Travels

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Examination for District Inspectors

The examination for district school inspectors consists of two parts: oral and written.

The oral test includes questions about teaching methods, education principles, and educational administration.

The written test focuses on pedagogical science, teaching methods, the subjects taught in primary schools, school inspections, the application of the Law of Public Instruction, school regulations, and relevant educational literature.

These tests ensure that inspectors are fully prepared to supervise schools and support teachers effectively.

Classes and Salaries of District Inspectors

District inspectors are divided into three classes based on seniority:

First class: 2,620 francs per year

Second class: 2,400 francs per year

Third class: 2,136 francs per year

All inspectors also receive 480 francs annually for travel expenses.

Duties and Supervision

Departmental inspectors supervise the district inspectors and all elementary schools in the department. They also oversee the progymnasia (secondary preparatory schools) Customized Tours Istanbul.

District inspectors are responsible for primary schools in their district, except for the main school in the town or village where the district inspectorate is located. These main schools are supervised directly by departmental inspectors.

The departmental inspectors communicate directly with the Ministry of Public Instruction and other administrative bodies, while district inspectors focus on school-level inspections and local administration.

At least three times a year, all inspectors in a department meet under the departmental inspector to discuss educational and disciplinary issues.

Departmental Educational Councils

Each administrative department has a departmental educational council to manage and coordinate education. The council includes:

The prefect, as president

Directors of gymnasia or secondary schools in the chief town

The president or vice-president of the district court

School inspectors of the department

Headmasters of primary schools in the chief town

Two secondary school teachers, elected by teachers in the chief town

The president and secretary of the departmental council

The mayor of the chief town

The council meets monthly in regular sessions and can meet at other times if necessary. It ensures coordination, supervision, and quality control across all schools in the department.

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National Assembly of Bulgaria

The Bulgarian people participate in the government through the National Assembly, which is composed of deputies elected by the citizens. The National Assembly plays a key role in representing the people and making laws.

There are two types of National Assemblies: the Ordinary National Assembly and the Grand National Assembly.

Ordinary National Assembly

The Ordinary National Assembly meets every year from October 15th to December 15th. In cases of urgent matters or when important questions require quick decisions, the Assembly may be called into an extraordinary session. During these sessions, deputies discuss laws, budgets, and other national issues Istanbul Day Tours.

Election of Deputies

Deputies for the National Assembly are elected according to a special law. The election process is carefully organized to ensure fairness and transparency.

Electoral lists are prepared and published by special commissions of the municipal councils.

Citizens have the right to correct any mistakes or omissions in these lists.

Municipal councils investigate all claims, and their decisions can be appealed to the Justice of Peace or the District Court.

Further appeals can be made to the High Court of Cassation, which has the authority to annul lower court decisions if necessary.

All electoral disputes are exempt from stamp duties, making the process easier and more accessible.

Electoral Districts and Election Dates

For the purpose of elections, the country is divided into special districts. The number and boundaries of these districts are defined by a special law.

The date of the elections is set by a royal decree, which must be published at least one month before the polling day. This ensures that all citizens are informed in advance and have the opportunity to participate.

Role and Importance

Through the National Assembly, the people of Bulgaria exercise their right to influence government decisions. The Assembly represents the voice of the nation, debates laws, and supervises the actions of the executive branch. Both ordinary and extraordinary sessions ensure that the government remains responsive and accountable to its citizens.

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Life under Ottoman Rule

Social and Political Oppression

Ottoman rule over Bulgaria was harsh both politically and socially. The tyranny affected not only public life but also private life, social freedom, and moral values. Bulgarians were unable to freely develop their national identity or cultural traditions. Unlike modern political domination, which often respects personal freedom, Turkish rule did not guarantee individual liberty. Life, property, and honour were constantly under threat, and people lived in fear City Tours Istanbul.

Effects on Society

Over generations, many Bulgarians became passive and resigned to their fate. Yet, some strong and brave individuals resisted. Stories tell of men who, after family members were taken by Turkish officials, fled to the mountains to fight for freedom. These rebels, known as haidukes and voivodes, became legendary figures in Bulgarian songs and folklore. They preserved a spirit of liberty that would later unite the Bulgarian people during the struggle for national independence.

