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Public Instruction in Bulgaria

Proportion of Boys and Girls

In Bulgaria during the school year 1903–1904, the total number of students showed a significant difference between boys and girls.

Overall, there were approximately 54 girls for every 100 boys. In percentage terms, 68% of students were boys and 32% were girls. This shows that boys attended school more frequently than girls, although girls’ education was steadily improving.

Proportion by Nationality

The ratio of girls to boys varied significantly across different nationalities and types of schools:

Bulgarian national schools: 50.35 girls per 100 boys

Bulgarian private schools: 40.62 girls per 100 boys

Bulgarian Mahommedan schools: 40.60 girls per 100 boys

Bulgarian Catholic schools: 79.63 girls per 100 boys

Bulgarian Protestant schools: 92.30 girls per 100 boys

Bulgarian Turkish schools: 84.76 girls per 100 boys

Bulgarian Greek schools: 52.70 girls per 100 boys

Bulgarian Jewish schools: 61.58 girls per 100 boys

Bulgarian Armenian schools: 85.68 girls per 100 boys

Bulgarian French schools: 140.74 girls per 100 boys

Bulgarian Tartar schools: 81.56 girls per 100 boys

Bulgarian German schools: 76.52 girls per 100 boys

Bulgarian Roumanian schools: 78.41 girls per 100 boys

Bulgarian Lipovane schools: 0 girls (no female students reported)

Observations

From these figures, several important conclusions can be drawn:

Girls’ attendance is lower than boys’ in most schools, especially in Bulgarian private and Mahommedan schools, where less than half of the students are girls Customised Private Istanbul Tour.

Religious and foreign schools such as Protestant, Catholic, and French schools show higher female attendance, sometimes exceeding the number of boys.

Some communities, like the Lipovanes, did not report any girls attending school.

Overall, the data highlights the need to encourage female education, particularly in certain national and rural communities.

These statistics reflect the educational challenges and progress in early 20th century Bulgaria. They also provide a clear picture of how gender and nationality influenced access to schooling at that time.

#Public Instruction in Bulgaria

Rules for Contracting State Loans

In Bulgaria, no State loan can be made without the consent of the National Assembly. This ensures that the country does not fall into debt without the approval of the people’s representatives. If the Government believes that borrowing money is absolutely necessary to cover extraordinary expenses while the National Assembly is not in session, the Assembly must be called into an extraordinary session immediately.

However, if serious obstacles prevent the immediate convocation of the Assembly, the Prince, with the advice of the Council of Ministers, may authorize a loan. This loan, however, cannot exceed three million francs. Even in this case, the approval of the National Assembly must be obtained in its next session.

Similarly, the Prince has the power to approve an emergency expenditure of up to one million francs for needs not covered in the national budget. This also requires later confirmation by the Assembly. These rules protect the country’s finances from being used without accountability Istanbul Tours Guide.

The Closure of the Budget

At the end of every financial year, the Budget must be closed through a special law passed by the National Assembly. On this occasion, the Minister of Finance presents a detailed financial report to both the National Assembly and the High Court of Accounts. This report describes the overall financial situation of the country during the year and how public funds have been used.

The High Court of Accounts

The High Court of Accounts plays a vital role in ensuring financial transparency. It is an independent institution with a semi-judicial character, meaning it has both administrative and judicial powers. Its main duty is to carefully control and supervise State finances.

The Court is composed of a president, six councillors, and many reporters and accountants. These officials review the financial actions of the Government, making sure that everything is legal and correctly managed.

Importantly, the president and councillors are appointed by royal decree, but only after being proposed by the National Assembly. The Assembly alone has the authority to revoke them. This guarantees that the Court remains independent from the executive branch and accountable to the representatives of the people.

These financial safeguards show how Bulgaria’s Constitution sought to prevent misuse of public money. By requiring the approval of the National Assembly for loans and expenditures, and by giving oversight to the High Court of Accounts, the system ensured that the nation’s wealth was managed responsibly and transparently.

#Rules for Contracting State Loans

Proposed Administrative Reforms for Bulgaria

The plan presented by the Powers aimed to organize Bulgaria into a modern and fair administrative system. The main idea was to settle Christians and Muslims together in the districts in a balanced way, according to the population.

