Last Seen Blogs
Photo
Youthful Bond and Cultural Pursuits
Naima and Damat Ibrahim Pasha of Nevşehir, later promoted to Grand Vizier, shared their youth as comrades in the Zulüflu Baltacilar ward of the palace. Naima reminisced about their nights spent reading Ottoman histories and reveling in the triumphs of past Sultans.
The “Tulip Age” and Cultural Renaissance
While some historians dubbed this era as the “Tulip Age” of pleasure and leisure, it was indeed a time marked by significant cultural endeavors. Initially, resistance from calligraphers against the introduction of the press escalated, ultimately leading to the demise of this epoch Guided Istanbul Tour Whirling Dervishes.
Sultan Mahmut I’s Reforms
Upon ascending the throne, Sultan Mahmut I prioritized organizing the Empire’s Treasury. Treasury register books revealed a proliferation of side-treasuries connected to the Imperial Treasury, which had accumulated considerable valuables over time.
Centralizing the Treasury
Sultan Mahmut I’s administration aimed to centralize the Treasury by reclaiming valuables from side-treasuries. Entries in the register books documented the transfer of assets from various treasuries back to the Imperial Treasury, consolidating its role as the central repository.
Reorganization Efforts
Valuables collected at the Imperial Treasury included gold, silver, and embellished harnesses, notably from the Sultan’s Stable treasury, which were directed to the Mint for processing. The Sultan’s dignified visits to the Royal Ward Treasury were meticulously recorded, highlighting the ceremonial importance attached to these proceedings.
Imperial Decrees and Treasury Transfers
Entries in register books indicated that items were transferred to the Imperial Treasury following decrees from the Sultan, underscoring the central authority’s role in managing the Empire’s wealth.
By centralizing control over the Treasury and streamlining its operations, Sultan Mahmut I initiated crucial reforms that laid the groundwork for financial stability and administrative efficiency in the Ottoman Empire.
0 notes
Photo
The Plight of Survivors
The current situation of the survivors is dire, with little hope for relief in sight.
Abandoned by Authorities
Turkish authorities have provided scant shelter in the form of wooden sheds on the village outskirts, but the survivors are left to fend for themselves, relying on charity from neighbors for sustenance. Adding insult to injury, these authorities demand regular taxes and war contributions from the victims, displaying callous disregard for their plight.
False Promises
Despite assurances from the Porte in Constantinople, the reality on the ground is grim. Survivors report facing expulsion from their makeshift shelters if they fail to meet these impossible financial demands. The government’s desperate need for funds leaves the survivors in an impossible situation, where the living are forced to pay for the dead Tour Packages Balkan.
Horrific Fate
The sight of skulls and bones scattered on the hill serves as a haunting reminder of the atrocities inflicted upon the villagers, particularly the young girls. Captured and subjected to unspeakable horrors over several days, they were ultimately beheaded in broad daylight, left to rot alongside their massacred kin.
The survivors of the Batak massacre are left to languish in misery, abandoned by the authorities tasked with their protection. As they struggle to survive amidst unimaginable loss and suffering, their plight serves as a stark indictment of the systemic failures and brutal indifference that continue to plague their lives.
0 notes
Photo
The Plight of Survivors
The current situation of the survivors is dire, with little hope for relief in sight.
Abandoned by Authorities
Turkish authorities have provided scant shelter in the form of wooden sheds on the village outskirts, but the survivors are left to fend for themselves, relying on charity from neighbors for sustenance. Adding insult to injury, these authorities demand regular taxes and war contributions from the victims, displaying callous disregard for their plight.
False Promises
Despite assurances from the Porte in Constantinople, the reality on the ground is grim. Survivors report facing expulsion from their makeshift shelters if they fail to meet these impossible financial demands. The government’s desperate need for funds leaves the survivors in an impossible situation, where the living are forced to pay for the dead Tour Packages Balkan.
Horrific Fate
The sight of skulls and bones scattered on the hill serves as a haunting reminder of the atrocities inflicted upon the villagers, particularly the young girls. Captured and subjected to unspeakable horrors over several days, they were ultimately beheaded in broad daylight, left to rot alongside their massacred kin.
The survivors of the Batak massacre are left to languish in misery, abandoned by the authorities tasked with their protection. As they struggle to survive amidst unimaginable loss and suffering, their plight serves as a stark indictment of the systemic failures and brutal indifference that continue to plague their lives.
