Sofia Trips

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Primary Schools and Population in Bulgaria

Distribution of Schools

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

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

Schools Compared to Population

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

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

However, this proportion varies among different nationalities:

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

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

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

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

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

Number of Students

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

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

Observations

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

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

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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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Principles of Bulgarian Law

The laws of Bulgaria were designed to respect the religious and civil rights of all citizens. People of different religions were allowed to exercise their civil and political rights without restriction and could hold public office. This was an important guarantee of equality for a country with a diverse population.

Commercial and International Relations

Bulgaria’s commercial relations were also regulated carefully. Commercial treaties concluded with the Ottoman Empire (the Porte) were binding on Bulgaria, and no changes could be made without the agreement of the Power involved. Transit duties could not be charged on goods passing through Bulgaria, protecting the freedom of trade. The rights and privileges of foreign subjects, including the right to consular jurisdiction and protection, were to remain valid until formally changed with the consent of the Powers concerned.

Tribute and Legal Authority

Bulgaria was required to pay tribute to Turkey and to participate in the debts of the Ottoman Empire. Bulgarians traveling in Turkey were subject to Turkish law and authorities, maintaining order and recognition of Ottoman sovereignty outside Bulgaria Guided Tours Turkey.

Autonomy and Sovereignty

While these provisions might suggest that Bulgaria had limited independence, the Treaty of Berlin clearly stated that immediately after the election of the Prince, Bulgaria would enjoy complete autonomy. This meant that in practice, Bulgaria became self-governing from the start. Over time, Bulgaria strengthened its government, gradually moving beyond the status of a vassal and tributary principality of 1878.

Modern Developments

As Bulgaria grew stronger, it was able to abolish the capitulations with the consent of all parties involved, stop paying tribute, and negotiate commercial treaties independently. Relations with Turkey became a matter of mutual agreement, and Bulgaria’s sovereignty increasingly depended on its political, moral, and military strength. Each day brought greater autonomy and recognition of Bulgaria as a sovereign state in the international community.

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The Walls Along the Golden Horn

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

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

The Location of the Walls

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

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

The Strategic Importance of the Golden Horn

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

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

The Gates of the Harbour Walls

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

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

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

Legacy of the Golden Horn Walls

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

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

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Greece A Railway Journey from Corfu to Corinth

In Greece, there is a narrow-gauge railway that runs from Patras to Corinth. This railway follows the Gulf of Corinth, crossing a ridge that divides the isthmus and continues along the shore of the Saronic Gulf to the capital, Athens. Altogether, there are about 600 miles of railway in operation across Greece, though 300 miles of track have been abandoned Private Sofia Tours.

Abandoned Railroads and Their Importance

You can still find the tracks of the abandoned railroads in different parts of the country. One of the most important routes that was never finished was meant to run through Thessaly (the northern part of Greece) and reach the Turkish border. If it had been completed, this railroad would have been very beneficial for the whole country. The people of southern Greece don’t grow enough food to meet their needs, while northern Greece has plenty of food to spare.

The difference in bread prices between the Peloponnesus (southern Greece) and Thessaly (northern Greece) is extremely high. This is because Thessaly lacks many markets, while southern Greece has few farms. The railroad was supposed to help balance this situation by transporting food, but unfortunately, it was never finished. The rails now lie rusting, and some are even stolen for scrap metal.

Brindisi Gateway to the East

Brindisi, located in Italy, is the main gateway to the East. The steamers that travel to India, China, and Japan stop there, as well as those carrying passengers to and from Paris, London, Berlin, and other European cities. This makes it easier for travelers to avoid a long sea voyage from Bremen and Hamburg (in Germany) and from London and Havre (in France). Instead, they can take a train across Europe.

Special trains with dining cars and sleepers are arranged in connection with these steamers. These trains carry passengers and mail, allowing travelers to reach Paris and Berlin in about 36 hours, and London in 48 hours from Brindisi.

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The Orient Express

A Disappointing Experience

The Orient Express is the famous railway train that runs through Europe, traveling from Calais and Ostend to Constantinople three times a week. While it is widely celebrated, it can be a disappointment when compared to American standards. The journey between Vienna and Sofia is about the same distance as between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, but it takes twice as long to complete the trip. Moreover, the fare is about four times higher than what you would pay in America for a similar distance.