Local Administration

Each district was to have a mayor and a district council, both elected by universal suffrage. These councils would manage all local affairs independently, giving people control over their own communities.

Several districts would then form a Sandjak, headed by a prefect (mutesarif). The prefect would be either Christian or Muslim, depending on which religion was the majority in the Sandjak. The Governor-General would propose the prefect, and the Sultan (the Porte) would officially appoint him for four years Guided Tours Turkey.

Provincial Government

Two Sandjaks would form a province, governed by a Christian Governor-General. This Governor-General would be appointed by the Sultan for five years, but only with the consent of the Powers. The Governor-General would work with a provincial assembly, whose members were chosen by the district councils. Representation was set at one deputy for every 30,000 to 40,000 inhabitants.

The provincial assembly would also select a ten-member administrative council. Every year, the assembly would meet to decide the budget and redistribute taxes, ensuring financial transparency and local participation.

Military and Language

The armed forces were to be concentrated in towns, while local militias would maintain order in the districts. The language of the majority nationality would be used in administration, alongside Turkish for official purposes.

International Oversight

To ensure that the reforms were carried out properly, a Commission of International Control would supervise the implementation. This commission would guarantee fairness and protect the rights of all communities.

Importance of the Plan

Although this plan was not fully implemented, it showed the Powers’ intention to modernize Bulgaria. It aimed to give the people self-government, religious equality, and protection, setting the foundation for the future Bulgarian Principality.

#Proposed Administrative Reforms for Bulgaria

Repairs and Attacks on the Harbour Walls of Constantinople

Early Defenses and the Role of Manuel Phakrase Catacuzene

In the 14th century, the Byzantine Empire was often under threat from both external enemies and local rivals. Among the defenders of the empire was Manuel Phakrase Catacuzene, who gained distinction during the defense of Selivria in 1341 and later in the siege of Galata in 1351. His efforts symbolized the constant vigilance needed to protect Constantinople from ambitious powers such as the Genoese.

The Genoese Attack of 1434

Almost a century later, in 1434, the Harbour Walls of Constantinople once again required attention. The reason was another Genoese attack. At that time, Genoa had sent an expedition to capture the city of Kaffa in Crimea. When the expedition failed, the Genoese turned their attention toward a much larger prize: the capture of Constantinople.

With a fleet carrying nearly 8,000 troops, they boldly approached the capital. Their attack, however, was successfully repelled by the Byzantines, and the defeated Genoese fleet had no choice but to return to Italy Bulgaria Tours.

Continued Genoese Resistance

Despite this setback, the Genoese colony of Galata refused to give up the struggle. They began bombarding Constantinople’s walls with cannon fire, destroying several warehouses and even damaging a tower near the Gate Basilike. This act of aggression shocked the city, but once again, the defenders held firm.

The attack ended in failure, and as punishment, the Genoese colony was forced to pay an indemnity of one thousand gold pieces to cover the damage caused. This event highlights both the determination of the Genoese and the resilience of the city’s defenses.

Inscriptions Recording Repairs

Historical evidence of these events and repairs comes from two inscriptions preserved by Dr. A. D. Mordtmann in his work on the last siege of Constantinople. These inscriptions are particularly valuable because they record who was responsible for certain repairs made to the Sea of Marmara fortifications, at a time when the empire was trembling before the advancing Ottoman power.

The Inscription of Lucas Notaras

One inscription was found on a section of wall between Ahour Kapoussi and Tchatlady Kapou. It read:

“Of Luke Notaras, the Interpreter.”

This Lucas Notaras later became the Grand Duke of Constantinople, one of the most prominent figures during the tragic fall of the city in 1453. At the time of the repairs, however, he held the position of interpreter (dragoman) for Emperor John VII Palaiologos, helping to conduct delicate negotiations with Sultan Murad II.

The office of interpreter was highly respected, having grown in importance because of the frequent diplomatic interactions between Byzantium and foreign states. It had also been held earlier by Nicholas Notaras, the father of Lucas.

The Inscription of George Brankovitch

The second inscription stood on a tower between Koum Kapoussi and Yeni Kapou. It recorded that repairs in 1448 were carried out at the expense of George Brankovitch, the powerful Despot of Serbia. His contribution shows how allies and neighboring rulers sometimes invested in the defense of Constantinople, understanding that its survival also protected their own interests.

