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Importance of Nadir Shah's Throne
Hammer’s history sheds light on the significance of the protection of Hicaz and the diplomatic exchanges with envoys sent there. The Ottoman Empire’s decision to send gifts worth 386,402 piasters in exchange for Nadir Shah’s throne underscores its importance. Considering that one gold coin equaled fifty piasters at that time, this amount represented a substantial sum.
Return of Ottoman Gifts
Despite the valuable gifts sent by the Ottoman Empire, including the construction of the Ahmed III library, they were brought back to Istanbul following Nadir Shah’s death. However, Nadir Shah’s throne remained in Baghdad for a period before eventually reaching Istanbul in 1758. It was officially registered in the treasury book two years later, in 1760 Istanbul Private Tours Mevlevi.
Izzi Suleyman Efendi’s Account
During the time Nadir Shah’s throne was in Baghdad, Izzi Suleyman Efendi, the private historian of the palace, provided limited information about it compared to the detailed account of the gifts exchanged. Izzi emphasized the importance of the incoming gifts over the outgoing ones, as reflected in his annals.
Ottoman Envoy’s Description
The Ottoman envoy, Mustafa Nazif Efendi, described the throne as approximately 20 feet in height and 10 feet in width, situated within a six-columned Persian-style tent. He received the throne and a letter from Nadir Shah, which he conveyed to Sultan Mahmut I in Istanbul. Despite his swift journey, the throne itself arrived in Istanbul a decade later, ten years after the envoy’s visit.
Through Hammer’s history and Izzi Suleyman Efendi’s annals, we gain insight into the diplomatic intricacies surrounding the exchange of Nadir Shah’s throne and the lasting impact it had on Ottoman-Iranian relations.
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The Education and Liberation of Raika
The Education and Liberation of Raika A Tale of Hope and Resilience
Discovering Raika’s journey from captivity to liberation sheds light on the impact of education and the resilience of the Bulgarian people.
A Scholar’s Journey
Raika’s story begins in Otluk-kui, where her intellect and beauty caught the attention of her community. Recognizing her potential, they pooled resources to send her to a school in Eski-Zara, established by American missionaries turned over to Bulgarian administration.
Missionary Contributions
The invaluable contribution of American and English missionaries in Bulgaria cannot be overstated. Their establishment of schools and guidance in educational organization empowered Bulgarians to create their own educational infrastructure, resulting in widespread access to schooling Tour Packages Bulgaria.
Education and Skill
Raika’s four-year tenure at the school equipped her with a comprehensive education, surpassing that of many English girls. Her proficiency in needlework, cultivated during her time at the school, earned her widespread acclaim, elevating her status in her community.
Return to Admiration
Upon her return home, Raika was hailed as a marvel, admired not only for her education but also for her exceptional needlework and character. Her newfound status as a figure of admiration marked a shift in her community’s perception, recognizing her as a paragon of excellence.
Liberation and Hope
Thanks to Mr. Schuyler’s intervention, Raika was granted bail and eventual freedom from captivity. Her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
In Raika’s journey from a humble village to imprisonment and eventual liberation, we witness the transformative influence of education and the enduring spirit of the Bulgarian people. Her story stands as a beacon of hope, highlighting the potential for growth and resilience even in the darkest of times.
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Investigating Turkish Atrocities in Bulgaria
Mission of Investigation
Arriving in Philippopolis, the principal town in the region ravaged by the Bashi-Bazouks, I embarked on a mission to uncover the truth behind the atrocities gripping Europe’s attention. With Philippopolis serving as a focal point, reliable information about the ongoing horrors could be gleaned. Joining me in this endeavor were Mr. Baring, who had already commenced his investigation, and Mr. Schuyler, the American Consul-General, tasked with a dual purpose: investigating the atrocities and exploring measures to protect American missionary families scattered across Bulgaria.
Disparity in Consular Presence
Despite the gravity of the situation, it struck me as peculiar that while Austria, Greece, Russia, and France all maintained consular representation in Philippopolis, the absence of an English agent was glaring. While other governments received detailed reports from their consuls, the English government, lacking a presence in Philippopolis, remained relatively uninformed. The sole English consul stationed in Adrianople, though well-intentioned, was incapacitated by poor health, leaving England at a disadvantage in terms of timely and accurate intelligence Turkey Sightseeing.
Urgent Need for Information
The absence of English representation underscores the pressing need for comprehensive and up-to-date information on the atrocities unfolding in Bulgaria. In an age where well-informed newspapers play a crucial role in shaping public opinion, the lack of direct English involvement leaves a void that jeopardizes the dissemination of accurate accounts of the events. As other governments and newspapers diligently gather data, England risks lagging behind in its understanding of the situation and formulating an appropriate response.
