Sultan Mahmut I's Treasury Reorganization

During Sultan Mahmut I’s reign, a thorough organization of the treasury was achieved, primarily focused on re-gathering valuables in the Imperial Treasury for security reasons. This meticulous approach ensured that only authorized personnel could access the treasury, maintaining its sealed status since Yavuz Sultan Selim’s era.

Sale of Unimportant Goods

As part of the treasury reorganization, goods deemed unimportant were offered for sale, while others were sent to the mint for coining. This process streamlined the treasury, ensuring its stability and fortifying the state’s financial foundation Guided Istanbul Tour Whirling Dervishes.

Financial Stability and Victories

A well-stocked treasury under Sultan Mahmut I’s rule contributed to the success of military campaigns, leading to new conquests and victories, particularly in western territories that were regained after periods of scarcity. These triumphs also fostered diplomatic relations with neighboring Muslim countries like Iran.

Diplomatic Exchange with Iran

Historian J. Von Hammer recounts a significant diplomatic exchange between Sultan Mahmut I and the Iranian ruler Nadir Shah. Sultan Mahmut I sent valuable gifts to Nadir Shah, including a throne adorned with pearls and rubies, in return for Nadir Shah’s friendship and protection of Hicaz.

Return of Gifts

Despite the exchange of gifts and diplomatic overtures, the situation changed abruptly with Nadir Shah’s death, leading to disorder in Iran. As a result, Ottoman envoys were recalled, and the valuable gifts sent to Nadir Shah were returned to the palace.

By organizing the treasury and engaging in diplomatic exchanges, Sultan Mahmut I secured financial stability and strengthened the Ottoman Empire’s diplomatic ties during his reign.

The Tragic Toll of Loss

In the aftermath of the massacre, the stories of loss and devastation echoed through the village.

A Patriarch’s Plight

One elderly man shared the tale of his uncle, Blagoi Christostoff, a revered figure in the community. Blagoi was the patriarch of a large family, with five sons and their wives, totaling thirty-nine individuals living under one roof. Now, only eight remain—a stark reminder of the massacre’s toll.

Stories of Suffering

As we listened to the survivors’ accounts, the scale of the tragedy became painfully clear. Families once thriving were decimated, with only a fraction of their members left behind. Twenty-five reduced to seven, twenty to eight, and countless others obliterated entirely. The perpetrators were not foreign invaders but neighboring Turks, driven by envy, greed, and religious fanaticism Tour Packages Balkan.

Unpunished Atrocities

Shockingly, the mastermind behind the slaughter, Achmet-Agha, faced no consequences for his crimes. Instead, he was rewarded with a promotion and decorations, a grotesque display of impunity in the face of unspeakable brutality.

Stolen Innocence

The horror didn’t end with the slaughter. Many children and young girls were abducted, their whereabouts known but their return denied by the Turks. Mr. Schuyler uncovered a list detailing eighty-seven abducted children, a stark testament to the ongoing anguish of the survivors.

The tragedy of Batak reveals the depths of human cruelty and the horrors inflicted upon innocent lives. As we confront the aftermath of this senseless violence, we must remember the stories of those who perished and honor the resilience of those who survived. Their voices must not be silenced, their suffering must not be forgotten, as we strive for justice and peace in a world scarred by violence.

Januarius Aloysius MacGahan A Champion of Truth and Freedom

Early Life and Education

Januarius Aloysius MacGahan, hailed as the most brilliant journalist of the 19th century, was born on June 12, 1844, near New Lexington, Ohio, USA. He was of Irish descent and received his early education in America before pursuing further studies in Europe. MacGahan attended Brussels University, where he studied law.

Journalism Career

MacGahan’s illustrious career as a journalist began during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870 when he served as a correspondent for the “New York Herald.” He fearlessly reported from the battlefields, earning acclaim for his insightful coverage. His baptism by fire as a war correspondent set the tone for his future endeavors.

Courageous Reporting

In 1871, MacGahan found himself amidst the chaos of the Paris Commune, where he was the sole newspaper correspondent present. His firsthand accounts of the Commune’s events showcased his bravery and dedication to his craft. Five years later, in Bulgaria, MacGahan was deeply moved by the resilience of the Bulgarian insurgents during the uprising in Panagurishte. Drawing parallels between their struggle and that of the Paris communards, MacGahan’s reporting illuminated the Bulgarian people’s quest for freedom and independence.

Defiance and Masterful Reporting

Despite facing bans and restrictions, MacGahan continued to defy authorities to report on significant events. In 1873, he ventured into Turkestan, reaching the Russian army despite the tsarist government’s prohibition. His dispatches on Russian military operations in Asia, particularly his accounts of the capitulation of Khiva, were hailed as masterpieces of military journalism Sightseeing Turkey.