0 notes
Photo
The Plight of Survivors
The current situation of the survivors is dire, with little hope for relief in sight.
Abandoned by Authorities
Turkish authorities have provided scant shelter in the form of wooden sheds on the village outskirts, but the survivors are left to fend for themselves, relying on charity from neighbors for sustenance. Adding insult to injury, these authorities demand regular taxes and war contributions from the victims, displaying callous disregard for their plight.
False Promises
Despite assurances from the Porte in Constantinople, the reality on the ground is grim. Survivors report facing expulsion from their makeshift shelters if they fail to meet these impossible financial demands. The government’s desperate need for funds leaves the survivors in an impossible situation, where the living are forced to pay for the dead Tour Packages Balkan.
Horrific Fate
The sight of skulls and bones scattered on the hill serves as a haunting reminder of the atrocities inflicted upon the villagers, particularly the young girls. Captured and subjected to unspeakable horrors over several days, they were ultimately beheaded in broad daylight, left to rot alongside their massacred kin.
The survivors of the Batak massacre are left to languish in misery, abandoned by the authorities tasked with their protection. As they struggle to survive amidst unimaginable loss and suffering, their plight serves as a stark indictment of the systemic failures and brutal indifference that continue to plague their lives.
0 notes
Photo
The Tzars of The Second Bulgarian Kingdom
During the reign of The Second Bulgarian Kingdom, several notable rulers ascended to power, shaping the course of Bulgarian history. Here are some of the key monarchs of that era:
Petur (Teodor, Kalopetur): Ruled from 1186 to 1196.
Ivan Asen The First: Reigned from 1186 to 1195.
Kaloyan: Held power from 1197 to 1207.
Boril: Governed from 1207 to 1218.
Ivan Asen The Second: Ruled from 1218 to 1241.
Kaliman The First Asen (Kaloman Asen): Ruled from 1241 to 1246.
Mihail The Second Asen: Reigned from 1246 to 1256.
Mitso Asen: His reign lasted from 1256 to 1257.
The Right Reverends Patriarchs of Turnovo
The religious leadership of Turnovo, represented by its Patriarchs, played a crucial role in shaping the spiritual and cultural landscape of the region. Here are some of the esteemed Patriarchs of Turnovo:
Yoakim: The first Patriarch, revered for eternity.
Vasilii, Yoakim, and Ignatii: Their memories are cherished forever.
Makarii: Honored as a blessed Patriarch and Sacred Martyr.
Dorotei, Roman, and Teodosii: Their legacies endure eternally.
Simeon: His memory is revered forever Sightseeing Turkey.
Yoanikii: Remembered for eternity.
Evtimii: His memory is immortalized forever.
Important Dates in the History of The Second Bulgarian Kingdom
The history of The Second Bulgarian Kingdom is punctuated by significant events that shaped its destiny:
26th of October 1185/86: Announcement of the uprising against Byzantium, leading to the reestablishment of the Bulgarian state.
1187: Declaration of Turnovo as the capital of The Free Tzarstvo (Kingdom).
9th of March 1230: Victory at the Battle of Klokotnitsa, leading to the naming of the newly built church “Sveti Chetiredesete Muchenici” (Saint of Forty Martyrs).
1235: Reestablishment of The Turnovo Patriarchy, with Yoakim The First appointed as Patriarch.
17th of July 1393: Fall of the capital city under the Ottoman Empire after a prolonged siege.
These dates mark significant milestones in the history of The Second Bulgarian Kingdom, highlighting its triumphs, struggles, and eventual decline.
0 notes
Photo
The Tzars of The Second Bulgarian Kingdom
During the reign of The Second Bulgarian Kingdom, several notable rulers ascended to power, shaping the course of Bulgarian history. Here are some of the key monarchs of that era:
Petur (Teodor, Kalopetur): Ruled from 1186 to 1196.
Ivan Asen The First: Reigned from 1186 to 1195.
Kaloyan: Held power from 1197 to 1207.
Boril: Governed from 1207 to 1218.
Ivan Asen The Second: Ruled from 1218 to 1241.
Kaliman The First Asen (Kaloman Asen): Ruled from 1241 to 1246.
Mihail The Second Asen: Reigned from 1246 to 1256.
Mitso Asen: His reign lasted from 1256 to 1257.
