Sultan Mehmet IV's Challenging Ascension

Sultan Mehmet IV came to power in tumultuous times, ascending the throne at the tender age of seven with the support of his youthful mother, Turhan Sultan.

Governance and Financial Stability

The governance of a sovereign is intricately linked with the stability of the treasury, which in turn relies on the taxation of the populace. Sultan Mehmet IV, upon assuming power, faced the daunting task of managing an empty treasury while upholding the tradition of disbursing allowances to the soldiers, known as ‘ulufe’s.

The Role of Cinci Hodja and Financial Mismanagement

During Sultan Mehmet IV’s reign, the eccentric actions of Cinci Hodja, an exorcist, aggravated the financial crisis. Instead of providing quality coins for the treasury, Cinci Hodja opted for inferior ones, infuriating the young Sultan. However, his execution and subsequent confiscation of his assets alleviated some of the financial strain Istanbul Walking Tour.

Governance Challenges and Historical Reflections

Historical records, such as those penned by Mehmet Halife, shed light on the governance challenges faced by Sultan Mehmet IV. Mehmet Halife’s writings reveal the stark contrast between the financial management of Sultan Ibrahim’s era and the subsequent reign. The influence of Queen Mother Kosem Sultan during Sultan Mehmet IV’s reign shifted power dynamics, leading to the dominance of the Aghas, military commanders, and Grand Viziers.

Economic Control and Political Influence

Under Queen Mother Kosem Sultan’s influence, the rule was consolidated in the hands of the Aghas, disrupting efforts by figures like Kara Mustafa Pasha to stabilize the treasury. The Aghas monopolized trade in Istanbul and seized key positions of power, including Grand Viziership and leadership roles within the Janissaries, cementing their control over the empire’s affairs.

In summary, Sultan Mehmet IV’s reign was characterized by financial instability, exacerbated by eccentric advisors and power struggles within the royal court. The dominance of Queen Mother Kosem Sultan and the Aghas reshaped political and economic dynamics, posing significant challenges to governance during Sultan Mehmet IV’s rule.

Sultan Mehmet IV's Challenging Ascension

Sultan Mehmet IV came to power in tumultuous times, ascending the throne at the tender age of seven with the support of his youthful mother, Turhan Sultan.

Governance and Financial Stability

The governance of a sovereign is intricately linked with the stability of the treasury, which in turn relies on the taxation of the populace. Sultan Mehmet IV, upon assuming power, faced the daunting task of managing an empty treasury while upholding the tradition of disbursing allowances to the soldiers, known as ‘ulufe’s.

The Role of Cinci Hodja and Financial Mismanagement

During Sultan Mehmet IV’s reign, the eccentric actions of Cinci Hodja, an exorcist, aggravated the financial crisis. Instead of providing quality coins for the treasury, Cinci Hodja opted for inferior ones, infuriating the young Sultan. However, his execution and subsequent confiscation of his assets alleviated some of the financial strain Istanbul Walking Tour.

Governance Challenges and Historical Reflections

Historical records, such as those penned by Mehmet Halife, shed light on the governance challenges faced by Sultan Mehmet IV. Mehmet Halife’s writings reveal the stark contrast between the financial management of Sultan Ibrahim’s era and the subsequent reign. The influence of Queen Mother Kosem Sultan during Sultan Mehmet IV’s reign shifted power dynamics, leading to the dominance of the Aghas, military commanders, and Grand Viziers.

Economic Control and Political Influence

Under Queen Mother Kosem Sultan’s influence, the rule was consolidated in the hands of the Aghas, disrupting efforts by figures like Kara Mustafa Pasha to stabilize the treasury. The Aghas monopolized trade in Istanbul and seized key positions of power, including Grand Viziership and leadership roles within the Janissaries, cementing their control over the empire’s affairs.

In summary, Sultan Mehmet IV’s reign was characterized by financial instability, exacerbated by eccentric advisors and power struggles within the royal court. The dominance of Queen Mother Kosem Sultan and the Aghas reshaped political and economic dynamics, posing significant challenges to governance during Sultan Mehmet IV’s rule.