Advocacy for Justice

Throughout his career, whether reporting from Cuba, Spain, England, France, or even within the Arctic Circle, MacGahan remained steadfast in upholding the highest ideals of his time. When “The Times” of London rejected his progressive articles in 1876, fearing their impact, MacGahan found solace in the “Daily News,” where he continued to champion causes like the Bulgarian people’s struggle for freedom.

Januarius Aloysius MacGahan’s legacy endures as a testament to the power of journalism in advocating for truth and justice. His fearless reporting and unwavering commitment to the defense of human rights continue to inspire journalists worldwide. Through his groundbreaking work, MacGahan left an indelible mark on the annals of journalism, earning him a place among its most revered figures.

The Red Army's Intervention

The Red Army’s Intervention and the Shift in Government (1944)

Attempted Change in Foreign Policy (September 8, 1944)

The Moraviev government sought to alter Bulgaria’s pro-German foreign policy and declared war on Germany on September 8, 1944. However, the Russians, anticipating this decision, declared war on Bulgaria on September 5, before Bulgaria’s declaration against Germany came into effect. The Russian objective was to have a legal pretext for occupying and subjugating Bulgaria while it technically remained allied with Germany.

Red Army Invasion and Coup (September 9, 1944)

Following the Red Army’s invasion, the Bulgarian armed forces staged a coup on September 9, 1944, leading to the establishment of a new government. This government included representatives from the Bulgarian National Agrarian Union, the country’s largest political organization, along with Communists, Social Democrats, and minority groups. To expedite an armistice agreement, non-Communist elements in the government were compelled to accept the Red Army’s occupation of Bulgaria. On October 28, 1944, Bulgaria signed an armistice agreement with the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union in Moscow Daily Tours Istanbul.

Mass Executions and Purge of the Bulgarian Army (September 1944)

After the Bulgarian coup of September 9, 1944, the Communists, supported by the Red Army, initiated mass executions of perceived enemies, labeling them as “Fascists.” The Soviet military authorities, along with their Bulgarian collaborators, gradually took control of the Bulgarian Army by purging the officers’ corps, branding many as “Fascist.” This purge marked the most significant aspect of Soviet intervention in Bulgaria. The Bulgarian minister of defense attempted to distinguish between a small minority with Fascist records and the majority following government instructions. The Soviet commander accused the Bulgarian minister of defense of protecting “Fascist officers” and threatened direct intervention by Soviet armed forces.

The Red Army's Intervention

The Red Army’s Intervention and the Shift in Government (1944)

Attempted Change in Foreign Policy (September 8, 1944)

The Moraviev government sought to alter Bulgaria’s pro-German foreign policy and declared war on Germany on September 8, 1944. However, the Russians, anticipating this decision, declared war on Bulgaria on September 5, before Bulgaria’s declaration against Germany came into effect. The Russian objective was to have a legal pretext for occupying and subjugating Bulgaria while it technically remained allied with Germany.

Red Army Invasion and Coup (September 9, 1944)

Following the Red Army’s invasion, the Bulgarian armed forces staged a coup on September 9, 1944, leading to the establishment of a new government. This government included representatives from the Bulgarian National Agrarian Union, the country’s largest political organization, along with Communists, Social Democrats, and minority groups. To expedite an armistice agreement, non-Communist elements in the government were compelled to accept the Red Army’s occupation of Bulgaria. On October 28, 1944, Bulgaria signed an armistice agreement with the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union in Moscow Daily Tours Istanbul.

Mass Executions and Purge of the Bulgarian Army (September 1944)

After the Bulgarian coup of September 9, 1944, the Communists, supported by the Red Army, initiated mass executions of perceived enemies, labeling them as “Fascists.” The Soviet military authorities, along with their Bulgarian collaborators, gradually took control of the Bulgarian Army by purging the officers’ corps, branding many as “Fascist.” This purge marked the most significant aspect of Soviet intervention in Bulgaria. The Bulgarian minister of defense attempted to distinguish between a small minority with Fascist records and the majority following government instructions. The Soviet commander accused the Bulgarian minister of defense of protecting “Fascist officers” and threatened direct intervention by Soviet armed forces.

The Coup of September 9 1944

Shifting Allegiances and Negotiations

As World War II unfolded, the legal opposition in Bulgaria pressed for a break with Germany and a shift towards Western states. Negotiations took place in Istanbul, exploring the possibility of aligning with the Allies. By spring 1944, contacts were established with Soviet diplomacy. Simultaneously, the leftist Fatherland Front, organized in 1942, anticipated a significant change as the Soviet army approached Bulgaria. In the summer of 1944, the cabinet of Ivan Bagryanov made a belated attempt to pivot Bulgarian foreign policy towards the United Kingdom and the United States. However, the Soviet army was already on the northern Bulgarian border.

