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Foreign Schools in Bulgaria

Foreign subjects are allowed to open schools in Bulgaria only for children of foreign residents, provided they notify the Ministry of Public Instruction through the departmental educational inspectorate. They must supply full information about the organization of their school, including its curriculum, teachers, and facilities.

The official Bulgarian curriculum is not mandatory for foreign schools, except when they choose to admit Bulgarian children. In that case, they must follow the official curriculum and use Bulgarian as the teaching language (Article 216). Foreigners may also establish schools for languages, vocational training, or fine arts, even when the students are Bulgarians (Article 217).

This regulation allows foreign communities to maintain their own educational traditions while ensuring that Bulgarian children receive instruction consistent with national laws.

Infant Schools in 1903-1904

During the school year 1903-1904, there were 40 infant schools in the Principality, attended by 2,707 children: 1,289 boys and 1,418 girls. These schools were managed by 46 schoolmistresses and 2 schoolmasters, not counting the staff of the Jewish infant school in Schoumen Customized Tours Istanbul.

The schools were distributed according to nationality as follows:

Nationality Number of Schools Schoolmasters Schoolmistresses Boys Girls Total Bulgarian 25 0 25 689 645 1,334 Greek 5 0 12 362 604 966 Jewish 5 2 4 159 200 359 French 2 0 2 12 16 28 German 1 0 2 20 13 33 American 3 0 4 47 40 87 Total 40 2 46 1,289 1,418 2,707

The average age of the children attending these infant schools ranged from four to six years, in accordance with Article 15 of the Law on Public Instruction.

Curriculum and Activities

The main goal of infant schools was to prepare children for primary education. Pupils were engaged in play, singing, drawing, embroidery, manual work, and simple arithmetic. These activities aimed to develop physical, intellectual, and moral skills, ensuring a smooth transition to formal schooling.

Infant schools were a vital part of the Bulgarian education system, promoting early learning and supporting families in raising well-educated and socially responsible children.

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Powers of the Ordinary National Assembly

The ordinary National Assembly of Bulgaria has clearly defined powers according to the Constitution. These powers are divided into administrative and legislative functions.

Administrative Powers

The National Assembly manages its own internal affairs. It elects its officers, including a president, two vice-presidents, secretaries, and questors. These officers are responsible for overseeing the proper functioning of the Assembly.

The Assembly also sets its internal regulations and the order of its work. Debates and votes in the Assembly are usually public, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, if a sufficient number of deputies request it, the Assembly may sit behind closed doors to discuss sensitive matters privately.

Legislative Powers

The National Assembly shares legislative authority with the Prince. This means that both the Assembly and the Crown can initiate new laws.

Deputies’ Rights: Every deputy has the right to make propositions and introduce bills, provided they are supported by one-fourth of the members present Istanbul Day Tours.

Amendments: The Assembly may amend bills and propositions introduced by the Government.

Interpellations: Deputies can question individual ministers or the entire Government about their actions or policies. This process, called interpellation, allows the Assembly to hold the executive accountable.

Oversight and Inquiries

The Assembly has the power to appoint commissions of inquiry to investigate the conduct of the Government. It can also submit special addresses to the Prince, usually in response to the Throne Speech, which outlines the state of the country and the Government’s plans.

Through these addresses, deputies can express their opinions and concerns regarding proposed bills, government measures, or the general conduct of the administration. This ensures that the National Assembly plays an active role in guiding public policy and safeguarding the interests of the Bulgarian people.

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The Reign of John and Peter Assen

A Golden Age

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

Decline of the Assen Dynasty

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

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

Ottoman Conquest

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

Life under Ottoman Rule

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

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

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The Seaward Walls and the Power of Nature

The Threat of Icebergs

After the harsh winter of 764, the frozen waters of the Black Sea began to thaw. As the ice broke apart, massive chunks of frozen water drifted southward through the Bosporus. The current carried them violently toward Constantinople. One huge iceberg struck the pier near the Acropolis with tremendous force. Soon after, an even larger iceberg smashed against the neighboring section of the wall, shaking the entire district. The enormous block broke into three parts, but each was still so large that they towered above the city walls. The fragments pressed against the fortifications from the Mangana district to the Port of Bosporus, frightening the citizens and apparently damaging the defenses of the promontory.