The Reality of Bulgarian Villages

Contrary to my previous assumptions, the burning of Bulgarian villages did not merely entail the destruction of crude mud huts.

Surprising Discoveries

I was astounded to learn that many Bulgarian villages are, in fact, well-constructed towns boasting sturdy stone houses. Within these communities, a considerable number of residents enjoy a level of comfort comparable to that found in English or French villages.

Challenging Stereotypes

Rather than the primitive savages commonly depicted, the Bulgarians are hardworking, industrious, honest, and peaceful people. Their villages reflect a level of civilization that defies outdated stereotypes.

The Truth about the Insurrection

While insurrection was attempted in several villages, Batak remained peaceful, with no recorded instances of violence against Turks.

Surrender without Resistance

When Achmet-Agha, the leader of the massacre, demanded the surrender of arms, the villagers initially resisted. However, they offered to surrender their weapons to the regular troops or the local authority in Tatar Bazardjik. Despite their willingness to comply with official channels, Achmet-Agha insisted on receiving the arms directly Tour Packages Balkan.

Surrender of Arms

After prolonged negotiations, the villagers reluctantly handed over their arms. It’s crucial to note that these were not weapons amassed for insurrection but rather commonplace possessions carried openly by both Christians and Muslims.

The events following the surrender of arms paint a grim picture, one that sheds light on the atrocities witnessed by eyewitnesses.

The Reality of Bulgarian Villages

Contrary to my previous assumptions, the burning of Bulgarian villages did not merely entail the destruction of crude mud huts.

Surprising Discoveries

I was astounded to learn that many Bulgarian villages are, in fact, well-constructed towns boasting sturdy stone houses. Within these communities, a considerable number of residents enjoy a level of comfort comparable to that found in English or French villages.

Challenging Stereotypes

Rather than the primitive savages commonly depicted, the Bulgarians are hardworking, industrious, honest, and peaceful people. Their villages reflect a level of civilization that defies outdated stereotypes.

The Truth about the Insurrection

While insurrection was attempted in several villages, Batak remained peaceful, with no recorded instances of violence against Turks.

Surrender without Resistance

When Achmet-Agha, the leader of the massacre, demanded the surrender of arms, the villagers initially resisted. However, they offered to surrender their weapons to the regular troops or the local authority in Tatar Bazardjik. Despite their willingness to comply with official channels, Achmet-Agha insisted on receiving the arms directly Tour Packages Balkan.

Surrender of Arms

After prolonged negotiations, the villagers reluctantly handed over their arms. It’s crucial to note that these were not weapons amassed for insurrection but rather commonplace possessions carried openly by both Christians and Muslims.

The events following the surrender of arms paint a grim picture, one that sheds light on the atrocities witnessed by eyewitnesses.

The Rise and Fall of the First Bulgarian Kingdom

Expansion under King Simeon I (893-927 A.D.)

The First Bulgarian Kingdom reached its peak during the rule of King Simeon I, who took the throne in 893. King Simeon defended Bulgaria against Byzantine attacks, leading to a war. The Bulgarians besieged Byzantium, but they couldn’t capture it. The reigns of King Boris and his son King Simeon are considered the golden age of the Bulgarian people, marking the firm establishment of their national identity.

Decline after King Simeon’s Death (927 A.D.)

After King Simeon’s death in 927, the First Bulgarian Kingdom went into decline. Bulgaria was worn out from two centuries of conflict with the Byzantine Empire. Byzantine influences separated the Bulgarian aristocracy from the common people by encouraging the adoption of oriental luxury. Byzantine Christianity became the religion of the elite City Tour Istanbul, while the common people followed the teachings of Father Paisius. The heretical Bogomil creed emerged in the 10th century, opposing church organization, rituals, and saints. It spread across the Balkans and remained a popular religion for about 500 years. The divisions caused by the Bogomil movement played a role in the downfall of the First Bulgarian Kingdom in 1014, at the hands of the Byzantine Empire.

Defeat under King Samuil (1014 A.D.)