The Soviet Intervention

On September 5, 1944, the Soviet Union declared war on Bulgaria, and Soviet troops crossed the border. With their decisive assistance, the communist-led Fatherland Front orchestrated a military and political action to seize power. On September 6, the Bulgarian government officially declared war on the Reich. In the early hours of September 9, military units, supported by guerrilla fighters, successfully overthrew the Mouraviev government. Prime Minister Kimon Georgiev, appointed by the Fatherland Front, announced the government’s declaration on the radio.

The Aftermath and the End of the Third Bulgarian Kingdom

The authoritarian non-party regime during World War II failed to address significant domestic issues, leading to a crucial turning point for the Third Bulgarian Kingdom. The events of September 9, 1944, marked a profound shift in Bulgaria’s political landscape Turkey Sightseeing.

Reflections on the Era

The closing lines invite future generations to understand the foundational period of this historical shift, emphasizing the unique challenges and experiences of life during those tumultuous years.

The coup of September 9, 1944, brought about a transformative moment in Bulgarian history, reshaping alliances and redirecting the nation’s political trajectory. The events of that day marked the end of an era and set the stage for a new chapter in Bulgaria’s post-war journey.

A Diplomatic Oversight

Consul Reports Dismissed

Delving into Sir Henry Elliot’s diplomatic conduct, this article begins by scrutinizing his dismissal of reports from Mr. Dupuis, Consul at Adrianople. Despite having access to credible information, Sir Henry seemingly deemed these reports exaggerated without offering any substantial explanation for his skepticism.

A Diplomatic Oversight

One of the critical aspects explored is Sir Henry’s failure to investigate the mounting evidence of atrocities. Instead of proactively seeking the truth or verifying the reports, he sent his dragoman to the Porte Bulgaria Private Tours, relying on Turkish assurances that contradicted the overwhelming evidence of widespread brutality. This diplomatic oversight raises questions about Sir Henry’s commitment to uncovering the reality on the ground.

Sir Henry’s Unsubstantiated Claims

Sir Henry’s unwarranted assertion that Bulgarian atrocities matched those of the Turks, without a shred of evidence, becomes a focal point of scrutiny. The article dissects the implications of such reckless claims and the impact they may have had on shaping public perception and diplomatic responses.

Sir Henry’s Benign Smile

Sir Henry’s allegedly benign smile in response to assurances from the Porte about the gentle nature of Turkish actions sparks deep concern. The juxtaposition of this reaction against the backdrop of widespread atrocities prompts an exploration of the diplomatic indifference exhibited by Sir Henry in the face of human suffering.

Sir Henry’s Controversial Responses

As the bones of thousands of women and children lay scattered across Bulgaria, Sir Henry’s expressions of indignation are analyzed within the context of his continued insistence on exaggerations. The article questions whether his responses align with the gravity of the situation or if they are indicative of a diplomatic stance at odds with the values of compassion and justice.

Assessing Sir Henry’s Representation

The concluding section examines the overall diplomatic conduct of Sir Henry Elliot, raising concerns about his suitability as an ambassador. The juxtaposition of his actions against the principles of a Christian Queen and a generous nation prompts a critical evaluation of Sir Henry’s fitness to represent such values on the diplomatic stage.

Unmasking Diplomatic Oversights and the Quest for Accountability

In the aftermath of atrocities, the article underscores the need for accountability and ethical conduct in diplomacy. Sir Henry Elliot’s actions come under intense scrutiny, emphasizing the importance of transparent investigations, responsible assertions, and a genuine commitment to addressing humanitarian crises in diplomatic practices.

Beyond Burning Structures

Unveiling the Horrors of Humanity in Otluk-kui

As the flames of destruction engulfed Otluk-kui, a town once nestled in the serene landscapes, the haunting echoes of atrocities against humanity pierced through the air. Amidst the burning schools, churches, and private dwellings, the depth of despair reached unimaginable levels, overshadowing even the physical devastation that unfolded.

A Dark Amusement The Tragicomic Interlude of a Jewish Peddler

Within the somber narrative of Otluk-kui’s insurrection, a tragicomic episode emerged, offering a brief respite from the overwhelming sorrow. The tale of a Jewish peddler, caught in the tumultuous currents of the uprising, unfolded as an unexpected interlude in the face of unspeakable horrors.

The peddler, seeking refuge and safety, approached us with a harrowing account of his ordeal. Suspected by the insurgents of potentially revealing their actions to the outside world, he found himself arrested, ensnared in the intricate web of fear and suspicion. The decision-makers, in a curious attempt to ensure his silence, took an unconventional route—they forced him to renounce Judaism.

The scene that unfolded was surreal, as the peddler, now adorned with a Bulgarian cap and bestowed with the Christian name “Ghiorghy” (George), became a pawn in the insurgents’ desperate bid for secrecy. Yet, this theatrical conversion did not extend to baptism, underscoring the superficiality of the gesture. Confined to a makeshift prison within a private house, the peddler’s plight mirrored the absurdity that often accompanies human actions in times of crisis Holidays Bulgaria.

