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Unprecedented Gifts for an Envoy
The commentary on the significance of the highly priced gifts sent abroad highlights their exceptional nature. It is noted that no other envoy had been entrusted with such valuable offerings before.
Meticulous Handling of Gifts
In Izzi’s annals, the meticulous process of handing over the gifts to the Ottoman envoy, Kesriyeli Ahmet Pasha, is described. Each gift, with its pre-determined price, was individually sealed by the Grand Vizier and then sent to the Private Treasury for packaging while Pasha himself prepared for the journey to Iran.
Presentation of Gifts
On the designated day, Haci Ahmet Pasha was invited to the Palace for the formal handing over of the gifts, which were then delivered to his residence. This tradition underscored the ceremonial importance attached to the exchange of valuable gifts.
Ceremonial Tradition
The tradition of sending envoys abroad with gifts was deeply ingrained in diplomatic protocol. The envoy of Nadir Shah, for instance, participated in the evaluation of treasury items alongside Ottoman officials. Following the evaluation, a ceremonial dessert and coffee event was held, where Sultan Mahmut I presented the Iranian envoy with gifts including the “Imperial monogram” and other valuable items Istanbul Private Tours Mevlevi.
Envoy’s Journey and Return
Accompanied by the ceremonial farewell, Kesriyeli Ahmet Pasha embarked on his journey to Iran. However, upon his arrival in July 1747, he learned of Nadir Shah’s murder due to internal turmoil. Consequently, Pasha returned to Baghdad with the valuables, awaiting further instructions from Istanbul.
Through these accounts, we gain insight into the elaborate diplomatic rituals and procedures surrounding the exchange of valuable gifts and the responsibilities entrusted to Ottoman envoys during Sultan Mahmut I’s reign.
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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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MacGahan's Passionate Advocacy
Evocative Writing Style
MacGahan’s writing, fueled by polemic passion, seamlessly combines emotion with reason. His eruptive style, characterized by vivid epithets, metaphors, and exclamatory sentences, vividly portrays the heroic scenes of the April uprising. Through rich landscape details, he immerses readers in an intense atmosphere, offering deep psychological insights into the tumultuous events of the revolution.
Condemnation of Political Hypocrisy
In the midst of revolutionary fervor, MacGahan fearlessly criticizes the European powers for their hypocritical policies in the Balkans. He directly accuses figures like British Prime Minister Disraeli and Foreign Minister Lord Derby of supporting a corrupt Turkish government under the guise of protecting Balkan peoples. MacGahan exposes the unsustainable nature of Turkish rule and urges the Turkish elite to embrace change. He highlights the irreconcilable conflict between Turkey’s desire for territorial integrity and the need for progressive reform.
Influence on Foreign Policies
MacGahan’s reports have a profound impact on Russian and British foreign policies. By denouncing mass atrocities and advocating for change, he catalyzes shifts in diplomatic approaches toward the Ottoman Empire. His critiques of the status quo prompt a reassessment of traditional power dynamics, paving the way for significant policy changes Turkey Sightseeing.
Catalyst for Democratic Movement
MacGahan’s reports spark a powerful democratic movement known as the Bulgarian agitation in England. In 1876, the April uprising becomes a central issue in English political discourse, uniting diverse segments of society in protest. From the Queen to the working class, people rally together to demand accountability and action regarding the Bulgarian question.
Moral Awakening of an Era
MacGahan’s writings transcend mere documentation; they serve as a moral and political litmus test for the era. Scattered across England and Europe, his reports compel individuals and nations to confront their values and responsibilities. The significance of MacGahan’s work lies not only in its historical documentation but also in its role as a catalyst for political and moral awakening. Through blood-stained pages, he ignites a fervent call for justice and solidarity in the face of oppression.
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Evolution of the Bulgarian Economy
From Liberation to Soviet Influence
Introduction of Railroads and Trade Specialization (Second Half of 19th Century)
During the late 19th century, Bulgaria saw the construction of its first railroad between Russe and Varna. Urban centers like Gabrovo and Sliven specialized in manufacturing rifles, pistols, and iron tools, while the Rhodope area focused on producing aba cloth.