As I delve deeper into my investigation, it becomes increasingly evident that the atrocities in Bulgaria demand urgent attention and a concerted international response. The disparity in consular presence highlights the need for greater English involvement in gathering information and shaping policy decisions. In the face of unspeakable horrors, it is imperative that all nations, including England, actively engage in addressing the crisis and advocating for justice and accountability.
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Soviet Influence Across Sectors
Cultural and Educational Alignment
Culture and education in Bulgaria have undergone Sovietization. Hundreds of Russian books have been translated into Bulgarian and widely published. The educational system closely follows the Soviet model. The Bulgarian education statute of July 1959 is essentially a copy of the Soviet law from December 1958. Its primary aim, as reported by Party Secretary Todor Zhivkov, is to indoctrinate future generations, foster animosity towards opponents of Communist ideals, and emphasize the teaching of Marxism-Leninism.
Socio-Economic System Mirrors the USSR
Bulgaria’s social and economic structure mirrors that of the USSR. Industry is entirely nationalized and under Communist state administration. Both domestic and foreign trade are state-controlled, and all banking and credit institutions are state-owned. Agricultural land and the economy have been collectivized using forceful methods similar to those employed in Soviet Russia in the early 1930s. Bulgaria’s economic ties with the USSR are substantial, with production aligned to meet Soviet demands. The Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (COMECON) signals a gradual economic integration of the entire Soviet bloc Guided Istanbul Tours.
Recent Economic Challenges and Opposition
Exploitation has increased in recent years, particularly with the proclamation of the “big leap forward” in October 1958, seemingly instructed by Moscow. This disrupted the economic system, resulting in reduced production of consumer goods and food, exacerbating the people’s misery. The “big leap forward” has stirred opposition across society, leading to passive resistance and sabotage, countered by relentless police terror. Tens of thousands are now in prisons and concentration camps in Bulgaria.
Continuous Soviet Intervention
The Sovietization of Bulgaria spans political, legal, administrative, military, cultural, social, and economic domains. This persistent intervention violates the Peace Treaty of February 10, 1947, and the United Nations Charter. The current Bulgarian government was imposed by the Soviet Army and has never faced free elections or public ratification. Consequently, it does not truly represent the will of the Bulgarian people and lacks independence, serving as a tool of Moscow.
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Soviet Influence Across Sectors
Cultural and Educational Alignment
Culture and education in Bulgaria have undergone Sovietization. Hundreds of Russian books have been translated into Bulgarian and widely published. The educational system closely follows the Soviet model. The Bulgarian education statute of July 1959 is essentially a copy of the Soviet law from December 1958. Its primary aim, as reported by Party Secretary Todor Zhivkov, is to indoctrinate future generations, foster animosity towards opponents of Communist ideals, and emphasize the teaching of Marxism-Leninism.
Socio-Economic System Mirrors the USSR
Bulgaria’s social and economic structure mirrors that of the USSR. Industry is entirely nationalized and under Communist state administration. Both domestic and foreign trade are state-controlled, and all banking and credit institutions are state-owned. Agricultural land and the economy have been collectivized using forceful methods similar to those employed in Soviet Russia in the early 1930s. Bulgaria’s economic ties with the USSR are substantial, with production aligned to meet Soviet demands. The Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (COMECON) signals a gradual economic integration of the entire Soviet bloc Guided Istanbul Tours.
Recent Economic Challenges and Opposition
Exploitation has increased in recent years, particularly with the proclamation of the “big leap forward” in October 1958, seemingly instructed by Moscow. This disrupted the economic system, resulting in reduced production of consumer goods and food, exacerbating the people’s misery. The “big leap forward” has stirred opposition across society, leading to passive resistance and sabotage, countered by relentless police terror. Tens of thousands are now in prisons and concentration camps in Bulgaria.
Continuous Soviet Intervention
The Sovietization of Bulgaria spans political, legal, administrative, military, cultural, social, and economic domains. This persistent intervention violates the Peace Treaty of February 10, 1947, and the United Nations Charter. The current Bulgarian government was imposed by the Soviet Army and has never faced free elections or public ratification. Consequently, it does not truly represent the will of the Bulgarian people and lacks independence, serving as a tool of Moscow.
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The Reigns of Chervenkov and Zhivkov
Chervenkov’s Rule (1949-1953)
Valko Chervenkov ruled Bulgaria from 1949 to 1953, a period that witnessed the implementation of the first five-year plan for national economic development, known as the peripetia. During this time, Chervenkov introduced typical features of a socialist society, mirroring the Soviet Union. While the era saw grand construction projects on a national scale, such as roads, dams, plants, and buildings, Chervenkov’s leadership also marked the establishment of a “Stalinist personality cult” in Bulgaria, with his own persona elevated above all else.