Horrors Unveiled The True Cost of Atrocities Against Humanity

As we peel back the layers of Otluk-kui’s tragedy, the burning of schools, churches, and private dwellings, while significant in their own right, pale in comparison to the unfathomable atrocities perpetrated against humanity. The insurrection, draped in a mournful character, unfurled a tapestry of horror that transcends the physical destruction witnessed in the town.

The forced conversion of the Jewish peddler, though tinged with elements of dark humor, reflects the undercurrents of fear and paranoia that gripped Otluk-kui during those tumultuous days. The insurgents’ desperate attempts to control information and maintain secrecy reveal the lengths to which they were willing to go, even if it meant orchestrating theatrical conversions without true conviction.

In the wake of such chilling episodes, Otluk-kui stands as a testament to the multifaceted nature of human suffering during times of conflict. The true cost of the atrocities against humanity, etched into the town’s scorched streets and collective memory, demands acknowledgment beyond the physical ruins left in the wake of the insurrection. Otluk-kui’s narrative, with its tragicomic interludes and chilling realities, beckons us to delve deeper into the complexities of human behavior in the face of unprecedented brutality.

No Longer Impartial

I have scarcely more than begun the investigation, and the frame of mind I had resolved to maintain at any hazard has already passed away. I fear I am no longer impartial, and I certainly am no longer cool. There are certain things that cannot be investigated in a judicial frame of mind.

There are facts which when perceived send the blood through the veins with an angry rush, and cause the muscles to contract in sudden anger. There are things too horrible to allow anything like calm inquiry ; things, the vileness of which the eye refuses to look upon, and which the mind refuses to contemplate. There are facts which repel and revolt; facts which, when you go about among them, fly in your face. Such is the nature of the facts I came to investigate. I have already investigated enough to feel convinced that, except from a purely statistical point of view, further investigation would be unnecessary City Tours Istanbul.

Atrocities admitted

Mr. Baring and Mr. Schuyler will probably give us enough statistics, and I shall be ready to accept their figures. The atrocities admitted on all hands by those friendly to the Turks, and by the Turks themselves, are enough, and more than enough. I do not care to go on heaping up the mournful count. When you are met in the outset of your investigation with the admission that 60 or 70 villages have been burned, that some 15,000 people have been slaughtered, of whom a large part were women and children, you begin to feel that it is useless to go any further.

When, in addition to this, you have the horrid details of the vilest outrages committed upon women; the hacking to pieces of helpless children and spitting them upon bayonets; and when you have these details repeated you by the hundred, not by Bulgarians, but by the different consuls at Philippopolis and the German officials on the railway, as well as Greeks, Armenians, priests, missionaries, and even Turks themselves, you begin to feel that any further investigation is superfluous.

Partly by persuasion

Urged partly by threats, partly by persuasion, and perhaps in the generous hope that the revolt might after all be successful, she finally consented ; and it is sad to think that her skill in needlework, that most womanly of accomplishments, should have been the cause of so fearful a misfortune to her. In order to not compromise her father and mother, however, she decided to do the work in the house of one of the insurgents.

A vain precaution. It did not prevent her father from being slaughtered, with hundreds of others, in the church where he was officiating. We have seen the flag as it fell into the hands of the Turks, and is now used in evidence on the trials that are going on here. The poor rag, bespattered and torn, was prettily worked with a naive design showing a huge yellow lion, with his paw on a crescent, with which he seemed greatly displeased, and the inscription, “ Liberty or death,” in Bulgarian.

Servia had not declared war

By the first of May, the day fixed upon for the rising to take place, the banner was ready. But Servia had not declared war, and they had received almost certain information that they were betrayed to the Turkish authorities. They determined to go on, as they considered it now too late either to abandon the attempt or to postpone it Private Turkey Tours.

So having taken their arms, they formed in a body and marched to the church, sent for two priests, one of whom was Baikal father, declared their intention of rising, and asked them to bless the undertaking. This the priests did. Although several priests were killed at the time of the massacres, and several more hanged afterwards, it does not appear that any priest took a more active part in the insurrection than that of giving his blessing in one or two instances to the insurgents.

Having obtained the blessing of the Church, the insurgents next called for Raika, and informed her that as she had made the flag she must carry it through the village at the head of a procession. She refused; but they seized her, put her upon a horse, put the flag in her hand, and marched through the streets shouting and singing in the most approved French manner. Having thus declared war, they proceeded to act.

The First Bulgarian Kingdom

The First Bulgarian Kingdom: 681-1018

First steps

When in 680 the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IV Pogonate set out on a long march by both land and sea against the horde of Khan Asparuh, which had settled at the Ongle, he was probably not expecting the forthcoming utter defeat. But the danger of being subjugated by Byzantium made Slavs and Proto-Bulgarians join their efforts. Asparuh made an alliance with the neighbouring Slavic tribes and in an area close to the old Greek city of Odessos (or today’s Varna) was born the First Bulgarian Kingdom. At that time – along with the Byzantines at the passes in the Eastern Balkan Range – the Avars were a real danger from the west and the Hazars were pressing from the southeast. ..