The decisive defeat of the Bulgarians occurred during the reign of King Samuil, concluding a 14-year war. King Samuil’s army fell into an ambush near the Struma River, resulting in the capture of around 15,000 Bulgarians. The Byzantine emperor, Basil II, ordered the captives to be blinded, with every hundredth man receiving this harsh punishment in only one eye. The 150 one-eyed men guided their blinded comrades back to Bulgaria. Witnessing his army’s pitiful return, King Samuil fell dead, marking the end of the First Bulgarian Kingdom.

The Rise and Fall of the First Bulgarian Kingdom

Expansion under King Simeon I (893-927 A.D.)

The First Bulgarian Kingdom reached its peak during the rule of King Simeon I, who took the throne in 893. King Simeon defended Bulgaria against Byzantine attacks, leading to a war. The Bulgarians besieged Byzantium, but they couldn’t capture it. The reigns of King Boris and his son King Simeon are considered the golden age of the Bulgarian people, marking the firm establishment of their national identity.

Decline after King Simeon’s Death (927 A.D.)

After King Simeon’s death in 927, the First Bulgarian Kingdom went into decline. Bulgaria was worn out from two centuries of conflict with the Byzantine Empire. Byzantine influences separated the Bulgarian aristocracy from the common people by encouraging the adoption of oriental luxury. Byzantine Christianity became the religion of the elite City Tour Istanbul, while the common people followed the teachings of Father Paisius. The heretical Bogomil creed emerged in the 10th century, opposing church organization, rituals, and saints. It spread across the Balkans and remained a popular religion for about 500 years. The divisions caused by the Bogomil movement played a role in the downfall of the First Bulgarian Kingdom in 1014, at the hands of the Byzantine Empire.

Defeat under King Samuil (1014 A.D.)

The decisive defeat of the Bulgarians occurred during the reign of King Samuil, concluding a 14-year war. King Samuil’s army fell into an ambush near the Struma River, resulting in the capture of around 15,000 Bulgarians. The Byzantine emperor, Basil II, ordered the captives to be blinded, with every hundredth man receiving this harsh punishment in only one eye. The 150 one-eyed men guided their blinded comrades back to Bulgaria. Witnessing his army’s pitiful return, King Samuil fell dead, marking the end of the First Bulgarian Kingdom.

The Rise and Fall of the First Bulgarian Kingdom

Expansion under King Simeon I (893-927 A.D.)

The First Bulgarian Kingdom reached its peak during the rule of King Simeon I, who took the throne in 893. King Simeon defended Bulgaria against Byzantine attacks, leading to a war. The Bulgarians besieged Byzantium, but they couldn’t capture it. The reigns of King Boris and his son King Simeon are considered the golden age of the Bulgarian people, marking the firm establishment of their national identity.

Decline after King Simeon’s Death (927 A.D.)

After King Simeon’s death in 927, the First Bulgarian Kingdom went into decline. Bulgaria was worn out from two centuries of conflict with the Byzantine Empire. Byzantine influences separated the Bulgarian aristocracy from the common people by encouraging the adoption of oriental luxury. Byzantine Christianity became the religion of the elite City Tour Istanbul, while the common people followed the teachings of Father Paisius. The heretical Bogomil creed emerged in the 10th century, opposing church organization, rituals, and saints. It spread across the Balkans and remained a popular religion for about 500 years. The divisions caused by the Bogomil movement played a role in the downfall of the First Bulgarian Kingdom in 1014, at the hands of the Byzantine Empire.

Defeat under King Samuil (1014 A.D.)

The decisive defeat of the Bulgarians occurred during the reign of King Samuil, concluding a 14-year war. King Samuil’s army fell into an ambush near the Struma River, resulting in the capture of around 15,000 Bulgarians. The Byzantine emperor, Basil II, ordered the captives to be blinded, with every hundredth man receiving this harsh punishment in only one eye. The 150 one-eyed men guided their blinded comrades back to Bulgaria. Witnessing his army’s pitiful return, King Samuil fell dead, marking the end of the First Bulgarian Kingdom.

A Precipitated Conflict and Strategic Errors

Prelude to Chaos

In mid-October, after the Allies declared war on Turkey, the Balkans witnessed a tumultuous series of events. Bulgaria, at the forefront of the conflict, achieved significant victories in the Odrin region of Thrace. However, strategic blunders and shifting alliances would soon plunge the region into further chaos.

