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Final Rituals and Prayer
The religious staff, along with the Palace’s Imam and the Sultan’s Imam, conducted the final rituals under the Harem’s supervision. After prayers, they lifted the coffin and placed it temporarily on a stone, while muezzins chanted “Allahu Ekber” (God is most great).
Procession to the Middle Gate
The Sheikhulislam, Kaymakam Pasha, the Admiral, and other officials gathered at the ritual site. Sultan Selim III saluted the funeral before the audience hall’s door. Then, high officials carried the coffin to the Middle Gate.
Transition to the Old Harberdiers
At the Middle Gate, the old harberdiers took over the coffin’s carriage. The Sheikhulislam, Kaymakam Pasha, and the Admiral wore ceremonial attire, while others dressed either in ceremonial furs or ordinary clothes Istanbul Fun Tours.
Traditional Attire
Despite the tradition dictating official attire for procession participants, some wore ordinary clothes, as evidenced by historical accounts.
Inclusion of Officials
High officials, including the Governor of Istanbul, joined the procession, along with some learned men and individuals from the Medresse.
Burial and Final Respects
Following the burial at the Noble Tomb, Kaymakam Pasha, after attending prayers and paying respects, arranged for the deceased’s final resting place with the assistance of the Harem’s chief black eunuch.
This account portrays the ceremonial customs and protocols observed during the funeral procession of Sultan Abdulhamit I, emphasizing the participation of various high officials and the meticulous attention to traditional attire.
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Investigation into Alleged Atrocities
False Claims of Atrocities
Kiani Pacha, tasked with investigating atrocities committed by the Baslii-Bazouks, made startling claims to Mr. Schuyler. However, upon investigation, it was discovered that some of these claims were entirely baseless. For instance, the alleged killing of the wife and daughter of the Mudir of Avrat-alan was found to be untrue, as the Mudir had no daughter, and his wife was unharmed. Similarly, reports of the murder of the Mudir’s wife in Otluk-kui were debunked, as there was no Mudir in the village during the unrest.
Disputing Accounts of Turkish Women’s Deaths
Of the twelve reported cases of Turkish women killed, only five were investigated, revealing that three were entirely unfounded. Without knowledge of the villages where the other seven incidents purportedly occurred, further investigation was impossible, leading to doubts about the accuracy of these claims. Additionally, the gruesome tale recounted by Edib Effendi about the mutilation of a Turkish girl was deemed pure fiction, lacking any evidence or credibility Bulgaria Tours.
Events in Panagurishti
In Panagurishti, also known as Otluk-kui, nine Turks and two Turkish women were reported killed over a period of nine to ten days. However, examination revealed that all but two women and one zaptieh were killed while armed, suggesting they were actively involved in confrontations. Around twenty prisoners were captured during this time, all of whom were treated well until the arrival of the Turkish army, which subsequently released them.
Corroboration of Accounts
The validity of these findings is supported by multiple accounts from different sources, including a schoolmistress in Panagurishti. Upon further investigation and comparison with various testimonies, the consistency of the accounts became evident. Furthermore, the Turks themselves, both locally and in Philippopolis, did not claim a higher death toll than what was reported.
The investigation into alleged atrocities revealed discrepancies and false claims regarding the deaths of Turkish women and other incidents. Through careful examination and corroboration of accounts, it was determined that many of these claims lacked credibility. This underscores the importance of thorough investigation and skepticism when assessing reports of violence and unrest.
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Investigation into Alleged Atrocities
False Claims of Atrocities
Kiani Pacha, tasked with investigating atrocities committed by the Baslii-Bazouks, made startling claims to Mr. Schuyler. However, upon investigation, it was discovered that some of these claims were entirely baseless. For instance, the alleged killing of the wife and daughter of the Mudir of Avrat-alan was found to be untrue, as the Mudir had no daughter, and his wife was unharmed. Similarly, reports of the murder of the Mudir’s wife in Otluk-kui were debunked, as there was no Mudir in the village during the unrest.