After several successful raids of Khan Asparuh’s horsemen in Thrace Emperor Constantine finally made a peace treaty with him in 681 and this year is regarded as inceptive for the First Bulgarian Kingdom. This was the first Slavic state formation, the first medieval state in Central and Eastern Europe and, of course, one of the oldest states in Europe ever. Even though they were fewer in number and later on they were assimilated by the vast Slavic mass Tour Packages Bulgaria, the Proto-Bulgarians actually played a rather significant role in the new state for a long time – occupying most of the leading military and administrative positions. As a first capital city of the new state was chosen a place in the northeastern part of today’s Bulgaria and named PIiska.

Asparuh met his death in a battle with the Hazars in 700 and his son Tervel (700-718) took over. He succeeded to gain recognition from Byzantium and made the first territorial expansion of his state to the south-east. Some years later the Bulgarian army put Constantinople under siege. But then had to drive back the Arabs who were also attacking the Byzantine capital and that is considered to be the first defeat of Arabian forces on European land…

Khan Tervel’s death brought a political crisis in the state that lasted for some decades.

It was Telerig (768—777) who succeeded in achieving some stability. But then the turmoil was ultimately done away with by Khan Kardam (777- 802) who defeated the Byzantine army, signed a peace treaty with Constantine VI and added the south-western lands along the river Struma to his state.

The First Bulgarian Kingdom

The First Bulgarian Kingdom: 681-1018

First steps

When in 680 the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IV Pogonate set out on a long march by both land and sea against the horde of Khan Asparuh, which had settled at the Ongle, he was probably not expecting the forthcoming utter defeat. But the danger of being subjugated by Byzantium made Slavs and Proto-Bulgarians join their efforts. Asparuh made an alliance with the neighbouring Slavic tribes and in an area close to the old Greek city of Odessos (or today’s Varna) was born the First Bulgarian Kingdom. At that time – along with the Byzantines at the passes in the Eastern Balkan Range – the Avars were a real danger from the west and the Hazars were pressing from the southeast. ..

After several successful raids of Khan Asparuh’s horsemen in Thrace Emperor Constantine finally made a peace treaty with him in 681 and this year is regarded as inceptive for the First Bulgarian Kingdom. This was the first Slavic state formation, the first medieval state in Central and Eastern Europe and, of course, one of the oldest states in Europe ever. Even though they were fewer in number and later on they were assimilated by the vast Slavic mass Tour Packages Bulgaria, the Proto-Bulgarians actually played a rather significant role in the new state for a long time – occupying most of the leading military and administrative positions. As a first capital city of the new state was chosen a place in the northeastern part of today’s Bulgaria and named PIiska.

Asparuh met his death in a battle with the Hazars in 700 and his son Tervel (700-718) took over. He succeeded to gain recognition from Byzantium and made the first territorial expansion of his state to the south-east. Some years later the Bulgarian army put Constantinople under siege. But then had to drive back the Arabs who were also attacking the Byzantine capital and that is considered to be the first defeat of Arabian forces on European land…

Khan Tervel’s death brought a political crisis in the state that lasted for some decades.

It was Telerig (768—777) who succeeded in achieving some stability. But then the turmoil was ultimately done away with by Khan Kardam (777- 802) who defeated the Byzantine army, signed a peace treaty with Constantine VI and added the south-western lands along the river Struma to his state.

Meleager on horseback

Head.—In a niche in the centre is the standing figure of a bald man in a toga, the remaining figures being in the same style as those on the sides.

Foot.—The carving represents Meleager on horseback in the act of spearing a wild boar; behind him is another male figure wearing a toga and carrying a buckler.

The carving is a tolerable sample of Roman workmanship, but the style is defective.

Sarcophagus No. 37.—It is not known where this sarcophagus was found. The lid is missing, and the arms of the human figures, as well as the paws of the wild boars on it, have been broken off. There are carvings on all four of its sides, but the sculpture of one of them only displays any talent. At each of two of the corners is a caryatid clad in a long robe open at the breast and held together below by the left hand, and wearing a high cylindrical head-dress. Under the caryatides, to the right is the figure of a dog, and to the left that of a wild boar. The figures on one of the sides are in two distinct groups and represent two different subjects. The first group consists of the figure of Hippolytus in the centre, seated in an arm-chair; his breast and legs are naked, and his short tunic barely covers his thighs. His left hand grasps a spear, while his right hand rests on the arm of his chair; a hunting-knife lies across his knees, and his head is turned towards the figure of a servant engaged in placing a stag’s horn on a model of a temple of Diana, as a dedicatory offering of a trophy of the chase to the huntress-goddess. The figures in front of Hippolytus are those of a servant lifting the drawn carcass of a wild boar on to a horse’s back, while the latter animal, with a nude servant at its head, drinks at a trough The second group, occupying the left part of this side of the sarcophagus, represents Phaedra, dressed in a long robe, and seated in an arm-chair with her feet on a stool; her head is turned towards a female figure standing behind her, and grasping her wrist with its left hand. Under Phaedra’s chair is a work-basket.