Bulgaria and the Warsaw Treaty Organization
In 1955, the Warsaw Treaty Organization was founded on May 14th as a military and political union among eight socialist states, serving as a counterbalance to the existing North Atlantic Treaty Organization. This event further intensified the division of Europe during the “cold war” years, with Bulgaria positioned behind the “iron curtain.”
The Zhivkov Era
Following Stalin’s death in 1953, Bulgaria’s communist leadership, including Todor Zhivkov, had to moderate the regime. Todor Zhivkov, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Bulgarian Communist Party, quickly adapted to the changing political landscape, aligning with the new Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev. Khrushchev’s criticism of Stalin’s “personality cult” at the Twentieth Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in February 1956 had a profound impact City Tours Istanbul.
Rise of Todor Zhivkov
Todor Zhivkov attracted Khrushchev’s attention, and he began consolidating party and state power. The “Zhivkov era” spanned seven five-year plans for national economic development, marking a significant period in recent Bulgarian history. Until November 10, 1989, Zhivkov remained unchallenged at the helm of the Bulgarian Communist Party, serving as its First or General Secretary of the Central Committee. His leadership of over three decades solidified absolute and undivided control over the party and the state.
The periods of Chervenkov and Zhivkov marked Bulgaria’s journey under communism, witnessing economic plans, political shifts, and a prolonged era of undisputed leadership by Todor Zhivkov.
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Turkish Villagers Pillage and Seize Livestock in Bulgarian Towns
A Climate of Fear and Exploitation
This article delves into the distressing reality faced by Bulgarian villagers, focusing on the rampant pillaging and livestock seizures perpetrated by Turkish neighbors. The pervasive climate of fear, economic exploitation, and the lack of authority figures to curb these offenses paints a bleak picture of rural life in Bulgaria.
Cattle Seizures and Denial of Justice
The first case study takes us to Perustitsa, where survivors of massacres and house burnings find themselves victims once again. The Turks from the neighboring village of Ustuna seize the remaining cattle, refusing to restore them even in the face of appeals for justice. The villagers’ pleas go unheard, showcasing the impunity with which such acts are committed.
The Helpless Mudir and Stolen Horses
The article shifts to Avrat-Alan, where Turkish neighbors unabashedly seize six horses from fields merely a mile away. Despite the injustice, the Mudir of Avrat-Alan claims powerlessness, citing the lack of authority over the offending Turks. The narrative highlights the pervasive fear among local authorities and their inability to protect villagers from such rampant aggression Bulgaria Tour.
A Brave Attempt Met with Violence
At Otluk-kui, a villager’s attempt to reclaim his cattle ends in a fresh sabre cut to his head. Armed with an order from the Mudir, his endeavor to retrieve his livestock exposes the violent reprisals faced by those who dare challenge the Turkish pillagers. This incident underscores the physical risks associated with seeking justice.
Urgent Need for Intervention and Protection
The article concludes with a stark portrayal of the unchecked aggression faced by Bulgarian villagers at the hands of Turkish neighbors. It calls for urgent intervention, emphasizing the need for a robust mechanism to ensure justice, protect livestock, and empower local authorities to curb these offenses. The prevailing climate of fear and economic exploitation must be addressed to safeguard the well-being and livelihoods of Bulgarian villagers.
A Plea for Empathy and Global Awareness
In a final reflection, the article urges global awareness and empathy for the plight of Bulgarian villagers. It calls on international bodies, humanitarian organizations, and concerned individuals to unite in condemning these acts of aggression, amplifying the voices of the oppressed, and working towards a future where rural communities can thrive without fear of pillaging and exploitation.
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The Verbal Joust
Diplomatic Duels in Otluk-kui
Amidst the ravages of Otluk-kui, a unique diplomatic encounter unfolded, revealing the power dynamics and the verbal sparring between Mr. Schuyler and the Mudir. This episode, characterized by strategic exchanges and veiled threats, sheds light on the delicate dance of diplomacy in the face of atrocity.
Diplomatic Parry and Riposte Mudir’s Justification and Consul’s Retort
The stage was set for a verbal duel when the Mudir responded callously, asserting that the misery befallen upon the people of Otluk-kui was a consequence of their own actions. This declaration, laden with blame, presented an opportunity for Mr. Schuyler to launch a counteroffensive. Using Antonio as the messenger, Mr. Schuyler conveyed the Consul’s displeasure at the Mudir’s attribution of misery to the victims.