The Right Reverends Patriarchs of Turnovo
The religious leadership of Turnovo, represented by its Patriarchs, played a crucial role in shaping the spiritual and cultural landscape of the region. Here are some of the esteemed Patriarchs of Turnovo:
Yoakim: The first Patriarch, revered for eternity.
Vasilii, Yoakim, and Ignatii: Their memories are cherished forever.
Makarii: Honored as a blessed Patriarch and Sacred Martyr.
Dorotei, Roman, and Teodosii: Their legacies endure eternally.
Simeon: His memory is revered forever Sightseeing Turkey.
Yoanikii: Remembered for eternity.
Evtimii: His memory is immortalized forever.
Important Dates in the History of The Second Bulgarian Kingdom
The history of The Second Bulgarian Kingdom is punctuated by significant events that shaped its destiny:
26th of October 1185/86: Announcement of the uprising against Byzantium, leading to the reestablishment of the Bulgarian state.
1187: Declaration of Turnovo as the capital of The Free Tzarstvo (Kingdom).
9th of March 1230: Victory at the Battle of Klokotnitsa, leading to the naming of the newly built church “Sveti Chetiredesete Muchenici” (Saint of Forty Martyrs).
1235: Reestablishment of The Turnovo Patriarchy, with Yoakim The First appointed as Patriarch.
17th of July 1393: Fall of the capital city under the Ottoman Empire after a prolonged siege.
These dates mark significant milestones in the history of The Second Bulgarian Kingdom, highlighting its triumphs, struggles, and eventual decline.
0 notes
Photo
Bulgaria World War II
Bulgaria’s Complex Alliances and Shifting Fortunes
Diplomatic Maneuvers (1940)
In 1940, the foreign ministers of Russia and Germany, Molotov and von Ribbentrop, met in Berlin. Molotov sought German assistance in establishing Soviet influence in Bulgaria, but Germany declined, preparing for war against the Soviet Union. Germany then urged smaller countries to join the Tripartite Pact (Germany, Italy, and Japan), requiring them to make their territory available to the German Army. Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia complied. Bulgaria aimed to stay neutral, but with German troops entering Romania and Turkey aligning with England, Bulgaria faced threats from both sides. A Turkish-Bulgarian declaration of friendship was negotiated, and on March 1, 1941, Bulgaria reluctantly joined the Tripartite Pact.
German Collaboration and Territorial Gains (1941)
Bulgaria cooperated passively with Germany in actions against Greece and Yugoslavia, leading to the return of Macedonian territory taken by Yugoslavia and Greece. While Bulgaria did not contribute troops to the German war against Russia, its territory served as a base for German operations Daily Tours Istanbul.
Turning Tides and Negotiations (1943)
The devastating German defeat at Stalingrad in January 1943 prompted the Soviet army to take the offensive. One direction of the offensive aimed toward the Balkans, with the goal of entering Bulgaria and reaching the Balkan Straits. King Boris began negotiating with his father-in-law, King Victor Emmanuel of Italy, for an exit from the war. Hitler summoned King Boris to Germany, where he fell ill and died shortly after his return to Bulgaria.
Puppet Government and Allies’ Warning (1943)
Following King Boris’s death, a puppet German government under Dobri Bozhilov and Regent Filov was installed in Bulgaria. Earlier that year, the Allies had tried to secretly negotiate with Bulgaria to break ties with the Germans. Bulgaria claimed neutrality, arguing that since no Bulgarian troops were fighting, they were not aligned with Germany. The United States warned Bulgaria of potential air strikes against major cities if they did not openly sever ties with the Germans.
0 notes
Photo
Bulgaria World War II
Bulgaria’s Complex Alliances and Shifting Fortunes
Diplomatic Maneuvers (1940)
In 1940, the foreign ministers of Russia and Germany, Molotov and von Ribbentrop, met in Berlin. Molotov sought German assistance in establishing Soviet influence in Bulgaria, but Germany declined, preparing for war against the Soviet Union. Germany then urged smaller countries to join the Tripartite Pact (Germany, Italy, and Japan), requiring them to make their territory available to the German Army. Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia complied. Bulgaria aimed to stay neutral, but with German troops entering Romania and Turkey aligning with England, Bulgaria faced threats from both sides. A Turkish-Bulgarian declaration of friendship was negotiated, and on March 1, 1941, Bulgaria reluctantly joined the Tripartite Pact.