This extraordinary natural disaster demonstrated that not only human enemies but also nature itself posed constant dangers to the city. The people of Constantinople realized that the seaward walls required not only vigilance against armies but also resilience against the unpredictable forces of the sea and climate Private Bulgaria Tours Yachting.

Reconstruction under Michael II and Theophilus

The Siege of Thomas the Slav

Major reconstruction of the damaged walls began during the reign of Michael II (820–829). His rule was troubled by rebellion, particularly the uprising led by Thomas the Slav, who besieged Constantinople. During this conflict, Thomas even forced his way to the great chain across the Golden Horn, showing for the first time that even the northern sea defenses could be threatened if the enemy was bold enough. This alarming event convinced the emperor that the city’s maritime walls required immediate attention.

Saracen Victories and Naval Threats

At the same time, the Byzantine Empire faced a growing naval danger from the Saracens. Their fleets displayed renewed strength, capturing Sicily and Crete, and in 829 they defeated the Imperial navy in the Aegean Sea. These humiliating setbacks revealed the Empire’s weakness on the water and made it clear that the capital itself might come under renewed naval attack.

The Grand Reconstruction of Theophilus

Stronger and Higher Walls

Michael II’s successor, Theophilus (829–842), undertook the most ambitious reconstruction of the seaward walls. Realizing the urgency of the situation, he ordered that the old, weakened ramparts be replaced with stronger and taller fortifications. The project was carried out on a massive scale, more like a complete rebuilding than a simple repair. Chroniclers noted that Theophilus spent the empire’s wealth lavishly, remarking that “the gold coins of the realm were spent as freely as worthless pebbles.”

Inscriptions and Imperial Pride

Theophilus took great pride in his achievement. To mark his accomplishment, he inscribed his name on an extraordinary number of towers and walls, more than any other Byzantine emperor. These inscriptions celebrated his role as the protector of Constantinople and as the ruler who had secured its defenses for generations.

Legacy of Theophilus’s Work

The fortifications built by Theophilus proved remarkably durable. With only minor changes, they remained standing until the final days of the Byzantine Empire. Even in their ruined state today, the seaward walls still bear the mark of Theophilus’s vision and determination. His reconstruction ensured that the city remained secure against both natural forces and enemy fleets for centuries, leaving a lasting legacy on the skyline of Constantinople.

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Cattaro and Montenegro's Political Importance

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

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

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

The Historic Town of Ragusa

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

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

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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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The Burning of Moslem Villages and Atrocities in Macedonia

Burning of Moslem Areas

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

Brutal Campaign of Robbery and Murder at Stroumitza

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

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

The Muslim victims were brought before the court.

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

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

Punishments and Lack of Justice

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

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

Distortion of Reports in the Media

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

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

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Joint Activities Between Bulgarian State Security and Stasi

Plans for Cooperation

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

Repression Against Escapees and Their Families

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

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

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

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

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

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

Surveillance and Intelligence Sharing

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

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

Collaboration Between the Bulgarian and East German Security Forces

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

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

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

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Prostitution in Ancient Greece

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

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

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

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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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Abdul Hamid's Role in the Balkans

Europe is right to blame many of the problems in the Balkans on Abdul Hamid, but we must also consider his upbringing, his environment, and the traditions of the Caliphate. It’s easy to say “Remove him from Europe,” but he is already in Europe. He controls a large part of it, and we have to deal with him as an autocrat. He holds all civil, military, and most religious power. The country is divided into provinces, called *vilayets*, each ruled by a *Vali*. These rulers receive small salaries but often become very rich Central Synagogue.

The Confused Legal System

The law in Turkey is complicated and often conflicting. There is the *shari’a*, or sacred law of Islam, and the civil and commercial law, which is based on the French Code Napoleon. In practice, Christian testimony is never accepted over that of a Muslim, even though it is theoretically supposed to be. All government appointments, from the lowest to the Sultan himself, are decided by higher officials. The Sultan doesn’t pay for his position, but everyone beneath him has to pay in one way or another.