Economic Primitiveness under Ottoman Rule (Up to Liberation in 1878)
Until the Liberation in 1878, Bulgaria’s economy remained primitive by Western standards, being part of the Ottoman Empire’s economy. It had not been influenced by economic theorists like Adam Smith and David Ricardo. The inherited economy was in transition between a primitive (natural) economy, satisfying the producer’s needs, and a modern trade economy, meeting market demands.
Early Objectives of Post-Liberation Bulgarian Governments
The initial post-Liberation Bulgarian governments aimed for land redistribution, modernizing agricultural techniques, industrialization, and export growth. Progress toward these goals was hindered by the Balkan Wars and World War I. The economic strain of war and reparations after World War I brought Bulgaria close to ruin. Reforms during the Stambolisky government revitalized the economy, followed by stabilization under A. Liapchev’s government (1926-29). However, a totalitarian shift coincided with a new foreign policy orientation in 1934, with increased trade ties with Germany Guided Istanbul Tours.
Soviet Influence and Post-World War II Transformation
After World War II, Soviet occupation led to a radical transformation of the Bulgarian economy in line with the Bolshevik pattern. The land was collectivized, farms mechanized, and all sectors, including industry, trade, and banking, were nationalized.
Overview of Bulgarian Economic Development
This summary provides an overview of Bulgaria’s economic evolution, focusing on four main periods since Liberation. Subsequent discussions will delve into the major economic features of each period.
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Evolution of the Bulgarian Economy
From Liberation to Soviet Influence
Introduction of Railroads and Trade Specialization (Second Half of 19th Century)
During the late 19th century, Bulgaria saw the construction of its first railroad between Russe and Varna. Urban centers like Gabrovo and Sliven specialized in manufacturing rifles, pistols, and iron tools, while the Rhodope area focused on producing aba cloth.
Economic Primitiveness under Ottoman Rule (Up to Liberation in 1878)
Until the Liberation in 1878, Bulgaria’s economy remained primitive by Western standards, being part of the Ottoman Empire’s economy. It had not been influenced by economic theorists like Adam Smith and David Ricardo. The inherited economy was in transition between a primitive (natural) economy, satisfying the producer’s needs, and a modern trade economy, meeting market demands.
Early Objectives of Post-Liberation Bulgarian Governments
The initial post-Liberation Bulgarian governments aimed for land redistribution, modernizing agricultural techniques, industrialization, and export growth. Progress toward these goals was hindered by the Balkan Wars and World War I. The economic strain of war and reparations after World War I brought Bulgaria close to ruin. Reforms during the Stambolisky government revitalized the economy, followed by stabilization under A. Liapchev’s government (1926-29). However, a totalitarian shift coincided with a new foreign policy orientation in 1934, with increased trade ties with Germany Guided Istanbul Tours.
Soviet Influence and Post-World War II Transformation
After World War II, Soviet occupation led to a radical transformation of the Bulgarian economy in line with the Bolshevik pattern. The land was collectivized, farms mechanized, and all sectors, including industry, trade, and banking, were nationalized.
Overview of Bulgarian Economic Development
This summary provides an overview of Bulgaria’s economic evolution, focusing on four main periods since Liberation. Subsequent discussions will delve into the major economic features of each period.
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Cultural Revolution and Agricultural Changes
The Cultural Revolution Unleashed
The political shift on September 9, 1944, ushered in what became known as the “cultural revolution,” aiming to impose Marxism-Leninism as the state ideology across all aspects of life. Borrowing from Soviet traditions, the pretext of combating “pro-fascist ideas” led to the dismissal of numerous teachers, professors, and university students who faced expulsion without credible accusations of fascist actions. The totalitarian state enforced unparalleled censorship and control over cultural activities, banning any “western influence” such as books, music, movies, and fashion, branding them as “ideological diversion.” Intellectuals and men of culture faced repression for their free thinking and pursuit of intellectual independence City Tours Istanbul.