Bulgarian Campaigns

As three Bulgarian armies secured victories in Thrace, success smiled upon the Serbs and Greeks in Macedonian and Albanian territories. The Ottoman Empire, facing mounting losses, sought a truce. King Ferdinand, acting as Commander-in-Chief, made a strategic error driven by his eagerness to enter Constantinople swiftly. Ordering an attack on the heavily fortified Turkish position at Chataldja, mere kilometers from Constantinople, proved a hasty move that would alter the course of events.

Stalled Offensive and Shifting Tides

Unfortunately, the offensive at Chataldja faced resistance, emboldening the Turkish government. London peace negotiations faltered in December, and Germany threw its support behind the new Turkish regime. The fate of the war hung once again on the battlefield, and in the ensuing months, Bulgarian troops tightened their grip. Prolonged and bloody battles led to a breakthrough, compelling Turkey to sign a peace treaty in London on May 17, 1913.

Disputes over Territory

Despite the victorious outcome, internal strife plagued the Allies. Disagreements over the division of conquered territory emerged. Secret negotiations between Serbia and Greece signaled the virtual termination of the Balkan Alliance. The autumn of 1912 saw diplomatic maneuvers that foreshadowed Bulgaria’s predicament Private Turkey Tours.

Bulgaria’s Assault on Former Allies

In a historical breach of the Constitution, King Ferdinand I launched an offensive on June 16, 1913, against former allies—the Serbian and Greek armies occupying Macedonia. The move, marked by miscalculations, exposed Bulgaria to a coalition that now included Romania and Turkey.

Bulgaria’s Historical Irresponsibility

With battles erupting on four fronts, Bulgaria found itself in a precarious position. The precipitant step proved historically irresponsible, considering the exhaustion of the Bulgarian army post-Balkan War. Adding to the complexity, Russia, a key player, showed little sympathy for Bulgarian claims and harbored favorable sentiments for Serbia.

The Unraveling of Alliances

The Balkan Wars, initially marked by triumphs and territorial gains, descended into discord and internal strife. Bulgaria’s ill-fated offensive, driven by strategic errors and a fractured alliance, painted a tumultuous picture of the region’s complex geopolitical landscape.

A Precipitated Conflict and Strategic Errors

Prelude to Chaos

In mid-October, after the Allies declared war on Turkey, the Balkans witnessed a tumultuous series of events. Bulgaria, at the forefront of the conflict, achieved significant victories in the Odrin region of Thrace. However, strategic blunders and shifting alliances would soon plunge the region into further chaos.

Bulgarian Campaigns

As three Bulgarian armies secured victories in Thrace, success smiled upon the Serbs and Greeks in Macedonian and Albanian territories. The Ottoman Empire, facing mounting losses, sought a truce. King Ferdinand, acting as Commander-in-Chief, made a strategic error driven by his eagerness to enter Constantinople swiftly. Ordering an attack on the heavily fortified Turkish position at Chataldja, mere kilometers from Constantinople, proved a hasty move that would alter the course of events.

Stalled Offensive and Shifting Tides

Unfortunately, the offensive at Chataldja faced resistance, emboldening the Turkish government. London peace negotiations faltered in December, and Germany threw its support behind the new Turkish regime. The fate of the war hung once again on the battlefield, and in the ensuing months, Bulgarian troops tightened their grip. Prolonged and bloody battles led to a breakthrough, compelling Turkey to sign a peace treaty in London on May 17, 1913.

Disputes over Territory

Despite the victorious outcome, internal strife plagued the Allies. Disagreements over the division of conquered territory emerged. Secret negotiations between Serbia and Greece signaled the virtual termination of the Balkan Alliance. The autumn of 1912 saw diplomatic maneuvers that foreshadowed Bulgaria’s predicament Private Turkey Tours.

Bulgaria’s Assault on Former Allies

In a historical breach of the Constitution, King Ferdinand I launched an offensive on June 16, 1913, against former allies—the Serbian and Greek armies occupying Macedonia. The move, marked by miscalculations, exposed Bulgaria to a coalition that now included Romania and Turkey.