The attacks and repairs of the 14th and 15th centuries show the strategic importance of the Harbour Walls of Constantinople. They were not only a defense against foreign fleets like those of Genoa but also a symbol of Byzantine resilience in the face of decline. Figures such as Lucas Notaras and George Brankovitch demonstrate how individuals and neighboring states played roles in maintaining the city’s defenses.

Though the empire would ultimately fall in 1453, these efforts reveal the determination of Byzantium to defend itself until the very end.

#Repairs and Attacks on the Harbour Walls of Constantinople

Corfu's Historical Relationship with the Turks

Corfu has a long history of resentment towards the Turks, and the island’s people have hated them more than any other group, even more than the Bulgarians or Macedonians. This hatred dates back over two centuries, to the time when the Turks ruled the region. Although much time has passed since the wrongs were committed, the islanders’ feelings remain strong.

From 1815 to 1863, Corfu, along with the other Ionian Islands, was occupied by the English. In 1863, when King George of Greece came to the throne, the British handed the islands back to Greece. Mr. Gladstone, the British Prime Minister at the time, played a key role in this, and the people of Athens were so grateful that they later erected a statue of him in front of the university Private Sofia Tours.

Corfu’s Charm as a Health Resort

Corfu is also known for its climate, and it has become a popular winter resort for people seeking a warmer, healthier place to stay. It is especially favored by people with lung problems and other health issues. During the period of British rule, the English built a system of excellent roads, which are still in good condition today. This road network allows visitors to travel across the island, enjoying its paradise-like beauty, especially during the spring and autumn.

The late Empress of Austria had a stunning villa on the outskirts of the city, and the Czar of Russia was once planned to visit Corfu in the hopes that the island’s climate might improve his health. Many other famous figures, who were struggling with their health, came to Corfu to take advantage of its sunshine and invigorating air.

Olive Groves and Local Economy

Corfu is about 277 square miles in size and is home to over 115,000 inhabitants. Most of the island’s land is covered in olive groves, with over 4 million olive trees growing freely without much pruning. These trees develop a remarkable beauty and size, making Corfu’s olive groves unique.

The main industry on the island is the production and export of preserved olives and olive oil. The island also grows a variety of other fruits and produces wine. One of Corfu’s other famous products is its cheese, made from goat’s milk, which is sold in markets in London and Paris.

#Corfu's Historical Relationship with the Turks

The Gardens of the Bulgarian Czars

The palace of the Bulgarian czars once had beautiful gardens filled with fruit trees and flowering plants. Traces of these gardens can still be seen today. Whenever the ground is dug or a cellar is made for a new building, remains of past glory and sometimes Roman relics are discovered. Along the roadside, you can find mutilated remains of marble pillars and pedestals, along with capitals that have bulls’ heads and wreaths finely carved. There are also discs of glazed pottery, gilded glass, and pieces of molding with bronze still attached. Occasionally, fragments of plaster are found, still showing the colors of old frescoes Private Tour Ephesus.

The Geography of Bulgaria

Bulgaria is similar in size to Pennsylvania and has a similar shape. Its topography and physical features remind people of that state. The forests, rivers, and rich valleys, as well as the mountain ranges and rocky ledges, create a landscape very much like Pennsylvania’s. However, Bulgaria’s population is about thirty percent less than Pennsylvania’s. The Danube River forms Bulgaria’s northern border. Much of the country’s produce is shipped out via this river, and goods are brought in using huge barges that are towed in strings from Budapest and Vienna.

Trade and Transportation in Bulgaria

Austria controls much of Bulgaria’s trade, especially in manufactured goods. During the summer months, passenger steamers travel along the Danube, providing a pleasant journey through Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania, all the way to the Black Sea. However, in the fall, when the water level is low, fogs are common, and the air becomes too cool to sit comfortably on deck. During this time, it is better to travel by train.

You can reach Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, from Vienna in twenty-four hours by train. The train ride is comfortable, with sleeping cars and dining cars offering table d’hôte meals at city prices. However, the train fares can be quite high.