Coercive Agricultural Cooperation
Simultaneous with political changes was the launch of mass agricultural cooperation at the end of 1948. This initiative employed physical violence, political persecution, and psychological pressure on farmers. While the communist regime granted considerable privileges to party members, the concept of being an “active fighter against fascism and capitalism” became a pathway to career advancement for hundreds of thousands. Under Stalin’s influence, the ruling elite turned against some of their comrades using the Bolshevik slogan of “persecution of the enemy with a party membership card.” Prominent communists, including Traicho Rostov, the former First Secretary of the Central Committee, fell victim to these internal purges.
Leadership Transitions and Concentration of Power
In the summer of 1949, Prime Minister Georgi Dimitrov, known for his anti-fascist activities, passed away in the Soviet Union, leaving a complex legacy in Bulgarian and world history. His successor, Vasil Kolarov, also met an untimely death in February 1950. Valko Chervenkov, who spent years in Soviet exile and gained favor with Stalin, assumed the role of Prime Minister and leader of the Communist Party. Elected Chairman of the National Council of the Fatherland Front, Chervenkov consolidated power, holding sway over the entire apparatus.
The aftermath of September 9, 1944, brought about a cultural revolution and coercive agricultural changes, altering the fabric of Bulgarian society. Internal purges and leadership transitions marked a tumultuous period, setting the stage for the concentrated power wielded by Valko Chervenkov in the years that followed.
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Perpetual Horrors Endured by Bulgarian Villagers
A Night of Tragedy in Tamboli
This article explores the distressing events that unfolded in Tamboli, shedding light on the tragic killing of a boy under mysterious circumstances. As we delve into the aftermath of this night, tales of violation, maltreatment, and arbitrary arrests surface, revealing the profound impact on the lives of Bulgarian villagers.
A Village in Desolation
From the ruins of Streletia, a village reduced to ashes, cries for justice emerge. Desperate villagers report an alarming reality — not a single day passes without Turkish assailants violating women. Streletia stands as a haunting symbol of the unchecked aggression that has left its people with nothing but the painful memories of their violated community.
A Daily Struggle Against Violence
In Mishka, the narrative continues with heartbreaking consistency. Two men approach, echoing the same story heard in Streletia — a relentless barrage of violence, especially targeting women. The recurring theme underscores the dire state of security, pushing Bulgarian villagers into a daily struggle against the specter of brutality.
A Glimpse into Arbitrary Arrests and Ransoms
Near Tatar Bazardjik, a group of men, bound together in pairs, becomes a poignant tableau of arbitrary arrests. Zaptiehs guard them, escorting them to an uncertain fate in Tatar Bazardjik. Investigations reveal the role of Ali Bey, an obscure authority figure, orchestrating the arrest of well-to-do individuals on dubious charges. Their imprisonment Bulgaria Tour, coupled with various forms of maltreatment, compels them to ransom their freedom at exorbitant rates — a stark illustration of the abuse of power in this tumultuous landscape.
Urgent Plea for Justice and Intervention
As the article concludes, a fervent plea for justice echoes through the testimonies of those who have endured unspeakable horrors. The call for intervention becomes urgent, urging local authorities, international bodies, and humanitarian organizations to address the escalating crisis. The pervasive culture of impunity must be dismantled to protect the vulnerable Bulgarian villagers from further atrocities.
Unmasking the Ongoing Tragedy
In a somber reflection, the article unmasks an ongoing tragedy, where Tamboli becomes emblematic of the larger plight faced by Bulgarian villagers. The narrative illuminates the shadows of fear, violence, and injustice that cloak these communities. It underscores the importance of global awareness and collaborative efforts to dismantle the oppressive structures allowing such atrocities to persist.
A Call to End the Nightmares of Tamboli
In a final call to action, the article urges the international community to rally against the darkness that haunts Tamboli and countless villages like it. It underscores the imperative to stand united against the violations and ensure that Tamboli’s night of tragedy becomes a catalyst for lasting change and justice.
