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Treasury Reform and Progress
Efforts to reform the treasury bore fruit by 1679 A.D. Records from the Topkapi Palace archives demonstrate a significant advancement in organizing Ottoman register books. These books were meticulously arranged in numerical order and provided detailed descriptions of goods, marking a notable improvement compared to previous practices.
Preservation Challenges and Historical Insights
Despite progress, only a few treasury books dating before 1679 A.D. have survived in the Palace archives. These ancient records, dating back to the eras of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror and Sultan Bayazit II, consist of inventory lists with limited descriptions. The scarcity of these documents raises questions about the preservation of historical records over the centuries (104).
Challenges during Military Campaigns
Throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, the Imperial Army engaged in continuous military campaigns. During these expeditions, the treasury played a crucial role, with treasury carts accompanying the army even before the Sultan and his officials. The register books containing records of valuable items, including holy relics, were subject to wear and tear during these arduous campaigns, often leading to their deterioration or loss Private Istanbul Tours.
Historical Records and Absences
While treasury register books from the reigns of Sultan Beyazit II and Yavuz Sultan Selim are available, records from the periods of Magnificent Suleyman, Murat III, Selim II, and Murat IV are notably absent. The reasons behind this discrepancy remain unclear. It raises questions about whether such records were maintained or if they were discarded for unknown reasons. The proverb “He was so wealthy that he was not aware of his properties’ accounts” highlights the challenges of managing the vast riches flowing into the empire during these prosperous periods.
In conclusion, while efforts were made to improve treasury management and record-keeping, challenges such as preservation during military campaigns and the sheer volume of wealth entering the empire posed significant obstacles to maintaining comprehensive historical records.
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Unearthed Tragedies
As we traversed the village, each corner revealed a new horror—a house where twenty souls perished in flames, another where a dozen girls met a cruel fate. Everywhere we turned, the specter of death loomed large.
Abandoned by Companions
The absence of dogs, driven away upon the villagers’ return, left the outskirts eerily quiet. Only a few sleek cats remained, indifferent to the atrocities that unfolded before them, their eyes heavy with indifference.
Unanswered Questions
One might wonder why the survivors do not bury the remains of their loved ones. Some have tried, but lacking tools and strength, their efforts have been feeble at best. Many survivors, primarily women, struggle to keep their cherished ones covered with a meager layer of earth.
Tender Acts of Remembrance
Despite their plight, those who can identify the bones of their kin tenderly care for them. Well-kept graves adorned with flowers bear witness to their enduring love and respect. Even uncovered remains receive tokens of affection, with bouquets placed upon skulls and skeletons, a poignant tribute to lives lost.
Forgotten Souls
Yet, the majority of skeletons and bones lie unattended, their caretakers among the dwindling population of survivors. With only a fraction of the village’s former inhabitants remaining, the task of burying the dead remains insurmountable Tour Packages Balkan.
Unanswered Accountability
Questions linger about the responsibility of the Turkish authorities in burying the dead. While they claim to have interred the remains, the evidence suggests otherwise, leaving the victims of this tragedy unclaimed and forgotten.
As we contemplate the tragedy of Batak, we are reminded of the profound sorrow and suffering endured by its people. Amidst the ruins and devastation, the unburied dead serve as a haunting reminder of the atrocities that unfolded here. It is a stark testament to the fragility of life and the enduring resilience of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable horror.
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Devingrad Tracing Centuries of Civilization
Origin and Evolution
Devingrad, also known as “Momina Krepost,” lies east of Tsaravets, its name evolving from ancient Thracian origins through Byzantium to its present-day nomenclature under Ottoman rule. Through meticulous research, the mist of time surrounding this ancient site has begun to clear, revealing a rich tapestry of civilization dating back to the end of the Bronze Age and the dawn of the Iron Age around 1300 B.C.
Thracian Heritage
Early evidence, including rudimentary fences and structures, offers glimpses into ancient habitation patterns, with artifacts from hunting, cooking, and pottery production dating back to the Iron Age. The zenith of Thracian society around 500-400 B.C. is marked by strong cultural ties to Greek civilization, evidenced by the widespread use of classic Greek amphorae.
