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Public Education Among Turks in Bulgaria

The Reality of Turkish Schools

It is surprising to learn that some Turkish girls do attend school, which challenges the common belief that Turks never send their daughters to school. However, it is important to note that many schools called “Turkish schools” are only Turkish in name. The teaching staff often consists of ignorant teachers, called “hodjas,” and even less knowledgeable “kadines,” who focus mostly on teaching prayers. Although the school programs include subjects such as Bulgarian, Turkish, and arithmetic, the instruction is very limited. Therefore, it is risky to draw conclusions about the education of the Muslim population in Bulgaria simply from the number of schools, teachers, or students Customised Private Istanbul Tour.

Children Eligible for Primary Education

According to the 1900 census, there were 670,375 children between the ages of six and twelve. Among them, 338,205 were boys and 332,170 were girls. It is important to note that primary education lasts four years, not six as it did before 1899. This means children attend school until around the age of ten rather than twelve. Some children only begin school at age seven. Additionally, some students remain in the same class for two years. Considering these factors, it is more accurate to assume that children attend primary school for an average of five years, and that school attendance is obligatory for children between six and eleven years old.

School Attendance Rates

Among the 554,568 children in this age group, 279,540 were boys and 275,228 were girls. In the school year 1903–1904, 340,668 children attended primary schools: 220,620 boys and 120,048 girls. This means that 78.9 percent of boys and 43.6 percent of girls, or 61.43 percent of all children in the required age group, were actually attending school. These figures show that while a majority of boys attended school, fewer girls did, highlighting the gap in education between the sexes.

The data demonstrates that education among Turkish children in Bulgaria is limited and uneven, especially for girls. Simply counting schools or teachers does not provide a full picture. True educational progress requires looking at actual attendance and the quality of instruction, which remains a challenge in many Turkish schools.

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Limits on Extraordinary Expenditure

One of the most important rules introduced by the new Law of Budgetary Accounts was the restriction on extraordinary credits. In the past, governments often created special funds for exceptional expenses, which placed a heavy burden on the State Budget and damaged financial stability. The new law put an end to this practice.

From that time forward, extraordinary expenditure could not exceed two million francs. Of this amount, one million was charged to the budget of the current year, according to Article 126 of the Constitution, while the other one million was carried over to the budget of the following year. No additional extraordinary credits could be created unless new sources of revenue were identified to cover them. This rule protected the financial health of the State and prevented governments from overspending.

Law on the Collection of Direct Taxes

The second reform was a Law for the Collection of Direct Taxes, which was sanctioned by royal decree on March 14th, 1905 and published in the Official Journal on March 23rd, 1905. This law introduced new measures to ensure the prompt and efficient collection of taxes. It strengthened the ability of the government to collect money owed by citizens, which in turn improved the reliability of State income Istanbul Tours Guide.

Law on Duties for Property Transfers

Another important reform was the Law on Duties for Property Transfers, ratified by Royal Decree No. 57 on January 13th, 1905, and published in the Official Journal on April 4th, 1905. This law created a progressive tax on inherited estates. It also increased the tax on gifts and reduced the number of people who had previously managed to avoid paying duties on personal property. By doing so, it made the tax system fairer and more effective.

Law on Excise and Alcohol Licenses

Finally, a Law on Excise and Licenses for Alcoholic Drinks was passed. It was ratified by royal decree on January 31st, 1905 and published in the Official Journal on the same day. Before this reform, not all alcoholic drinks were taxed, which meant that the State lost a significant amount of revenue. The new law introduced a more stable system of taxation, making sure that all alcoholic beverages were subject to excise duty.

This law also marked the first attempt to place the production and sale of alcohol under strict State control, both for financial reasons and for better regulation of the market.

Together, these financial reforms greatly strengthened the Bulgarian State’s revenue system. By limiting extraordinary spending, improving tax collection, creating fairer property duties, and regulating alcohol sales, the government built a more stable and predictable financial system. These measures ensured that the country’s finances were better protected and more capable of supporting future development.

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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.

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Repairs to the Seaward Walls of Constantinople in the 14th Century

Conflict with the Genoese of Galata

In the mid-14th century, the Byzantine Empire faced not only political struggles but also external threats from the Genoese colony of Galata, located across the Golden Horn. The Genoese were powerful traders, and their rivalry with Constantinople often led to open conflict.