Religious and Cultural Limits

Interestingly, the Ottomans did not try to fully assimilate the Bulgarians. Unlike other empires that enforce the culture and religion of the rulers on conquered peoples, the Ottomans largely allowed Bulgarians to keep their language, religion, and traditions. There were some exceptions: Bulgarian children or young people were sometimes taken and forced to convert to Islam. But in general, the government did not impose Mohammedanism or attempt to erase Bulgarian identity.

The Spirit of Resistance

Despite oppression, the Bulgarians maintained their identity and faith. Families secretly taught their children about Bulgarian history and culture, while rebels kept the dream of freedom alive in the mountains. This cultural resilience became the foundation for the Bulgarian National Revival, which eventually led to liberation and the rebirth of the Bulgarian state in the 19th century.

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The Inscriptions of Emperor Theophilus

A Prayer of Dedication

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

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

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

Towers South of Deirmen Kapoussi

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

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

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

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

“Tower of Theophilus, Emperor in Christ.”

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

Lost Inscriptions Recorded by Historians

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

That gate once bore the proud words:

“Theophilus … having renovated the city.”

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

The Towers of Top Kapoussi

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

“Tower of Theophilus, Emperor in Christ.”

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

Inscriptions near the Seven Towers

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

The Lasting Legacy of Theophilus

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

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The Story of St. Luke's Relics

Helena, the daughter of Brankovic, married Tyrtko, the last king of Bosnia, and took the relics of St. Luke with her as part of her dowry. When the Turks captured Jajce, she managed to escape, taking the sacred remains of St. Luke with her. She carried the relics to Italy, where they were placed in the convent of St. Giustina in Padua.

A Beautiful Voyage Along the Adriatic Coast

A voyage along the Adriatic coast to Venice or Trieste is one of the most enjoyable trips you can imagine. The scenery is absolutely beautiful. The skies and waters are a clear blue, and the hills are painted with purple hues. In autumn, the landscape is further enriched by the orange and red leaves of the trees, creating a breathtaking harmony of colors that is rare to find anywhere else in the world.

The little islands scattered along the coast help to protect the shore from rough waters, making the journey peaceful. The steamers glide smoothly through the islands without feeling the wind, tide, or any other disturbances that might make a sea journey uncomfortable. The experience is similar to sailing through the famous Inland Sea of Japan, except here, you have the coast on one side, and on the other, you are surrounded by islands on both sides Sightseeing Sofia.

Convenient Travel and Beautiful Stops

There are several steamers available, two or three times a week, so travelers have the freedom to stop at any of the charming little towns along the coast for a short break—whether it’s twenty-four or forty-eight hours. After exploring these towns, travelers can continue their journey whenever they like. This flexibility makes the journey even more enjoyable.

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The Bandits and St. Ryle Monastery

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

Historical Significance of St. Ryle Monastery

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

St. John of Ryle and St. Methodius

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

The Glory of Old Bulgaria

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

Life of the Bulgarian Czars

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

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The Dimensions and Boundaries of Constantine’s City

The length of the original city of Constantine was measured from the Porta Aurea in the west to the sea in the east. However, there is a disagreement about which gate was referred to as the Porta Aurea. Despite this, we can be sure that the eastern end of the city’s measurement was at the head of the promontory. This location marked the full length of the city.

Measuring the Length of the City

If we start at the head of the promontory and measure 14,075 Roman feet westwards, we will find that this brings us to the Cisterns of Mokius and Aspar. This matches the measurements given by Zosimus. Therefore, this confirms that the head of the promontory is the correct starting point for the city’s length.

Measuring the Width of the City

Next, we look at the width of the city. A line of 6,150 Roman feet from sea to sea will stretch across a specific part of the promontory. This area lies between the Daoud Pasha Kapoussi district near the Sea of Marmora in the south, and the Stamboul side of the inner bridge in the north. Other parts of the promontory are either narrower or broader. Thus, the southern and northern ends of Constantine’s city wall marked the limits of the city as described Sofia Guided Tours.

The Landmarks Along Constantine’s Wall

Byzantine writers give us details about the locations and structures along Constantine’s wall:

On the Sea of Marmora side, the wall extended as far west as the Gate of St. Emilianus (now Daoud Pasha Kapoussi) and the church of St. Mary Rhabdou. This gate is near Vlanga Bostan.