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Diplomatic Chess
Unmasking Injustice in Otluk-kui
In the intricate dance of diplomacy and accountability, Mr. Schuyler’s strategic use of interpreters unveils a subtle yet powerful approach to addressing the grim realities of Otluk-kui. The encounter between Mr. Schuyler, the interpreters, and the Mudir exposes a diplomatic game played on the chessboard of justice.
The Tactical Interpreters Navigating Diplomacy’s Delicate Terrain
Amid the somber aftermath of the atrocities in Otluk-kui, Mr. Schuyler wielded the power of language through his two interpreters—a young Bulgarian with polished Turkish etiquette and a stern Greek named Antonio. Their roles extended beyond linguistic translation; they became instruments in Mr. Schuyler’s nuanced approach to addressing Turkish authorities. The choice of interpreter became a strategic decision, defining the tone of the conversation and influencing the reception of Mr. Schuyler’s messages.
The young Bulgarian, proficient in the art of polite discourse, was Mr. Schuyler’s envoy for amicable exchanges and diplomatic niceties. When commendations or compliments were to be conveyed to Turkish authorities, this interpreter gracefully presented Mr. Schuyler’s words. On the flip side, the Greek interpreter, Antonio, entered the stage when the message was less congenial. His harsh and emphatic Turkish delivery served as the tool for communicating displeasure or demanding accountability.
The Diplomatic Gambit Exposing Injustice Through Indirect Inquiry
The chessboard of diplomacy saw a strategic move when Antonio confronted the Mudir about the deplorable state of the roads in Otluk-kui. This indirect approach, rather than a direct accusation, compelled the Mudir to grapple with the pressing issue at hand. Antonio’s severe tone and the Consul Bashi’s apparent displeasure created an atmosphere of accountability Travel Bulgaria, prompting the Mudir to respond under the weight of scrutiny.
The Mudir’s defense, claiming a relatively short tenure, showcased the delicate balance of power dynamics. The chess game unfolded as Mr. Schuyler, through Antonio, continued to weave a narrative of concern. The Consul Bashi’s keen observation of the misery among the people became a focal point, challenging the Mudir to address the humanitarian crisis under his watch.
This tactical use of interpreters transformed the diplomatic exchange into a subtle yet impactful probe into the Mudir’s responsibility. By choosing the right linguistic tone, Mr. Schuyler delicately exposed the injustices, leaving the Mudir on uncertain ground and paving the way for a broader inquiry into the town’s plight.
As the diplomatic chess match continues, the role of interpreters becomes increasingly pivotal, revealing the nuanced strategies employed to confront and unmask the grim realities of 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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Hafiz Pacha unlike Achmet Aga
During the night and the next morning the troops and the Bashi-Bazouks entered the place, and then began a scene of pillage, violence, and massacre, only equalled by that of Batak. Neither age nor sex was spared. The town was pillaged, then fired ; about one-fourth of the houses were burnt, people were cut down in the streets, on their own doorsteps, on their own hearthstones. Old men and women begging for mercy, and children and infants screaming in terror, perished alike beneath the swift and certain sabre.
It is thought that 3,000 people were killed in this place alone, of whom about 400 were inhabitants of the town, and the rest from the neighbouring villages who had taken refuge here. But we were not greeted here with the scenes of horror that awaited us at Batak. Hafiz Pacha, unlike Achmet Aga, had sense enough to have the bodies buried within the following three days, and thus to cover up his tracks.
It has been repeated again and again that these acts were perpetrated by the Bashi-Bazouks ouly, and not by the regular troops ; and a great deal is made of the statement as showing the massacres were committed without the consent of the authorities. If the statement were worth anything, the converse ought to be true—that if the massacres were committed by the regular troops then the authorities are responsible. Now, as it happens, wherever there were any regular troops to commit massacres, they rivalled the Bashi-Bazouks in atrocity Turkey Sightseeing.