Disputing Accounts of Turkish Women’s Deaths
Of the twelve reported cases of Turkish women killed, only five were investigated, revealing that three were entirely unfounded. Without knowledge of the villages where the other seven incidents purportedly occurred, further investigation was impossible, leading to doubts about the accuracy of these claims. Additionally, the gruesome tale recounted by Edib Effendi about the mutilation of a Turkish girl was deemed pure fiction, lacking any evidence or credibility Bulgaria Tours.
Events in Panagurishti
In Panagurishti, also known as Otluk-kui, nine Turks and two Turkish women were reported killed over a period of nine to ten days. However, examination revealed that all but two women and one zaptieh were killed while armed, suggesting they were actively involved in confrontations. Around twenty prisoners were captured during this time, all of whom were treated well until the arrival of the Turkish army, which subsequently released them.
Corroboration of Accounts
The validity of these findings is supported by multiple accounts from different sources, including a schoolmistress in Panagurishti. Upon further investigation and comparison with various testimonies, the consistency of the accounts became evident. Furthermore, the Turks themselves, both locally and in Philippopolis, did not claim a higher death toll than what was reported.
The investigation into alleged atrocities revealed discrepancies and false claims regarding the deaths of Turkish women and other incidents. Through careful examination and corroboration of accounts, it was determined that many of these claims lacked credibility. This underscores the importance of thorough investigation and skepticism when assessing reports of violence and unrest.
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Resilience Amidst Ruin The Story of Raddovo
A Once Flourishing Village
As we journeyed to this destination, we made a stop for the night in the village of Raddovo. This quaint settlement, once bustling with life, now stands as a somber testament to the devastation wrought by the Bashi-Bazouks. Raddovo, comprising 160 houses, lies in ruins, its once vibrant streets now silent and desolate. Not a single structure remains intact, reduced to rubble and ash by the merciless onslaught.
Tales of Survival
Despite the widespread destruction, the resilient spirit of Raddovo’s inhabitants endures. Gathered around us, they recounted their harrowing ordeal with a mix of trepidation and determination. Faced with the imminent threat of the Bashi-Bazouks, they chose flight over confrontation, fleeing their homes in search of safety. Thanks to timely warnings, the majority managed to escape, with only twenty-two men falling victim to the violence. Remarkably, all women and children were spared from harm.
Betrayal and Loss
However, their reprieve was short-lived. Upon their return to the village, a cruel fate awaited eight of their fellow villagers. Arrested under false pretenses, they were callously executed while en route to Philippopolis, their lives brutally cut short. The discovery of their bodies, strewn along the roadside, served as a grim reminder of the atrocities inflicted upon innocent lives Guided Turkey Tours .
Struggling to Rebuild
Returning to their once thriving homes, the inhabitants of Raddovo were met with utter devastation. Stripped of their belongings, their livestock, and their livelihoods, they now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from the ashes. With their homes reduced to rubble and their possessions plundered, they find themselves destitute and bereft. Compounding their plight, the refusal of the Turks to return their stolen livestock further exacerbates their hardships, leaving their harvests to wither in the fields.
A Resilient Spirit
Despite the adversity they face, the people of Raddovo persevere, clinging to hope amidst the ruins. Theirs is a story of resilience in the face of unimaginable loss, a testament to the indomitable human spirit. As they navigate the challenges of rebuilding their shattered community, they draw strength from their unity and determination. Though the road ahead may be fraught with obstacles, their resolve remains unshaken, a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of despair.
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Economic Challenges and Shifts Between the Wars
Economic Challenges and Shifts Between the Wars (1918-1941)
Post-World War I Industrial Landscape (1918-1920)
After World War I, Bulgarian industry comprised 1,544 enterprises with 55,717 workers and 5,083,000 leva of invested capital. The Stambolisky government took measures to eliminate grain speculation, fostered cooperatives, and created a consortium with a grain export monopoly. Labor conscription was introduced to facilitate significant projects like railroads, highways, and canals. Land redistribution aimed at providing poor peasants with agricultural opportunities. The establishment of new industrial enterprises and joint-stock companies marked a period of progress from 1920 to 1923, despite the global economic crisis.