When the wall crossed from the Sea of Marmora to the Golden Horn, it passed over the Seventh, Fourth, and Fifth Hills. Along this path, the fortifications passed by several important landmarks:

The Exokionion (an ancient gate)

The Monastery of St. Dius

The Convent of Icasia

The Cistern of Bonus

The Church of SS. Manuel, Sabel, and Ishmael

The Zeugma (Ferry) of St. Antony in the district of Harmatius, near the harbour

Other important sites along the wall included the Trojan Porticoes and the Cistern of Aspar.

The Boundaries of the City

From the measurements and landmarks described by ancient writers, we can conclude that the city of Constantine had clearly defined boundaries, marked by gates, churches, monasteries, and other significant structures. These structures not only served as defensive elements but also reflected the growth and development of the city during Constantine’s reign.

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Sveta Sofia Hotel

Location: A-2, ul. Plrotska 18 Contact: Tel: [phone]

Sveta Sofia Hotel is located in a beautiful old building from the 19th century. The building has recently been renovated and is found on a quiet pedestrian street in the city center. This makes it one of the most pleasant and peaceful places to stay downtown.

The rooms are decorated with bright blue and yellow colors, giving a fresh and cheerful feeling. Bathrooms are light and comfortable. Most standard double rooms have showers, while the luxury rooms include full bathtubs for more comfort.

This hotel has 80 rooms in total. Prices for single rooms range from €75 to €125, double rooms cost between €85 and €135, and apartments range from €144 to €250. It is a great choice for travelers who want to stay close to the city’s main attractions but prefer a calm environment Bulgaria Trips.

Vega Hotel

Location: B-8, bul. G. M. Dimitrov 75 Contact: Tel: [phone]

Vega Hotel is a modern 4-star hotel that opened recently in 2005. It is located about 4 kilometers south of the city center. Although it is outside the center, its location at the meeting point of wide boulevards means guests can travel easily by car or taxi.

The rooms have warm coffee-colored decor with neat, modern bathrooms featuring bathtubs. Each room includes a flat-screen TV and a desk for work. The superior rooms and suites come with small terraces and tea and coffee making facilities.

The hotel’s lobby connects to a stylish café and restaurant via a beautiful spiral staircase, making the public areas feel welcoming and social. Guests can also enjoy a state-of-the-art solarium, fitness center, and massage services.

Alexander Palace Hotel

Location: H-7, ul. Nartsis 1, Dragalevtsi Contact: Tel: [phone]

Alexander Palace is a small modern hotel located in Dragalevtsi, a quiet mountain suburb about 20 minutes by car from Sofia’s city center. This hotel is perfect for those who want peace and nature while still being close to the city.

Rooms here are spacious and comfortable. The staff are friendly and helpful, creating a relaxed atmosphere. It is a great option for visitors looking for a calm, out-of-town stay.

Ambassador Hotel

Location: H-8, bul. Simeonovsko Shose 110 A Contact: Tel: [phone]

Ambassador Hotel is a modern four-floor building with heavy, luxurious furniture and elegant decoration. Each floor is decorated in a different color, giving each level a unique style.

Some rooms have views that are affected by nearby building projects, but the service is excellent and the rooms are spacious and very comfortable. The attic rooms on the top floor feel especially cozy.

The hotel also offers a spa and recreational center for guests who want to relax and enjoy extra services.

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Bulgarian Conduct During the Second War

Exaggerated Claims of Bulgarian Cruelty

During the second war, there were accusations of gross cruelty made by the Greeks against the Bulgarians. However, the Carnegie Commission pointed out that many of these accusations were greatly exaggerated. For example:

Le Temps, a newspaper, reported that the Greek Bishop of Doiran had been murdered. However, the Commission later saw the Bishop alive and well two months later Turkey Sightseeing.

The same newspaper claimed that the Greek Bishop of Kavala had been killed, but he returned to his flock in Salonika while the Commission was there.

Le Temps also reported that the Greek Archbishop of Seres had been mutilated before his death. However, the Archbishop continued with his duties and did not stop serving after this event.

The Carnegie Commission emphasized that many of the Greek accusations against the Bulgarians were misleading and did not tell the full story.

Situation in Southeastern Macedonia

At the start of the second war, the Bulgarians were in control of South-Eastern Macedonia, a region with a population mostly made up of Greeks and Turks. The Bulgarian garrisons there were small in number.

Doxato was a Greek-majority area surrounded by a mostly Turkish population.