Here, as Mr. Schuyler will show in his report, regular and irregular troops were equally cruel, pitiless, and ferocious, and Hafiz Pacha is no less guilty than Achmet Aga. The reason is simple. They are all Turks alike, and there is nothing to choose between them. These massacres were committed by the order of the authorities, and that is why the men who committed them have been rewarded with decorations and promotions.
When we were in Panagurishti we were shown in the ruins of the church, before the place where the altar had stood, a black spot specked with calcined bones, on which lay a bouquet of flowers. This wras the remains of a priest, Theodor Peoff, 85 years of age, who had been seized and tortured in the hopes of obtaining money, mutilated and maltreated in ways which only the foul imagination of a Turk could invent, then killed, and burnt here before the altar.
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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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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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Dancing dervishes at Bahariah
There is another convent of dancing dervishes at Bahariah, near Ayub, up the Golden Horn. Performance every Wednesday, soon after the midday prayer.
The Rufdl and Badavl, or Howling Dervishes, are to be seen at Tatavla, near Pera, every Sunday afternoon, at 8.30 (Turkish time); and at Sku- tari every Thursday at the same hour. Admission 5 piastres per head. Travellers should stay through the performance, at the close of which the children in the neighbourhood are made to lie down on the floor, when the head dervish walks over them, his passage over their bodies being supposed to ensure them immunity from all the ills that infantile flesh is heir to. The dervishes do not perform during the month of Ramazan.
Turkish Festivals.—These are all religious ones, and are the occasion of the Sultan proceeding in state to the Seraglio or the Dolmah Baghcheh Palace. The feast of Hirka-i-Sherif (Holy Mantle Day) occurs on the 15th of Bamazan, the month of fasting by day and feasting by night. Shecker Byram (Sweetmeat Feast), lasting three days, falls at the end of Bamazan; and Curban Byram (Sacrifice Feast), lasting four days, and commemorative of Abraham’s sacrifice, falls at a stated period after Shecker Byram. The Mevlud (Prophet’s birthday). The Surey Emin, or despatch of the holy caravan with presents for the shrines at Mecca and the conveyance of pilgrims, takes place some four weeks before Bamazan sets in. On the 10 th Muharrem the Persians celebrate at Valideh Khan, in Stambul, the martyrdom of Hussein, son of Ali. The ceremony begins soon after sunset, and travellers are admitted without difficulty.
Besides the above-mentioned festivals there are some illuminations of the city, in honour of the Sultan’s birthday, the anniversary of his accession to the throne private istanbul tour, and the anniversary of the Constitution on 23 rd July. On a fine night they are worth seeing. A good plan is to go by steamer or launch to Therapia, then come back to Bechictash, and drive up to Yildiz Kiosk, thence through Nichan-Tash back to the hotel.
SHRINES AND MOSQUES
Byzantium, from remote times downwards, was famed far and wide for the number of its temples, shrines, and statues of divinities; so much so indeed that the people of northern nations were wont to allude to the city as the ‘dwelling of the gods But when Constantine raised the cross on the seven-hilled Constantinople, the greater part of these heathen fanes were converted into Christian churches; and his successors in their turn erected,in addition, such a number of churches and monasteries that a distinguished writer on Constantinople states that there were as many churches in the city as there are days in the year. In these numerous churches were kept the relics of the prophets, apostles, evangelists, martyrs and saints, brought from various parts of the East. But in 1453 the crescent superseded the cross on many of these churches, and first of all on that of St. Sophia, which were converted into mosques and have remained as such down to the present day. All the other large mosques, not originally Christian churches, were built by the Turks, more or less on the model of St. Sophia, which some of them equal, if not actually excel, in beauty and chasteness of design and ornamentation.
As all male visitors entering the mosques and tombs have to take off their hats, those who are afraid of catching cold had better take with them a skull-cap or a fez, which are allowed to be worn; umbrellas, sticks, and kodaks must be left with the custodians at the entrance. Slippers must be worn over the shoes, and as those provided by the attendants are often too large, dirty, and uncomfortable, travellers may provide their own if they desire. Travellers had better be provided with Turkish money, and never try to change big coins, because change is hardly ever given. Slippers are provided free of charge.