#The Gardens of the Bulgarian Czars

The Trojan Porticoes

One important landmark along the course of the Constantinian Wall were the Trojan Porticoes. These were located so close to the wall that the wall was sometimes called the Trojan Wall after them. The Trojan Porticoes were in the Twelfth Region of the city, and they likely lined the street leading from the Porta Aurea into the city. These porticoes were significant in architecture, and there are records that they were damaged by fire or earthquake. The exact reason for their name is unclear, and unfortunately, no remains of them exist today.

Monastery of St. Dius and the Convent of Icasia

The course of the Constantinian Wall is not well known in some areas. For instance, it is stated that the wall passed beside the Monastery of St. Dius and the Convent of Icasia, but the exact locations of these places are hard to identify. These establishments are believed to have been located near each other on the Seventh Hill.

The Monastery of St. Dius is said to have been from the time of Theodosius I and was mentioned by Antony of Novgorod in connection with the Church of St. Mokius and the Church of St. Luke. The Convent of Icasia was founded by a lady named Icasia, who was known for her beauty and intelligence. Emperor Theophilus had once considered marrying her, but he rejected her after she disagreed with his belief that women were the source of evil Private Sofia Tour.

The Cistern of Aspar

The Cistern of Aspar is another important landmark near the old city wall. According to the Paschal Chronicle, this cistern was located near the ancient wall. The Tchoukour Bostan, also known as the Byzantine reservoir, is located in the same area. It is situated along the road that leads from the Mosque of Sultan Mehemet to the Adrianople Gate in the Theodosian Walls.

The Tchoukour Bostan is a large Byzantine reservoir, and it is close to the Monastery of Manuel, which was founded by the general Manuel during the reign of Theophilus. The church of this monastery is now the Kefele Mesdjidi Mosque in the Salmak Tombruk quarter. The Tchoukour Bostan is the largest Byzantine reservoir in the area and is a significant historical feature.

In conclusion, the Constantinian Wall passed several important landmarks, including the Trojan Porticoes, the Monastery of St. Dius, and the Cistern of Aspar. While some details about their exact locations are unclear, these landmarks provide important clues to the history of Constantinople and the development of the city’s defenses during the reign of Constantine.

#The Trojan Porticoes

Light Hotel

Location: A-3, ul. Veslets 37 Contact: Tel: 917 90 90

Light Hotel is a modern and stylish hotel located on a quiet, cobbled street. It feels peaceful and far away from the busy center of Sofia. The public areas, like the lobby and lounge, have a clean and modern design. However, the rooms offer a cozy, slightly old-fashioned feeling, which some guests may find charming.

There are different bathroom styles in the rooms—some have shower cabins, while others feature large, comfortable bathtubs. This makes the hotel a good choice whether you prefer quick showers or relaxing baths.

Lion Hotel

Location: A-3, bul. Maria Luiza 60 Contact: Tel: 917 84 00

Lion Hotel is set in a beautiful nineteenth-century building. It stands at a busy road intersection, halfway between Sofia’s train station and city center. If you get a room facing the street, you can watch the lively flow of people and cars below Bulgaria Private Tour.

The hotel has many unique architectural features. Some rooms have bay windows, while others have arched windows, giving a special character you won’t find in many other hotels. The decoration varies a lot: some rooms have soft yellow colors, while others have bright striped wallpaper.

Lozenetz Hotel

Location: E-3, bul. Sveti Naum 23 Contact: Tel: 965 44 44

Lozenetz Hotel is a modern building located in a quiet residential area just south of Sofia’s center. The rooms are bright and spacious, although some bathrooms can feel a little small.

One special feature is a small garden next to the restaurant, which is a nice place to relax after a busy day.

Meg Lozenetz Hotel

Location: D-3, ul. Krum Popov 84 Contact: Tel: 965 19 70

Meg Lozenetz is a mid-sized hotel in a residential area near the City Center Sofia shopping mall. The rooms have warm colors and thick carpets, creating a cozy atmosphere. Many rooms are not perfect rectangles but have interesting, irregular shapes which add character.

The hotel restaurant is decorated like a tropical garden, with wooden floors, rattan chairs, and many plants. There is even a large green parrot living there!

Triada Hotel

Location: G-8, ul. Venera 5 Contact: Tel: 970 67 67

Triada Hotel is a relatively new building with large, bright rooms. The rooms are decorated in soft shades of blue, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

On the top floor, there is a sky bar with fantastic views of Sofia and the surrounding mountains, perfect for relaxing or meeting friends.