Stabilization and Growth (1926-1930)
A period of stabilization occurred during 1926-1929 under Liapchev’s government. By 1930, industrial production had risen to 7,320,000,000 leva. Joint-stock companies proliferated, reaching 622 by the end of 1928, with substantial foreign capital investments. However, the worldwide depression of 1929-1933 impacted Bulgaria’s economy. Foreign trade, the gold backing of the lev, and reparations obligations were severely affected. The rural sector faced challenges, and the government struggled with economic adversity. The tobacco industry thrived, and legislation aimed at addressing unemployment and debtor liabilities was implemented Guided Istanbul Tour.
Economic Challenges and German Orientation (1933-1941)
The global economic crisis of 1937 added further challenges. Bulgaria’s foreign policy shifted towards Germany due to economic interdependence. Germany relied on Bulgaria’s agricultural produce, and Bulgaria needed the German market for agricultural exports and to acquire machine products. This economic partnership intensified as shown by the increase in export and import percentages to Germany between 1936 and 1939. By the beginning of World War II, Bulgaria’s economic dependence on Germany was significant, with 72.5% of imports and 70.2% of exports involving Germany in 1941. This economic situation persisted until the Soviet army crossed the northern frontier in 1944.
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Economic Challenges and Shifts Between the Wars
Economic Challenges and Shifts Between the Wars (1918-1941)
Post-World War I Industrial Landscape (1918-1920)
After World War I, Bulgarian industry comprised 1,544 enterprises with 55,717 workers and 5,083,000 leva of invested capital. The Stambolisky government took measures to eliminate grain speculation, fostered cooperatives, and created a consortium with a grain export monopoly. Labor conscription was introduced to facilitate significant projects like railroads, highways, and canals. Land redistribution aimed at providing poor peasants with agricultural opportunities. The establishment of new industrial enterprises and joint-stock companies marked a period of progress from 1920 to 1923, despite the global economic crisis.
Stabilization and Growth (1926-1930)
A period of stabilization occurred during 1926-1929 under Liapchev’s government. By 1930, industrial production had risen to 7,320,000,000 leva. Joint-stock companies proliferated, reaching 622 by the end of 1928, with substantial foreign capital investments. However, the worldwide depression of 1929-1933 impacted Bulgaria’s economy. Foreign trade, the gold backing of the lev, and reparations obligations were severely affected. The rural sector faced challenges, and the government struggled with economic adversity. The tobacco industry thrived, and legislation aimed at addressing unemployment and debtor liabilities was implemented Guided Istanbul Tour.
Economic Challenges and German Orientation (1933-1941)
The global economic crisis of 1937 added further challenges. Bulgaria’s foreign policy shifted towards Germany due to economic interdependence. Germany relied on Bulgaria’s agricultural produce, and Bulgaria needed the German market for agricultural exports and to acquire machine products. This economic partnership intensified as shown by the increase in export and import percentages to Germany between 1936 and 1939. By the beginning of World War II, Bulgaria’s economic dependence on Germany was significant, with 72.5% of imports and 70.2% of exports involving Germany in 1941. This economic situation persisted until the Soviet army crossed the northern frontier in 1944.
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GOLDOSK
A Journey from Two Friends’ Walks to a Thriving Nature Sports Club
A Healthy Initiative Blossoms
One beautiful Sunday morning in the spring of the 2010s, a friend and I in Isparta decided to embark on a healthy 2-kilometer walk towards the hills. Eager to make this a regular and enjoyable activity, we envisioned forming a group committed to a healthy lifestyle intertwined with nature. Little did we know that this simple idea would evolve into something much larger.
From Two to Over 95 Members
Our initial walks paved the way for the creation of the Turkish Lakeland Nature Sports and Hobby Club, lovingly known as GOLDOSK. With a mission to encourage citizens to embrace nature, slow down, and escape stress, GOLDOSK has grown to over 95 members. Liked by thousands on social media, the club has become a symbol of active living in Isparta.
Exploring Local Beauties
Despite living in Isparta for over 30 years, I had never truly appreciated the natural beauty of the region. What were once green and brown areas on the city map became the picturesque locations we explored over the past year and a half. Every Sunday, our group traded sleep for dirt roads, thyme-scented pine forests, and the vibrant colors of spring flowers Guided Tours Turkey.
