn’t marry them, prostitution became a helpful institution for the government. One reason prostitution was popular was because oral sex was considered humiliating and was not allowed in relationships. This led both heterosexual and homosexual men to visit brothels.

Even though prostitution was legal and accepted by the public, prostitutes were looked down upon by society. Female prostitutes were called Khametipis (meaning “passed down”). After the 4th century BC, prostitution became more common among slaves. A woman from Athens who worked as a prostitute would lose her social rights and freedom, becoming equal to slaves. Brothels were often dark, narrow, and dirty places, and women working there used primitive birth control methods to avoid pregnancies.

#Prostitution in Ancient Greece

Honesty and Bargaining

An Albanian’s word is considered even more reliable than a written promise. From my experience, when an Albanian says “I’ll do it,” he always keeps his word. However, he may try to deceive you during negotiations because he believes you are also lying, making the exchange fair in his mind. Once the agreement is made, he will keep his word because of his honour, not because of any obligation to you.

Language and Differences Between Albanians

The Albanian language is a mix of many influences. While there is a national alphabet, it is rarely used. In some areas, people use Latin letters, while others use Greek letters. Some areas have a lot of Italian in the language, while others include Greek or Slavic words. Because of this, Albanians living even 50 or 60 miles apart often struggle to understand each other Istanbul Day Tour.

Additionally, there are clear differences between the Gheg Albanians from the northern mountains and the Tosk Albanians from the southern areas. They are so different that they could be considered separate nationalities. In fact, it is easy to argue that Albanians are not just one group of people but several, as they are the descendants of different races who survived by retreating to the mountains when conquerors tried to destroy or absorb them.

Religion in Albania

The tribes of Albania have no single religion. Some Albanians are Muslim, while others are Christian. In fact, within the same tribe, you may find both Muslims and Christians. The Mirdites, an important tribe in the north, are Catholic. In the south, where Albania borders Greece, many Albanians are Orthodox Christians. Muslim Albanians are influenced by their Christian neighbours; for example, they drink wine, enjoy beer, and even swear by the Virgin Mary.

Superstitions and the Albanian View of Foreigners

The Albanian people are often ignorant and superstitious. They believe that demons live in the hills. Many Albanians also believe that foreigners, especially the Italians, only want to push the Turks out of Albania to take control of the country themselves. They strongly dislike the idea of anyone dominating them and would prefer the weak rule of the Turks over the stronger rule they might get from Italy or Austria.

Economy and Agriculture

The economy in Albania is not strong. Agriculture is only focused on meeting immediate needs and is not done with long-term goals in mind. There are no industries, except for small-scale silk weaving in Elbasan. Trading is also not well developed or understood by the Albanians.

#Honesty and Bargaining

The Turk’s Point of View

Many Christians from the West make a mistake when they criticize the Turk because he does not see things the way we do. We forget, or ignore, that he comes from the East, and his way of thinking is very different from ours. We may be right and he may be wrong, but the Turk has his own perspective, and he acts based on that view, not out of malice. It is important to be fair and just, even when dealing with the Turk.

Differences Between the Turk and the West

If we measure the Turk by Western and Christian standards, we may find him lacking. But he is not a European or a Christian—he is a Turk, and above all, he is a Muslim Central Synagogue.

Turkey’s Government and Its Challenges

It is true that Turkey’s government does not match the expectations of Europe, and it is clear that the two will never blend. The methods of Turkish government in the Balkans need to change.

The Sultan’s Struggles

The heart of the Turkish government, the Imperial Palace, lacks proper administration. It’s not that the Sultan, Abdul Hamid, doesn’t care about his empire. He is likely one of the most overworked and troubled men in Turkey. When I saw him at the Yildiz Kiosk, I could see that he was deeply worried. The stories about his bad behavior are exaggerated and untrue. His resistance to the demands of other nations is understandable. He knows there are greedy countries, and if he listens to their advice, it may only bring his empire closer to collapse and benefit his neighbors. It is hard to believe someone’s good intentions when you know they want to take advantage of you.

#The Turk’s Point of View

The Rose Garden of Europe

Where the Best Rose Perfume Comes From

If you love the finest perfume, *attar of roses*, you will likely find the name **Kasanlik** on the bottle.

But most people, especially women who adore this fragrance, do not often think about where Kasanlik is located. It could be in Germany, France, or Italy, and they wouldn’t really care.

In fact, Kasanlik is a small town in Bulgaria, on the Plain of Thrace, close to the Balkans. The plain is flat, and the mountains around it rise steeply. The land is mostly flat with valleys that look like dried-up lake beds, surrounded by hills. This landscape is similar across hundreds of miles Coastal Bulgaria Tours.

The Thracian Plain and its Roses

Kasanlik and the Rose Fields

A large part of the Thracian plain is dedicated to growing roses. In the area around Kasanlik, there are 173 villages that focus entirely on rose farming. Instead of growing crops like wheat, rye, or raising animals, the fields are filled with roses. This region is known as the largest rose garden in the world, stretching 80 miles long.

The landscape is covered with roses, and the air is filled with their sweet scent. While the soil might not be especially rich, it has a unique quality, much like the soil of the Champagne region in France, which is perfect for growing grapes. This special soil helps produce roses that create the best fragrance.