Triada Hotel also has excellent facilities for business meetings and seminars, making it popular with business travelers.

#Light Hotel

The Fate of Prisoners and the Greek Accusations

Description of the Prisoners

The Carnegie Commission describes the majority of the prisoners as harmless tradesmen or peasants who were punished simply for being Bulgarians. Among the victims were four women, who were killed along with the rest.

These victims were arrested and imprisoned under the authority of the Greek Archbishop.

Greek Accusations About Demir-Hissar

The Greek accusations regarding Demir-Hissar were used by King Constantine as a reason to send a telegram ordering reprisals against the Bulgarians. The Carnegie Commission points out that the Greek excesses (violent actions) began days before the Demir-Hissar event, in and around Kukush Guided Turkey Tours .

What Happened at Demir-Hissar

The Bulgarian army, defeated in the south, was retreating through Demir-Hissar toward a narrow pass called Struma.

The Greeks in Demir-Hissar saw the Bulgarian confusion and decided to attack.

They attacked the Bulgarian wounded, the baggage trains, and fleeing peasants.

However, the Greeks acted too early, exposing themselves to Bulgarian reprisals.

When the Greek army arrived, they found a scene of carnage and horror. The Greek inhabitants had killed defenseless Bulgarians, and the Bulgarian rearguard took revenge.

Casualties and Responsibility

The Bulgarians report that around 250 Bulgarians were killed.

The Greeks report that 71 Greeks were killed.

The Bulgarians claim that the Greek Bishop led the attack and fired the first shot.

The Carnegie Commission finds nothing improbable in this claim, and the Greeks admit that the Bishop resisted arrest.

The Carnegie Commission shows that both sides suffered losses, but the events in Demir-Hissar were sparked by the early Greek attack and the Bulgarian reprisals that followed. The Commission notes the violence that occurred on both sides during this difficult period.

#The Fate of Prisoners and the Greek Accusations

The Impact of Solidarity in Poland on Eastern Europe

The Solidarity Union in Poland, formed in the autumn of 1980, became a significant source of inspiration for human rights movements throughout Eastern Europe. Its success led workers in other countries to follow suit. In Romania, Georgia, and the Soviet Baltic Republics, workers began to strike, pushing for more rights and better conditions. Even in Bulgaria, voices of discontent grew stronger, and subversive ideas began to emerge.

The Bulgarian Secret Service Response

In September 1980, the Bulgarian Secret Service (Directorate Six), tasked with monitoring political enemies, was assigned to prevent any organized anti-socialist activities linked to the Solidarity movement in Poland. Their job was to stop any influence from the Polish unions and counter-revolutionary ideas from spreading into Bulgaria. Directorate Six focused on the intelligentsia, young people, and anyone suspected of being opposed to the government Customized Tour Istanbul.

By the end of 1980, Directorate Six conducted operations targeting intellectuals, students, and those who were seen as a threat to the regime. They attempted to stop any movement that could lead to unrest, particularly from the Polish influence. This led to the imposition of strict censorship on books, newspapers, films, and all types of Polish propaganda materials that were seen as promoting ideas contrary to the communist system.

Concerns Over Polish Influence

In the summer of 1980, many Polish tourists visited Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, which raised concerns within the State Security. The authorities were worried that these tourists could spread pro-democracy ideas and encourage the Bulgarian people to challenge the regime.

To counteract this, the Bulgarian press began to publish propaganda that misrepresented the situation in Poland. The goal was to create a false image of the Polish trade unions, portraying them as being influenced by Western powers. The official daily newspaper, Rabotnichesko Delo, published numerous articles from the Soviet newspapers Pravda and Izvestiya, which attacked the Solidarity movement and its supporters. These articles aimed to show that Poland’s internal problems were caused by foreign interference.

Growing Discontent in Bulgaria

On 14 October 1981, Todor Zhivkov, the leader of Bulgaria, submitted a memorandum to the Politburo expressing his concern that the Polish movement might inspire similar protests in Bulgaria. The State Security continued to monitor the growing discontent, especially among young people. Directorate Six noticed an increase in anonymous leaflets and small gatherings in private homes where people discussed the situation in Poland.