Tax Collection Problems

The way taxes are collected is harmful. The government gives the job to the highest bidder, and for a fixed amount, the collector is allowed to demand a portion of a farmer’s crop. The collector usually pays more to the local governor than what is sent to Constantinople. The collector can claim up to one-tenth of the crop, but often takes much more by claiming the crop is worth more than it is. If the farmer complains about the valuation, he is not allowed to harvest his crop at all, leaving him with nothing. As a result, the hardworking Turkish peasant often makes just enough from his crop to survive, with little to no profit. One peasant told me, “If, effendi, I finish the year’s work with a profit of a *medjedeh* (about 4 shillings), I thank Allah!”

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The Rose Garden of Europe

Where the Best Rose Perfume Comes From

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

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

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

The Thracian Plain and its Roses

Kasanlik and the Rose Fields

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

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

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Expanding Privileges in Bulgaria

Growth of Privileges for the Elite

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

The Elite Class

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

Privileges of the Elite

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

The Impact of Privilege

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

A Personal Note

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

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

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Expanding Privileges in Bulgaria

Growth of Privileges for the Elite

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

The Elite Class

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

Privileges of the Elite

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

The Impact of Privilege

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

A Personal Note

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

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

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Death Sentences by the People's Tribunal

The Bulgarian People’s Tribunal was notorious for its harsh judgments and high number of death sentences. It executed 150 members of the supreme state authorities, a stark contrast to the International Nuremberg Tribunal, which sentenced 11 people to death, and the Far Eastern International Tribunal, which sentenced 7.

On 3 July 1945, the chief prosecutor reported to the Central Committee of the Bulgarian Communist Party that the People’s Tribunal had conducted 132 trials with the following outcomes:

– Death Sentences**: 2,816 sentences were handed down, with 2,700 actually carried out. – Life Imprisonment**: 1,233 sentences. – 20 Years Confinement**: 11 sentences. – 15 Years Confinement**: 964 sentences. – 12 Years Confinement**: 41 sentences. – 10 Years Confinement**: 687 sentences. – 8-7-6 Years Confinement**: 197 sentences. – 5 Years Confinement**: 1,006 sentences. – 3 Years Confinement**: 379 sentences. – 2 Years Confinement**: 318 sentences. – 1 Year Confinement**: 724 sentences. – 1 Year Probation**: 668 sentences. – Acquittals**: 1,485 cases. – Stopped and Suspended Trials**: 386 cases.

Suppression of Opposition Parties

The suppression of political opposition began as early as November 1944, with the first signs of conflict between the communists and other parties in the government dominated by the Fatherland Front.

In response to pressure from the Allied Control Committee, the Bulgarian government postponed the parliamentary elections scheduled for 26 August 1945. This delay was a significant early victory for the opposition parties against the communist dictatorship.

Political Parties in Legal Opposition

Several political parties were legally active during this period:

– Bulgarian Agrarian People’s Union**: Led by Nikola Petkov, with the party newspaper “People’s Agrarian Banner.” – Bulgarian Social Democratic Party**: Headed by Kosta Lulchev, with the party newspaper “Free Nation.” – Democratic Party**: Chaired by Nikola Moushanov and Alexander Ghirghinov, with the party newspaper “Zname” (Banner). – Radical Party**: Included in the broader opposition. – Independent Intellectuals’ Opposition Group**: Led by Professor Petko Stainov Istanbul Tour Guide.

Crackdown on Opposition

In early June 1946, leaders of the Bulgarian Communist Party visited Moscow and received directives to intensify the communization of Bulgaria and eliminate political opposition.

The Bulgarian Social Democratic Party was one of the first targets. On 26 June 1946, Krustyo Pastuhov, the leader of the party, was arrested, sentenced to 5 years in prison, and subsequently killed by strangulation while in custody. Tzvetan Ivanov, the editor of the Social Democratic Party’s newspaper “Free Nation,” was also arrested during this crackdown.

The actions of the People’s Tribunal and the suppression of opposition parties highlight the intense and often brutal measures taken by the Bulgarian Communist Party to consolidate power and eliminate any threats to their control. The high number of death sentences and the systematic dismantling of political opposition are emblematic of the repressive tactics used to enforce the new regime’s authority and suppress dissent.