The High Cost and Small Spaces

The extra fare or supplement, as it is called, for riding the Orient Express between Vienna and Sofia is 44 francs, or approximately $8.40. This is almost the full fare between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. For that price, you get a tiny space in a sleeping compartment, not a comfortable Pullman sleeper. The bed is reasonably comfortable, but the space is so narrow that it’s hardly safe to turn over in your sleep. The only way to get fresh air is by opening a window directly above your head, which doesn’t feel very secure.

In contrast, regular trains are just two hours slower than the Orient Express, but they are much cheaper. These trains run every day, and the quality of service is very similar, but the fare is only half the price of the Orient Express.

Bulgaria’s Railroads and Travel Time

Bulgaria has several railroads that connect the country to places like the Black Sea, Bucharest, and Salonika on the Mediterranean. There is also a major trunk line that connects to Constantinople. These railroads are owned by the government and are well-managed, although the trains are very slow. The Orient Express can sometimes reach a speed of 20 miles per hour, but on average, it only travels at 18 miles per hour, which is considered impressive in Bulgaria.

The entire Bulgarian railway system has a total length of 909 miles, with 130 miles of new track currently being built. The country also has an extensive telephone and telegraph network, which is a big improvement over some other countries, including Germany. The telephone service in Germany is so bad that many foreigners avoid using it if possible Private Tour Ephesus.

A Joke with a German Professor

One evening, I jokingly suggested that German words might be too big for the telephone lines, causing problems with the transmission. A professor at the University of Berlin took me seriously and, instead of laughing, he punished me by keeping me in the corner for half an hour while he explained why my suggestion was absurd. Moral of the story: Never joke with German professors.

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The Location of the Cistern of Bonus

Dr. Strzygowski proposed that the Cistern of Bonus might have been located near Eski Ali Pasha Djamissi, on the northern bank of the Lycus Valley, to the southwest of the Mosque of Sultan Mehmed. However, there have been no traces of a cistern found in this area. Despite this, Strzygowski’s suggestion is reasonable when considering its proximity to the line of Constantine’s Wall and the Church of the Holy Apostles.

Yet, the choice of this location for a summer palace remains unclear. The area might have been cool and suitable for such a purpose, but without further evidence, it’s hard to explain why this spot was specifically chosen for the palace.

The Constantinian Wall and Its Route

The Constantinian Wall, after passing the Cistern of Aspar, turns sharply to the north-east. The wall continues towards the shore of the Golden Horn by crossing the ridge of the Fifth Hill at an oblique angle. This direction is important for two reasons Private Sofia Tour.

Why the Wall Took This Route

First, this route helps keep the width of the city within the dimensions specified in the Notitia, an important source of information about the city’s layout. According to the Notitia, the city’s Eleventh Region did not extend all the way to the Golden Horn. The document clearly states: “Nulla parte mari sociata est,” which translates to “No part [of the region] is connected to the sea.”

This statement implies that the northern fortifications of the city, in the Eleventh Region, were not near the water but set back from it. This further explains why the fortifications along the northern front of the city must have been positioned at a distance from the Golden Horn.

The Geography of the Fifth Hill

The Fifth Hill slopes steeply toward the Golden Horn, so there wasn’t much available land for building on this side of the city. The only usable space for the fortifications in this area would have been the plateau of the Fifth Hill. This location is where the large cistern beside the Mosque of Sultan Selim can be found.

While Dr. Strzygowski’s suggestion about the Cistern of Bonus location is reasonable based on the proximity to significant landmarks, there is still no physical evidence to confirm it. Additionally, the path taken by the Constantinian Wall was essential for maintaining the boundaries of the city as described in the Notitia. The geography of the Fifth Hill limited where fortifications could be built, which led to the positioning of key structures along its plateau.

