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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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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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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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New Post has been published on Vasilka
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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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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Achmet-Agha
The Turkish authorities do not even pretend that there was any Turk killed here, or that the inhabitants offered any resistance whatever. When Achmet-Agha, who commanded the massacre, came with the Bashi-Bazouks and demanded the surrender of their arms, they at first refused, but offered to deliver them to the regular troops or to the Kaimakam at Tatar Bazardjik. This, however, Achmet-Agha refused to allow, and insisted upon their arms being delivered to him and his Bashi-Bazouks.
Christians and Turks
After considerable hesitation and parleying this was done. It must not be supposed that these were arms that the inhabitants had especially prepared for an insurrection. They were simply the arms that everybody, Christians and Turks alike, carried and wore openly, as is the custom here. What followed the delivery of the arms will best be understood by the continuation of the recital of what we saw yesterday.
At the point where we descended into the principal street of the place, the people who had gathered around us pointed to a heap of ashes by the roadside, among which could be distinguished a great number of calcined bones. Here a heap of dead bodies had been burnt, and it would seem that the Turks had been making some futile and misdirected attempts at cremation.
A little further on we came to an object that filled us with pity and horror. It was the skeleton of a young girl not more than fifteen, lying by the roadside, and partly covered with the dobris of a fallen wall. It was still clothed in a chemise ; the ankles were enclosed in footless stockings; but the little feet, from which the shoes had been taken, were naked, and owing to the fact -that the flesh had dried instead of decomposing, were nearly perfect Guided Istanbul Tour.
There was a large gash in the skull, to which a mass of rich brown hair nearly a yard long still clung, trailing in the dust. It is to be remarked that all the skeletons of women found here were dressed in a chemise only, and this poor child had evidently been stripped to her chemise, partly in the search for money and jewels, partly out of mere brutality, then outraged, and afterwards killed.
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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.
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Sir Henry’s place
Or a strong man may be sent in Sir Henry’s place, who will go so far as to make urgent representations to the Porte, or who may even go the length of making strong representations. The Porte will promise everything. It will give assurance of the most benevolent intentions, it will utter the most philanthropic protestations, the Government will issue more paper reforms, the diplomatists will be satisfied, and that will be the end of it.
It cannot be otherwise. There are not a dozen Turks in the empire who see the necessity of reform. There is nobody to carry out the reforms. The Mutld-serif of Philippopolis told the simple truth when he said he had no better Mudir to send to Otluk-kui instead of the drunken beast who is there now. But they would not carry out reforms if they could. The Mutld*serif of Philippopolis has the reputation of being too favourable to the Bulgarians, and when we were there the Turks were loudly demanding his recall.
He seemed like a very honest, conscientious man, desirous of doing what was right. He entered into the question of the misery of the burnt-out people with Mr. Schuyler and Mr. Baring in an earnest serious way, that carried with it the conviction that he was really working hard to relieve their sufferings. He said money was to be given them, their cattle to be restored, their houses rebuilt, and every possible thing done for them. He was so earnest, so serious, so thoroughly convinced of the necessity of these measures, that you could not doubt his good intentions City Tours Istanbul.
And yet, not only are the cattle not restored, not only are the houses not rebuilt, but Mr. Schuyler has found that this same plausible, earnest, conscientious governor, at the very moment that he was making these promises to him and Mr. Baring, was issuing the strict orders that the people of Batak, as well as of the other burnt villages, be forced to pay their regular taxes as though nothing had happened. And this is one of the good men—one who is so friendly to the Bulgarians that the Turks demand his recall.
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Young school-mistress
And the “Queen of the Bulgarians,” the young school-mistress, what became of her ? Alas ! her fate was only that of hundreds of others. I could not ask her to relate all the story of her misfortunes. It was too plainly written in the pale, dejected, though still gentle and sympathetic face.
But we saw a woman in Otluk-kui who was present when she fell into the hands of three or four Bashi-Bazouks. Yes, this educated, intelligent, sensitive young girl was seized and outraged, in the presence of half-a-dozen of her comrades and neighbours, by three or four brutes who still pollute the earth with their vile existence.
Exaggerated, Sir Henry, indeed! And if your own daughter had been treated in the same way, would you still go on prating about exaggeration ? But this was not enough. Her father was shot down in his own house, and she and her mother dug his grave in their garden and buried him; and still the poor girl had not suffered enough. The Turkish authorities heard that she had embroidered the flag, and two weeks after the insurrection was completely crushed they ordered her arrest City Tours Istanbul.
