Exchange of Valuable Gifts

Sultan Mahmut I reciprocated the valuable throne received from Nadir Shah with a dispatch of highly valuable gifts. Among these gifts was the renowned “Topkapi Khanjar,” which was sent through the mission led by Kesriyeli Ahmet Pasha.

Sultan’s Decree for Mission

Upon the return of envoy Mustafa Nazif Efendi to Istanbul, he briefed Sultan Mahmut I about the gifts exchanged. In response, Sultan Mahmut I issued a decree assigning Kesriyeli Ahmet Pasha and his mission to Iran, accompanied by exceptionally valuable gifts described as unparalleled Istanbul Private Tours Mevlevi.

Detailed Account by Izzi Suleyman Efendi

Izzi Suleyman Efendi, the private historian to Sultan Mahmut I, provided a detailed account of the incident. He described how a committee was formed to determine the gifts to be sent in exchange for the highly valuable throne. Izzi elaborated on the evaluation process of treasury items, highlighting the meticulous procedures followed.

Evaluation and Documentation

The gifts earmarked for Iran were presented to the Sultan by a committee in the Audience Hall. Under the supervision of this committee, the Chief Jeweller of the Palace, Chief Doorkeeper of the Covered Market, and other officials evaluated the gifts and fixed their prices. A register was maintained for these gifts, and the Chief Doorkeeper of the Treasury was tasked with packaging them and sealing the envelopes under the oversight of the Grand Vizier.

Symbolic Commentary

In addition to documenting the evaluation process, the register book contained a noteworthy commentary emphasizing the symbolic significance of the priceless gifts. It likened these gifts to drops in the sea when compared to the grandeur and authority of the Ottoman State.

Through Izzi Suleyman Efendi’s detailed account, we gain insight into the meticulous procedures and symbolic significance associated with the exchange of valuable gifts during Sultan Mahmut I’s reign.

The Mysterious Bankovsky

The enigmatic figure known as Bankovsky remains shrouded in mystery, his true identity concealed behind a veil of secrecy. Despite efforts to uncover his origins, his real name remains elusive, though it is certain that he was Bulgarian.

Description and Influence

According to Raika, Bankovsky was a striking figure, tall and handsome, with a blonde mustache and piercing blue eyes. His commanding presence and fiery oratory skills captivated the villagers, swaying them with impassioned speeches. Under his influence, they unanimously resolved to revolt upon Servia’s declaration of war, which they anticipated with certainty.

The Need for a Symbol

Recognizing the power of symbolism, the insurgents understood that a flag would galvanize their cause and lend legitimacy to their rebellion. Raika, renowned for her needlework skills, was tasked with embroidering the standard of their uprising. Initially hesitant and aware of the dangers involved, she attempted to dissuade them. However, faced with determination and persuasion from the insurgents, she reluctantly agreed to undertake the task Tour Packages Bulgaria.

Tragic Consequences

To shield her family from potential repercussions, Raika decided to embroider the flag in the house of one of the insurgents, hoping to keep her involvement discreet. Unfortunately, this precaution proved futile. Her father, serving as a priest in the village church, fell victim to the Turkish massacre along with hundreds of others. The flag, now a grim reminder of the rebellion, serves as evidence in ongoing trials.

Symbol of Struggle

The flag, despite its tattered state, bears witness to the villagers’ fervent desire for liberty. Embroidered with a simple yet powerful design—a majestic yellow lion with its paw atop a crescent, symbolizing defiance against Ottoman rule—the flag bears the inscription “Liberty or death” in Bulgarian, embodying the villagers’ unwavering commitment to their cause.

Bankovsky’s influence and the symbolism of the embroidered flag underscore the complex dynamics of the rebellion in Panagurishti. Raika’s involvement, though reluctantly undertaken, tragically intertwines her fate with the unfolding events, highlighting the profound sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom and independence.

Unfathomable Horrors Unveiled

Conflicting Figures

Reports from various sources paint a harrowing picture of devastation and loss in the regions surrounding Philippopolis and Tatar Bazardjik. Mr. Baring’s forthcoming report is expected to document approximately fifty villages razed to the ground and nearly 15,000 lives lost. However, this figure is considered conservative, as French and Russian Consuls, along with railway officials, offer significantly higher estimates, suggesting over a hundred villages decimated and casualties ranging from 25,000 to 40,000. Shockingly, some claim the death toll to be as high as 100,000.