German Collaboration and Territorial Gains (1941)
Bulgaria cooperated passively with Germany in actions against Greece and Yugoslavia, leading to the return of Macedonian territory taken by Yugoslavia and Greece. While Bulgaria did not contribute troops to the German war against Russia, its territory served as a base for German operations Daily Tours Istanbul.
Turning Tides and Negotiations (1943)
The devastating German defeat at Stalingrad in January 1943 prompted the Soviet army to take the offensive. One direction of the offensive aimed toward the Balkans, with the goal of entering Bulgaria and reaching the Balkan Straits. King Boris began negotiating with his father-in-law, King Victor Emmanuel of Italy, for an exit from the war. Hitler summoned King Boris to Germany, where he fell ill and died shortly after his return to Bulgaria.
Puppet Government and Allies’ Warning (1943)
Following King Boris’s death, a puppet German government under Dobri Bozhilov and Regent Filov was installed in Bulgaria. Earlier that year, the Allies had tried to secretly negotiate with Bulgaria to break ties with the Germans. Bulgaria claimed neutrality, arguing that since no Bulgarian troops were fighting, they were not aligned with Germany. The United States warned Bulgaria of potential air strikes against major cities if they did not openly sever ties with the Germans.
0 notes
Photo
Bulgaria World War II
Bulgaria’s Complex Alliances and Shifting Fortunes
Diplomatic Maneuvers (1940)
In 1940, the foreign ministers of Russia and Germany, Molotov and von Ribbentrop, met in Berlin. Molotov sought German assistance in establishing Soviet influence in Bulgaria, but Germany declined, preparing for war against the Soviet Union. Germany then urged smaller countries to join the Tripartite Pact (Germany, Italy, and Japan), requiring them to make their territory available to the German Army. Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia complied. Bulgaria aimed to stay neutral, but with German troops entering Romania and Turkey aligning with England, Bulgaria faced threats from both sides. A Turkish-Bulgarian declaration of friendship was negotiated, and on March 1, 1941, Bulgaria reluctantly joined the Tripartite Pact.
German Collaboration and Territorial Gains (1941)
Bulgaria cooperated passively with Germany in actions against Greece and Yugoslavia, leading to the return of Macedonian territory taken by Yugoslavia and Greece. While Bulgaria did not contribute troops to the German war against Russia, its territory served as a base for German operations Daily Tours Istanbul.
Turning Tides and Negotiations (1943)
The devastating German defeat at Stalingrad in January 1943 prompted the Soviet army to take the offensive. One direction of the offensive aimed toward the Balkans, with the goal of entering Bulgaria and reaching the Balkan Straits. King Boris began negotiating with his father-in-law, King Victor Emmanuel of Italy, for an exit from the war. Hitler summoned King Boris to Germany, where he fell ill and died shortly after his return to Bulgaria.
Puppet Government and Allies’ Warning (1943)
Following King Boris’s death, a puppet German government under Dobri Bozhilov and Regent Filov was installed in Bulgaria. Earlier that year, the Allies had tried to secretly negotiate with Bulgaria to break ties with the Germans. Bulgaria claimed neutrality, arguing that since no Bulgarian troops were fighting, they were not aligned with Germany. The United States warned Bulgaria of potential air strikes against major cities if they did not openly sever ties with the Germans.
0 notes
Photo
A Complicated Path and Sudden Tragedy
Bulgaria’s Declaration of War
The Bulgarian ruling elite made a questionable decision during World War II by declaring war on the USA and Great Britain, ultimately aligning the country with the defeated nations. Despite this, Bulgaria, under King Boris III’s leadership, resisted Hitler’s pressure, refusing to send Bulgarian troops to the eastern front after Germany invaded the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941.
Bulgaria’s Stance Against the Holocaust
Bulgarian society demonstrated its democratic values and humanity in 1943 by staunchly opposing German demands to deport Bulgarian Jews to concentration camps. King Boris III aligned with the people’s opinion, making Bulgaria one of the rare countries that protected its Jewish population, numbering around 50,000, during World War II.
Economic Challenges and Diplomatic Maneuvers
Throughout the war, Bulgaria’s economy suffered from an imbalanced trade relationship with Germany, where the Reich controlled 80% of Bulgarian trade and accumulated significant financial debt. King Boris III, concerned about the country’s dependency on Berlin, sought unofficial contacts with Western countries to explore options for withdrawing from the war. Despite ongoing relations with the Soviet Union, represented by a military attache in Sofia, and secret meetings with Russian diplomats, the king struggled to shift the nation’s foreign policy Turkey Sightseeing.