A Mudir had been sent to the village in the meantime, and he seized and took her to his house at ten o’clock at night, with the woman at whose house the flag had been worked—the tall, stalwart woman of whom I have spoken in the beginning of this letter. She told us what occurred in the Mudir’s house that night. The poor girl, in spite of tears and prayers, that might have moved a tiger to pity, was stripped naked, beaten, spat upon, and again outraged.
It was then that she was nick-named “ Queen of the Bulgarians,” and the next day she and another woman, who had been likewise maltreated in even a more horrible way, were sent to Tatar-Bazardjik. Here she was surrounded by the Turkish population, hooted, jeered, pelted with mud, spat upon, and insulted with the foulest epithets that a Turkish mob could find. It mattered not that she was one poor weeping girl all alone among a crowd of enemies—fiends rather than men.
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Young school-mistress
And the “Queen of the Bulgarians,” the young school-mistress, what became of her ? Alas ! her fate was only that of hundreds of others. I could not ask her to relate all the story of her misfortunes. It was too plainly written in the pale, dejected, though still gentle and sympathetic face.
But we saw a woman in Otluk-kui who was present when she fell into the hands of three or four Bashi-Bazouks. Yes, this educated, intelligent, sensitive young girl was seized and outraged, in the presence of half-a-dozen of her comrades and neighbours, by three or four brutes who still pollute the earth with their vile existence.
Exaggerated, Sir Henry, indeed! And if your own daughter had been treated in the same way, would you still go on prating about exaggeration ? But this was not enough. Her father was shot down in his own house, and she and her mother dug his grave in their garden and buried him; and still the poor girl had not suffered enough. The Turkish authorities heard that she had embroidered the flag, and two weeks after the insurrection was completely crushed they ordered her arrest City Tours Istanbul.
A Mudir had been sent to the village in the meantime, and he seized and took her to his house at ten o’clock at night, with the woman at whose house the flag had been worked—the tall, stalwart woman of whom I have spoken in the beginning of this letter. She told us what occurred in the Mudir’s house that night. The poor girl, in spite of tears and prayers, that might have moved a tiger to pity, was stripped naked, beaten, spat upon, and again outraged.
It was then that she was nick-named “ Queen of the Bulgarians,” and the next day she and another woman, who had been likewise maltreated in even a more horrible way, were sent to Tatar-Bazardjik. Here she was surrounded by the Turkish population, hooted, jeered, pelted with mud, spat upon, and insulted with the foulest epithets that a Turkish mob could find. It mattered not that she was one poor weeping girl all alone among a crowd of enemies—fiends rather than men.
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Sir Henry’s place
Or a strong man may be sent in Sir Henry’s place, who will go so far as to make urgent representations to the Porte, or who may even go the length of making strong representations. The Porte will promise everything. It will give assurance of the most benevolent intentions, it will utter the most philanthropic protestations, the Government will issue more paper reforms, the diplomatists will be satisfied, and that will be the end of it.
It cannot be otherwise. There are not a dozen Turks in the empire who see the necessity of reform. There is nobody to carry out the reforms. The Mutld-serif of Philippopolis told the simple truth when he said he had no better Mudir to send to Otluk-kui instead of the drunken beast who is there now. But they would not carry out reforms if they could. The Mutld*serif of Philippopolis has the reputation of being too favourable to the Bulgarians, and when we were there the Turks were loudly demanding his recall.
He seemed like a very honest, conscientious man, desirous of doing what was right. He entered into the question of the misery of the burnt-out people with Mr. Schuyler and Mr. Baring in an earnest serious way, that carried with it the conviction that he was really working hard to relieve their sufferings. He said money was to be given them, their cattle to be restored, their houses rebuilt, and every possible thing done for them. He was so earnest, so serious, so thoroughly convinced of the necessity of these measures, that you could not doubt his good intentions City Tours Istanbul.
And yet, not only are the cattle not restored, not only are the houses not rebuilt, but Mr. Schuyler has found that this same plausible, earnest, conscientious governor, at the very moment that he was making these promises to him and Mr. Baring, was issuing the strict orders that the people of Batak, as well as of the other burnt villages, be forced to pay their regular taxes as though nothing had happened. And this is one of the good men—one who is so friendly to the Bulgarians that the Turks demand his recall.
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