Overwhelming Horror

Once the staggering figure of 15,000 lives lost in just four days is acknowledged, further inquiry seems almost futile. The magnitude of suffering encapsulated in this statistic is unfathomable. Whether the higher estimates are accurate or not, the horror remains undiminished. It’s not the numerical increase that intensifies the horror but the gruesome details that accompany the carnage Turkey Sightseeing.

Heart-Wrenching Testimonies

Accounts from eyewitnesses provide chilling insights into the barbarity unleashed upon innocent civilians. The Greek Consul recounts the horrific fate of 12,000 women and children herded into Tatar Bazardjik, subjected to unspeakable atrocities. Stories emerge of desperate Bulgarian parents resorting to unthinkable acts, such as killing their own families to spare them from the brutality of the Bashi-Bazouks. German officials recount scenes of unimaginable cruelty, including the mutilation of men’s bodies left for animals to devour, the agonizing torment inflicted upon helpless children, and the brutal execution of a priest who witnessed the annihilation of his loved ones before enduring unspeakable torture himself.

Unimaginable Cruelty

The atrocities detailed in these accounts defy comprehension, plunging the mind into a realm of horror too ghastly to contemplate fully. Each narrative serves as a testament to the depths of human depravity and the unfathomable suffering endured by the innocent. As these chilling testimonies emerge, the urgency to address the heinous crimes perpetrated against humanity grows ever more pressing.

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.

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.

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.

Bulgaria's Path to Democracy 1988-1990

Covert Opposition and the Emergence of the Union of the Democratic Forces (UDF)

Amidst the changing tides of 1988, Bulgaria’s Secret Services strategically worked to suppress any opposition movement that might naturally emerge. Unlike other Eastern European nations with pre-existing oppositions, such as Poland or Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria’s democratic movement, rallying under the slogan “Forty-five years are enough! Time is ours!” was led not by dissidents or anti-communists but by representatives of the totalitarian intellectual elite. The communists responded with a retort, asserting, “Time might be yours, but the money is ours!” This marked the swift transfer of public funds into the hands of newly affiliated businessmen loyal to the Party.

On December 7, 1989, sixteen opposition organizations, including former “non-formals” and reactivated pre-war parties, joined forces to establish the Union of the Democratic Forces (UDF). Driven by the “dissident” Zhelyo Zhelev, a Doctor of Philosophical Sciences, the UDF spearheaded mass rallies and public protests. These actions triggered a transformation in the leadership of existing public and political organizations, prompting most to undergo name changes. Even the Bulgarian Communist party felt the impact of democratization, rebranding itself as the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), with internal factions emerging. Following the “gentle revolution” model in Czechoslovakia, the concept of a “peaceful transition from the totalitarian system to democracy” gained traction City Tours Istanbul.

The Round Table Conference and Democratic Agreements

In January 1990, mirroring the Polish example, the “reformed” communist government initiated a dialogue with the opposition, mainly composed of ex-communists and former functionaries from totalitarian structures. This took the form of a conference known as the “round table.” Intense debates at the round table resulted in agreements on crucial issues such as democratizing state institutions, enacting a law on political parties, restoring private property, guaranteeing human rights, privatizing, and introducing a market economy. As a direct outcome, the Zhivkov-led State Council was dissolved, and Petar Mladenov assumed the role of Bulgaria’s First President. This marked a pivotal step in Bulgaria’s journey toward democracy, guided by the principles of dialogue and compromise.

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.

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.

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.

Mr. Baring to do so

These were women who had escaped from the massacre, and had only just returned for the first time, having taken advantage of our visit or that of Mr. Baring to do so. They might have returned long ago, but their terror was so great that they had not dared, without the presence and protection of a foreigner, and now they would go on for hours in this way, “keening ” this kind of funeral dirge over their ruined homes. This was the explanation of the curious sound we had heard when up on the hill.

As we advanced there were more and more ; some sitting on the heaps of stones that covered the doors of their houses ; others walking up and down before their doors, wringing their hands and repeating the same despairing wail. There were few tears in this universal mourning. It was dry, hard, and despairing. The fountain of tears had been dried up weeks before, but the tide of sorrow and misery was as great as ever, and had to find vent without their aid.