The Consul’s calculated response exhibited a diplomatic finesse that both condemned the Mudir’s callousness and appealed to a higher authority—the Sultan. By invoking the sublime goodness of the Sultan, Mr. Schuyler subtly signaled that the blame lay not with the suffering people but with the unjust actions perpetrated against them. The implicit warning about the Sultan turning attention to errant Mudirs added a layer of caution, creating a palpable tension in the diplomatic discourse.
Diplomatic Stratagem Utilizing Verbal Tactics for Change
The verbal exchange, orchestrated through Antonio, unfolded as a carefully choreographed dance of words. The Consul, through this indirect approach, managed to convey disapproval and an expectation of change without directly confronting the Mudir. By strategically employing compliments, veiled threats, and subtle admonitions, Mr. Schuyler attempted to shape the narrative surrounding Otluk-kui and its afflicted residents.
The Mudir, having endured this prolonged diplomatic joust, was left in a state of unease and awe. The encounter concluded with an announcement that the interview had concluded, leaving the Mudir to ponder the implications of this nuanced exchange. The diplomatic maneuver revealed that beneath the surface of formalities and polite discourse Travel Bulgaria, a silent struggle for justice and accountability was unfolding.
In the aftermath of this verbal joust, the fate of Otluk-kui remained uncertain. The diplomatic chess game continued, with each move carefully calculated to expose the truth, bring relief to the suffering, and hold those responsible accountable. The echoes of this exchange lingered, a testament to the intricate web of diplomatic maneuvers undertaken in the pursuit of justice in Otluk-kui.
0 notes
Photo
The Verbal Joust
Diplomatic Duels in Otluk-kui
Amidst the ravages of Otluk-kui, a unique diplomatic encounter unfolded, revealing the power dynamics and the verbal sparring between Mr. Schuyler and the Mudir. This episode, characterized by strategic exchanges and veiled threats, sheds light on the delicate dance of diplomacy in the face of atrocity.
Diplomatic Parry and Riposte Mudir’s Justification and Consul’s Retort
The stage was set for a verbal duel when the Mudir responded callously, asserting that the misery befallen upon the people of Otluk-kui was a consequence of their own actions. This declaration, laden with blame, presented an opportunity for Mr. Schuyler to launch a counteroffensive. Using Antonio as the messenger, Mr. Schuyler conveyed the Consul’s displeasure at the Mudir’s attribution of misery to the victims.
The Consul’s calculated response exhibited a diplomatic finesse that both condemned the Mudir’s callousness and appealed to a higher authority—the Sultan. By invoking the sublime goodness of the Sultan, Mr. Schuyler subtly signaled that the blame lay not with the suffering people but with the unjust actions perpetrated against them. The implicit warning about the Sultan turning attention to errant Mudirs added a layer of caution, creating a palpable tension in the diplomatic discourse.
Diplomatic Stratagem Utilizing Verbal Tactics for Change
The verbal exchange, orchestrated through Antonio, unfolded as a carefully choreographed dance of words. The Consul, through this indirect approach, managed to convey disapproval and an expectation of change without directly confronting the Mudir. By strategically employing compliments, veiled threats, and subtle admonitions, Mr. Schuyler attempted to shape the narrative surrounding Otluk-kui and its afflicted residents.
The Mudir, having endured this prolonged diplomatic joust, was left in a state of unease and awe. The encounter concluded with an announcement that the interview had concluded, leaving the Mudir to ponder the implications of this nuanced exchange. The diplomatic maneuver revealed that beneath the surface of formalities and polite discourse Travel Bulgaria, a silent struggle for justice and accountability was unfolding.
In the aftermath of this verbal joust, the fate of Otluk-kui remained uncertain. The diplomatic chess game continued, with each move carefully calculated to expose the truth, bring relief to the suffering, and hold those responsible accountable. The echoes of this exchange lingered, a testament to the intricate web of diplomatic maneuvers undertaken in the pursuit of justice in Otluk-kui.
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Mudir’s orders were walked over
We asked them if they could not bring us some saddles also, and this they did with much alacrity, and some chuckling at the way in which the Mudir’s orders were walked over. Finally we mounted and got off. We had been besieged all the morning by the same people who had blockaded us the night before, or who appeared to be the same, their stories were so much alike.
We could do nothing but listen in pity to a few of them—for it would have taken all day to hear each separate tale of misery and suffering—and gave vague promises that we would do all in our power to relieve their misery upon our return to Constantinople. But diplomatic help is, alas ! very slow. While ambassadors are exchanging notes and compliments, inviting each other to dinner, making representations to the Porte, and obtaining promises which nobody believes in, these poor people are starving and dying.