In 1348, the Genoese launched a violent assault on the northern side of the city. Although they did not succeed in breaching the city walls, they caused serious damage to the shipping docks, timber-stores, and houses situated along the water’s edge. This attack revealed the weaknesses of the city’s seaward fortifications, especially those facing the Golden Horn.

The Great Threat of 1351

Matters became even more dangerous in 1351, when Genoa sent a large fleet under the command of Doria to attack Constantinople. This mission was intended to support the demands and claims of the Genoese colony at Galata. On its way through the Sea of Marmara, the fleet captured the fortified town of Heraclea, a shocking event that caused panic in the Byzantine capital Bulgaria Tours.

With the enemy fleet approaching, Emperor John VI Cantacuzene acted quickly. He ordered immediate repairs to the seaward walls:

Damaged sections were rebuilt,

The walls were raised in height,

Houses in front of the walls were removed to give defenders a clear view,

Towers were heightened using wooden constructions placed on top, following the usual defensive practice of the time.

The Construction of a Defensive Moat

Cantacuzene went even further in his preparations. To strengthen the city’s defenses, he ordered the digging of a deep moat in front of the Golden Horn walls. This moat stretched all the way from the Gate Xyliné (at Ayvansaray) to the Gate of Eugenius (near today’s Yalı Köşkü Kapısı, close to Seraglio Point).

This moat not only slowed down potential attackers but also acted as an additional barrier against siege machines and naval assaults. These measures demonstrate how seriously the Byzantines viewed the Genoese threat in 1351.

Evidence of the Repairs

A fascinating trace of these defensive works survives. On a tower immediately to the east of the Djubali Kapoussi Gate, there once stood a slab with a bas-relief. This carving depicted the three Hebrew youths cast into the fiery furnace of Babylon, as told in the Book of Daniel. The slab also bore the name of Manuel Phakrase Catacuzene, who was the Protostrator (a senior military commander) under Cantacuzene.

Manuel distinguished himself in service during this difficult period. The slab, once on the wall, was later moved to the Imperial Museum of Constantinople for preservation.

The attacks of 1348 and 1351 highlight the constant dangers faced by Constantinople during the late Byzantine period. The city’s position made it a target not only for powerful empires but also for rival trading states like Genoa. The rapid defensive works of Cantacuzene—raising walls, strengthening towers, removing houses, and digging moats—show how the Byzantines adapted to urgent threats.

Although often under pressure and short of resources, the empire’s leaders demonstrated determination to defend the city, preserving its walls for another century until the final Ottoman conquest in 1453.

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Ulysses' Landing and King Alcinous' Garden

Local guides on Corfu often try to match their explanations to both the curiosity of visitors and the geography of the island. They point out the exact spot where Ulysses (Odysseus) is said to have swum ashore. They also tell visitors that the garden of King Alcinous, as described in the ancient myths, is now the site of the country palace of King George of Greece. King George is known as one of the most democratic and considerate monarchs. He enjoys sharing everything with the people and has a reputation for being friendly and welcoming.

Visitors are free to visit the palace without paying any fees, though it’s polite to leave a card at the porter’s lodge and offer a word of appreciation. The porter takes this as a personal compliment. In the town of Corfu, there is even a street named in honor of King Alcinous, and Ulysses is viewed by the local community as a legendary figure of whom they are very proud Private Sofia Tours.

A Historic and Political Island

Corfu has witnessed many exciting events, both in modern and ancient times. When I visited, there was a lot of talk among the locals about the Greek government’s decision to expel Mahmoud Damad Pasha, the brother-in-law of the Sultan of Turkey, along with Hadji Kadri and Siret, two other Turkish exiles. These men had fled Constantinople and sought refuge on the island. They were welcomed with warm sympathy and treated with respect.

However, the Greek government faced a difficult situation. While the relations between Greece and Turkey had improved since the end of the war four years ago, the Greek government felt that hosting such high-profile Turkish exiles could cause political problems. As a result, the government politely asked these Turkish fugitives to leave Corfu and move to Switzerland, which is known for its hospitality toward political exiles.

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Agriculture and Economy of Bulgaria

Almost 47% of Bulgaria’s land is used for pasture. The country raises a variety of livestock, including sheep, goats, cattle, horses, and pigs. Among these, wool is the most valuable product, and it is primarily exported to Austria and Germany. Another significant source of income is the export of hides and skins. Each year, Bulgaria ships over five million sheep pelts to international markets.