Adventures for All Ages
What began as treks for two blossomed into adventures for tens. Our diverse group includes officers, businessmen, writers, professors, workers, and retirees, spanning ages from 10 to 70. Generational differences melted away as friendships flourished, and every Sunday, we converged at the GOLDOSK building within Isparta Teraspark facilities.
GOLDOSK’s Recognition and Achievements
GOLDOSK’s commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle through nature sports has not gone unnoticed. The club boasts over 100 completed activities, gaining recognition from the International Federation of Popular Sports (IVV). As the most active and enjoyable organization in the Lakeland, GOLDOSK received an official invitation to the 12th Nature and Popular Sports Games hosted by IVV in Antalya.
Crocuses Smiling Under the Rain
GOLDOSK’s journey is marked by the smiles of crocuses under the rain, symbolizing the joy, growth, and flourishing camaraderie within the club. As we continue our adventures, our aim is to expand the culture of embracing nature and organizing diverse activities, turning GOLDOSK into a beacon for Lakeland’s nature enthusiast
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A Nation Held Hostage in Tamboli
A Reign of Fear and Desperation
This article unravels the grim reality faced by the residents of Tamboli, a community ensnared in a web of terror and despair. From the ominous figure of Galib Bey to the Kaimakam’s ineffectual authority, the people of Tamboli grapple with a nightmarish existence, haunted by the specter of past massacres and the looming threat of more violence.
A Reign of Fear
Galib Bey’s ominous presence looms large over Tamboli, striking fear into the hearts of both the populace and the supposed authorities. The Kaimakam, entrusted with upholding justice, appears equally afraid of this influential figure. The oppressive climate created by Galib Bey fosters an environment where seeking justice seems futile, perpetuating a cycle of impunity.
Recurring Nightmares of Batak
The scars of Batak, Otluk-kui, and Bazardjik cast a long and haunting shadow over Tamboli. Threats of more massacres, freely issued by the Turks, plunge the entire country into a perpetual state of dread. The justified fear of recurring violence, driven by the historical conduct of the Turks, perpetuates an atmosphere of continuous terror.
Plight of the Pillaged and Robbed
Amid the atmosphere of fear and the looming threat of violence, thousands of survivors find themselves not only mourning lost loved ones but grappling with the aftermath of pillaging and robbery. Homes reduced to ashes, possessions looted, and lives shattered—this is the harsh reality endured by those fortunate enough to escape the massacres with their lives Tour Bulgaria.
Broken Promises from Turkish Authorities
Despite promises of aid, restitution, and reconstruction, the Turkish authorities offer nothing but empty assurances. The cries for help fall on deaf ears as the beleaguered residents of Tamboli find themselves abandoned by the very entities meant to protect and support them. The broken promises exacerbate the desperation of those without shelter, sustenance, or hope.
A Plea for Liberation
As Tamboli remains shackled by fear, violence, and broken promises, this article concludes with a heartfelt plea for liberation. It calls attention to the urgent need for international intervention, demanding justice, aid, and reconstruction. The cries of Tamboli echo the broader call for humanity to stand against oppression and work towards a future where fear gives way to freedom and despair transforms into hope.
Breaking Free from the Chains of Despair
The narrative concludes with an epilogue envisioning Tamboli breaking free from the chains of despair. It paints a picture of a community rising from the ashes, empowered by justice, and rebuilding with the support of a compassionate global community. In this vision, Tamboli transforms into a symbol of resilience, inspiring hope for a brighter future.
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Unraveling the Threads of Rebellion
Avrat-Alan’s Fragile Resistance
Whispers of Dissent Avrat-Alan’s Reluctant Rebellion
In the annals of rebellion, Avrat-Alan emerges as a complex tableau where the echo of dissent met the stark reality of pragmatism. Unlike Otluk-kui, the resistance in Avrat-Alan lacked the fervor and unity that typifies a formidable uprising. Instead, it unfolded as a hesitant and fragmented endeavor, revealing a stark divide between the impulsive actions of the youth and the measured reservations of their elders.