Many of them decided to seize this opportunity and accompany us to Batak, to visit their ruined homes, and others caught our bridle reins, determined to make us listen to their stories before we should start. One woman caught my horse, and held it until she could show me where a bullet had traversed her arm, completely disabling her from work, and this was only the least of her woes Guided Istanbul Tours.
Husband killed
Husband killed, and little children depending on that broken arm for bread ; all of this told in a language so much like Russian that I could understand a great deal of it; so like Russian that I could easily have fancied myself amongst peasants of the Volga, or the denizens of the Gostinoidvor, Moscow. The resemblance is striking, and it is no wonder the Russians sympathies with these people.
You observe the same sort of family likeness about the eyes that may be always seen among brothers and sisters who are utterly unlike each other in features—tricks of countenance, movements of the hands, tones of the voice, even to that curious, uncertain expression of the face, which often in the Russian peasant makes it almost impossible to tell whether he is laughing or crying.
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Zwatko Boyadjieff
In another place we were shown a black spot where an old blind man, Dondje Stregleyoff, was beaten half to death, and then thrown senseless on a heap of wood and burnt alive.
There was an old man here, Zwatko Boyadjieff by name, a public benefactor, a liberal contributor to the school fund, who in winter supported half the widows and orphans of the place, who was renowned for his charities to Christian and Turk alike. He was likewise seized, tortured, and maltreated.
His eyes were put out, and, after undergoing the most fearful torments, he was thrown on a heap of wood fainting or dead, the people do not know which, and burnt. They seized the priest Nestor, and cut off his fingers one by one to extort money, and as the poor man had none to give them they continued by cutting off his hands, and finally his head. We were shown in the yard of a neat little cottage, embowered in trees, a grave, beside which a woman was kneeling as we passed.
It was the grave of a young man of eighteen, who had just returned home from school when the troubles began, after an absence of two years, and who had taken no part in the outbreak. They had seized him, and in mere sport cut off his hands one by one in the presence of his mother, then killed him Turkey Sightseeing.
What made these acts more terrible was, that many of them were committed in the presence of the weeping relatives—wife, mother, brothers, sisters of the victims. And they were repeated by the hundred. It would take a volume to tell all the stories that were related to us. But it was not only old and young men who suffered; women, young girls, children, infants, were ruthlessly slaughtered.
These Turks have no pity, no compassion, no bowels. They have not even the pity of wild beasts. Even the tiger will not slay the young of its own species. But these Turks, these strong bearded men, picked infants up out of their cradles with their bayonets, tossed them in the air, caught them again, and flung them at the heads of the shrieking mothers.
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Zwatko Boyadjieff
In another place we were shown a black spot where an old blind man, Dondje Stregleyoff, was beaten half to death, and then thrown senseless on a heap of wood and burnt alive.
There was an old man here, Zwatko Boyadjieff by name, a public benefactor, a liberal contributor to the school fund, who in winter supported half the widows and orphans of the place, who was renowned for his charities to Christian and Turk alike. He was likewise seized, tortured, and maltreated.
His eyes were put out, and, after undergoing the most fearful torments, he was thrown on a heap of wood fainting or dead, the people do not know which, and burnt. They seized the priest Nestor, and cut off his fingers one by one to extort money, and as the poor man had none to give them they continued by cutting off his hands, and finally his head. We were shown in the yard of a neat little cottage, embowered in trees, a grave, beside which a woman was kneeling as we passed.
It was the grave of a young man of eighteen, who had just returned home from school when the troubles began, after an absence of two years, and who had taken no part in the outbreak. They had seized him, and in mere sport cut off his hands one by one in the presence of his mother, then killed him Turkey Sightseeing.
What made these acts more terrible was, that many of them were committed in the presence of the weeping relatives—wife, mother, brothers, sisters of the victims. And they were repeated by the hundred. It would take a volume to tell all the stories that were related to us. But it was not only old and young men who suffered; women, young girls, children, infants, were ruthlessly slaughtered.
These Turks have no pity, no compassion, no bowels. They have not even the pity of wild beasts. Even the tiger will not slay the young of its own species. But these Turks, these strong bearded men, picked infants up out of their cradles with their bayonets, tossed them in the air, caught them again, and flung them at the heads of the shrieking mothers.