Bulgaria’s Historical Irresponsibility

With battles erupting on four fronts, Bulgaria found itself in a precarious position. The precipitant step proved historically irresponsible, considering the exhaustion of the Bulgarian army post-Balkan War. Adding to the complexity, Russia, a key player, showed little sympathy for Bulgarian claims and harbored favorable sentiments for Serbia.

The Unraveling of Alliances

The Balkan Wars, initially marked by triumphs and territorial gains, descended into discord and internal strife. Bulgaria’s ill-fated offensive, driven by strategic errors and a fractured alliance, painted a tumultuous picture of the region’s complex geopolitical landscape.

A Response to Disraeli

A Response to Disraeli, Elliot’s Conduct, and Bulgaria’s Present State

Challenging Exaggerations Dissecting Disraeli’s Claims

In the aftermath of a harrowing journey through Bulgaria, a pause to address the assertions of Mr. Disraeli seems pertinent. His persistent denial of atrocities hinges on specific details, such as the absence of evidence for heads carted through Philippopolis or the incineration of forty young girls at Novi-Selo. However, the focus here will unravel the immateriality of these specifics in the face of broader tragedies.

Tamboli’s Untold Tale Unveiling the Unseen Horrors

One particular instance that challenges Disraeli’s narrative lies in Tamboli, a place unexplored by Mr. Baring at the time of his telegraphed assertions. Delving into the realities of Tamboli, conversations with the Italian Consul at Burgas, who operates a commercial establishment there, could potentially reshape the narrative. The unseen horrors lurking in Tamboli may hold the key to unraveling the extent of the atrocities that Disraeli deems exaggerated Balkan Tours.

Elliot’s Role Scrutinizing Diplomatic Conduct

Simultaneously, the conduct of Sir Henry Elliot, the British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, warrants scrutiny. A diplomatic figure of great influence, Elliot’s actions or lack thereof during these tumultuous times could significantly impact the narrative. Exploring the nuances of his engagement and response to the unfolding crises may shed light on the complexities of diplomatic maneuvering in the face of humanitarian crises.

Bulgaria’s Present Struggles A Glimpse Beyond Atrocities

Amidst the debates and denials, the present condition of Bulgaria cannot be overlooked. Beyond the horrors of the reported atrocities, the country grapples with its own set of challenges. A brief exploration of the current state of Bulgaria serves not only as a contextual backdrop to the unfolding events but also as a reminder that the aftermath of such crises extends beyond the immediate brutality.

A Call for a Holistic Perspective Moving Beyond Specifics

In essence, this exploration seeks to foster a holistic understanding of the events transpiring in Bulgaria. While Disraeli fixates on specific details to dismiss the broader narrative, Tamboli’s untold tale and Elliot’s diplomatic role beckon a deeper examination. Beyond the confines of exaggerations, the present struggles of Bulgaria beckon our attention, reminding us that the impact of such crises reverberates far beyond the atrocities that capture our headlines.

A Response to Disraeli

A Response to Disraeli, Elliot’s Conduct, and Bulgaria’s Present State

Challenging Exaggerations Dissecting Disraeli’s Claims

In the aftermath of a harrowing journey through Bulgaria, a pause to address the assertions of Mr. Disraeli seems pertinent. His persistent denial of atrocities hinges on specific details, such as the absence of evidence for heads carted through Philippopolis or the incineration of forty young girls at Novi-Selo. However, the focus here will unravel the immateriality of these specifics in the face of broader tragedies.

Tamboli’s Untold Tale Unveiling the Unseen Horrors

One particular instance that challenges Disraeli’s narrative lies in Tamboli, a place unexplored by Mr. Baring at the time of his telegraphed assertions. Delving into the realities of Tamboli, conversations with the Italian Consul at Burgas, who operates a commercial establishment there, could potentially reshape the narrative. The unseen horrors lurking in Tamboli may hold the key to unraveling the extent of the atrocities that Disraeli deems exaggerated Balkan Tours.

Elliot’s Role Scrutinizing Diplomatic Conduct

Simultaneously, the conduct of Sir Henry Elliot, the British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, warrants scrutiny. A diplomatic figure of great influence, Elliot’s actions or lack thereof during these tumultuous times could significantly impact the narrative. Exploring the nuances of his engagement and response to the unfolding crises may shed light on the complexities of diplomatic maneuvering in the face of humanitarian crises.