During prayer – times strangers are not allowed in the body of the mosques with the faithful; but they may go into a corner of the mosque and see the whole service, which is very interesting and imposing.
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SIGHTS IN THE OLD TOWN
SIGHTS IN THE OLD TOWN
1. The Fortress Complex on Nebet Tepe
2. Antique – Revival Period Ensemble on Vitosha Sreet.
3. Antique Theatre
4. Antique Stadium
5. Hisar Gate Architectural Ensemble
6. Jumaya Mosque
7. Mevlevi Hane (Puldin Restaurant)
8. St. Marina Metropolitan Church
9. Holy Virgin Cathedral
10. SS. Constantine and Helena Church
11. Architectural Ensemble on Tsanko Lavrenov Street
12. Architectural Ensemble on Dr. Chomakov Street
13. Architectural Ensemble on Kiril Nektariev Street
14. Haji Panayot Lampsha House (Balabanov house)
15. Stepan Hindliyan House
16. Nikola Nedkovich House
17. History Museum. ‘Bulgarian Revival Period Exhibition’. (Dimiter Georgiadi House}
18. ‘Book-printing in Bulgaria’ Exhibition (‘Hristo G. Danov Museum-house}
19. Ethnographical Museum (Argir Kuyumjioghlu House}
20. ‘Alphonse de Lamartine’ Museum-collection (Georgi Mavridi House)
21. ‘Hippocrates’ Pharmacy (Dr. Sotir Antoniadi)
22. City Art Gallery (Girls’ School)
23. City Art Gallery Icon Collection
24. ‘Tsanko Lavrenov’ Permanent Exhibition (Kirkor Mesrobovich House)
25. ‘Zlatyu Boyadjiev’ Permanent Exhibition (Dr. Stoyan Chomakov House)
26. ‘Georgi Bojilov-Slona’ Permanent Exhibition (Skobeleva House)
27. Danchov House
28. The Yellow School (First Bulgarian School)
NATIONALINSTITUTEOF ARCHAEOLOGY WITH MUSEUM-SOFIA AUGUST 24TH – SEPTEMBER 30TH 2011
The exhibition is organized by the National Institute of Archaeology with Museum – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences with the kind contribution of National Museum of History bulgaria private tours – Sofia Regional Museum of History – Haskovo Regional Museum of History – Kardzhali Regional Museum of History – Stara Zagora Regional Museum of History – Varna Regional Museum of History – Veliko Tarnovo Museum of Archaeology — Veliki Preslav Old Nessebar Museum Museum of History – Chirpan Museum of History – Pomorie
The exhibition has been accomplished by Margarita Vaklinova, Bissera Tomova, Yordan Gatev, Snezhana Goryanova, Katya Melamed, and the Laboratory for analyses, concervation and restoration of NIAM – Sevdalina Neykova, Petya Penkova, Plamen Bonev, Maria Tasseva
Designer Elena Boyadzhieva, National Museum of History
The annotations in the Catalogue are work of
A. M. – Alexander Minchev
B. T. – Bissera Tomova
C. T. – Constantine Totev
D. K. – Daniela Kodzhemanova
D. Y. – Dimitar Yankov
E. B. – Elka Bakalova G. G. – George Gerov
K. M. – Katya Melamed
L. D. – P. – Lyudmila Doncheva – Petkova
M. D. – Metodi Daskalov M. I. – Mariela Inkova
M. V. – Margarita Vaklinova P. D. – Peter Dimitrov S. G. – Snezhana Goryanova
S. S. – Stanislav Stanilov
T. M. – Todor Marvakov T. T. – Totyu Totev
Y. G. – Yordan Gatev Y. B. – Yuliana Boycheva
Photographer Krassimir Georgiev Translation Katya Melamed
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Tourist attractions
Tourist attractions: The 4th century Roman tomb, discovered in 1942, is quadrangular with a cylindrical vault and marvellous frescoes, the finest and best preserved wallpaintings from the time of Theodosius I.