The Carnegie Commission believed that the Greeks had organized a military movement in this region and used Doxato as a center for it. Several hundreds of armed Greeks were gathered there, and there had been violent actions from the Greeks, including the killing of Muslim non-combatants and an attack on a Bulgarian convoy.

The Attack on Doxato

In response to the provocation, the Bulgarian troops attacked Doxato and defeated the Greek irregulars. However, they had to withdraw when Greek forces began marching from several directions.

As they left, the Bulgarian soldiers allowed the local Muslim population to arm themselves with weapons taken from the Greeks.

After the Bulgarians left, the Muslims attacked and massacred the Greek population.

The Carnegie Commission highlighted that while some of the accusations against the Bulgarians were exaggerated or false, there were indeed instances of violence and provocation from both sides. The situation in South-Eastern Macedonia was complicated, with both Greek and Bulgarian forces taking aggressive actions, leading to terrible consequences for the local populations.

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The Bulgarian Border and Cooperation with the GDR

Information Sharing and Surveillance

During the communist era, the Bulgarian government closely monitored not only the movement of people across the border but also their daily lives. Citizens were under constant surveillance, and authorities gathered extensive information about their activities, interests, and even their personal purchases. This surveillance was part of the larger effort to maintain control over the population and prevent any acts of resistance or defection.

Tragic Incident Schoolchildren Shot at the Border

On 29 April 1948, a tragic incident occurred when seven schoolchildren were shot dead while attempting to cross the Bulgarian border into Greece. This event was reported in a newspaper as part of a parliamentary debate on crimes committed in the frontier zones. The harsh measures used to control the borders and prevent escapes were part of the regime’s strategy to eliminate any form of resistance or escape attempts Personal Istanbul Tours.

The authorities did not hesitate to use force, even against innocent civilians, to protect the borders and stop people from fleeing the oppressive regime. The tragic deaths of these schoolchildren highlight the severe measures taken by the communist government to maintain its hold on power, and the lack of compassion or regard for human life in the pursuit of political control.

Surveillance of the Border Zone

The Bulgarian border zone was heavily guarded and controlled. A signboard displayed in the DDR (German Democratic Republic) part of Berlin prohibited passage in certain areas, marking the frontier as a place of strict control and surveillance. These border regions were clearly marked with signs that warned people not to enter, reinforcing the idea that crossing these borders was a dangerous and forbidden act.

The Rabotnitchesko Delo daily newspaper, published in August 1963, even printed a map showing Berlin’s division, with West Berlin divided into three occupation zones: French, British, and American. This map was a part of the broader context of the Cold War, showing how countries were divided and the security measures put in place by both the East and West.

Bulgaria-GDR Cooperation Agreement

In 1988, the Bulgarian Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of State Security of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) signed a new Agreement on Cooperation and Collaboration. This agreement was a continuation of the Cooperation Agreement that had been signed in 1974 between the two ministries. The new agreement, signed by Bulgarian Interior Minister Stoyanov and his GDR counterpart, Erich Fritz Emil Mielke, was meant to last until 1993.

This cooperation was a reflection of the tight security control shared by Eastern Bloc countries. It included mutual assistance in surveillance, intelligence gathering, and the repression of any anti-government activities. The close relationship between Bulgaria and East Germany exemplified the way in which communist regimes worked together to control their citizens and suppress any efforts to escape or resist the system.

The situation at the Bulgarian border during the communist era was one of strict control and repression. Escape attempts were met with extreme force, and the lives of citizens were closely monitored and restricted. The tragic event of the schoolchildren being shot at the border is just one example of the regime’s brutal tactics. The close cooperation between Bulgaria and the GDR further shows how the Eastern Bloc countries worked together to maintain their authoritarian systems, keeping their citizens under constant surveillance and control.

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Prostitution in Ancient Rome

In Ancient Rome, prostitutes were called meretrix, meaning “earning with the body”. They were divided into different categories based on their status.

The lowest class of prostitutes worked in small, dirty, narrow lodges on the streets. These lodges, called lupanar (meaning “female wolf caves”), were disgusting and smelled bad. The name came from the idea of a wolf (Iupa) hunting and bringing its prey to the lupanar.

Although prostitutes were often treated badly and isolated from society, they were also seen as protectors of families. They helped prevent attacks on married women or young girls by men. However, they were still looked down upon, isolated, and sometimes locked up. They had to appear like respectable wives and were only allowed to serve honorable men. Prostitutes were not allowed to build families or have children. To make them easily recognizable, they had to wear special clothes Coastal Bulgaria Holidays.