The elder and more prudent segment of Avrat-Alan’s populace abstained from participating in the uprising, demonstrating a sagacious reluctance to engage in a futile endeavor. Their counsel fell on deaf ears as the impetuousness of the young men propelled them into a venture that their elders viewed with skepticism. This schism in generational perspectives delineates a community grappling with the cost-benefit analysis of rebellion—an internal struggle laid bare by the ensuing events Bulgaria Holidays.
The Unraveling Bubble Avrat-Alan’s Resistance in Retreat
As Hafiz Pacha’s forces approached Otluk-kui, a pivotal moment unfolded in Avrat-Alan—one that exposed the vulnerability of a rebellion built on shaky foundations. A substantial portion of the insurgents ventured out to reconnoiter, leaving the rest of the populace torn between fear of Turkish retribution and the hope of appeasement. In a surprising turn of events, the pragmatic majority, disenchanted with the ill-fated rebellion, rose against their youthful compatriots.
The insurgents who remained within Avrat-Alan found themselves confined, not by the might of Turkish forces but by the hands of their own disillusioned community. A desperate attempt to signal appeasement to Hafiz Pacha unfolded as the elders, recognizing the futility of resistance, sought to distance themselves from the impulsive actions of the rebels. The confinement of the insurgents within the konak, and the subsequent message to Hafiz Pacha, was a clear indication of the majority’s disapproval and their desire to disentangle themselves from a rebellion that held no promise.
The collapse of the rebellion, when confronted by the advancing Turkish troops, resembled the bursting of a fragile bubble. The uprising, built on the misjudgments of the youth and lacking the foundational support of the wider community, crumbled under the weight of its own impracticality. Avrat-Alan, in this moment, became a microcosm of the larger narrative—a cautionary tale of rebellion without collective conviction, where the fleeting aspirations of the young met the sobering reality dictated by the elders’ pragmatism.
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Alone with her skeleton
And the mother fairly shrieked with agony, and beat her head madly against the wall. I could only turn round and walk out sick at heart, leaving her alone with her skeleton. A few steps further on sat a woman on a doorstep, rocking herself to and for, and uttering moans heartrending beyond anything I could have imagined.
Her head was buried in her hands, while her fingers were unconsciously twisting and tearing her hair as she gazed into her lap, where lay three little skulls with the hair still clinging to them. How did the mother come to be saved, while the children were slaughtered Who knows ? Perhaps she was away from the village when the massacre occurred. Perhaps she had escaped with a babe in her arms, leaving these to be saved by the father; or perhaps, most fearful, most pitiful of all, she had been so terror-stricken that she had abandoned the three poor little ones to their fate and saved her own life by flight. If this be so, no wonder she is tearing her hair in that terribly unconscious way as she gazes at the three little heads lying in her lap Guided Istanbul Tour.
Church and the school- house
And now we begin to approach the church and the school- house. The ground is covered here with skeletons, to which are clinging articles of clothing and bits of putrid flesh; the air is heavy with a faint sickening odour, that grows stronger as we advance. It is beginning to be horrible. The school is on one side of the road, the church on the other. The schoolhouse, to judge by the walls that are in part standing, was a fine large building, capable of accommodating two or three hundred children.
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Alone with her skeleton
And the mother fairly shrieked with agony, and beat her head madly against the wall. I could only turn round and walk out sick at heart, leaving her alone with her skeleton. A few steps further on sat a woman on a doorstep, rocking herself to and for, and uttering moans heartrending beyond anything I could have imagined.
Her head was buried in her hands, while her fingers were unconsciously twisting and tearing her hair as she gazed into her lap, where lay three little skulls with the hair still clinging to them. How did the mother come to be saved, while the children were slaughtered Who knows ? Perhaps she was away from the village when the massacre occurred. Perhaps she had escaped with a babe in her arms, leaving these to be saved by the father; or perhaps, most fearful, most pitiful of all, she had been so terror-stricken that she had abandoned the three poor little ones to their fate and saved her own life by flight. If this be so, no wonder she is tearing her hair in that terribly unconscious way as she gazes at the three little heads lying in her lap Guided Istanbul Tour.