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Arte Hotel

Location: B-3, bul. Knyaz Dondukov 5 Contact: Tel: [phone]

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

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

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

Atlantic Hotel

Location: H-8, ul. 19a 2, Simeonovo Contact: Tel: [phone]

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

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

Best Western Hotel Europe

Location: G-8, ul. Liditse 1 Contact: Tel: [phone]

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

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

Best Western Hotel Expo

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

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

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

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Greek Army Actions and the Murder of Eulogius

The Bombardment and Surrender

On June 17th, the Greek Army bombarded a house in Salonika where a small Bulgarian force was stationed. By the next day, June 18th, the Bulgarians surrendered.

On June 18th, the Greeks arrested Eulogius, the Vicar of the Bulgarian Archbishop of Salonica. He was put on board a Greek steamer called the “Mariette Ralli”. Later that evening, he was transferred to another ship, the “Catherine”, where he was treated cruelly Guided Turkey Tours .

On June 19th, the ship set sail, but only three hours later, Eulogius was stabbed and thrown into the sea. The official Greek account claimed that he was killed while fighting in the streets of Salonika, but the Carnegie Commission states that this is not true.

Greek Army Actions Begin

The violent actions of the Greek Army began on July 4th with the first conflict in Kukush. On July 7th, further violence occurred in Demir-Hissar.

On July 12th, King Constantine ordered reprisals based on the events in Demir-Hissar. However, the Carnegie Commission notes that the Greek reprisals started several days before the Bulgarian provocation.

Destruction of Kukush

When the Greek Army entered Kukush, the town was still intact. But today, Kukush is nothing but ruins. The Carnegie Commission points out that the Greek Army started the second war by deliberately burning a Bulgarian town—Kukush.

A Call for Reflection

The Commission concludes by highlighting that if the Greeks had remembered the biblical saying, “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone,” they might have hesitated before launching a campaign based on falsehoods and violence that ended up hurting them severely.

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Bulgaria's Involvement in the 1968 Prague Spring

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

Bulgarian Military Units’ Tasks

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

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

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

Psychological Impact on Bulgarian Soldiers

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

Political Repression in Bulgaria After the Prague Spring

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

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

The Role of State Security

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

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

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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.

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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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A Night in Philippopolis

A Lively Garden Scene

Imagine a beautiful garden, glowing with lights from many lamps. Under the trees, there were many tables, and at those tables sat the people of Philippopolis, enjoying themselves. They were drinking coffee, beer, and toasting each other with big glasses of wine. At one end of the garden, there was a small stage. A Hungarian band played lively music, while a young woman in a short skirt sang songs. A deep-voiced singer performed, and then the band played some more, followed by more songs from the lady in the short skirt.

It was a Sunday evening, and Philippopolis was having a great time. In England, this might be seen as improper, but I didn’t think the people of Philippopolis were doing anything wrong. They seemed to be enjoying the evening in a very innocent way Customized Tours Bulgaria.

A Thought on Enjoyment

As I sat there, enjoying the lively atmosphere around me, I thought about my home in England. I wondered if there were better ways to deal with the problems of drunkenness in my country. In England, they close public houses early and criticize those who don’t drink in a strict, temperance-focused way. I thought maybe, over time, we would see changes. Perhaps, we might have places where people could enjoy a drink in a relaxed and social way.

Imagine a place where families could go out together. The husband could have a glass of ale and smoke his pipe, the wife could enjoy a cup of tea, and the children could have cakes. The family could listen to a band and enjoy the evening together. This idea seemed far from the strict, puritan rules in England, where workers, who don’t want to neglect their families, often end up in crowded, unpleasant bars. These places can lead people to drink too much, and later regret it, becoming a subject of temperance campaigns.

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Sovietization of Bulgaria

On 4 December 1947, Bulgaria’s Grand National Assembly, where the Bulgarian Communist Party held an absolute majority, adopted the “Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria.” This new constitution significantly altered the country’s government model. It replaced the traditional separation of powers with a system that concentrated all state power under the control of the Communist Party.

International Criticism

The new constitution closely mirrored Stalin’s Soviet Constitution. It allowed for arbitrary power and ignored individual rights and freedoms, despite the existing peace treaties. According to the Gazette du Lausanne daily from Lausanne on 27 December 1947, “The new Bulgarian Constitution is an almost exact copy of Stalin’s Constitution… Some provisions open the way to arbitrary power and to disregard of people’s rights and freedoms despite the conditions of the peace treaties Istanbul Day Tour.”