Prostitution was important for Roman men because a man’s sexual life was closely connected to ensuring his family’s legacy and passing down his wealth. While women tried various methods to avoid pregnancy, it was essential for a man to have at least two children, one of whom had to be a boy, to continue his family’s fortune. After having children, men often preferred to meet their sexual needs with prostitutes or other men. Therefore, prostitution was a common and widely accepted practice in Ancient Rome.

The Ottoman Sultan’s Love for Arts

The Ottoman Sultan had a deep interest in the beautiful arts like illumination, Islamic calligraphy, music, painting, and wood carving. This passion was so strong that it greatly influenced both the practice and application of these arts.

As a prince, Yavuz Sultan Selim learned the art of jewelry in Trabzon and even carved coins in the name of his father, Sultan Beyazid II. Kanuni Sultan Suleyman also studied jewelry and, according to historian Evliya Çelebi, he was the first to organize a jewelry fair in the Kağıthane district.

Some of the finest examples of Ottoman jewelry, such as the emerald dagger, Kaşıkçı diamond, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman’s ivory mirror, golden cradle, and ceremonial throne, are displayed at the Topkapi Palace.

Today, Turkish jewelry holds an important place in the world, ranking second in exports and leading in production.

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Curiosity of the Innkeeper

The situation became so repetitive that eventually, I had to ask two soldiers to guard the stairs. Despite this, my host’s curiosity could not be stopped. When I decided to wash and shave, I took off my shirt, and he stood by the doorway telling his friends in the street below about everything I was doing. He only spoke Albanian and Turkish, but he would stand for hours listening to my dragoman (interpreter) and me speaking in English. He kept saying, “Wonderful! Wonderful!” because he couldn’t understand how we could understand each other while speaking a language he thought was nonsense.

Strange Habits and Surprises

When I wrote in my diary, he watched me closely with wide eyes, amazed that I wrote from left to right, as it was not the way Turkish is written (which is from right to left). When he learned that my favorite food was Turkish pilau, he invited three cooks from nearby restaurants to come and cook it for me. He pointed at me, proud, and told them this was the honor of their life—to make pilau that I loved Istanbul Day Tour.

The Mystery of Sardines and Cheese

When I opened a tin of sardines, my host was again amazed. He ran and told all his friends about it, and they probably still wonder how the fish got inside the tin. Among the food I had brought with me was a Dutch cheese. He was absolutely astonished. He looked at the red cheese, shook his head, and kept saying, “Wonderful! Wonderful!” He then asked if he could try it, and when he did, he was even more amazed. He told my dragoman that he was more convinced than ever that the English were truly great people, especially if they could grow melons like that!

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Tax Collection and the Burden on Peasants

The tax collector takes as much as possible from the peasants. Then, his superior takes a portion from him, and the Vali (governor) takes from the superior. The court officials at the Yildiz Kiosk take from the Vali. Additionally, the peasants have to deal with the *zaptiehs* (police officers), who are poorly paid and rarely fed. The *zaptiehs* survive by demanding money or goods from the already struggling farmers. I use the word “wretched” to describe the peasants from a European point of view. However, the Turkish peasant, like most Turks, is a fatalist. He accepts whatever happens and is often quite happy, even singing while working, despite the hard labor Central Synagogue.

Public Debt and Foreign Influence

In areas where public improvements like railways have been made, taxes are collected by the Department of Public Debt. These officials are often foreign representatives who are generally fair and avoid the corruption seen in other areas.

The Peasant’s Role in Supporting the Empire

The Turkish peasant is the one who carries the financial burden of the Empire because Turkey has few factories or other industries. The officials, from the highest to the lowest, live off the peasant, like parasites. Yet, despite all of this, the peasant remains happy. He continues working and takes moments to kneel, put his forehead on the ground, and thank Allah for His goodness.

The Turk’s Incompetence to Rule

One key point to remember is that the Turk is, by nature, not fit to rule. For the 500 years that the Turks have ruled over the Christian population, they have never recognized the responsibility that comes with power. The Turk sees the land as his by right of conquest and believes he is justified in living off the labor of those he conquered. Despite his flaws, there is still a sense of nobility in the Turk. Even in towns with mixed populations of Turks, Bulgarians, and Greeks, the Turks stand out with a natural sense of dignity.