Church and the school- house
And now we begin to approach the church and the school- house. The ground is covered here with skeletons, to which are clinging articles of clothing and bits of putrid flesh; the air is heavy with a faint sickening odour, that grows stronger as we advance. It is beginning to be horrible. The school is on one side of the road, the church on the other. The schoolhouse, to judge by the walls that are in part standing, was a fine large building, capable of accommodating two or three hundred children.
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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?
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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?
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Ivan II Asen’s Bulgaria
A map of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom in its bloom during the first half of the 13th c.
Last night, shepherd, there passed three columns of chained slaves. In the first column, shepherd, were maidens in chains.
In the second column, shepherd, were young wives in chains.
In the third column, shepherd, were young men in chains.
Under Ottoman Domination: 1396-1878
Enslavement or a mere presence?
After the changes of ’89 two different opinions were shared among Bulgarian historians concerning the period from 1396 to 1878. Was it a yoke, an epoque of enslavement, or can we
just talk about a “Turkish presence” on the Balkans? Well, all that is left for us is to judge by the consequences…
Second Bulgarian Kingdom
At the end of the 14lh century the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, corroded by internal struggles and contradictions, fell under the blows of the Ottoman conquerors. Through bloody massacres and destruction was put to death a civilization which had reached its zenith almost half a century before. At least 600 thousand Bulgarians were slaughtered in the course of the invasion, a considerable part of the Balkan population was enslaved and nearly 1,5 million were compelled to leave the former state. Those who remained were excluded from areas of strategic importance and from the fertile plains, and withdrew to the mountains. Some of them became converted to Islam – the Pomaks – and almost achieved equality with the Ottomans. This was a demographic catastrophe which affected severely the further fate of the Bulgarian people Tours Bulgaria.
The subjugated population tasted the pungent spices of the “Turkish presence”, as the policy of the Supreme Porte was to change its identity through a forcible mass conversion to Islam. All Christians – scornfully called “rayah” – were subjected to serious forms of discrimination.
They were burdened with a heavy load of taxes and moreover compelled to pay a “blood tax” in the form of a levy of Bulgarian boys who, after being converted to the Moslem religion and receiving instruction in special Turkish schools, were recruited into the notorious corps of Janissaries. In fact, the feudal system imposed in the Bulgarian lands was by far more primitive than the one which the Turks found on the Peninsula. Being in the shadow of the Ottoman Empire Bulgaria was torn off from the European culture and finest mosque in Bulgaria: the Tombul Djamiya in the setting in Renaissance… Shumen built by Sherif Pasha in 1745.
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Temple of Diana at Ephesus
The aisles are divided into three bays corresponding to the main dome and two half-domes of the nave. The central bays (M,M) are screened off from the nave by lattice-work (N,N); the four green marble columns in the lower storey of either screen came from the Temple of Diana at Ephesus. The eight columns of porphyry separating the other bays from the four recesses are said to have been brought to Rome by Aurelian from the Temple of the Sun at Baalbek; they were given to Justinian by a patrician lady named Marcia, as a propitiatory offering for the salvation of her soul.
The capitals of all the columns are exquisite specimens of sculpture; and it is hard to tell what particular style of architecture they belong to, unless they are to be called Greco-Gothic. They are in imitation of a thistle, and are adorned with various monograms, chiefly those of Justinian and Theodora. According to an anonymous writer, they were gilt with real gold.
On the ceiling of the apse is a picture of Christ in the act of benediction, already referred to; the twelve medallions over the columns of the third aisle contained the bas-reliefs of the twelve apostles, which have been removed by the Turks. The black and white marble square within the basilica is supposed to be a model of the Temple of Solomon at Jerusalem.
The church was converted into a mosque immediately after the capture of Constantinople by the Turks, and Muhammad II. first said his prayers in it on Friday, 1st June, 1453. Mecca, towards which all Muhammadans turn their faces when praying, bearing S.E. from St. Sophia guided tours istanbul, prevented the Turks from placing the Mihrab (P) (altar), a stone or niche indicating the direction in which Mecca lies, where the Christian altar formerly stood, and necessitated the placing of the Mihrab between the eastern and southern windows, which consequently caused all the carpets and matting to be placed in the same direction, thus producing a strange architectural effect, by conveying the idea that St. Sophia is built with a slight slant.