Mysterious Demise of King Boris III
On August 28, 1943, after a heated argument with Hitler, King Boris III, a seemingly healthy 49-year-old, suddenly died of a heart attack. The circumstances surrounding his death sparked speculation, with lingering questions about whether external forces, such as Gestapo or Soviet intelligence, played a role. King Boris III’s untimely death marked the onset of a profound social and political crisis in Bulgaria.
Bulgaria’s involvement in World War II was characterized by complex decisions, resistance to oppressive demands, and economic challenges. The sudden and mysterious death of King Boris III added an additional layer of uncertainty and marked a turning point in the country’s history.
0 notes
Photo
Sir Henry Elliot's Controversial Stance Amidst Massacre Reports
Sir Henry Elliot’s Response to Massacre Reports
In the wake of the harrowing reports of massacres pouring in from various quarters, a spotlight falls on the actions of Sir Henry Elliot, the British Ambassador. Questions emerge regarding his apparent reluctance to acknowledge the gravity of the situation, raising concerns about the role of diplomacy and official channels in responding to humanitarian crises.
Navigating the Complexity of Information Sources
The controversy surrounding Sir Henry Elliot centers on his refusal to believe and act upon reports of massacres, deeming them unofficial due to their non-affiliation with Turkish authorities. This raises fundamental questions about the duty of a diplomat—should their allegiance to official channels supersede the imperative to act on credible information, regardless of its source?
Dr. Long’s Pleas and the Unheeded Letters
The Rev. Dr. Long, associated with Robert College, presented Sir Henry Elliot with a substantial collection of letters detailing the horrors unfolding in the burnt districts. Astonishingly, the ambassador dismissed this firsthand and trustworthy evidence, contending that it lacked the sanctity of official status. The incident begs the question Bulgaria Private Tours: Should the pursuit of truth and the protection of human lives not transcend bureaucratic formalities?
Redefining Diplomatic Responsiveness
Commonly, diplomats are perceived as conduits of vital information, irrespective of its origin, if it serves the greater good. Sir Henry Elliot’s adherence to a rigid definition of “official information” challenges the conventional understanding of diplomatic duties. In times of crisis, is there not a moral obligation to act promptly based on credible reports, even if they lack official endorsement?
Popular Perceptions vs. Sir Henry Elliot’s Approach
Public opinion often favors the utilization of unofficial and private information, especially when dealing with urgent matters. The prevailing sentiment suggests that ambassadors should prioritize the timely relay of critical information to their governments. Sir Henry Elliot’s contrasting approach raises concerns about a potential misalignment between diplomatic tradition and contemporary expectations.
The Impact on Humanitarian Response
Sir Henry Elliot’s adherence to official channels, while potentially rooted in traditional diplomatic norms, brings forth the critical question of its impact on humanitarian response. As reports of massacres mount, the consequences of diplomatic inertia become increasingly evident. How does a rigid adherence to bureaucracy affect the ability to address crises with the urgency they demand?
Reassessing Diplomatic Priorities in Crisis
The controversy surrounding Sir Henry Elliot prompts a reassessment of diplomatic priorities, especially in the face of humanitarian crises. Balancing the need for official validation with the imperative to respond promptly to credible information emerges as a delicate challenge. As the world grapples with evolving diplomatic norms, the question remains: Should adherence to tradition impede the swift and effective resolution of crises that demand immediate attention?
0 notes
Photo
Unveiling the Dark Depths
Otluk-kui’s Complex Realities
As we delve deeper into the unsettling events that transpired in Otluk-kui, the layers of horror and complexity begin to unfold, revealing a town caught in the clutches of fear, violence, and disturbing indifference.
A Puppet of Fear The Jewish Peddler’s Tale of Manipulation
The Jewish peddler, a seemingly inconspicuous figure caught in the throes of the insurrection, emerges as a poignant symbol of manipulation and survival in the face of impending violence. His account, marked by a blend of fear and dark humor, sheds light on the intricate tactics employed by the insurgents to control information and extract maximum gains.
Forced into a theatrical conversion, the peddler became a pawn in the insurgents’ strategy, guided by the insidious logic of pointing out the wealthy and influential figures in the town to the arriving Turks. His impartiality in recounting the events Holidays Bulgaria, coupled with an unsettling willingness to change his religion based on convenience, reflects a profound lack of principle that adds another layer to the chilling narrative of Otluk-kui.