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Visiting Kasanlik's Rose Stores

Friendly Merchants with a Secret

During my visit to Kasanlik, I had the chance to explore a few local stores. The merchants were friendly, but each one quietly took me aside and whispered in my ear: “Of course, we get along with our competitors, but remember this: ours is the only genuine attar of roses. The rest is all fake. Our rivals will deny it, but we know the truth.” This same speech was repeated in every store I visited. I wanted to believe that all the attar from Kasanlik was pure, but after conducting my own research, I sadly concluded that none of it was completely pure.

The Strength of Attar and Its Price

How Strong is Attar?

Attar of roses is one of the strongest perfumes in the world. From every 4,000 pounds of roses, you get only 1 pound of attar, which is less than one-twenty-fifth of one percent. The peasant farmer earns about 18 shillings per ounce of attar. However, the same ounce sells for £68 in places like Paris or London Coastal Bulgaria Tours.

The scent of pure attar is so strong that only a tightly sealed jar can hold it in. Even a glass stopper won’t be enough to contain the smell. In fact, the scent is so powerful that it can be overwhelming and even cause headaches. This is one reason why attar is often diluted or mixed with other substances to make it more pleasant.

The Beauty of Kasanlik in June

A Land of Roses

The best time to visit Kasanlik is in early June. This is when you can hop on a horse and ride for two days, traveling forty miles each day, while surrounded by endless fields of beautiful damask roses. The air is filled with the scent of millions of roses. On a gentle breeze, the fragrance can travel up to 50 miles. Bulgarians living that far away have confirmed that the air from Kasanlik carries the sweet smell of roses.

Rose Picking in Kasanlik

The Beauty of the Harvest

In June, the village girls wake up early to pick roses. They fill their aprons with the flowers and load them into slow-moving ox carts. No flower festival, like the one in Nice, could ever match the sheer number of roses that fill the carts in Kasanlik. The brown-cheeked, black-eyed peasant girls also wear the most beautiful roses in their hair as they work.

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Exaggerations and Atrocities

In Mr. Disraeli’s recent speech, he continued to assert that reports of atrocities in the region have been greatly exaggerated. He cited Mr. Baring’s findings as evidence, claiming there was no proof that human heads were paraded through the streets of Philippopolis or that forty young girls were burned alive at Novi-Selo. However, I believe the debate over whether heads were actually carted through the streets is somewhat irrelevant. Mr. Baring admits that the individuals who owned those heads had indeed been killed.

The Reality of Tamboli

Moreover, when Mr. Baring sent the telegram that Mr. Disraeli referenced so confidently, he had not yet visited Tamboli. Had he done so and spoken with the Italian Consul in Burgas, who has a business there, he might have reported a very different story. The Consul would likely have informed him that sackfuls of heads were dumped right outside his door. There is a steep slope leading down to a small river that flows through the town, and it is said that heads rolled down that hill, tumbling over each other in a gruesome chaos, as dogs eagerly pounced on them Jeep Safari Bulgaria.

Misplaced Focus on Numbers

It is indeed true that forty young girls were not burned alive at Novi-Selo; that tragedy took place in Batak, where, instead of forty, it was two hundred girls, women, and children who suffered that horrific fate. The people most to blame in this situation appear to be the newspaper correspondents. According to Mr. Disraeli and Sir Henry Elliot, the real crime was not the loss of thousands of innocent lives but the exaggeration of those numbers. It seems that they would prefer the report to state 25,000 people were killed rather than 30,000, even if the true number of victims was indeed terrible.

The Distortion of Truth

The serious issue here is not merely the counting of casualties but the very real pain and suffering that these atrocities have caused. It is appalling that the focus should be on minor discrepancies in numbers rather than the actual brutalities inflicted upon innocent people. For instance, while it is a trivial matter whether a certain number of children were killed, the fact that countless lives were brutally taken is the true tragedy.

In conclusion, the issue is not simply about accurate numbers; it is about acknowledging the profound loss of life and the horrors that have occurred. Mr. Disraeli and Sir Henry Elliot may find fault with the reporting of these atrocities, but they must also recognize the true gravity of the situation. The emphasis should be on understanding the suffering of the victims rather than nitpicking over the specifics of their reports.