The main agricultural product in Bulgaria is wheat, which is exported mainly to Germany and Turkey. Additionally, Bulgaria has a very profitable industry that involves the distillation of attar of roses, a highly valued oil. This industry is especially important in the provinces along the Black Sea, and Bulgaria is famous for producing some of the best rose oil in the world Private Tour Ephesus.

The Bulgarian Language

The Bulgarian language is unique and is a type of Slavonic language. It shares some similarities with Russian, but it is not the same. It can be compared to how Scotch is related to English. Although Bulgarian includes Greek letters in its alphabet and has some Greek words in its vocabulary, it is fundamentally a Slavonic language.

A Bulgarian and a Greek would not understand each other because their languages are completely different. Similarly, a Russian peasant would not be able to easily communicate with a Bulgarian peasant due to the difference in local dialects. However, educated Russians and Bulgarians can understand each other even when speaking in their own languages.

In terms of writing, Russians can read Bulgarian newspapers quite easily. Linguists believe that the Bulgarian language is very similar to the ancient Slavonic language. Interestingly, many Bulgarian words can be traced back to the ancient Thracian and Illyrian languages, showing the historical depth of the Bulgarian culture.

The Origins of the Bulgarians

The origin of the Bulgarian people is somewhat mysterious. There is no clear answer to where they came from. Some experts believe they might have been Finns, while others think they were Tartars. However, the strongest evidence suggests that their ancestors lived along the Volga River.

The history of the Bulgarians is not well-documented, which is unusual for such a strong and intelligent group of people. The Bulgarians lost their original language but kept their name. On the other hand, the Slavs they conquered lost their name but kept their language. This is an interesting and unique part of Bulgaria’s history.

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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.

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Budget Hotels in Sofia

Aris Hotel

Location: F-7, ul. Knyaz Boris 203 Contact: Tel: [phone]

Aris Hotel is a small and quiet hotel located on a leafy street. It is very close to Sofia’s main train and bus stations, which makes it perfect for travelers who need easy transport connections.

The hotel offers simple but comfortable rooms. The rooms have soft, relaxing colors and high ceilings that make the rooms feel open and airy. Each room includes a TV and a hairdryer for guests’ convenience.

If you are traveling with family or a group, the apartments with fold-down sofa beds are a great option. These provide extra space and comfort without costing too much.

Brod Hotel

Location: H-8, Simeonovsko Shose 66 Contact: Tel: [phone]

Brod Hotel is a suburban hotel recently built to offer excellent value for money. It is located on Simeonovsko Shose, a busy road on the outskirts of Sofia. Although this street is not the most exciting part of the city, the hotel itself is welcoming and comfortable Bulgaria Private Tour.

The rooms are nicely decorated in soft pastel colors mixed with warm terracotta tones. The “luxury” rooms include large bathtubs for relaxing baths, while standard rooms have simple shower units.

The staff at Brod Hotel are friendly and helpful. They will gladly tell you where to find local cafes, shops, and bus stops. Also, taxis from the hotel to the city center are affordable and convenient.

Park Hotel Vitosha

Location: H-8, ul. Rosario 1 Contact: Tel: [phone]

Park Hotel Vitosha is a brand new hotel designed in a modern Scandinavian style. The hotel uses light colors and natural wooden surfaces that create a fresh and calm atmosphere.

The rooms come with cooking facilities, which is great if you prefer to prepare your own meals. The hotel is also well equipped with wellness and spa amenities for guests who want to relax and enjoy some pampering.

Located in a peaceful park-like area on the southeastern edge of Sofia, Park Hotel Vitosha offers a quiet escape from the city’s busy streets.

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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.

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Growing Protests Against the Communist Regime

As the years passed, protests against the communist regime in Bulgaria increased. These protests, both individual and group actions, were often met with harsh repression by the authorities. Despite the growing unrest, the communist government worked to maintain strict control over information, imposing a total blackout on any news about the protests.

One example of resistance to the regime took place in Stara Zagora prison. On 9 September 1969, which marked the 25th anniversary of the communist coup in Bulgaria, five political prisoners managed to take control of the prison. After the evening retreat, they freed 80 more political prisoners from their cells. This revolt was a significant act of defiance against the government. However, the rebellion was quickly crushed by regular army troops. The main organizer, Petko Chobanov, was unable to escape the authorities and tragically committed suicide Customized Tour Istanbul.