The peddler’s journey from fear-induced conversion to cynical pragmatism unveils the harsh realities faced by individuals caught between warring factions. His experiences, while tinged with a semblance of dark humor, underscore the depths to which fear and manipulation can plunge even the most ordinary lives in times of conflict.
The Echo of Repentance Unraveling an Old Woman’s Tale
Amidst the chilling narrative, an old woman’s plea for forgiveness stands as a haunting testament to the depths of guilt and suffering that permeated Otluk-kui. Prostrating herself on the ground and repeating the refrain of being “a very great sinner,” her approach to Mr. Schuyler unveils a profound sense of remorse and a desperate plea for absolution.
Compelled to rise and share her story, the old woman’s confession becomes a pivotal moment in unraveling the multifaceted layers of horror within the town. Her tale, yet to be fully disclosed, hints at the personal struggles, losses, and perhaps even participation in the events that unfolded. The relentless repetition of her guilt-ridden mantra adds a touch of macabre theatricality to the encounter, underscoring the psychological toll exacted on the inhabitants of Otluk-kui.
As we navigate through these individual narratives, Otluk-kui’s complexity becomes increasingly apparent. The town, once a backdrop to violence and manipulation, now stands as a canvas revealing the intricate interplay of fear, survival instincts, and the profound impact of conflict on the human psyche. The darkness within the town’s story beckons further exploration, challenging us to confront the depths of human experience during times of unparalleled horror.
0 notes
Photo
Turkish authorities
I am convinced that not the slightest reliance can be placed in the promises of the Turkish authorities, and that they have no intention of fulfilling their promises when they make them. They are simply made to throw dust in the eyes of Europe, for although they have not patriotism enough to know or care whether they themselves ruin the country or not, they have a very lively fear of a European intervention, and are ready to promise anything to avert it. As for the execution of these
promises they know that can be avoided. As though in very contempt for the promises and assurances given to Mr. Baring and Mr. Schuyler, they are everywhere sending out at this moment, and demanding the payment of taxes in the burnt and ruined villages, just as though nothing had happened Daily Tours Istanbul.
On this village of Raddovp, for instance, a tax of four hundred pounds lias been levied, which it is utterly impossible for the poor people to pay. The pretext for the burning of this village was the killing of two zaptiehs, or rural policemen, here. The inhabitants flatly deny that any zaptieh was killed in or about the village, or that they ever raised a hand against the Turks.
Turks have been killed
As in other villages where Turks have been killed, the people always confess it, I believe that here they tell the truth, and that there was no other cause for the attack than the desire for plunder on the part of the Turks. This is also, I believe, Mr. Schuyler’s opinion. We walked through the village, which presented a sad spectacle of ruin.
Many of the people seemed to have returned, each family, to the blackened walls of their former homes, where they had constructed in the corner of the walls a sort of shelter with the aid of a few poles and a little straw. Some had a coverlet or two, others straw to sleep on, and many seemed to sleep on the bare ground. I saw one sick woman groaning with pain, lying with only a thin coverlet between her and the damp ground, while a little girl sat beside her and continually bathed her head with cold water.
0 notes
Photo
Turkish authorities
I am convinced that not the slightest reliance can be placed in the promises of the Turkish authorities, and that they have no intention of fulfilling their promises when they make them. They are simply made to throw dust in the eyes of Europe, for although they have not patriotism enough to know or care whether they themselves ruin the country or not, they have a very lively fear of a European intervention, and are ready to promise anything to avert it. As for the execution of these
promises they know that can be avoided. As though in very contempt for the promises and assurances given to Mr. Baring and Mr. Schuyler, they are everywhere sending out at this moment, and demanding the payment of taxes in the burnt and ruined villages, just as though nothing had happened Daily Tours Istanbul.
On this village of Raddovp, for instance, a tax of four hundred pounds lias been levied, which it is utterly impossible for the poor people to pay. The pretext for the burning of this village was the killing of two zaptiehs, or rural policemen, here. The inhabitants flatly deny that any zaptieh was killed in or about the village, or that they ever raised a hand against the Turks.
Turks have been killed
As in other villages where Turks have been killed, the people always confess it, I believe that here they tell the truth, and that there was no other cause for the attack than the desire for plunder on the part of the Turks. This is also, I believe, Mr. Schuyler’s opinion. We walked through the village, which presented a sad spectacle of ruin.