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King Ivan II Assen
During a siege of Thessaloniki the third brother also fell victim to another boyar plot: in the autumn of 1207 he was killed in his tent. One of the plotters – and nephew to Kaloyan – King Boril (1207-1218) ascended to the throne. A political crisis broke up. As the usurper Boril initiated a persecution of all Kaloyan’s relatives his two nephews, sons of the old king Assen, Ivan Assen and Alexander, lied to Russia. For some time, however, the conflicts along the borders of the country were suspended due to the treaties with the Lati n Empire and the Hungarian Kingdom but the resentment within sharpened Tours Bulgaria.
A factor that additionally jeopardized the crown became the movement of the Bogomils. So in 1211 Boril held the Council of Tumovo which condemned the new heresy. Uprisings broke up. Taking advantage of the confusion and assisted by a Russian military unit Ivan Assen II laid a continuous siege to the capital Tumovo, dethroned Boril and blinded him. Thus the successor of the Dynasty of the Assenids. King Ivan II Assen (1218-1241) came to the throne.
Ivan II Assen inaugurated a period of prosperity during which Bulgaria regained the frontiers it had achieved under Tsar Simeon the Great.
Diplomacy consolidated
An economic and cultural upsurge marked his rule. The new king’s diplomacy consolidated the state and strengthened the relations with the Latin Empire and Hungary. A peace treaty was signed with the ruler of the Epirus region Theodore Comnenus.
Ivan II Assen even engaged his daughter Elena to the Byzantine Emperor Baldwin II, still under age by the time.
But Theodore Comnenus violated the peace treaty and led a large army north- The Church of the Virgin of Petrich in Ivan II Assens Fortress.
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Bishops and the Patriarch’s throne
Gold alone was not thought good enough for the altar; this was therefore made of a combination of gems set in silver and gold. The doors were of ivory, amber, and cedar, the outer one being silver- plated. The seven seats for the bishops and the Patriarch’s throne, forming a semicircle at the back of the altar, were all silver-plated. The building contains nearly every kind of known marble, comprising the green from Laconia, the white, black- veined Bosporus marble, the white Phrygian with its pink streaks, with others from Asia Minor and Egypt. The columns number 107 in all, of which 67 are in the galleries.
More or less extensive repairs have been effected by various emperors and sultans ; the last were in 1848, in the reign of Sultan Abd-ul-Medjid, and were entrusted to the Italian architects, Possati Brothers.
The Mosque of St. Sophia is 235 feet N. and S. by 250 feet E. and W. At its western end is an open court, the ancient Atrium (A), containing a round fountain, used for the Muhammadan ablutions. In the very centre of this court, very probably on the site of the Turkish fountain, stood the Phiale, a large marble basin with two jets of water constantly running, where worshippers performed their ablutions before entering the church, and which bore the inscription, NDBON ANOMH- MATA MH MONAN O’T’IN, signifying ‘ Cleanse thine iniquities, not thy face only curious from the fact of its reading the same whether perused the right way or backwards. The Outer Narthex (B) with its five doors was on the eastern side of the Atrium; and the belfry (C) was over the main entrance private istanbul tour. The Outer Narthex is devoid of any ornamentation; its five doors were called ‘ the Doors of the Armenians from the latter having taken part in the fifth General Council while the doors were being built. These gave access to the Inner Narthex.
MIXAHA NIKHTHN
Both the nartheces were reserved for catechumens and penitents. This latter hall is 205 feet long by 26 feet wide, and its walls and ceiling are covered with mosaic work. At its northern and at its southern sides are low doorways, giving access to the women’s galleries. The South porch, which is a double one, was reserved for the Emperor and his suite; it was erected by the Emperor Theo- philus, and is sheathed with bronze plating bearing several crosses and Byzantine monograms. At the top of the right-hand door is a fragment of an inscription, MIXAHA NIKHTHN (‘Michael of the Conquerors ’). All the doors bear crosses which the Turks have altered to resemble trident prongs.
The nave is entered through nine gates, the central one of which was formerly styled “ Pyle Vasilike ” or Royal Gate, and is that through which the Emperor entered, and where he was met by the Patriarch. On the bronze cornice over the gate is carved a lectern and a copy of the Gospels. The book is represented as open at the passage from St. John : ‘ I am the door : by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture ”. The four mosaic figures above this cornice are now but dimly visible through the wash the Turks have put over them. The figure between the medallions of the Virgin and St. John the Baptist is Christ seated on a throne. His right hand holds a volume open at the words ‘ Peace be unto you; I am the light of the world ’; and with his left he is blessing a kneeling emperor.
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WHY BULGARIA WITHIN THE BYZANTINE WORLD
PREFACE
WHY BULGARIA WITHIN THE BYZANTINE WORLD? For this area of the European space in which the Bulgarians found their homeland, belonged for good and all to a cultural circle setting its profound mark on the fate and culture of all the nations that created states during the Middle Ages.