Repressive Measures and Economic Changes

The Communist Party used the judicial system as a tool to impose its dictatorship. They introduced repressive laws targeting political opponents and adversaries. People were subjected to sham political trials that often ended in death sentences or prison terms. Many were detained in labor camps or forcibly resettled. The principle of “all property belongs to the people” was declared the foundation of the national economy. Under this principle, the government moved to eliminate private ownership of industrial enterprises, means of production, and farmland.

Imposition of the Soviet Model

The Soviet model was enforced across all aspects of Bulgarian life, including administration, military, economy, and culture. Soviet themes became mandatory in all forms of art. Bulgarian bookstores were filled exclusively with works by Lenin, Stalin, Marx, and other Soviet-related literature. Portraits of Stalin and Molotov were displayed alongside those of Bulgarian Communist leader Georgi Dimitrov. Additionally, young members of certain organizations were seen studying the Soviet national anthem, which had been adopted as Bulgaria’s “second national anthem.”

Media Coverage

According to the Athens daily “To Vima” (The Tribune) on 8 April 1947, “All Bulgarian bookstores are crammed with and offer nothing else but the works of Lenin, Stalin, Marx, Russian books, and books about the Soviet Union. Stalin and Molotov’s portraits are everywhere, hanging next to those of the Bulgarian Communist leader Georgi Dimitrov… Young members of some organizations are sitting in a hall studying the Soviet national anthem, which is now Bulgaria’s second national anthem.”

In summary, the Sovietization of Bulgaria involved the imposition of a Soviet-style constitution, a repressive legal system, the elimination of private property, and the enforcement of Soviet cultural and political norms.

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Sovietization of Bulgaria

On 4 December 1947, Bulgaria’s Grand National Assembly, where the Bulgarian Communist Party held an absolute majority, adopted the “Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria.” This new constitution significantly altered the country’s government model. It replaced the traditional separation of powers with a system that concentrated all state power under the control of the Communist Party.

International Criticism

The new constitution closely mirrored Stalin’s Soviet Constitution. It allowed for arbitrary power and ignored individual rights and freedoms, despite the existing peace treaties. According to the Gazette du Lausanne daily from Lausanne on 27 December 1947, “The new Bulgarian Constitution is an almost exact copy of Stalin’s Constitution… Some provisions open the way to arbitrary power and to disregard of people’s rights and freedoms despite the conditions of the peace treaties Istanbul Day Tour.”

Repressive Measures and Economic Changes

The Communist Party used the judicial system as a tool to impose its dictatorship. They introduced repressive laws targeting political opponents and adversaries. People were subjected to sham political trials that often ended in death sentences or prison terms. Many were detained in labor camps or forcibly resettled. The principle of “all property belongs to the people” was declared the foundation of the national economy. Under this principle, the government moved to eliminate private ownership of industrial enterprises, means of production, and farmland.

Imposition of the Soviet Model

The Soviet model was enforced across all aspects of Bulgarian life, including administration, military, economy, and culture. Soviet themes became mandatory in all forms of art. Bulgarian bookstores were filled exclusively with works by Lenin, Stalin, Marx, and other Soviet-related literature. Portraits of Stalin and Molotov were displayed alongside those of Bulgarian Communist leader Georgi Dimitrov. Additionally, young members of certain organizations were seen studying the Soviet national anthem, which had been adopted as Bulgaria’s “second national anthem.”

Media Coverage

According to the Athens daily “To Vima” (The Tribune) on 8 April 1947, “All Bulgarian bookstores are crammed with and offer nothing else but the works of Lenin, Stalin, Marx, Russian books, and books about the Soviet Union. Stalin and Molotov’s portraits are everywhere, hanging next to those of the Bulgarian Communist leader Georgi Dimitrov… Young members of some organizations are sitting in a hall studying the Soviet national anthem, which is now Bulgaria’s second national anthem.”

In summary, the Sovietization of Bulgaria involved the imposition of a Soviet-style constitution, a repressive legal system, the elimination of private property, and the enforcement of Soviet cultural and political norms.

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Mixed Sentiments Towards King Peter

King Peter’s Isolation

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

Ambivalence Towards the Regicide

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

Undercurrents of Conspiracy

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