Farther on is another female figure clad in a long robe, standing and leaning her chin on her left hand, as if in grief; farther on still are the figures of Venus, standing near a circular altar, and Cupid, kneeling, and with drawn bow in the act of shooting one of his arrows at Phaedra. The central figure on the other side of the sarcophagus is that of an eagle, and is set in two semicircular garlands of flowers, which cross at the bottom and are supported by two ox-heads. At the head of the sarcophagus is the figure of a sphinx. The carvings at the foot illustrate Theseus’ desertion of Ariadne, and represent the latter asleep at the island of Naxos, and Theseus about to embark in a ship; a sailor sits at the bow waiting to help him on board, and two more of the crew are engaged in embarking a large package, while alongside a dolphin is disporting itself in the water This sarcophagus too belongs to the Eoman period of art.

Hackney Carriages

Hackney Carriages.—Thanks to the stringency of the regulations laid down by the Municipality, and the strictness with which they are enforced, all hackney carriages belonging to the 6 th or Pera division are now clean, well-appointed, and, as often as not, even smart, well-horsed, open vehicles of the victoria type, which in winter are replaced by closed cabs. All are drawn by two horses, on account of the steep gradients and the bad paving. Fares, which are the same whether for one or four persons, are as follows :—

Between sunrise and sunset, for a drive not lasting over 10 minutes, 5 piastres: between sunset and midnight, 7i piastres; between midnight and sunrise, 10 piastres. Between sunrise and sunset, for a drive not lasting over 20 minutes, without crossing the bridge, 10 piastres; between sunset and midnight, 15 piastres; between midnight and sunrise, 20 piastres. By the hour—Between sunrise and sunset, 15 piastres; between sunset and midnight, 20 piastres; between midnight and sunrise, 25 piastres. The two first hours are charged at 15 piastres, and all subsequent hours at 10 piastres. Bridge tolls are extra, and are always charged to the fare. People engaging cabs should always tell their cabman before starting whether they are engaging him by the course, hour, or day.

The afore-mentioned scale of fares applies only to carriages engaged for drives within the city boundary. If the drive extends into the suburbs the fare must be arranged before starting, otherwise the driver can charge what he pleases. Prom Pera to Galata, or vice versa, 10 piastres. Prom Pera to the Railway Station, or vice versa, 25 piastres, including bridge toll. The following fares are considered sufficiently liberal:—Railway Station to Pera, 25 piastres, including bridge toll. Pera to the Seven Towers, thence along the Walls, and back along the Golden Horn, 45 piastres; but if the return be made by way of the Sweet Waters of Europe, 50 to 60 piastres. Pera to Yildiz Palace for the Selamlik on Pridays, 40 piastres, there 9,11(1 back ; during the season (April and May) 50 to 60 piastres guided istanbul tour. Pera to the Sweet Waters of Europe on Fridays and Sundays, in spring and summer, 40 piastres; there and back, 50 to 60 piastres. Pera to Therapia or Buyukdereh and back, 70 to 80 piastres. An ordinary hackney carriage may be had all day for 80 piastres; a smart landau from the livery stables costs 95 to 108 piastres , and 10 piastres for the driver, if taken for all day; and 60 piastres, and 5 piastres for the driver, if for half the day only.

Hackney Horses

Hackney Horses.—These are not so numerous as they were before the introduction of European hackney carriages and cabs. They still stand for hire, however, in all the principal streets, and are mostly used as a mode of conveyance along streets which are either too narrow, too badly paved, or too steep for carriages. The most frequented stands in Pera are near the Grande Rue, in close proximity to the British Embassy, and at Taxim Square, where the best horses are to be got; in Stambul, in the square adjoining the Stambul end of Galata Bridge, and at Ak-Seray. These horses are all amblers; few, if any, have carried a lady. The saddles and bridles are European.

There are no regular fixed fares, and the price of hire has therefore to be settled before starting.

Boats and Caiques.—When landing from or going on board a steamer one of the large clumsy harbour boats should be engaged, which will convey passengers and their luggage in safety. According to the tariff of the hotels the fare is 2 francs per head; luggage is not charged for.