[tratravels]

Exaggerations and Atrocities

In Mr. Disraeli’s recent speech, he continued to assert that reports of atrocities in the region have been greatly exaggerated. He cited Mr. Baring’s findings as evidence, claiming there was no proof that human heads were paraded through the streets of Philippopolis or that forty young girls were burned alive at Novi-Selo. However, I believe the debate over whether heads were actually carted through the streets is somewhat irrelevant. Mr. Baring admits that the individuals who owned those heads had indeed been killed.

The Reality of Tamboli

Moreover, when Mr. Baring sent the telegram that Mr. Disraeli referenced so confidently, he had not yet visited Tamboli. Had he done so and spoken with the Italian Consul in Burgas, who has a business there, he might have reported a very different story. The Consul would likely have informed him that sackfuls of heads were dumped right outside his door. There is a steep slope leading down to a small river that flows through the town, and it is said that heads rolled down that hill, tumbling over each other in a gruesome chaos, as dogs eagerly pounced on them Jeep Safari Bulgaria.

Misplaced Focus on Numbers

It is indeed true that forty young girls were not burned alive at Novi-Selo; that tragedy took place in Batak, where, instead of forty, it was two hundred girls, women, and children who suffered that horrific fate. The people most to blame in this situation appear to be the newspaper correspondents. According to Mr. Disraeli and Sir Henry Elliot, the real crime was not the loss of thousands of innocent lives but the exaggeration of those numbers. It seems that they would prefer the report to state 25,000 people were killed rather than 30,000, even if the true number of victims was indeed terrible.

The Distortion of Truth

The serious issue here is not merely the counting of casualties but the very real pain and suffering that these atrocities have caused. It is appalling that the focus should be on minor discrepancies in numbers rather than the actual brutalities inflicted upon innocent people. For instance, while it is a trivial matter whether a certain number of children were killed, the fact that countless lives were brutally taken is the true tragedy.

In conclusion, the issue is not simply about accurate numbers; it is about acknowledging the profound loss of life and the horrors that have occurred. Mr. Disraeli and Sir Henry Elliot may find fault with the reporting of these atrocities, but they must also recognize the true gravity of the situation. The emphasis should be on understanding the suffering of the victims rather than nitpicking over the specifics of their reports.

[tratravels]

Exaggerations and Atrocities

In Mr. Disraeli’s recent speech, he continued to assert that reports of atrocities in the region have been greatly exaggerated. He cited Mr. Baring’s findings as evidence, claiming there was no proof that human heads were paraded through the streets of Philippopolis or that forty young girls were burned alive at Novi-Selo. However, I believe the debate over whether heads were actually carted through the streets is somewhat irrelevant. Mr. Baring admits that the individuals who owned those heads had indeed been killed.

The Reality of Tamboli

Moreover, when Mr. Baring sent the telegram that Mr. Disraeli referenced so confidently, he had not yet visited Tamboli. Had he done so and spoken with the Italian Consul in Burgas, who has a business there, he might have reported a very different story. The Consul would likely have informed him that sackfuls of heads were dumped right outside his door. There is a steep slope leading down to a small river that flows through the town, and it is said that heads rolled down that hill, tumbling over each other in a gruesome chaos, as dogs eagerly pounced on them Jeep Safari Bulgaria.

Misplaced Focus on Numbers

It is indeed true that forty young girls were not burned alive at Novi-Selo; that tragedy took place in Batak, where, instead of forty, it was two hundred girls, women, and children who suffered that horrific fate. The people most to blame in this situation appear to be the newspaper correspondents. According to Mr. Disraeli and Sir Henry Elliot, the real crime was not the loss of thousands of innocent lives but the exaggeration of those numbers. It seems that they would prefer the report to state 25,000 people were killed rather than 30,000, even if the true number of victims was indeed terrible.

The Distortion of Truth

The serious issue here is not merely the counting of casualties but the very real pain and suffering that these atrocities have caused. It is appalling that the focus should be on minor discrepancies in numbers rather than the actual brutalities inflicted upon innocent people. For instance, while it is a trivial matter whether a certain number of children were killed, the fact that countless lives were brutally taken is the true tragedy.

In conclusion, the issue is not simply about accurate numbers; it is about acknowledging the profound loss of life and the horrors that have occurred. Mr. Disraeli and Sir Henry Elliot may find fault with the reporting of these atrocities, but they must also recognize the true gravity of the situation. The emphasis should be on understanding the suffering of the victims rather than nitpicking over the specifics of their reports.