Bulgaria, established in the seventh century, was all an enemy, an ally, a rival, and a partner of the Eastern Empire we name Byzantium. The seats in the Balkans became the ground of its culture where the Antiquity proceeded to the Middle Ages. There the deep-rooted traditions preserved their triumphs to transform them into an integral part and wealth of the new sovereigns of the territories of the Bulgarians.
Byzantium was the mightiest source of ideas, patterns, model examples and rivalry for the Bulgarians. Captivating its territory from the Empire, the newborn state became related with it, waged wars against it, clashed with it, adopted models in all the spheres of life or freed itself, fell under its impact still searching its friendship, or fought for supremacy. In the course of nearly two centuries (10th – 12th), it fell again within the state and political system of Byzantium as this circumstance enriched it still further on.
This quite complicated picture of the relations between Bulgaria and thousand of years old Empire, enriched by the spirits of its predecessors and the variegated ethno – cultural amalgamation of its heterogeneous population reflected on and can be illustrated by the material and artistic reaching.
Bulgaria belonged actively to the Medieval Christian world and shared its cultural values thanks again to its affiliation to the Byzantine circle. Thus, the territories of the future state of the Bulgarians have preserved till our day the trace of a large-scale development connected with the spread and recognition of the world religion. Temples and monasteries were set up even in the most secret recesses of the Byzantine Balkan provinces between 4th and 7th centuries. Today their ruins spring up from the soil, like St. Sophia in Serdica, the Old Metropolitan Church in Mesambria bulgaria private tours, the Red Church in Perushtitsa, or the basilica in Belovo, to let us appraise this soil as an artistic seat and integral part of the cultural commonwealth of Byzantium.
The sculptural workshops on the Island of Prokonnesos in the Sea of Marmara worked for the decora-tion and furnishing of these elite edifices. The most exquisite pieces of work designed for the imperial constructions of the Capital city of Constantinople were employed as model examples. The light coming from the temple windows swept up the multi-colour mosaics on the floors and inspired life in scenes and images on the walls. The painted tombs in the necropolis of Serdica, the floor mosaic of St. Sophia Church, and the angels on the arches of the Red Church almost two hundred years later outline the course and the achievements of the artistic creation.
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Greek colonizers
Balchik is one of the oldest and most beautiful coastal towns with a population of 11,861. It was founded in the 6th century B.C. by Greek colonizers. Its first name was Cruni, meaning spring, owing to the numerous springs around. Balchik existed in Roman times as a seaport and had its own mint. Later it became the possession of the Boyar Balik and bears his name, After the Balkan War of 1912-1913 it came within the boundaries of Romania and was returned to Bulgaria by the Craiova Treaty of September 21, 1940.
The most interesting sight in Balchik is the park belonging to the Palace of Queen Maria of Romania, It is now a botanical garden with 3,000 species of plants, among them a unique collection of cactuses. The Palace rises above the shore and the small church was transferred from the island of Crete, stone by stone. Ancient amphorae, Turkish tombstones and fountains can be seen scattered about in the park,
Hotels: Balchik, three stars, with 68 beds sightseeing turkey; Raketa, two stars, with 36 beds. There is also the Bisser camp site, two stars, with a restaurant, the Tihiya Kut.
Eight kilometres from Balchik towards Varna is Albena, the newest and most picturesque seaside resort on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The sea here is clean and shallow and the beach is six kilometres long. There are 40 hotels with a total of 12,750 beds, as well as the camp sites Albena, Ekzotika and International many restaurants and entertainment spots with 10,000 seats, most of these being situated at some distance from the hotels.
There are good sports facilities: volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, golf links, croquet greens, bowling alleys, horse riding, cycling, a yachting club and go-carts. Next to Kardam Hotel is a men’s and women’s tailor, shoemaker’s, watchmaker’s and a dry-cleaning and pressing shop. At the entrance to the resort is the post office, open from 6 a.m. to 10 pm.
Varna, Zlatni Pyassatsi, Drouzhba, Tolbukhin and Balchik
A regular bus service connects it with Varna, Zlatni Pyassatsi, Drouzhba, Tolbukhin and Balchik and a six-seater cutter makes regular trips to Balchik, Kavarna and Kaliakra.
Exhibitions of the works of leading Bulgarian painters, cartoonists and graphic artists are organized in the hotel lobbies. The Miss Albena and the Miss Cherno More beauty contests are held in July and August.
There are several places of entertainment offering interesting programmes and excellent cuisine.
The Zlaten Klass Taverna, next to the Orlov Hotel is open from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Dobroudja Taverna in the shopping centre, is open from 11.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m.