Byzantine Connections
The Byzantine era leaves its mark on Devingrad through the remains of fortress walls, basilicas, and domestic architecture reminiscent of the ancient city of Sikidava. Destroyed around 700 A.D., Sikidava’s influence persisted into the early 9th century A.D., coinciding with the spread of the First Bulgarian Kingdom as evidenced by archaeological findings Private Turkey Tours.
Rise to Prominence
The 11th and 12th centuries witness Devingrad’s population growth and transformation into a secure urban center, eventually evolving into a capital city from 1186 to 1393. This transition catalyzed a surge in commercial activity, fostering prosperity, trade, and artistic craftsmanship. Notably, Turnovo became renowned as a cultural hub, attracting artists, writers, and intellectuals who contributed to its vibrant identity.
Cultural Renaissance
The city’s distinctive style flourished, giving rise to identifiable schools of art and architecture that bear the hallmark of Turnovo’s unique heritage. From meticulously crafted precious metals to intricate artworks, Turnovo’s artisans and merchants thrived, solidifying its reputation as a beacon of cultural and economic prosperity.
Devingrad’s journey through time unveils a captivating narrative of human ingenuity, resilience, and cultural innovation. From its humble beginnings in antiquity to its zenith as a bustling capital city, Devingrad’s legacy endures as a testament to Bulgaria’s rich historical heritage and enduring spirit of creativity.
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Devingrad Tracing Centuries of Civilization
Origin and Evolution
Devingrad, also known as “Momina Krepost,” lies east of Tsaravets, its name evolving from ancient Thracian origins through Byzantium to its present-day nomenclature under Ottoman rule. Through meticulous research, the mist of time surrounding this ancient site has begun to clear, revealing a rich tapestry of civilization dating back to the end of the Bronze Age and the dawn of the Iron Age around 1300 B.C.
Thracian Heritage
Early evidence, including rudimentary fences and structures, offers glimpses into ancient habitation patterns, with artifacts from hunting, cooking, and pottery production dating back to the Iron Age. The zenith of Thracian society around 500-400 B.C. is marked by strong cultural ties to Greek civilization, evidenced by the widespread use of classic Greek amphorae.
Byzantine Connections
The Byzantine era leaves its mark on Devingrad through the remains of fortress walls, basilicas, and domestic architecture reminiscent of the ancient city of Sikidava. Destroyed around 700 A.D., Sikidava’s influence persisted into the early 9th century A.D., coinciding with the spread of the First Bulgarian Kingdom as evidenced by archaeological findings Private Turkey Tours.
Rise to Prominence
The 11th and 12th centuries witness Devingrad’s population growth and transformation into a secure urban center, eventually evolving into a capital city from 1186 to 1393. This transition catalyzed a surge in commercial activity, fostering prosperity, trade, and artistic craftsmanship. Notably, Turnovo became renowned as a cultural hub, attracting artists, writers, and intellectuals who contributed to its vibrant identity.
Cultural Renaissance
The city’s distinctive style flourished, giving rise to identifiable schools of art and architecture that bear the hallmark of Turnovo’s unique heritage. From meticulously crafted precious metals to intricate artworks, Turnovo’s artisans and merchants thrived, solidifying its reputation as a beacon of cultural and economic prosperity.
Devingrad’s journey through time unveils a captivating narrative of human ingenuity, resilience, and cultural innovation. From its humble beginnings in antiquity to its zenith as a bustling capital city, Devingrad’s legacy endures as a testament to Bulgaria’s rich historical heritage and enduring spirit of creativity.
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Devingrad Tracing Centuries of Civilization
Origin and Evolution
Devingrad, also known as “Momina Krepost,” lies east of Tsaravets, its name evolving from ancient Thracian origins through Byzantium to its present-day nomenclature under Ottoman rule. Through meticulous research, the mist of time surrounding this ancient site has begun to clear, revealing a rich tapestry of civilization dating back to the end of the Bronze Age and the dawn of the Iron Age around 1300 B.C.
Thracian Heritage
Early evidence, including rudimentary fences and structures, offers glimpses into ancient habitation patterns, with artifacts from hunting, cooking, and pottery production dating back to the Iron Age. The zenith of Thracian society around 500-400 B.C. is marked by strong cultural ties to Greek civilization, evidenced by the widespread use of classic Greek amphorae.