Many of the people seemed to have returned, each family, to the blackened walls of their former homes, where they had constructed in the corner of the walls a sort of shelter with the aid of a few poles and a little straw. Some had a coverlet or two, others straw to sleep on, and many seemed to sleep on the bare ground. I saw one sick woman groaning with pain, lying with only a thin coverlet between her and the damp ground, while a little girl sat beside her and continually bathed her head with cold water.
0 notes
Photo
Turk or Christian
As I have already stated, there was no Mudir in this village at the time of the outbreak, and his wife could not therefore have been killed. Of the twelve cases of Turkish women killed, we have therefore investigated five, and found that three of them were without the slightest foundation. As we cannot learn the names of the villages where the seven other women were killed, we cannot investigate, and we therefore take the liberty of doubting.
The story told by Edib Effendi, of a Turkish girl who was killed and then mutilated in so disgusting a manner, is a pure fiction. We have not been able to discover the least trace of it. Nobody, Turk or Christian, in Tatar-Bazardjik, near where it is said to have occurred, ever heard of it; nor did the different Consuls in Philippopolis, who received daily reports of every thing that was going on throughout the whole district from the beginning of the troubles, ever hear of it until they saw the report of Edib Effendi.
The truth is that the story is an impudent falsehood, invented by Edib Effendi, which has not even the semblance of probability. This state of things continued in Pana- gurishti Sightseeing Turkey, or Otluk-kui, for nine or ten days, during which time nine Turks and two Turkish women were killed. All of these but the two women and the one zaptieh were killed with arms in their hands.
Altogether during this time some twenty prisoners were taken, and these were well treated and cared for until the Turkish army came on and released them. It should be remembered that I am not giving the story of one person alone in making these statements, for since my conversation with the schoolmistress we have been to Panagurishti, have compared her story with the accounts received from other people, and find it corroborated in every particular. To tell the truth, it scarcely needed corroboration, for the Turks themselves, neither here nor at Philippopolis, do not claim more killed than the number above stated.
0 notes
Photo
Early years in Constantinople
Simeon spent his early years in Constantinople, graduated the famous Magnaur School with honour and returning to Bulgaria he devoted himself to literary activities. In his father’s plans he was to stand ahead of the Bulgarian church. However, his brother’s betrayal of the Christian cause put him on the throne and in time this turned out to be a successful move. Knowing well the Byzantines Simeon set before himself a major goal: to crash the Empire and acquire the rights of its Emperor! But first he decided to expand the territory of his state and to consolidate its people.
In 894 the Byzantine emperor ordered the market-place for Bulgarian goods to be moved from Constantinople to Thessaloniki – which was quite a disadvantage for the Bulgarian traders – and that served Simeon as a motive for military actions against Byzantium Visit Bulgaria. In response the Emperor instigated the Magyars to attack Bulgaria from the north. But Simeon called the tribes of the Pechenegs for help and they drove back the aggressor, while the Bulgarian army crossed Eastern Thrace and reached Constantinople. So in 904 was signed a peace treaty: the Emperor recognized the new borders of Bulgaria which included Macedonia and Albania.
Wars against Byzantium
Thus ended the first decade of Simeon’s rule; to begin another period of wars against Byzantium…
After the siege of Constantinople in 913 the Emperor was compelled to acknowledge him the title “King of the Bulgarians” and Simeon was escorted with honours. But a year later the peace treaty was cancelled. So the Bulgarian troops invaded again some Byzantine northern territories and, sensing the danger, the Emperor built an anti-Bulgarian coalition of Serbs, Magyars and Pechenegs, then sent troops against Bulgaria by land and sea. In august 917, by the small river Ahelloy, near the Black Sea, took place a decisive battle in which the Byzantines were completely routed. Soon after that Simeon defeated the Serbs converting their lands into a Bulgarian province; then undertook a devastating march to the south invading the territories to Corinth, and now he could really call himself King Simeon the Great – as he was in fact master of the Balkan South-East. But while he was preparing for the last march against Byzantium in 927 Simeon died of heart attack.