The Impact of the 1975 Helsinki Accords

The year 1975 brought a glimmer of hope to people in Eastern Europe, as it marked the signing of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE). This historic document, signed by 35 countries, including the Soviet Union and the United States, focused on human rights and the sovereignty of nations. It reaffirmed the importance of human rights, which gave people in Eastern Bloc countries a renewed sense of hope for possible liberation from their oppressive totalitarian regimes.

The signing of the Helsinki Accords stirred expectations for political change, and for many, it offered a new weapon: human rights. People began to believe that they could demand greater freedoms and push back against the government’s control over their lives.

Emergence of New Opposition Movements

In the wake of the Helsinki Accords, a new type of opposition began to emerge in Eastern Europe. Citizens, particularly in countries like Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Bulgaria, started to openly protest against the limitations imposed on their personal freedoms. These protests focused on the violation of human rights and the lack of political freedoms under communist rule.

As more and more people joined these efforts, the communist authorities found themselves under increasing pressure. Although the governments tried to suppress these movements, the protests and demands for human rights continued to grow. The 1975 Helsinki Accords gave ordinary people a framework to challenge the authorities, and the idea that human rights should be respected gained more importance in the minds of many.

The increasing protests, such as the Stara Zagora prison revolt, and the hope sparked by the Helsinki Accords, marked a turning point in Eastern Europe’s fight against communist regimes. While the governments tried to suppress these movements, the desire for freedom and human rights could not be easily extinguished. These events laid the foundation for the larger movements for democracy and reform that would eventually lead to the fall of communism in Eastern Europe at the end of the 1980s.

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The Inner Castle

The Inner Castle was built with stones and bricks, and has a cradle vault. It measures 17.50 x 15.80 meters and was used as a watchtower and police station. There was a storage area for supplies built into the ground for the soldiers on duty. Water for the castle came from a cistern on the east side of the building.

Until the first half of the 19th century, the castle continued to be used in this way. Evliya Çelebi, a famous traveler, visited the town in 1670 and mentioned the Inner Castle in his travel book. In 1702, a German artist made a drawing that only shows the Inner Castle on the island.

The city walls were constructed in 1826 using stones from Snake Island. This means that the ancient Marathesion structure is now part of the city walls on Pigeon Island Customized Tour Bulgaria.

Okuz Mehmet Pasha Caravanserai

The Okuz Mehmet Pasha Caravanserai is located across from the pier. It was built in 1628 by Grand Vizier Okuz Mehmet Pasha and was restored in 1966. It is an Ottoman-style building designed for overseas trade.

The courtyard of the caravanserai is 18.50 x 21.60 meters and is surrounded by a two-story arcaded building. There are two stairways at the northwest and southeast corners of the building. The caravanserai has two entrances: one at the north and one at the west side.

The main entrance has a 2.96-meter wide marble doorway with a flat arch. On the right and left sides of the entrance, there are two separate parts that are connected by an arch to the central area.

On the left side, there is a smaller room that is believed to have been used as a depository. The area on the right is thought to have been where the guards watched the entrance to the caravanserai.

In the center of the courtyard, there is a fountain that is still used today.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The City of the Plain

Arrival in Philippopolis

I arrived in Philippopolis on a Sunday evening after a long and tiring 16-hour journey along dusty roads. The horses were tired, but they picked up speed as we reached the cobbled streets of the city. The driver shouted and cracked his whip, trying to make it seem like he had been driving fast all day, which wasn’t true. I was exhausted and not looking forward to the kind of accommodation I would find.

As we entered the city, I saw a lit street, a lively café, and heard cheerful gipsy music. Hotel staff appeared, greeting me warmly. The owner came out, and yes, he had received my telegram! Rooms were ready for me, and I was shown to a nice, clean, simple room. After seeing myself in a mirror, I realized I was covered in dust, with my hair gray from the long journey. But no worries! A bath was waiting for me, followed by a nice little dinner. The wine? A pint of the local variety. Everything seemed perfect!

The City’s Setting and History

Philippopolis is located on the Plain of Thrace, which is incredibly flat and surrounded by tall, jagged mountains. The landscape is dotted with strange, large mounds, like exaggerated molehills. These mounds are ancient burial mounds called tumuli. In the summer, the plain feels hot and steamy, and through the haze, you can see a large hill that doesn’t look big from far away but, up close, shows several smaller hills, almost like a crouching animal. This is a huge piece of uneven granite that rises from the plain Customized Tours Bulgaria.

Many centuries ago, Philip of Macedon built a city on this hill. Today, that city is known as Philippopolis.