Maafil-i-Humayun
Near the Mihrab is the Minber (Q) (pulpit), only used on Fridays, from which the Kiatib (reader) clad in a long red robe recites the Hutbeh or prayer for the Sultan. At St. Sophia, as in all other mosques which were formerly Christian churches, the Kiatib grasps a drawn sword as well as a Koran while reciting this prayer. The Maafil-i-Humayun (R), or the Sultan’s private pew, next to the Mihrab, on eight ancient columns, and surrounded by a shining sun, was erected by Messrs. Fossati during the last restoration of the mosque. The little gallery opposite the Minber is for the muezzins or chanters, who chant the service, and is called Maajil. Of the eight green shields high up, that to the right of the Mihrab bears the name of God; the one on the left the name of Muhammad; the remaining six bear respectively the names of the Caliphs, Abu – bekr, Omar, Hassan, Ali, Osman, and Hussein.
The two large alabaster jars for ablutionary purposes, on either side of the main entrance, were brought from the island of Marmora by Sultan Murad III. One of the two Mecca prayer-carpets on the walls, near the imperial pew and the Maafil, is said to have belonged to Muhammad II., and to have been used by him the first time he said his prayers in St. Sophia. On a stone in the wall of the south-east bay, just behind the Maafil, is the print of a bloody hand and its five fingers, ascribed by tradition to Muhammad II., the mark of a hand and five fingers having from the days of Murad I. been adopted as the ruler’s sign- manual, and being the origin of the imperial monogram. In the north-west part of the north aisle is a bronze-sheathed column with a hole in it, which Muhammadans believe to be always damp and to possess miraculous healing powers; sufferers put their finger into the hole and afterwards apply it to the afflicted part of their bodies, in the hope of a miraculous cure.
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RELIQUARY
20. RELIQUARY
Southeastern Europe or Asia Minor Second half of the 5th – 6th century Limestone 20 cm; w’ 15 cm; h. 17,5 cm
Accidental find from Obzor (former Gyozeken), Burgas region
NIAM – BAS, Inv. N 2047
Incised decoration on the lid, representing a blooming cross with ivy branches springing from its base.
21. CHALICE
Constantinople
Silver 14 x 14 x 10 cm
Stamps with imperial monograms:
Discovered accidentally in Nova Nadezhda (a sec-tor of Dimitrov grad), Southeastern Bulgaria, in 1965, in the area of a Medieval fortress
Haskovo, Museum of History, Inv. N A 3031
22. STAMP FOR THE CONSECRATED BREAD
Odessos or the region 5th – 6lh century Terracotta
10,3 x 4,2 cm
Greek characters: on the round surface – illegible; below – characters in positive: O KH and small caps below the cross:
An accidental find from Ossenovo, Varna region, as there are a Late Antiquity and Early Byzantine fortress with a church and a tomb with wall paint-ings from the 4th century
23. CENSER
5th – 6th century Bronze 9 x 4,5 cm Borets bulgaria tour, Plovdiv region
24. CYMBAL BELLS
2 pieces Constantinople (according to late Vassil Vassilev) Second half of the 6th century
Bronze
15,5 x 16,9 cm; 14 x 16 cm
Inscriptions in Greek: on one of them: + LEPTIOT nPELBTTEPOT + (To Presbyter Sergiu); on the other one – a monogram encrusted with a silver thread
Discovered together with two more similar bells and other artifacts in a large pithos in Augusta Traiana – Vereia – Star a Zagora, in 1907
The purification of Christ
Discovered in 1910 in Vinitsa – today a residential area of Varna (Kambur Cheshma)
Varna, Regional Museum of History,
26. LAMP
Late 4H1 – mid 5th century Bronze 15 x 31 cm Star a Zagora (Augusta Traiana – Vereia)
The lamp belongs to the single-holder type. The cover is decorated with a sculptured male head with a helmet facing a dolphin. The handle is shaped as a cross.
Byzantium, Augusta Traiana – Vereia (?)