Bulgaria’s Present Struggles A Glimpse Beyond Atrocities

Amidst the debates and denials, the present condition of Bulgaria cannot be overlooked. Beyond the horrors of the reported atrocities, the country grapples with its own set of challenges. A brief exploration of the current state of Bulgaria serves not only as a contextual backdrop to the unfolding events but also as a reminder that the aftermath of such crises extends beyond the immediate brutality.

A Call for a Holistic Perspective Moving Beyond Specifics

In essence, this exploration seeks to foster a holistic understanding of the events transpiring in Bulgaria. While Disraeli fixates on specific details to dismiss the broader narrative, Tamboli’s untold tale and Elliot’s diplomatic role beckon a deeper examination. Beyond the confines of exaggerations, the present struggles of Bulgaria beckon our attention, reminding us that the impact of such crises reverberates far beyond the atrocities that capture our headlines.

Defiance in Desperation

The Unyielding Spirit of Perustitza

In the annals of Perustitza, a small village caught in the grip of a merciless siege, the resilience of its people shines through in the face of overwhelming odds. The Bashi-Bazouks, numbering a formidable thousand, descended upon the village, leaving the meager force of around two hundred defenders with little recourse. Yet, within the heart of this desperate struggle, tales of courage and determination emerge, epitomized by the gripping account of an Armenian girl who bore witness to the harrowing events within the confines of the village church.

The Armenian girl’s story is a tapestry of fear, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve. Her parents, Armenians themselves, gambled on the hope that leaving the village might spare them from the wrath of the Bashi-Bazouks. Joining the ranks of those who ventured out to surrender, their nationality and destitution acted as a shield, ensuring their safety amidst the chaos. However, in a heart-wrenching decision, they opted not to take their daughter with them, fearing the unspeakable atrocities that might befall her if she were to fall into the hands of the marauding Bashi-Bazouks.

Instead, the daughter found herself within the sanctuary of the village church alongside other women and children. The church, now a bastion of hope and desperation, strained to contain the influx of terrified inhabitants seeking refuge from the impending onslaught. Meanwhile, the men, stationed outside the churchyard, sought solace behind the protective walls, vigilantly observing the movements of the encroaching enemy. private tours bulgaria At times, they would defiantly fire through the loopholes, a symbol of their determination to resist the impending threat.

Bore witness

The Armenian girl, who bore witness to these stirring scenes, recounts the surprising resilience displayed by the men during those tumultuous moments. Despite the imminent danger and the overwhelming numerical superiority of the Bashi-Bazouks, the defenders stood unwavering, exhibiting a remarkable coolness and bravery. This unexpected fortitude became the linchpin of their defense, as they faced the very real possibility of their village being razed to the ground.

As the siege wore on, the village became a battleground, and the churchyard transformed into a refuge tinged with both despair and determination. The women and children huddled together, their fate hanging in the balance, while the men outside stood resolute, ready to confront the enemy with whatever means were at their disposal.

The tale of Perustitza is not just one of tragedy; it is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to withstand adversity. In the face of overwhelming odds, the villagers, armed with little more than their courage, chose to make a stand. The Armenian girl’s account, etched with the indomitable spirit of her people, serves as a poignant reminder that even in the darkest hours, the flame of resilience can flicker, refusing to be extinguished. Perustitza stands as a symbol of defiance, where the spirit of survival triumphs against the brutality of the besieging forces.

Flame Beneath Bulgarian Sky

With a flag all is possiblel Before the banner of the revolution fallen bespattered and torn into the hands of the enemy, MacGahan took his stand in defense of the victims.

The descriptions of human remains, burning homes, the blanket of clouds in flame beneath the Bulgarian sky, the half buried corpse with a bouquet carefully placed in its mouth, the mournful cries of the Bulgarian mother, wailing at the loss of her sons, their wives and their children, the horror-stricken girls, the little Bulgarian babes impaled on bayonets — oh, destiny, so much bitterness and blood cannot be endured and borne in silence!