Five hundred people

As we proceeded most of them fell into line behind us, and they finally formed a procession of four or five hundred people, mostly women and children, who followed us about wherever we went with their mournful cries. Such a sound as their united voices sent up to heaven I hope never to hear again.

It may be well, before going further, to say something about Batak, so that the reader may form a better idea of what took place here. It was a place of nine hundred houses, and about 8,000 or 9,000 inhabitants. As there are no census statistics, nor, indeed, trustworthy statistics of any other kind in Turkey, it is impossible to tell exactly what the population of any place is or was.

But the ordinary rule of calculating five persons to the house will not hold good in Bulgaria. The Bulgarians, like the Russian peasantry, adhere to the old patriarchal method, and fathers and married sons, with their children and children s children, live under the same roof until the grandfather dies Guided Istanbul Tour.

As each son in his turn gets married, a new room is added to the old building, until with the new generation there will often be twenty or thirty people living under the same roof, all paying obedience and respect to the head of the family. In estimating the population, therefore, by the number of houses, somewhere between eight and ten souls must be counted as the average. Edip Effendi, in his report, states that there were only about 1,400 inhabitants in the village, all told.

Mr. Baring to do so

These were women who had escaped from the massacre, and had only just returned for the first time, having taken advantage of our visit or that of Mr. Baring to do so. They might have returned long ago, but their terror was so great that they had not dared, without the presence and protection of a foreigner, and now they would go on for hours in this way, “keening ” this kind of funeral dirge over their ruined homes. This was the explanation of the curious sound we had heard when up on the hill.

As we advanced there were more and more ; some sitting on the heaps of stones that covered the doors of their houses ; others walking up and down before their doors, wringing their hands and repeating the same despairing wail. There were few tears in this universal mourning. It was dry, hard, and despairing. The fountain of tears had been dried up weeks before, but the tide of sorrow and misery was as great as ever, and had to find vent without their aid.

Five hundred people

As we proceeded most of them fell into line behind us, and they finally formed a procession of four or five hundred people, mostly women and children, who followed us about wherever we went with their mournful cries. Such a sound as their united voices sent up to heaven I hope never to hear again.

It may be well, before going further, to say something about Batak, so that the reader may form a better idea of what took place here. It was a place of nine hundred houses, and about 8,000 or 9,000 inhabitants. As there are no census statistics, nor, indeed, trustworthy statistics of any other kind in Turkey, it is impossible to tell exactly what the population of any place is or was.

But the ordinary rule of calculating five persons to the house will not hold good in Bulgaria. The Bulgarians, like the Russian peasantry, adhere to the old patriarchal method, and fathers and married sons, with their children and children s children, live under the same roof until the grandfather dies Guided Istanbul Tour.

As each son in his turn gets married, a new room is added to the old building, until with the new generation there will often be twenty or thirty people living under the same roof, all paying obedience and respect to the head of the family. In estimating the population, therefore, by the number of houses, somewhere between eight and ten souls must be counted as the average. Edip Effendi, in his report, states that there were only about 1,400 inhabitants in the village, all told.

Mudir of Otluk-kui

There is no pity in the breasts of these savages. Then, fainting, insensible, she was thrown into a cart and sent off to Philippopolis, thrown into prison there, and kept on bread and water until the arrival of Mr. Schuyler. Then she was set at liberty, ill, shattered in health, and brokenhearted.

We saw this same Mudir of Otluk-kui when we were there. Mr. Baring spoke of him as the most filthy brute he ever saw. The very night Mr. Baring was there, the Mudir, as if in very contempt for his presence in the place, sent for two young married women, whose husbands had been killed in the massacre, to come to his house. They refused. The next night, when Mr. Schuyler was there, he again sent for them, and they again refused ; but they came to Mr. Schuyler next day in despair, saying they felt sure that as soon as we left the village he would send his zaptiehs for them. When Mr. Schuyler spoke to the Governor of Philippopolis about this Mudir, he simply replied that he knew he was a bad man, but he had no better man to put in his place City Tours Istanbul.