Byzantine Connections
The Byzantine era leaves its mark on Devingrad through the remains of fortress walls, basilicas, and domestic architecture reminiscent of the ancient city of Sikidava. Destroyed around 700 A.D., Sikidava’s influence persisted into the early 9th century A.D., coinciding with the spread of the First Bulgarian Kingdom as evidenced by archaeological findings Private Turkey Tours.
Rise to Prominence
The 11th and 12th centuries witness Devingrad’s population growth and transformation into a secure urban center, eventually evolving into a capital city from 1186 to 1393. This transition catalyzed a surge in commercial activity, fostering prosperity, trade, and artistic craftsmanship. Notably, Turnovo became renowned as a cultural hub, attracting artists, writers, and intellectuals who contributed to its vibrant identity.
Cultural Renaissance
The city’s distinctive style flourished, giving rise to identifiable schools of art and architecture that bear the hallmark of Turnovo’s unique heritage. From meticulously crafted precious metals to intricate artworks, Turnovo’s artisans and merchants thrived, solidifying its reputation as a beacon of cultural and economic prosperity.
Devingrad’s journey through time unveils a captivating narrative of human ingenuity, resilience, and cultural innovation. From its humble beginnings in antiquity to its zenith as a bustling capital city, Devingrad’s legacy endures as a testament to Bulgaria’s rich historical heritage and enduring spirit of creativity.
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The Turkish Dominion
Suppression of Bulgarian Identity
Destruction of Bulgarian Church (Late 15th Century)
Under the orders of Sultan Bayazid, the leader of the Muslim Turks, the Bulgarian national church faced severe destruction. The Bulgarian clergy was either killed or forced to flee. Byzantium, now more commonly known as Constantinople, aimed to reintroduce earlier Greek practices into the language of the Bulgarian church.
Fall of Constantinople and Ottoman Rule (1453)
In 1453, Constantinople succumbed to the Turks. The Turkish Ottoman Empire now governed the Balkans, much like ancient Byzantium did in its prime. The Turks, for political reasons, supported the Greek Orthodox Church based in Constantinople. This unwritten alliance between the Turks and the Greeks endured for four centuries. Under this arrangement, Orthodox Christians within the Ottoman Empire, particularly the Slavs, were politically subordinated to the Turks and spiritually to the Greeks City Tours Istanbul.
Dark Age for Bulgarian Identity (15th-19th Century)
This period marked a dark age for the Bulgarian national spirit, surpassing the challenges faced under Greek influence alone. Bulgarian books were burned, and the Bulgarian language, both spoken and as a literary medium, was officially replaced in church rituals by Greek. Bulgarians ceased to speak their language in public, adopting Turkish when conversing with the Turks and Greek when communicating with the Greeks.
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The Turkish Dominion
Suppression of Bulgarian Identity
Destruction of Bulgarian Church (Late 15th Century)
Under the orders of Sultan Bayazid, the leader of the Muslim Turks, the Bulgarian national church faced severe destruction. The Bulgarian clergy was either killed or forced to flee. Byzantium, now more commonly known as Constantinople, aimed to reintroduce earlier Greek practices into the language of the Bulgarian church.
Fall of Constantinople and Ottoman Rule (1453)
In 1453, Constantinople succumbed to the Turks. The Turkish Ottoman Empire now governed the Balkans, much like ancient Byzantium did in its prime. The Turks, for political reasons, supported the Greek Orthodox Church based in Constantinople. This unwritten alliance between the Turks and the Greeks endured for four centuries. Under this arrangement, Orthodox Christians within the Ottoman Empire, particularly the Slavs, were politically subordinated to the Turks and spiritually to the Greeks City Tours Istanbul.
Dark Age for Bulgarian Identity (15th-19th Century)
This period marked a dark age for the Bulgarian national spirit, surpassing the challenges faced under Greek influence alone. Bulgarian books were burned, and the Bulgarian language, both spoken and as a literary medium, was officially replaced in church rituals by Greek. Bulgarians ceased to speak their language in public, adopting Turkish when conversing with the Turks and Greek when communicating with the Greeks.