6th century Bronze H. 46 cm
Discovered together with a large number of metal objects probably meant to be re-used in some of the workshops in the town during the late 6th century
28. MIRRA NEEDLE
5th – 6th century Bronze 21 cm Sadovets, Pleven region
29. MIRRA NEEDLE
5th – 6th century Bronze L. 19,5 cm Sadovets, Pleven region
30. CHANDELIERS
2 pieces, reconstructed Byzantium 6th century
31.5
Silver
H. approximately 60 cm; 70 cm The fragments were discovered in the fortress of Sadovets, Pleven region, together with many other precious artifacts mentioned in this catalogue.
The chandeliers are shaped as columns with a capital (one of them) and a vase (the other one), decorated with floral ornaments. The one with the capital bears the stamp of Emperor Justinian (527 – 565).
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Latten Magism Shops
Zrntrale Aufobusholfettelle’
Tele die I< gne d’autobus Central but Station tjmkle derdume – Zentralstrand Cabinet de I’olle central# de la plogejl Clook’ooim at central beach out either on the sea or on the park. Five lifts, restaurant, tavema — “Melnik 4 — cake shop, four bars with seats, night club, and several conference rooms.
The mineral water has a temperature of 42°C at source.lt is slightly mineralized and is available in tubs at the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool. The balneotherapeutic clinic is equipped with modern electrical and medical apparatus. Treatments: curative tub dipping, massage, inhalation with sea water electrolux, sauna, scolarium, mud treatment and remedial exercises. The water is recommended for inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the locomotory system, chronic neuralgia, radicolitis, plexit, hypertension, atherosclerosis and mental fatigue. A slimming programme is also available.
The Joliot-Curie International House of Scientists, with 250 beds, is not far from the Varna Hotel. It has three conference rooms with facilities for simultaneous translation into four languages turkey sightseeing. ‘Mineral water treatment can be taken here under medical supervision.
Ralkantourist Bureau is at the Roubin Hotel, tel. 6-10-20. Varna (pop. 291, 224), Bulgaria’s third largest city is situated on the Black Sea coast at the head of Varna Bay between the Frangensko tableland to the north and the slopes of the Avren tableland to the south. It has a moderate continental climate with a mild humid winter and a warm dry summer. The mean annual temperature is 12°C.
The site of present-day Varna was inhabited in the Stone Age, traces of settlements have been found in the village of Beloslav and in the Pobiti Kamum (Stone Forest) area.
According to ancient chroniclers
According to ancient chroniclers, Varna was founded in the 4th century B.C. by Greek colonists and was then known as Odessos. In the 3rd-2nd century B,C. it was a flourishing town minting its own coins which bore the image of the Thracian god Darsala. In 72 B.C. it was conquered by the Romans but retained is autonomy until the establishment of the Roman province of Lower Moesia in the early years of the Christian era. After the division of the Roman Empire, the town came within the boundaries of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium). It was surrounded by anew fortress wall and within that wall were temples, theatres, baths and stadiums. Later on, during the Christian era many churches were built, traces of which can still be seen (the basilica in Tsar Kroum St. and the Djanavar Tepe and Tourna Tepe churches). At the end of the 6th century the Slavs settled here, giving it the name of Vania, and in 681 it was captured by the proto-Bulgarians led by Khan Asparouh. It became a Bulgarian town in 1201 during the reign of Tsar Kaloyan.
In 1389 Vama fell under Ottoman rule. The town gained prominence in 1444 through the crusade led by Wladislaw III (Warnenczik). The crusaders reached Varna but were defeated in a major battle nearby and Wladislaw III was killed. There is now a mausoleum to Wladislaw Warnenczik on the site where the battle was fought.
The Ottoman rulers turned Varna into an important military and strategic point. They extended its fortifications, making it part of the fortified quadrangle Rousse-Shoumen- Varna-Silistia. In 1828 a strong Russian fleet attacked the town, captured it and remained there for two years.
On July 27 1878 the town was liberated by Russian troops. Economy and culture developed rapidly. Small industrial enterprises were set up and the working-class movement began. Late in the 19th century the first socialist group was set up. Lenin’s newspaper Iskra (Spark) travelled from Switzerland to Russia, passing through Varna.
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