In particular, a group of young people in Bulgaria began to work on a “Declaration-80”, a document that expressed support for the Polish struggle for democracy. The authorities saw this as a threat to the regime and quickly classified it as a “menace to the rule of law”.

The Solidarity Union in Poland sparked a wave of protests and uprisings across Eastern Europe, and Bulgaria was not immune to this growing demand for change. However, the Bulgarian government, led by Todor Zhivkov, responded with intense repression, including strict censorship and surveillance of its citizens. Despite these efforts, the spirit of democratization that emerged in Poland began to inspire more people in Bulgaria, particularly the younger generation, who increasingly questioned the totalitarian regime under which they lived.

#The Impact of Solidarity in Poland on Eastern Europe

Kurşunlu Monastery

The Kurşunlu Monastery is located about 10-12 kilometers from Davutlar. It can be reached by an unpaved road to the right of Cumhuriyet Square. The monastery is built at an altitude of 600 meters, similar to the House of Mary in Ephesus. It was constructed during the Byzantine period.

The monastery has a courtyard with a church surrounded by several buildings, including a storeroom, dining hall, kitchen, friar rooms, cistern, and a cemetery.

The Greeks called this monastery “Panaghia Kurshuniatissa.” The word “Panaghia” means “The Saints of all Saints” and refers to the Virgin Mary. They also called the House of Virgin Mary in Ephesus “Panaghia Kapulu,” which means “the door of the Saint of all Saints.”

The monastery is surrounded by forest and unfortunately, treasure hunters have destroyed most of its frescoes over time. The name of the monastery comes from its leaded dome Customized Tour Bulgaria.

Priene

Priene is located next to Güllubahçe Village. It sits on a terrace that overlooks the plain, which was once silted by the Meander River. Founded around 350 BC, Priene was not a large city, but it was politically very important. It housed the sacred Altar of Poseidon, a symbol of the twelve cities of the Panionian Confederation.

Priene is famous for its well-preserved architecture, including the temple of Athena, a sanctuary dedicated to Alexander the Great, and an amazing theatre. The theatre has the altar of Dionysus, the god of spectacle and enjoyment, and the special seats for local dignitaries are still intact.

The Bouleterion (the council chamber with 640 seats) and the Prytaneion (office for the executive committee) are other interesting places to visit in Priene.

Miletus

Miletus is a quiet, ancient ruin that has little visible evidence of its golden age during the 7th and 6th centuries BC. Few cities in ancient times achieved such power and brilliance.

Miletus was a center for gathering knowledge from civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Asia Minor. Great thinkers like Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes studied nature and developed ideas that were as advanced as today’s modern science.

#Kurşunlu Monastery

Finding the Right Path

Using the Compass

I used my pocket compass to know the direction, and my maps showed that the valley would lead to Berat. For an hour, we struggled through the tough terrain. Finally, we found a trail and followed it. Soon, we met a peasant with a couple of mules who helped us. He told us that instead of staying in the valley, we could take a shortcut over a hill that would save us three or four hours.

The Old Roman Path

We took the shortcut. It was part of an old Roman road, made of huge stones that were worn down into deep cups by years of use. There was a real risk that one of our horses might break a leg. The path was steep like stairs and was covered with trees. We had to bend down so that our cheeks were against the horses’ manes. The trees were so thick that, in some places, it felt like we were going through a tunnel Istanbul Day Tours.

The Roman Legions

I hoped that the Roman legions had an easier time traveling on this path than the Turkish soldiers and I did that rainy afternoon. The only comfort we had was knowing we were on the right road.

Clear Skies and Beautiful Views

When we reached the mountain top, the rain stopped, and we saw the clearest blue sky. Below us, the valleys were filled with thick clouds.

Reaching Berat

Despite the wet and difficult day, we were excited to finally see Berat. The city isn’t easy to find. It sits on a large, black rock that guards the entrance to the valley. In the sunlight, it looked like a medieval fortress, with tall walls and towers. But Berat has grown over time, and now it stretches down a slope toward the River Arum. There’s also a beautiful Roman bridge nearby.

The City’s Poor Conditions

Even though the upper city looked amazing in the sunset, all romantic thoughts disappeared as we walked through its gates. The upper city was very dirty, and the lower city was even worse. I was told it hadn’t rained for three months, but now, after a couple of days of rain, the sun was shining on the damp mess. The conditions were terrible.