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Bulgaria's Political Landscape in the Interwar Years
Seeds of Division
As the 1920s unfolded, Bulgaria found itself deeply divided, setting the stage for decades of political intolerance and uncontrolled violence.
The Rise of Red Terror
Inspired by Moscow, the Communist Party leaders embraced terror as a means of political struggle, leading to the initiation of the “red terror.” This dark chapter reached its peak on April 16, 1925, with a horrific explosion at the church of St. Sabbath in Sofia. The failed attempt on the life of the King and attending ministers resulted in the loss of hundreds of innocent lives. In response, the government unleashed a period of fierce “white terror,” marked by arrests, torture, and executions, causing international condemnation and a significant decline in government authority. By early 1926, Professor Tsankov resigned.
Lyapchev’s Attempt at Reconciliation
The subsequent government, led by Andrei Lyapchev, aimed at achieving national reconciliation and restoring part of Bulgaria’s international prestige. However Sightseeing Turkey, the rise of fascism in Italy and national-socialism in Germany led to the emergence of pro-fascist organizations in Bulgaria, notably the People’s Social Movement.
The Impact of the Great Depression
The Great Depression of 1929 further destabilized Lyapchev’s cabinet, as unemployment and impoverishment sparked social indignation. In the summer of 1931, the People’s Block coalition, led by Alexander Malinov, won a sweeping victory in parliamentary elections, but the government struggled to overcome the economic remnants of the global crisis.
The Emergence of the “Monarch-Fascist Dictatorship”
In 1933, Adolf Hitler’s National Socialist German Workers’ Party came to power in Germany, prompting Bulgaria to reevaluate its foreign policy. Following Hitler’s example, King Boris III sought to revise post-war borders. Despite not joining the Balkan Treaty Organization in 1934, Bulgaria faced internal strife and political turmoil.
In conclusion, the interwar years in Bulgaria were marked by a series of tumultuous events, including political violence, economic challenges, and shifting foreign policies. The nation grappled with internal conflicts and external influences that would shape its trajectory in the years to come.
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Unveiling Aziz Pacha's Unconscionable Acts
A Friday of Despair Shells and Escape
Friday marked a grim turning point in the harrowing events that unfolded in Bulgaria. Shells rained down on the inhabitants, leaving chaos in their wake. As the night fell on Thursday, a significant number of men managed to escape the impending horror. However, this fleeting freedom was short-lived, as many were hunted down in the following days, becoming victims of the relentless violence inflicted upon the populace.
Desperate Appeals The Pleas for Peace Ignored
In the midst of despair, those left in the church and churchyard sought refuge, with fewer than a hundred men and hundreds of vulnerable women and children. Desperation led them to dispatch messengers—three or four elderly individuals—begging Aziz Pacha for peace. Tragically, these messengers never returned, likely falling victim to the brutality of the Bashi-Bazouks. Aziz Pacha, in the absence of any attempt to negotiate or understand their pleas, unleashed a bombardment on the desperate congregation.
Indiscriminate Violence Shelling the Helpless
Aziz Pacha’s actions reveal a callous disregard for human life. The church, now a sanctuary for women and children, became the target of merciless shelling. The inhabitants, having fled to what should have been a place of safety, found themselves trapped in a slaughter-pen. The heart-wrenching reality is that Aziz Pacha continued the assault even when faced with a congregation that posed no threat and had ceased any form of resistance.
Refusal to Listen The Commander’s Heartless Stance
Aziz Pacha’s refusal to listen to pleas for mercy echoes through the tragedy. Three appeals for protection were made, each met with callous indifference. Without waiting to hear the inhabitants’ defense or considering alternative paths, Aziz Pacha chose the path of destruction. His heartless bombardment of a church filled with defenseless women and children underscores the stark brutality inflicted upon those seeking refuge.
Failed Protectors Guarracino’s Dubious Credit
In an ironic twist Bulgaria Holidays, those claiming credit for the messengers’ non-arrival showcase a distorted sense of accomplishment. Guarracino and Turkish apologists boast about the lack of success of messengers, conveniently ignoring the commander’s direct responsibility for their fate. This twisted narrative attempts to deflect blame and shields Aziz Pacha from the accountability he deserves.