#The Rose Garden of Europe

Expanding Privileges in Bulgaria

Growth of Privileges for the Elite

The system of privileges in Bulgaria extends beyond just the Communist Party members; it also includes their blood relatives, down to the third degree, and even those related by marriage. This expansion of privileges seems contrary to the laws of fairness and equality. Surprisingly, the number of “active fighters against fascism and capitalism” continues to grow until 1989. By the end of the 1970s, this group reaches around 200,000 members, highlighting the increasing disparity between the elite and the general population.

The Elite Class

On 9 February 1960, the British Embassy in Sofia submitted a report that highlighted the privileged status granted to citizens loyal to the communist regime. The report stated, “In fact, in Bulgaria, there is an elite whose standard of living is at least ten times higher than that of the common man.” This stark contrast illustrates how the ruling party enjoyed a vastly improved quality of life while the majority of citizens struggled to meet basic needs.

Privileges of the Elite

These privileges for the elite class included access to luxury goods, better housing, and exclusive medical care. Members of this privileged group enjoyed a lifestyle that was unattainable for most Bulgarians. While ordinary citizens faced long lines for basic necessities, the elite had access to high-quality goods and services, further emphasizing the inequality in society Jeep Safari Bulgaria.

The Impact of Privilege

The growing gap between the elite and the average citizen created widespread resentment among the population. Many felt excluded from the benefits that were only available to a select few. This dissatisfaction contributed to a climate of unrest that would eventually lead to calls for reform and change within the country.

A Personal Note

The impact of the regime’s oppression can be seen in personal stories as well. For example, Georgi Zarkin, a poet, journalist, and political prisoner, was murdered in prison for his dissent against the government. His New Year greeting to his son serves as a poignant reminder of the personal costs of the regime’s actions.

The privileges awarded to a small group in Bulgaria created an environment of inequality and dissatisfaction. As the number of privileged individuals grew, so did the frustrations of ordinary citizens. This situation set the stage for future protests and movements aimed at restoring basic human rights and freedoms in Bulgaria. Ultimately, the privileges enjoyed by the elite highlighted the systemic issues within the communist regime, which would need to be addressed for any real change to occur.

#Expanding Privileges in Bulgaria

Expanding Privileges in Bulgaria

Growth of Privileges for the Elite

The Elite Class

Privileges of the Elite

The Impact of Privilege

A Personal Note

#Expanding Privileges in Bulgaria

The Decree of 24 October 1944

On 24 October 1944, a decree was issued that allowed members of the newly formed “Writers’ Union” to be appointed to high-ranking positions in the central and local administration, even if they did not have university degrees. This decree marked a significant shift in how qualifications were viewed under the new communist regime in Bulgaria. It favored political loyalty over professional competence, reflecting the broader transformation happening in the country at that time.

The People’s Tribunal

On 24 September 1944, the Politburo of the Bulgarian Communist Party approved an ordinance that established the “People’s Tribunal.” This ordinance was officially adopted on 30 September 1944. The stated purpose of this tribunal was to hold accountable those responsible for aligning Bulgaria with the Axis powers during World War II. However, in practice, the tribunal became a tool for the communist regime to eliminate its political enemies and consolidate power.

Targeting the Nation’s Elite

The People’s Tribunal targeted a broad range of individuals, including political leaders, military officers, intellectuals, scientists, writers, and journalists. These were people who had been influential in pre-war Bulgaria and who could potentially oppose the new Soviet-backed regime. The goal was clear: to exterminate the nation’s elite and prevent any organized resistance against the imposition of the Soviet model in Bulgaria Istanbul Tour Guide.

Violations of Justice

The establishment of the People’s Tribunal was a direct violation of the Bulgarian Constitution and the basic principles of justice. The tribunal operated outside the normal legal system, and those appointed as “people’s prosecutors” were often party activists with little or no legal training. They conducted preliminary inquiries, legal proceedings, and issued indictments, all with the presumption that the accused were guilty.

Pre-determined Guilt and Immediate Executions

The People’s Tribunal was notorious for its lack of fairness. The accused were deemed guilty from the start, and there was no possibility of appealing the sentences handed down by the tribunal. Death sentences were carried out immediately after being pronounced, with no opportunity for the condemned to seek a reprieve. In addition to executions, the property of the convicted was confiscated, and their families were stigmatized as “enemies of the people,” subjecting them to lifelong persecution.

Mass Executions

One of the most infamous acts of the People’s Tribunal occurred on the night of 1-2 February 1945. During this single night, the tribunal ordered the execution of three regents, 33 government ministers, 67 members of parliament, and 47 high-ranking military officers. They were all executed by firing squad, marking one of the darkest episodes in Bulgaria’s history.

The People’s Tribunal was not about justice but rather about political repression. It served as a mechanism for the communist regime to eliminate its opponents and reshape Bulgarian society according to Soviet ideals. The tribunal’s actions had long-lasting effects on the country, destroying much of its pre-war leadership and creating a climate of fear and repression that would last for decades. The legacy of these events is a painful reminder of the dangers of unchecked political power and the importance of upholding the rule of law.

#The Decree of 24 October 1944

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