The upper town is mainly home to Albanian Christians, while the lower town is mostly inhabited by Albanian Muslims. Both parts of the city seemed to be competing to see who could make the place the most unhealthy, with horrible smells and fever-causing conditions.

#Finding the Right Path

Drama The British Presence in Macedonia

Drama is the center of the British influence in Macedonia, though it is the least important area because it is the quietest part of the region. Other parts of Macedonia are controlled by different countries: Seres by France, Salonika by Russia, Monastir by Italy, and Uskup by Austria.

Appreciation for British Representatives

Both Turks and Christians in Drama appreciated the British officers. The Christians liked them because England stood for Christianity and they knew that England was their friend. The Turks also liked them because, as the Turkish officials told me, the British officers treated them as equals Who we are.

In the Monastir region, people were kind to the Italians. However, I was told that in Seres, the French treated the Turks as inferior. In Salonika, the Russians tried to bully them, and in Uskup, the Turks knew that Austria wanted more land than peace for the region. Germany, who was a friend of the Sultan, didn’t take part in trying to calm the country.

The British Officers in Drama

I drove through the narrow, busy streets of Drama, past the town and the barracks, where Turkish soldiers, called out from nearby villages, were resting. They seemed calm and respectful.

I arrived at a simple white building known as “Murzsteg Mansion.” Colonel Fairholme, the political representative, was on leave, but I was greeted by Major Gore-Alney and Captain Smyly. Even though they were appointed by the British government, they worked for the Turkish government.

It was surprising to see British officers in khaki uniforms with South African medals wearing the Turkish red fez. Seeing an English soldier in a Turkish hat felt strange.

Living at Murzsteg Mansion

Murzsteg Mansion was simply furnished with a few tables and chairs, some camp beds, rubber baths, piles of reports, military equipment, old novels, and photographs. The most important photo was an autograph portrait of King Edward, a kind gesture from the King to his soldiers far away in Macedonia, working to keep Britain’s reputation for justice.

The British Officers’ Work

The British officers were doing valuable work around Drama. They oversaw the Turkish gendarmerie, helping to get rid of bad officers and promoting those who deserved it. Despite having few staff, they traveled to remote and dangerous areas in the hills, close to Bulgaria, dealing with bandit-filled areas and the tensions between Turks and Bulgarians, or even conflicts among rival Christian groups. They endured difficult conditions, long rides, and poor accommodations.

By being present in these areas, they helped calm the people, made the authorities more careful, and reported regularly to the British Ambassador in Constantinople on the situation in the region.

#Drama The British Presence in Macedonia

The Absence of Extreme Wealth and Poverty

When I traveled through Bulgaria, one thing that stood out to me was the lack of people who are either very rich or very poor. I don’t think there are more than a handful of people in the entire country with a fortune over £50,000.

Bulgaria’s Business Challenges

Many people I met mentioned how Bulgaria’s growth in trade is held back because of a lack of capital (money). However, even if the Bulgarians had the money, I think they might not have the right skills to succeed in modern business. They are not very interested in taking risks, and competition is low. For example, a merchant in Bulgaria will ask for a high price for something. Even if the buyer can find the same item cheaper elsewhere, the merchant will not lower the price. The idea of making small profits from many sales quickly has not yet caught on Customized Tours Bulgaria.

Foreign Control of Big Businesses

As a result of this, many large businesses in Bulgaria are owned by foreigners. Twenty years ago, England led the way in trade with Bulgaria. But now, England is no longer the leader. France also hasn’t been able to keep up. On the other hand, Austria has been improving its trade relations with Bulgaria over time.

While many Bulgarians want to see their country become a manufacturing hub, the more practical and wise people believe it is better for the country to focus on developing its agricultural resources.

#The Absence of Extreme Wealth and Poverty

Misrepresentation of Atrocities in Bulgaria

Recently, Mr. Disraeli presented a telegram from Mr. Baring in Parliament, claiming that approximately sixty villages had been burned in Bulgaria and around 12,000 people killed. While I am unsure how Mr. Baring arrived at these figures, I suspect he may have only provided a partial account based on his limited observations in the district of Philippopolis. It seems that Mr. Disraeli may have mistakenly presented this localized information as a comprehensive overview of the entire country. Whether this was done intentionally or not, I believe it is crucial to clarify the context.