The figures of people, wild animals, birds, flowers, fruits and the scenes showing leopards fighting with boars are interesting material for studying the way of life in slave society.
The Ethnographic Museum in Medjidie-Tabia fortress, two kilometres from the centre,alsohasan archaeological exhibition.
About 17 kilometres from Silistra and three kilometres from the Danube is Sreburna Lake, a national reserve under the Institute of Zoology and included in UNESCO’s World List. Some very rare species of water birds live here and pelicans from all over Europe converge on the lake in the autumn before their flight south.
South along the E-87 is Zlatni Pyassatsi, one of the biggest resort complexes in Bulgaria. It is 17 kilometres north of Varna, to which it is connected by a modern motorway. The resort takes its name from the beach — almost 4 kilometres of golden sand over 100 metres wide sightseeing turkey. It lies on the same latitude as well-known French and Italian resorts on the Mediterranean coast. The climate here is warm and mild, average temperature in July is 22°C and the water temperature from Fune to September never falls below 20°C and sometimes reaches 27°C.
Balkantourist
The complex has 81 modern hotels with 16,270 beds, bungalows and two shady camp sites accommodating about 1,240 with 128 restaurants and places of entertainment, 40 shops, a cultural and information centre, a fleet of 100 buses and microbuses, 84 taxis, a rent-a-car service and good sports facilities. Balkantourist is in the centre of the resort in addition to a barber’s and hairdresser’s shop. Near Diana Hotel is Vodenitsata (The Mill) Restaurant. The medical clinic has an excellently equipped dental surgery and consulting rooms. When necessary a doctor from the clinic can be called to the hotel by telephone 6-53-52, 6-56-86 and 6-56-87. Medicines can be purchased at the chemist connected to the clinic (tel. 6-5 £89), or at the chemist’s shop north of the Stariya Dub restaurant.
There are volleyball and tennis courts, mini-golf and croquet pitches in front of the hotels Morsko Oko, Liliya, Rodina, and Tintyava, open daily tel. 6-52-54. Near Hotel Liliya is a children’s swimming pool and at Hotel International there is an indoor swimming pool with warm mineral water. The International is the pride of the resort with 370 beds, 2 restaurants, coffee shop, and a balneological clinic with diagnostic and therapeutic departments open all the year round. The mineral water of the balneotherapeutical department is clear and colourless; it is slightly mineralized and its temperature ranges between 24°C arid 28°C. It can be used in bath tubs and in the indoor swimming pool and is recommended for diseases of the loco-motor system (arthrosis, rheumatism, arthritis)… radicolitis, plexitis, neuritis, mental fatigue, stresses, cardio-vascular diseases (atherosclerosis, hypertonia), bron-chitis, the early stages of bronchial asthma and obesity of the 1st and 2nd degree.
In 1979 the International won the World Tourism Organization Grand Prix competing with 150 other hotels all over the world.
The Post Office is a stone’s throw from the International and is open from 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. with telephone connections to all countries in the world.
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Republika Square
There are also various other museums in Pleven to be seen. Hotels: Pleven, 2 Republika Square, three stars, 12 floors, 9 suites, 333 beds (tel. 2-00-62), restaurant, day bar and night club, information bureau, rent-a-car office. Rostovna Don, 2
S.Alexiev St., two stars, 12 floors, 3 suites, 11 single and 95
double rooms, restaurant, bar, cafe, information office, rent’ a-car office tel. (2-70 95). Kailuka, 2 stars, 3 floors 156 beds, 6 suites, restaurant, bar, information office, rent-a-car office (phone 2-55-50).
The Kailuka camp site — 20 bungalows.
Fhe Balkantourist bureau is on 3 Buckstone St., tel. 41-19.
Car-repair shop: 2, Industrialna St., tel. 37-61.