Caiques should not be used, except for an excursion along the Golden Horn or Bosporus in very smooth water, and then the four-oared ones, carrying a party of four or five at most, are the best. These craft are very crank, and the greatest care should be taken in getting in and out of them. They are not provided with thwarts for passengers, but the latter have to sit down on the cushions in the well, where if they only sit still they are safe enough. Never step on to the gunwale of a caique, but step lightly into the well, and sit down at once on the cushions in such a manner as to trim her while your friend is taking his seat. The same precautions should be taken when getting out of one of these craft. As there is no fixed tariff for caiques, a bargain should be made before starting. Caique fares ought not to exceed the following scale :—

A two-pair oar caique from Galata to Skutari, Haidar Pasha, or Kadikeui, 8 piastres. Galata to Ayub and back, 15 piastres. On Sundays and Fridays in spring, fares range up to 25 piastres. Galata to the Sweet Waters of Europe and back, 20 to 25 piastres. From Rumell Hissar to the Sweet Waters of Asia, 6 piastres. From Rumell Hissar to Sweet Waters and back to Galata Bridge, 40 piastres. Across the Golden Horn, piastre. Galata to the Seven Towers, 20 to 30 piastres, according to the state of the weather. If engaged by the hour, fares range from 5 piastres to 10 piastres an hour, according to the size of the caique, the weather, and season. The best caiques ply at Mehmed Ali Pasha Han, and under Galata Bridge near the Scutari steamers’ berth, where two-pair caiques can always be got.

ATCHITECTURAL ENSEMBLE

on Tsanko Lavrenov Street

Along the northern side of the steep cobbled street, which goes through the Hisar Gate there is a striking ensemble of some of the most interesting Revival houses in Plovdiv. Because of the terrain the houses stand in a terrace-like order on the northern side of the street. Up on the saddle above Hisar Gate there rises the stately body of the largest Revival house – the home of Argir Kuyumjioghlu. To the right of the Gate you can see the broken up facade of Dimiter Georgiadi’s house. Further down high stone walls hide the houses of Nikola Nedkovich and Ivan Chernozemski. At the very end of the street there rise the bell tower and the dome of the SS. Constantine and Helena Church. The street bears the name of the distinguished Bulgarian painter Tsanko Lavrenov, the author of many paintings of Old Plovdiv.

ARCHITECTURAL ENSEMBLE

on Dr Stoyan Chomakov Street

The Revival Period houses on this street are some of the oldest in Plovdiv, most of them built at the end of the 18th century. At the beginning of the street, behind a high stone wall and at the far end of a spacious courtyard is Kuyumjioghlu’s magnificent house, now the Ethnographic Muse freedom’ in the struggle against the foreign rule bulgaria holidays.

Another quite impressive house is Veren Stambolyan’s. Symmetrical in design, with a gracious bay window overhanging the street, it is situated in a deep gardened courtyard. Most original for its architecture and interior design is the so-called House with the alafrangas. Each room of this house, built at the turn of the 19th c. has an attractive ornamental niche – alafranga – with painted townscapes and decorative patterns. The street is named after a benefactor of education in Plovdiv and its area – father Kiril Nectariev, born in Sopot and for many years a coadjutor at the Plovdiv diocese in the 19th c.

REVIVAL PERIOD HOUSES

Plovdiv’s residential architecture of the Revival Period is a veritable peak in the development of Bulgarian architecture in general. Starting from the end of the 17th c. Plovdiv grew steadily as an important economic centre and in the middle of the 19thc.it was the biggest town in the heartland of the Bulgaria lands. The greater financial means of the population promoted the construction of a new type of urban houses – the so-called Plovdiv house. In the 18th and 19th c. it went through two phases – symmetrical and asymmetrical. The earliest specimens of asymmetrical houses preserved date back to the end of the 18th c.

They have expressive facades broken up by bay windows, balconies facing the courtyard and a veranda with wooden pillars on the ground floor. Some of the noteworthy houses of this type are Furnadjiev House at 53 Dr Stoilov St., the house of Haji Vlasaki Chohadjiyata (housing Old Plovdiv Association), Dr. Vlado’s House at 7 Puldin St., Danchov House and others. The symmetrical type of house appeared in the 30s of the 19th c. Its characteristic feature is a centrally positioned grand drawing-room – hayet, with rooms of equal size standing around it.

PLOVDIV ASSENOVGRAD BACHKOVO MONASTERY NARECHEN

PLOVDIV – ASSENOVGRAD – BACHKOVO MONASTERY – NARECHEN – CHEPELARE – PAMPOROVO – SMOLYAN (102 km)

Assenovgrad (pop. 45,332) 19 km from Plovdiv, is situated on the northern slopes of the Rhodopes. Its old name of Stanimaka means ‘defence of a pass’. It was first mentioned in 1083, but the remains of Thracian mounds near the town show that it has an even older history. It was a defence fortress in the Middle Ages. At present the town is the centre of an agricultural region with a well-developed food industry (tobacco, canning, meat and meat-processing, wines — Stanimashka Malaga and Mavroud).

Tourist attractions are St George’s Church, 1843; the Church of Virgin Mary, 1760, with a carved wooden iconostasis, by Debur masters; the Church of St Nicholas, with iconostasis by Tryavna masters; the old Church of St Jan, 13th century, 8 km east of the town is the St Nedelya Monastery which played a major role in the struggles for independent religion in the 19th century private turkey tours.