Discrepancies in Reporting

Mr. Schuyler, during his investigations in Philippopolis, estimated that the number of people killed in that district alone ranged from twelve to fifteen thousand, with the number of burned villages between sixty and seventy. After further research north of the Balkans, he discovered that at least forty additional villages had also been torched, along with similar atrocities. While I cannot provide an updated estimate on the death toll in those areas, I feel confident asserting that Mr. Disraeli’s portrayal was based on an incomplete account. This has led him to make unfounded claims about exaggerations by correspondents who reported on these events Private Bulgaria Tours Yachting.

A Focus on the Living

The past is now irretrievable; those who have perished are beyond human assistance and are free from further suffering. The brutality inflicted upon them by Turkish forces has reached its peak, and perhaps, in their escape from life, they are among the more fortunate. Our concern must shift to the living, whose conditions are dire.

Current State of Insecurity

In Bulgaria, there is no security for life or property. The Turkish population is armed, while the Christian community has been disarmed. This power imbalance allows the armed population to act with impunity. The only thing that restrains their actions is their own conscience, a factor that has proven insufficient, as evidenced by the horrors witnessed in Batak. The situation is grave; Bulgarians are systematically robbed and plundered by their Muslim neighbors, forced to labor without compensation, and live in constant fear.

The Need for Awareness and Action

The plight of the Bulgarian people cannot be ignored. They are suffering not just from the atrocities of the past but also from the ongoing violence and oppression. It is essential for the international community to recognize the reality of their situation and respond accordingly. Misrepresentations of the facts only serve to further endanger those who remain. We must advocate for justice and protection for the vulnerable populations in Bulgaria, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs addressed.

#Misrepresentation of Atrocities in Bulgaria

Misrepresentation of Atrocities in Bulgaria

Discrepancies in Reporting

A Focus on the Living

Current State of Insecurity

The Need for Awareness and Action

#Misrepresentation of Atrocities in Bulgaria

Elections for the Grand National Assembly

The elections for the Grand National Assembly were held on 27 October 1946. Despite widespread terror, numerous arrests of opposition activists, and massive election fraud, the legal opposition managed to win 101 out of 465 seats. This allowed them to form two parliamentary opposition groups:

BZNS-Nikola Petkov: The Bulgarian Agrarian People’s Party, led by Nikola Petkov. BSDP: The Bulgarian Social Democratic Party. Post-Treaty Repression Following the signing of the Peace Treaty with Bulgaria on 10 February 1947 in Paris, the Communist Party intensified its repression against opposition leaders and members. On 5 June 1947, Nikola Petkov, the leader of the united opposition, lost his parliamentary immunity. He was sentenced to death and executed in Sofia Central Prison.

International Reaction

On 16 September 1952, U.S. President Harry S. Truman made a statement regarding the fifth anniversary of Nikola Petkov’s execution:

“The American people and many other nations will never forget the prosecution and the murder of Nikola Petkov in 1947. His courageous struggle against communist totalitarian rule in Bulgaria will never be forgotten. His death made the meaning of the struggle he waged against tyranny much clearer to the entire world.”

Surveillance and Suppression of Opposition

According to Bulgarian State Security records, all opposition party activists were placed under surveillance starting in September 1947. By October 1947, the leaders of the so-called bourgeois parties had been expelled from Sofia and were being monitored by State Security agents Istanbul Day Tour. The individuals affected included:

Nikola Moushanov Stoycho Moushanov Alexander Ghirghinov Prof. Venelin Ganev Atanas Burov Petko Staynov Christo Manafov Slavi Chorbadzhigoshev Stefan Gubidelnikov Boris Panchev Dimiter Vurbanov Georgi Panayotov Throughout 1947, a total of 721 members of opposition parties were sent to forced labor camps.

The period following the 1946 elections was marked by severe repression against political opponents. The execution of Nikola Petkov and the extensive surveillance and imprisonment of opposition figures demonstrated the communist regime’s determination to eliminate any challenges to their authority. International reactions, such as President Truman’s statement, highlighted the global awareness of and condemnation for these repressive actions.

#Elections for the Grand National Assembly

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