Conclusion Unveiling Unconscionable Acts
In concluding this grim chapter, Aziz Pacha’s unconscionable acts stand exposed. The bombardment of a church filled with women and children, the refusal to entertain pleas for peace, and the relentless violence against the defenseless populace demand accountability. This tragic episode reveals the dark depths of cruelty and underscores the urgency of addressing the crimes against humanity that transpired in Bulgaria.
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Unveiling Aziz Pacha's Unconscionable Acts
A Friday of Despair Shells and Escape
Friday marked a grim turning point in the harrowing events that unfolded in Bulgaria. Shells rained down on the inhabitants, leaving chaos in their wake. As the night fell on Thursday, a significant number of men managed to escape the impending horror. However, this fleeting freedom was short-lived, as many were hunted down in the following days, becoming victims of the relentless violence inflicted upon the populace.
Desperate Appeals The Pleas for Peace Ignored
In the midst of despair, those left in the church and churchyard sought refuge, with fewer than a hundred men and hundreds of vulnerable women and children. Desperation led them to dispatch messengers—three or four elderly individuals—begging Aziz Pacha for peace. Tragically, these messengers never returned, likely falling victim to the brutality of the Bashi-Bazouks. Aziz Pacha, in the absence of any attempt to negotiate or understand their pleas, unleashed a bombardment on the desperate congregation.
Indiscriminate Violence Shelling the Helpless
Aziz Pacha’s actions reveal a callous disregard for human life. The church, now a sanctuary for women and children, became the target of merciless shelling. The inhabitants, having fled to what should have been a place of safety, found themselves trapped in a slaughter-pen. The heart-wrenching reality is that Aziz Pacha continued the assault even when faced with a congregation that posed no threat and had ceased any form of resistance.
Refusal to Listen The Commander’s Heartless Stance
Aziz Pacha’s refusal to listen to pleas for mercy echoes through the tragedy. Three appeals for protection were made, each met with callous indifference. Without waiting to hear the inhabitants’ defense or considering alternative paths, Aziz Pacha chose the path of destruction. His heartless bombardment of a church filled with defenseless women and children underscores the stark brutality inflicted upon those seeking refuge.
Failed Protectors Guarracino’s Dubious Credit
In an ironic twist Bulgaria Holidays, those claiming credit for the messengers’ non-arrival showcase a distorted sense of accomplishment. Guarracino and Turkish apologists boast about the lack of success of messengers, conveniently ignoring the commander’s direct responsibility for their fate. This twisted narrative attempts to deflect blame and shields Aziz Pacha from the accountability he deserves.
Conclusion Unveiling Unconscionable Acts
In concluding this grim chapter, Aziz Pacha’s unconscionable acts stand exposed. The bombardment of a church filled with women and children, the refusal to entertain pleas for peace, and the relentless violence against the defenseless populace demand accountability. This tragic episode reveals the dark depths of cruelty and underscores the urgency of addressing the crimes against humanity that transpired in Bulgaria.
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Panic Stricken Exodus
Flight from Perustitza’s Church
In the turbulent saga of Perustitza, a pivotal moment emerges as the regular troops, led by the once-friendly Aziz Pacha, open fire upon the villagers. This marked the turning point where bold defiance transformed into panic, leading to a hasty and chaotic exodus from the fortified church. The unraveling events challenge preconceived notions and prompt a closer examination of the dynamics at play.
The villagers, who had valiantly maintained a bold front until the cannons roared, succumbed to panic as the artillery barrage intensified. The church, once a symbol of defense and preparation, was hastily abandoned. Men, women, and children, unified in their flight, sought refuge elsewhere. This mass exodus raises critical questions about the nature of the perceived threat and the effectiveness of the defensive measures taken by the villagers.
This sudden flight from the church, despite its strategic advantages and prior preparations, challenges the narrative of resistance. Mr. Guarracino, tasked with investigating the events, faced an uphill battle in his quest for evidence supporting any form of continued opposition after the initial panic. The villagers’ swift abandonment of the fortified church stands as a compelling piece of evidence, suggesting that the resistance, once resolute, crumbled in the face of overwhelming firepower.