Assmovgrad

The Church of the Holy Virgin

2.5 km from the town is Assen’s Fortress built in the 11 th-12th centuries. In 1231 the Bulgarian Tsar, Ivan Assenll, restored and enlarged it. It played a major role in the wars between Bulgarians and Byzantines. In the early 18th century it was destroyed, and only a 7th-century one-nave church remains.

Assenovets hotel, 2 stars, 11 storeys, 4 suites, 22 single and 122 double rooms; restaurant, night club, coffee shop, day bar, information office, tel. 20-85.

Nine kilometres from Assenovgrad is Bachkovo Monastery, situated on the steep bank of the Chepelarska over. It is Bulgaria’s second largest after Rila Monastery and is included in the World List of cultural monuments of UNESCO.

Founded in 1083 by the Georgian monk Grigorii Bacuriani, it has been reconstructed several times. The only building preserved from the time of its foundation is the two-storeyed church and ossuary of Archangel Michael, The church murals date from the Comnenus dynasty (12th-14th century).

The central church of Virgin Mary was built in 1604, during Ottoman rule. Early in the 18th century the monastery was extended and another church, St Nicholas, was built, with murals by Zahari Zograph.

During Ottoman domination the monastery was a centre of education. It had a large library. Now it has a museum collection with interesting icons, gospels, jewellery, coins, etc.

There is a restaurant at the monastery and beds are also available for guests. Bachkovo camp site is near by.

14 km from Bachkovo Monastery is the Narechen spa (1,800), situated on both banks of the Chepelarska river, at an altitude of 620 m. Its climate combines the moderate continental climate of South Bulgaria and a Mediterranean climate. Summer is warm, but not hot, and winter is mild.

Sandamki

Sandamki (population 20,500) is situated 50 kilometres south of Simitli on the bank of the Bistritsa River. It is a spa with hot springs whose temperatures range from 37°C to 72°C at source. It is used for curative purposes and for heating the green houses in the town. The climate here is mild of Mediterranean character. The mean annual temperature is 14°C, the highest in the country, and the relative humidity averages 66 per cent. The favourable weather conditions allow Sandanski to operate as a spa — all the year round. There is a new sanatorium offering heart treatment, inhalation, paraffin wraps, corrective exercises, massage, etc. The waters are recommended for the treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract such as chronic bronchitis, tracheitis, tracheobronchitis, light and moderate forms of emphysema, bronchial asthma and asthmatic bronchitis, as well as chronic diseases of the joints and gynaecological diseases.

The Sandanski Hotel — (four star), has seven single, 288 double rooms and five suites. There are modem facilities for balneological treatment: indoor and outdoor swimming pools sports halls, sauna. Other facilities include a bowling alley and garage for 200 cars. Tel. 50-00. The Spartak Hotel — (two star) has 27 single and 50 double rooms, seven suites, restaurant, bar, night club and coffee-shop. Tel. 24-25.

At the entrance of the town is a monument to Spartacus t ?4-71 B.C.), a descendant of the Thracian tribe Medi that lived in the area of the middle course of the river Strouma.

About 12 kilometres south of Sandanski, at the village of Delchevo, the road forks left to Melnik, the smallest town in Bulgaria with a population of 480. In the Middle Ages the Bul-garian Boyar Alexi Slav had his residence there (1215). The town prospered and during the National Revival (18th and 19th century) reached the peak of its cultural and economic development.

Melnik is Boyar House

The oldest and most important piece of architecture in Melnik is Boyar House, the oldest domestic structure in Bulgaria, built between the 10th and the 14th centuries.r’ he Kordo- poulo House (1754) dominates the town and is a veritable fortress. Its rooms are decorated with murals and woodcarvings. Deep in its basements, cut into the sandstone are huge wine cellars where the famous Melnik wine matures sofia city tour.

Pashova House is now a museum with many woodcarvings and painting on glass. South of Melnik in Slav Park are the mins of the old St Nicholas Monastery, built in the 13th century. Not far away are the mins of the fortress of the despot Alexi Slav, dating from the beginning of the 13th century,

Melnik Hotel — (two star), an original three-storeyed building whose architecture is in perfect harmony with the en-vironment and the beautiful scenery, It has 34 beds in single and double rooms, restaurant, banqueting hall for 30 and bar.

Six kilometres south of Melnik is Rozhen Monastery (14th century). The Monastery Church, built in 1600, has a marvellous carved iconostasis, other rare icons and exquisite glass paintings.

Melnik lies about 186 kilometres from Sofia along the highway.

At the village of Delchevo the road branches towards Petrich (population 26,500). In the Middle Ages and during the Second Bulgarian State, Petrich played an important role as a fortress protecting Bulgaria against foreign invasions. During World War I, the town was completely destroyed. The local in-dustry includes wood processing, tobacco goods, manufacture, canneries and greenhouse market gardening.