To what avail the long meditations on mankind and the structure of his society? The cries, the moans, the wrath become a concerted hymn of liberty, founded in bloodshed, yet immortal. There is no capacity for human horrors. Faced by the atrocities inflicted upon the Bulgarian people, human values crumble into dusty irrelevance City Tour Istanbul.

American journalist

From this moment, the consuming curiosity of the American journalist, the mutinous blood of the Irishman, the acute judgment of the Englishman, the exalted spirit of the French communard, the sensibility of the Slavophil are combined in one international genius which in turn is united with the ideals and sentiments of the Bulgarian people. MacGahan hunts down the facts, confronts them, and shows from an objective point of view the interrelationship of the various incidents of the April uprising.

However, he presents those facts which are most widely representative of the whole episode in order to extract and demonstrate the profound meaning of the events. Thus, by way of a documentation of the events in their true perspective, and in so doing revealing simultaneously the power of his logic and the historical proof of his writings, AiacGahan seeks to open the dimensions of the future and smashes the political, moral and religious prejudices of the epoch.

Flame Beneath Bulgarian Sky

With a flag all is possiblel Before the banner of the revolution fallen bespattered and torn into the hands of the enemy, MacGahan took his stand in defense of the victims.

The descriptions of human remains, burning homes, the blanket of clouds in flame beneath the Bulgarian sky, the half buried corpse with a bouquet carefully placed in its mouth, the mournful cries of the Bulgarian mother, wailing at the loss of her sons, their wives and their children, the horror-stricken girls, the little Bulgarian babes impaled on bayonets — oh, destiny, so much bitterness and blood cannot be endured and borne in silence!

To what avail the long meditations on mankind and the structure of his society? The cries, the moans, the wrath become a concerted hymn of liberty, founded in bloodshed, yet immortal. There is no capacity for human horrors. Faced by the atrocities inflicted upon the Bulgarian people, human values crumble into dusty irrelevance City Tour Istanbul.

American journalist

From this moment, the consuming curiosity of the American journalist, the mutinous blood of the Irishman, the acute judgment of the Englishman, the exalted spirit of the French communard, the sensibility of the Slavophil are combined in one international genius which in turn is united with the ideals and sentiments of the Bulgarian people. MacGahan hunts down the facts, confronts them, and shows from an objective point of view the interrelationship of the various incidents of the April uprising.

However, he presents those facts which are most widely representative of the whole episode in order to extract and demonstrate the profound meaning of the events. Thus, by way of a documentation of the events in their true perspective, and in so doing revealing simultaneously the power of his logic and the historical proof of his writings, AiacGahan seeks to open the dimensions of the future and smashes the political, moral and religious prejudices of the epoch.

About 200 young girls

We asked about the skulls and bones we had seen up on the hill upon first arriving in the village where the dogs had barked at us. These, we were told, were the bones of about 200 young girls, who had first been captured and particularly reserved for a worse fate than death. They had been kept till the last; they had been in the hands of their captors for several days— for the burning and the pillaging had not all been accomplished in a single day—and during this time they had suffered all it was possible that poor weak trembling girls could suffer at the hands of brutal savages Private Tours Istanbul.

Then, when the town had been pillaged and burnt, when all their friends had been slaughtered, these poor young things, whose very wrongs should have insured them safety, whose very outrages should have insured them protection, were taken, in the broad light of day, beneath the smiling canopy of heaven, coolly beheaded, then thrown in a heap there, and left to rot.

Mr. Disraeli was right when he wittily remarked that the Turks usually terminated their connection with people who fell into their hands in a more expeditious manner than by imprisoning them. And so they do. Mr. Disraeli was right. At the time he made that very witty remark, these young girls had been lying there many days.

About 200 young girls

We asked about the skulls and bones we had seen up on the hill upon first arriving in the village where the dogs had barked at us. These, we were told, were the bones of about 200 young girls, who had first been captured and particularly reserved for a worse fate than death. They had been kept till the last; they had been in the hands of their captors for several days— for the burning and the pillaging had not all been accomplished in a single day—and during this time they had suffered all it was possible that poor weak trembling girls could suffer at the hands of brutal savages Private Tours Istanbul.