The Illusion of Defense Perustitza’s Vulnerability Exposed
As Mr. Guarracino sought proof of continued resistance, the investigation led to another church in a less defensible position. This relocation raises critical concerns about the villagers’ prospects for defense. The examination of the new church Balkan Tours, situated in a vulnerable hollow, revealed a grim reality – no effective defense was possible in this location.
Unlike the fortified church abandoned earlier, the new site lacked strategic advantages. The rising ground around it left the churchyard exposed at easy musket range, rendering it defenseless against potential attackers. The churchyard’s ten-foot-high walls, while offering some shelter, presented a paradoxical dilemma – they shielded those inside but prevented any effective return fire. The absence of loopholes or scaffolding further emphasized the ill-prepared nature of this second refuge.
This shift in location and the inherent vulnerabilities of the new church challenge the notion of sustained resistance. The villagers, faced with an unrelenting offensive, found themselves in a compromised position. The narrative of defiance waned as the reality of an undefendable location sank in. Perustitza’s plight underscores the devastating impact of strategic miscalculations and exposes the villagers’ vulnerability when faced with a determined adversary.
In the heart of Perustitza’s tragedy lies the tension between perception and reality. The panic-induced flight from the initially fortified church, coupled with the compromised defensive capabilities of the second refuge, reshapes the narrative. It beckons us to reconsider the dynamics of the conflict, question the effectiveness of the villagers’ defensive measures, and ponder the consequences of a community caught between the crossfire of external aggression and internal dissent.
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Flame Beneath Bulgarian Sky
With a flag all is possiblel Before the banner of the revolution fallen bespattered and torn into the hands of the enemy, MacGahan took his stand in defense of the victims.
The descriptions of human remains, burning homes, the blanket of clouds in flame beneath the Bulgarian sky, the half buried corpse with a bouquet carefully placed in its mouth, the mournful cries of the Bulgarian mother, wailing at the loss of her sons, their wives and their children, the horror-stricken girls, the little Bulgarian babes impaled on bayonets — oh, destiny, so much bitterness and blood cannot be endured and borne in silence!
To what avail the long meditations on mankind and the structure of his society? The cries, the moans, the wrath become a concerted hymn of liberty, founded in bloodshed, yet immortal. There is no capacity for human horrors. Faced by the atrocities inflicted upon the Bulgarian people, human values crumble into dusty irrelevance City Tour Istanbul.
American journalist
From this moment, the consuming curiosity of the American journalist, the mutinous blood of the Irishman, the acute judgment of the Englishman, the exalted spirit of the French communard, the sensibility of the Slavophil are combined in one international genius which in turn is united with the ideals and sentiments of the Bulgarian people. MacGahan hunts down the facts, confronts them, and shows from an objective point of view the interrelationship of the various incidents of the April uprising.
However, he presents those facts which are most widely representative of the whole episode in order to extract and demonstrate the profound meaning of the events. Thus, by way of a documentation of the events in their true perspective, and in so doing revealing simultaneously the power of his logic and the historical proof of his writings, AiacGahan seeks to open the dimensions of the future and smashes the political, moral and religious prejudices of the epoch.
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PHILIPPOPOLIS August 10
PHILIPPOPOLIS, August 10
I had not been here a day when I heard of a personage whom the Turks jeeringly spoke of as the “ Queen of the Bulgarians.’’
Sclavonic Empire
This Queen, it appeared, was in prison, and was, I was given to understand, a very contemptible sort of person indeed. I learned that she had headed the insurrection, had been crowned Queen, had promenaded the streets of her nativo village on horseback, bearing a flag like another Jeanne d’arc, besides committing a variety of other follies which seemed to form the subject of much merriment among the Turks here. Naturally I conceived a great desire to make the acquaintance of this fallen Queen, and see what sort of person it was who aspired to be the leader of a new Sclavonic Empire.
I had no difficulty in accomplishing this, as Mr. Schuyler had no sooner heard of her than he demanded and obtained permission to see her, and kindly allowed me to accompany him. She was confined in the house of an Imam, or priest, with another Bulgarian woman from the same village, and these were the only two women we found in prison upon our arrival here.