The Character of Philippopolis

Philippopolis has a unique character. The city has a strong passion for education, and its people are known for their hardworking nature. Bulgarians aren’t particularly speculative; they prefer stability, focusing on agriculture and the industry of their peasants. However, there are changes, as the Turks have returned to the area, influencing daily life.

The people of Philippopolis have distinct characteristics. They tend to avoid the heat of the summer by seeking shelter or cooler places. During my stay, I visited the Monastery of St. Petka, where I spent a night under the open sky, enjoying the calmness and simplicity of the place.

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The Despair of the Remaining People

On Friday, a devastating attack took place when shells were fired at the church, following the escape of most of the men the previous night. Many of those who fled on Thursday were captured the next day and killed in the surrounding countryside. The remaining individuals—less than a hundred men along with four or five hundred women and children—were trapped in a state of despair.

Appeals for Peace

In their desperation, they sent three or four elderly men and women to Aziz Pacha, hoping to negotiate for peace. Unfortunately, these messengers never returned. It is likely that they were intercepted and killed by the Bashi-Bazouks before they could reach the Pacha. I am willing to assume, for the sake of argument, that these messengers never reached him. Nevertheless, it is enough that, after these people had appealed to him three times for protection, he responded not with assistance but by bombarding their refuge Private Bulgaria Tours Yachting.

The Inhumane Attack

The act of shelling the church, which was filled with women and children, is a shocking indication of the Pacha’s disregard for their lives. It is troubling that, after the community had already ceased all resistance and sought shelter, the bombardment continued. We could investigate further to show that he would have ignored any pleas for mercy that might have reached him through the lines of Bashi-Bazouks, but it seems hardly necessary.

Mr. Guarracino emphasizes this point, and he, along with his Turkish allies, take pride in the fact that the messengers never arrived at their destination. They act as if they deserve credit for this outcome, conveniently ignoring the responsibility of the Turkish commander for the messengers’ fate.

The Consequences of Inaction

What remains evident is the callousness of the situation. The Turkish authorities did not offer protection to those who sought it. Instead, they continued the attack even after the defenders had laid down their arms. This lack of compassion and the willingness to turn a blind eye to human suffering reflect a deep moral failure.

In conclusion, the actions of Aziz Pacha and his forces highlight a significant humanitarian crisis. Rather than responding to cries for help, they chose violence, leading to further despair for those who remained. The failure to protect vulnerable lives, particularly in a time of desperation, reveals a troubling disregard for humanity. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and the dire consequences when it is absent.

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The Despair of the Remaining People

On Friday, a devastating attack took place when shells were fired at the church, following the escape of most of the men the previous night. Many of those who fled on Thursday were captured the next day and killed in the surrounding countryside. The remaining individuals—less than a hundred men along with four or five hundred women and children—were trapped in a state of despair.

Appeals for Peace

In their desperation, they sent three or four elderly men and women to Aziz Pacha, hoping to negotiate for peace. Unfortunately, these messengers never returned. It is likely that they were intercepted and killed by the Bashi-Bazouks before they could reach the Pacha. I am willing to assume, for the sake of argument, that these messengers never reached him. Nevertheless, it is enough that, after these people had appealed to him three times for protection, he responded not with assistance but by bombarding their refuge Private Bulgaria Tours Yachting.

The Inhumane Attack

The act of shelling the church, which was filled with women and children, is a shocking indication of the Pacha’s disregard for their lives. It is troubling that, after the community had already ceased all resistance and sought shelter, the bombardment continued. We could investigate further to show that he would have ignored any pleas for mercy that might have reached him through the lines of Bashi-Bazouks, but it seems hardly necessary.

Mr. Guarracino emphasizes this point, and he, along with his Turkish allies, take pride in the fact that the messengers never arrived at their destination. They act as if they deserve credit for this outcome, conveniently ignoring the responsibility of the Turkish commander for the messengers’ fate.

The Consequences of Inaction

What remains evident is the callousness of the situation. The Turkish authorities did not offer protection to those who sought it. Instead, they continued the attack even after the defenders had laid down their arms. This lack of compassion and the willingness to turn a blind eye to human suffering reflect a deep moral failure.

In conclusion, the actions of Aziz Pacha and his forces highlight a significant humanitarian crisis. Rather than responding to cries for help, they chose violence, leading to further despair for those who remained. The failure to protect vulnerable lives, particularly in a time of desperation, reveals a troubling disregard for humanity. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and the dire consequences when it is absent.