Union of Bulgarian Motorists: 6a Radetski St., tel. 37-93
From Pleven take the main road E-83 and continue east towards Byala (pop. 10,922). The town is mentioned in 17th century documents. In 1907 one of the first museums in the country dedicated to the Russo-Turkish War of Liberation 1877-1878 was founded here in the building which held the headquarters of the Russian Army in 1877. The Russian nurse Baroness Yulia Vreyska is buried in the museum yard. Byala’s most important sight is the bridge over the River Yantra, built 1865-1867 on orders by Rousse vali Midhad Pasha. The bridge is 276 m long, 9 m wide and has 14 arches with relief figures.
Danubian port of Rousse
52 km along the E-85 main road is the Danubian port of Rousse (pop, 178,000 situated to the east of the mouth of the Roussenski Lorn river, opposite the Romanian town of Gyurvevo (Ghiurghiu). This is Bulgaria’s fourth largest town sofia daily tours, In Roman times a garrison was stationed here and the fortress was called Sexaginti (port of 60 ships). During the barbarian invasions in the 6th-7th centuries the fortress was destroyed and the population withdrew 26 km to the south of the Danube where the mediaeval fortress town of Cherven was built, resembling Tsarevets in Veliko Turnovo.
After the Ottoman invasion it was destroyed and a new fortress called Rouschouk here was built. 7 he town could be entered through five stone gates with iron doors — the Kyuntoukapou gate still exists. In 1864 Rouschouk became the centre of the Danubian province which included Nish, Sofia and Vidin. It had broad paved streets with curbed pavements and street lights delivered from Vienna; an old people’s house, a hospital, a post office, two large western style hotels were also built which are still to be seen. The first railway line in Bulgaria, Rouschouk-Vama, was built in 1866. Rouschouk became one of the great revolutionary centres and a link between revolutionaries in Bulgaria and emigrants in Romania. Many fighters for national independence are associated with the town.
Russian liberators entered the town on February 20, 1878. In the first years following liberation, Rousse had the highest population in Bulgaria, and had more factories, banks and consulates than Sofia, Today the town is one of the largest industrial centres in the country with shipyards and oil refineries.
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The village of Koprinka
Mention should also be made of the gold and silver jewelry, earrings, bracelets and rings, some of which are distinguished by their particularly fine workmanship. Of late years, a wealth of medieval jewelry has come to light during the excavations at several medieval necropolises, among which that at the village of Koprinka, in the region of Kazanluk, dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, the Lovech necropolis, dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, and that of Loukovit, dating back to the 11th to 13th centuries. Numerous graves were found in the last two, quite rich in different pieces of jewelry, such as rings, ear-rings, fragments of garments, segments of iron belts and so on.
Our knowledge of medieval pottery in the Bulgarian lands has also been considerably supplemented by the digging done in Turnovo, where large numbers of glazed vessels came to light, with linear ornaments, mostly plant and geometric patterns, among which, however, images of people and animals are not infrequently found. This pottery was very widespread. It is found in all the old settlements of the 13th and 14 centuries. Much new material has also been recently found in Nessebur. Though in different variants city tour istanbul, this pottery was known all over the Eastern medieval world.
The invasion of the Ottomans
The invasion of the Ottomans put an end to the rapid advance in the development of the Bulgarian medieval society. At a time when the Western European peoples were beginning to break the chains of feudalism and religious obscurantism, and when the road to the Renaissance was opening up before them, the dark night of five centuries of political, economic and spiritual bondage fell over the Bulgarian people.
The road to their renascence, along which they had already taken the first steps, was barred. But this triple bondage, political, economic and spiritual, was unable to destroy the Bulgarian nationality. The sound cultural traditions of centuries, their glorious past, the past of acreat- ive people, preserved the national consciousness despite the despot ism of the Ottomans, which weighed so heavily upon them. In spite of everything, Ottoman bondage was unable to crush the Bulgarian people’s creative genius. It only retarded their development by 500 years.
In 1393 Turnovo, the stubbornly defended capital, fell at last. This, was, actually, the end of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, the end of the Bulgarian people’s political and cultural independence. The conquest of the country was accompanied by the destruction of flourishing cities, of valuable monuments of the past, and by the slaughter of the most outstanding representatives of the Bulgarian people, who were thus crippled both politically and intellectually.
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