The Old House Restaurant in national style, with folk orchestra (near the Dobrich restaurant) is open from 6.00 p.m. to 12.00 pm.
Alberta
Hotels; 1. Gergana 2. Slavourta 3. Moura 4. Elitsa 5. Nona 6. Boryana 11. Ralitsa 13, Kiev 14. Vihren 16. Kom 17. Leipzig 18. Dnepr 19. Neptun 20. Bratislava 21. Karvouna 22. Balik 23. Tervel 24. Kaliopa 25. Orlov 27, Slavyanka 29. Drouzhba 30. Praga 31. Kompas 32 Shabla 33. Orhidea 34. Warshava 35. Kamelia 36, 36. Dorostol 37. Kardam 40. Zvezda 41. Avrora 42. Dobroudja 43, Ka)iakra44. Lovech 45. Zdravets 46. Zomitsa
Gorski Tsar Night Club has a nightly concert programme. Open from 9.00 p.m. to 4.00 a.m.
Arabella Night Club, close to the beach, is open from 9,00 p.m. to 4.00 a m.
Batova Picnic — 18 kilometres from the resort with delicious food and a floor show. Open from 11,00 am fo 12.00 p.m,
Robinson — a picnic ground near Baichik. Interesting programme every day from 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m.
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Yablamtsa
The road leads on to Yablamtsa (3,500), an important transport centre. A detour to the right leads to Glozhene monastery, perched on the inaccessible rocks of peak Lisets. Not far from it is the Gradeshnitsa cave with underground lakes and chambers. Further on are the resorts Teteven (pop.
14,0) , in one of the most beautiful spots of the Balkan Range, and Ribaritsa which is 12 km southeast of Teteven between the Rivers Ribaritsa and Beli Vit.
In Teteven is a Balkantourist hotel, Teteven, accommodating 115, with restaurant, night club, cafe, information office (tel.: 2246). Some 7 km away, south of the village of Malka Brestnitsa, is one of the most picturesque caves in Bulgaria — the Sueva Doupka cave. It is 205-metre-long and has 5 halls of different sizes. Further east along E-771 there is a deviation which leads to the picturesque town of Troyan t pop. 24,000) situated along the Beli Ossum river at Troyan Pass. Ruins from the Roman Trajan road are preserved here. The only building of the old town which existed prior to the liberation from the Turks is the police station, which survived the 1877 fire caused by the Turks. Now it bouses the history museum. The town has a museum of arts and crafts and applied arts, the only one of its kind in Bulgaria. The town is a climatic mountain resort. The Troyan hotel, 2 stars, 2 floors, has 4 suites and 122 beds, restaurant, day bar, cafe, an information office (tel.: 42-23 and 23-96).
The resort Oreshak
The resort Oreshak (pop. 2,600) is 5 km east of the town, in the valley of the River Chemi Ossum. It is a well known art centre for applied arts and has a national exhibition of arts and crafts.
10 km from Troyan, on the left bank of the Cherni Ossum is Troyan Monastery — Bulgaria’s third largest monastery, founded in 1600 with icons by Zahari Zograph. The encarved wood iconostasis was made by Tryavna carvers. During Ottoman domination the monastery was the cradle of Bulgarian nationalism and spirit. There are 200 beds for guests.
We retrace our steps, cross E-771 and continue northwards reaching the town of Lovech — (pop. 47,000), built on both banks of the River Ossum. Settlements existed here in pre-historic, Thracian and Roman times. The Romans built the strong Melta fortress which the Bulgarian rulers Assen and Peter used in 1187 sofia daily tours. The headquarters of the Internal Revolutionary Committee in the struggle against Ottoman domination was here. Now the town is an industrial and vine-growing centre. Tourist attractions are the old covered bridge on the Ossuin, built in 1871-1874, the Vassil Levski Museum of National-Liberation, Vassil Levski monument, Stratesh Hill park, the ruins of Lovech fortress. Hotels: Hissarya, 2 stars, tel.: 38-21, Balkan, Stratesh, Moskva. Car-repair shop — 4 Byalo More St., tel. 44-24.
35 km to the north is the big economic, administrative, transport and cultural-historical centre of the Danubian Plain — the city of Pleven (pop. 123,000), situated on the Toucheni- tsa river. The city was founded in the 4th-3rd century B.C. when primitive settlements appeared in the Kaiiuka locality. Later, in the 1st millennia the Thracians settled here, followed by the Romans in the 1st century, who built the Storgozia fortress. During the Middle Ages invaders repeatedly destroyed the town and the fortress, which were later restored.
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