0 notes
Photo
Pera Palace Hotel
Travellers should be cautious about employing as guides individuals who accost them in the streets and offer them their services, as these are merely ‘ touts in league with the curiosity dealers, and will do all they can to help these to cheat strangers, Hotels.—The best have been built within the last few years and have a good view of the Golden Horn and the Bosporus:
Pera Palace Hotel, Ivabristan St. Board and residence: 18 to 25 francs per diem.— Hotel – Restaurant, M. Tokat- lian, in the Grande Rue de Pera. Board and residence : 15 to 2 5 francs per day.— Hotel de Londres, in the Petits Champs St. Board and residence: 12 to 20 francs per diem.— Hotel Bristol, in the Petits Champs St. Board and residence: 12 to 2 0 francs per diem.
Restaurants.—In Pera, Splendide Gaft and Brasserie Viennoise, Janni, Grande Rue de Pera. In Galata, the Caft del Genio, close to the Bridge. In Stambul, the Janni Restaurant, opposite the Railway Station, and the Restaurant Tokatlian, close to the Grand Bazaar.
Lager – Beer Saloon – Restaurants.’—Brasserie Viennoise, Janni, Grande Rue de Pera, recommended.
Caffis.—Splendide Gaft, Grande Rue de Pera. Gaft Luxembourg, Grande Rue de Pera, below the Grand Hotel. In Stambul the only good coffee-houses are those in the Divan Yolu Street and Direkler Aghasi Street The best Turkish coffee-houses are on Galata Bridge, close to the Bosporus steamers’ booking-offices. Coffee 30 paras; narghileh if toombeki be provided by smoker 20 paras, if not, 30 paras guided istanbul tour.
The Turkish baths at Constantinople
Baths.—The Turkish baths at Constantinople are far from what they ought to be in regard to cleanliness and accommodation. The best is a small bath near the Old Bridge, on the Pera side and on the tramway line, called ‘Yeshil Direk,’ kept by Hassan Effendi.
Theatres and Music Halls.—There are no theatres worthy of the name in Constantinople. From November to February there are occasional French, Italian, and Greek performances at the Pavilion in the Petits Champs Assembly Gardens, at the Concordia Theatre in the Grande Rue, and the OdAon Theatre, and Turkish plays at the Turkish Theatre at Shehzadeh Bachi, Stambul; the latter should not be visited by ladies.
From July to October there are open-air performances of Italian Opera or French Operetta at the Petits Champs Assembly Gardens, and the Concordia.
The Music Halls, of which there are sometimes two, are merely low cafes chantants, and are on no account to be recommended.
Chemists and Druggists.—Pharmacie Britan- niqice, Grande Rue de Pera.
Medical Men.—A Camburoglou (Surgeon), Dr. Patterson.
British Embassy.—Rue Tepe Bachi, Pera. Summer Residence, Therapia, Upper Bosporus.
British Consulate.—Rue Yoivoda.
U.S. Legation.—Rue Kabristan, Pera.
U.S. Consulate.—13 Rue des Petits Champs, near the Hotel Bristol.
Church of England Services.—British Embassy Chapel, Tepe Bachi, Pera; entrance close to the Royal Hotel. Sunday services—morning, 11 A.M.; evening service, 4 P.M. ; Holy Communion 8 A.M. first Sunday in the month. Closed in summer. Christ Church (Crimea Memorial), Rue Yazidji. Services—Sunday morning, 11 A.M.; evening, 4 P.M.; Holy Communion first Sunday in the month, 8 P.M. Evangelical Union Church ‘ of Pera. Divine service held in the Chapel of the Dutch Legation every Sunday at 11 A.M. Kadikeui Church.
Booksellers.— The Economic Co-operative Society, 5 Passage du Tunnel, Pera. Otto Keil, Grande Rue de Pera, close to the Hotel de Pesth. Weiss, Grande Rue de Pera, opposite the Russian Consulate.
Oriental Rugs.—The Oriental Carpet Manufacturers, Ltd. (British concern). Retail Branch: Pera, Grande Rue No. 327. Fixed prices. Direct from the looms. All intermediaries avoided.
Antiquities and Objects of Art.—Mr. E. Beghian’s Oriental Art Gallery, Stambul, near the Bazaars.
Photographic Requisites.—Photographie “Apollon,” 12 Rue Kabristan, just below Cook’s Ollice. Films for sale; films developed and returned in twenty-four hours. Postal cards.
Jewellers.—J. Adler, Passage du Tunnel; Mecca stones and souvenir spoons. Melkenstein Bros., 517 Grande Rue de Pera.
1 note
·
View note