This man will not be punished, nor will Achmet Aga, the destroyer of Batak, nor another Achmet Aga, equally infamous, who destroyed Perustltza; nor Tossum Bey, who burnt Klissura; nor Ohefket Pacha, who, beaten as a general in Bosnia and Herzegovina, wreaked his vengeance on the unresisting people of Bazardjik, where his generalship had full scope.

These men have, on the contrary, been rewarded, decorated, and promoted. And we can do nothing; I am sure nothing will be done. Diplomacy is impotent. If Sir Henry Elliot remains in Constantinople he will make a few mild representations to the Porte, which the latter will receive with the best possible grace, and—that is all. How could it be otherwise? Sir Henry does not believe in the atrocities. How can he be expected to make strong representations on the subject?

Ottoman Turks were stopped by the Serbian

However, at the dawn of the 15th century to the west and north, the Ottoman Turks were stopped by the Serbian princes and the Wallachian chieftains. To the east Constantinople, though surrounded on all sides, still bravely defended its independence until 1453. Through the efforts of Vladislav HI, the young King of Poland and Hungary, in 1444 Europe organized a coalition against the Ottoman aggression. After unsuccessful battles it was defeated. The resistance organised by the pope in 1457 under the form of an anti-Turkish Crusade and headed by George Castriota (1404-1468), more popular as Scanderbeg, barred the invaders’ inroads into Albania till 1468.

DuringOhe next five centuries the Bulgarians attempted on several occasions to throw off the Ottoman yoke. The movement of the haidouks (sort of Bulgarian partisans) acquired some activity in the 16th and 17lh century. In 1598 and in 1686 two uprisings broke out in the former capital of the Second Tours Bulgaria.

A typical sight from Turkish times: the village Kovachevitsa in the moun- Bulgarian Kingdom 1. Some tain Rhodopes.

Bulgarians took part in the wars of other countries against the Ottoman Empire. But it was not until the middle of the 18lh century that began the period known as the National Renaissance…

Suleiman the Great

The mosque inside the gate is that of Mihri- Mah, daughter of Suleiman the Great, and wife of Rustem Pasha, and was built in 1555 by Suleiman on the site of the Greek Church of St. George; the Greeks being allowed, by way of compensation, to build another church, still intact, opposite the mosque.

The street on the left through the gate leads to the Mosaic Mosque. The street running along the walls, in the direction of the harbour, leads through the Jewish quarter to Tekfur Sarai (Hebdomon Palace).

The sixth inner tower beyond Edirneh Kapu is called Nicholas Tower, after a Byzantine cavalry officer. At this point the line of walls is interrupted for a short distance by Tekfur Sarai, because this latter, erected before the walls, was an obstacle which had either to be demolished or to be enclosed within the new wall. The weak part in the line of walls, caused by the presence of the palace at this spot, was therefore strengthened by a wall running along the rear of the building. In this transverse wall was a postern gate giving access into the town. This is the famous postern or Kerkoporta, which, after having been closed up, was reopened by the Byzantines for military purposes during the last siege of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453 ; the gate was then left open through carelessness, and was entered by a small party of the enemy., who, planting their flag on the neighbouring tower, caused such a panic throughout the city that no further resistance was offered by the defenders.

Byzantine Rebdomon district

This spot is the sixth hill, the site of the Byzantine Rebdomon district. It was divided into two parts, styled respectively the Outer and the Inner Rebdomon. The Outer Hebdomon was the Campus Martins, where the earlier emperors were proclaimed, and where the troops took the oath of allegiance. The Tribunal from which the emperors were wont to address the troops was in all probability the tower immediately adjoining Tekfur Sara’i, and was built by the Emperor Yalens, who was the first sovereign thus proclaimed emperor in Constantinople.

The Campus Martius also served as a drill-ground for the troops, and was the scene of the numerous litanies performed during seasons of long drought and after earthquakes, and of the annual litany in commemoration of the disastrous earthquake which occurred in 556 A.D., during the reign of Justinian. Inner Hebdomon was the Hebdomon Palace, now known as Tekfur Sarai. This latter name is, in all probability, a Turkish corruption of the Greek rod tcvpiov (‘ of the lord ’), the title by which the Turks designated the Byzantine emperors, and the Turkish word Sarai (‘palace’). Nothing certain is known about the founder of the palace.

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.

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.