Then, when the town had been pillaged and burnt, when all their friends had been slaughtered, these poor young things, whose very wrongs should have insured them safety, whose very outrages should have insured them protection, were taken, in the broad light of day, beneath the smiling canopy of heaven, coolly beheaded, then thrown in a heap there, and left to rot.

Mr. Disraeli was right when he wittily remarked that the Turks usually terminated their connection with people who fell into their hands in a more expeditious manner than by imprisoning them. And so they do. Mr. Disraeli was right. At the time he made that very witty remark, these young girls had been lying there many days.

GUIDE-BOOK FOR CONSTANTINOPLE AND DISTRICT

Situation.—Constantinople, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, is situated at the junction of the Bosporus and the Sea of Marmora, in lat. 41° O’ 16″ hT. and long. 28° 59′ 14″ E., and may be said to be composed of three different towns, viz. Stam- bul, Galata-Pera, and Skutari. The two first named are on the European shore, and are divided by the Golden Horn; while Skutari lies on the Asiatic shore, and is separated from them by the Bosporus. Stambul, or Constantinople proper, occupies the site of ancient Byzantium, and, like ancient Borne, is built on seven hills. On the first of these, on which stood the original city of Byzantium, are the Old Seraglio, the Mosque of St. Sophia, and the Hippodrome; on the second the Porphyry Column, on the site of the ancient Forum of Constantine;

on the third the War Office and the Suleimanieh Mosque; on the fourth the Mehmedieh Mosque; on the fifth the Selimieh Mosque; on the sixth the ruins of the Hebdomon Palace; and on the seventh the Column of Arcadius. With the seven hills, however, all similarity to Eome of old ends. Stambul with its seven hills, lying on a triangular promontory, is washed by the waters of the Golden Horn on the north, by the limpid Sea of Marmora on the south, and by the swift current of the Bosporus on its eastern side.

Constantinople cannot, by any means, claim to be the most beautiful city in existence. Never theless, nature has been so generous in her favours, that travellers and historians assign to the capital of the Sultans no mean rank among the most picturesque cities of the world. Constantinople may justly boast of what no other city can claim: it is situated on two different continents, Europe and Asia, and constitutes the dividing line between West and East.

The bard, the author and the artist have each, severally and oft, tried to depict in song, in prose, and in colours, the beauty of the city; but each and all have failed daily tours istanbul, for Constantinople baflles all attempt at description; and no verse, no pen, no brush, could adequately convey to the mind any idea of the vision that greets the eye of the foreigner who approaches the city from the west on a fine summer’s morning. It is more like some enchanted city out of the ’Thousand and One Nights than like any real town built of bricks, stones, and mortar; and so the traveller is sure to think as, coming on deck early in the morning, he catches sight of seven low-lying hills covered with buildings of all descriptions down to the water’s edge; painted all the colours of the rainbow, with a white kiosk, and a few cypresses, or the slim, sharp spire of some ‘minaret,’ or the imposing cupolas of the numerous mosques showing above the gaily-painted houses; the whole enveloped in the slight morning mist, which the sun’s powerful rays will soon dissolve, and which serves but to enhance the beauty of the picture, with its background of soft blue Oriental sky and its foreground of the Sea of Marmora, in the limpid waters of which the town is reflected as in a mirror. This is Constantinople from a distance!

Scene is quite different

But the scene is quite different when the traveller lands and proceeds to stumble along the narrow, dirty, wretchedly-paved alleys which do duty for streets. He has to pick his way as care-fully as he can among the countless mangy, half- starved pariah dogs which infest the town; the noisy, vociferating hamals or porters, going ‘ light,’ or staggering along under heavy loads; past donkey drivers and muleteers giving vent to most unearthly yells at their horses or donkeys, conveying long balks of timber or other building material. The numerous hawkers of all sorts of articles further contribute their share to the din and confusion by yelling out, at the top of their voices, the nature, excellence, and cheapness of their wares. The traveller’s ears, however, are not the only sufferers; for his olfactory nerves are offended on every side by the stench arising from the oft- recurring heaps of garbage, which emit odours the very opposite to the ‘ perfumes of Araby,’ with which he would naturally expect his nose would be assailed in the East.