Dr. Vlados
We were conducted to the Imam’s house by Dr. Vlados, a Greek physician, who has been charged with the task of looking after the health of the prisoners. After a long walk through the crooked, narrow, stony streets, we brought up before a low, rickety building, partly of wood, partly of rough unhewn stones, and found ourselves before a pair of low, double wooden doors opening outwards into the street Private Tours Istanbul.
The doctor knocked, and after a prolonged colloquy with a voice inside, the door was opened about half an inch, and we caught sight of a harsh-looking, partly- veiled female face, that seemed to be regarding us with some suspicion.
Apparently, this preliminary survey was satisfactory, for the door was thrown open a little wider, and a slight girlish figure stepped forward and stood in the doorway, followed by an elderly matron, tall and stalwart almost as a man, who stood behind and gazed at us over the girl’s head with tearful eyes.
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PHILIPPOPOLIS August 10
PHILIPPOPOLIS, August 10
I had not been here a day when I heard of a personage whom the Turks jeeringly spoke of as the “ Queen of the Bulgarians.’’
Sclavonic Empire
This Queen, it appeared, was in prison, and was, I was given to understand, a very contemptible sort of person indeed. I learned that she had headed the insurrection, had been crowned Queen, had promenaded the streets of her nativo village on horseback, bearing a flag like another Jeanne d’arc, besides committing a variety of other follies which seemed to form the subject of much merriment among the Turks here. Naturally I conceived a great desire to make the acquaintance of this fallen Queen, and see what sort of person it was who aspired to be the leader of a new Sclavonic Empire.
I had no difficulty in accomplishing this, as Mr. Schuyler had no sooner heard of her than he demanded and obtained permission to see her, and kindly allowed me to accompany him. She was confined in the house of an Imam, or priest, with another Bulgarian woman from the same village, and these were the only two women we found in prison upon our arrival here.
Dr. Vlados
We were conducted to the Imam’s house by Dr. Vlados, a Greek physician, who has been charged with the task of looking after the health of the prisoners. After a long walk through the crooked, narrow, stony streets, we brought up before a low, rickety building, partly of wood, partly of rough unhewn stones, and found ourselves before a pair of low, double wooden doors opening outwards into the street Private Tours Istanbul.
The doctor knocked, and after a prolonged colloquy with a voice inside, the door was opened about half an inch, and we caught sight of a harsh-looking, partly- veiled female face, that seemed to be regarding us with some suspicion.
Apparently, this preliminary survey was satisfactory, for the door was thrown open a little wider, and a slight girlish figure stepped forward and stood in the doorway, followed by an elderly matron, tall and stalwart almost as a man, who stood behind and gazed at us over the girl’s head with tearful eyes.
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Monopolistic Historical Priorities
A yet too rare example of a balanced approach towards the Bulgarian past is what you will come upon in this book. There are no overstated exploits here but also there is no nihilistic self-denial. There are no complaints and threats towards what the others have done to us here but also there is no slavishness before them. There are no claims for monopolistic historical priorities here but also there is no underestimation of the contributions of the Bulgarian factor in the cultural and political foundations of Christian Europe. In this book you will get a glimpse of Bulgaria as build in and fit into the whole historical process on the continent – in which there are impetuous upsurges and continuous falls. That is, its real value! Here is a testimony that not only professional historians can write valuable history…
Andrey Pantev
In the heart of Sofia rise the remains of Roman public baths from the 2nd and 3rd c. .4. D., turned later (c. 4:h c. ) into the Church of St George Private Tours Balkan.
Inaugural Words by The Author
Herodotus was the father of history. Well, but in the V c. B. C. his task was easier as he had at disposal mainly materials on the Persian Wars. It is curious, would he be able to prove his fatherhood genetically if he got in our days when almost half of the literary heritage of mankind is connected more or less with history – from the most serious scientific works to queer improvisations or “disclosures” offered by low-grade novelists…
Historical writings that allude to the fate of even a single country constitute of piles of volumes today. But when it is spoken of a country like Bulgaria whose embryo is lost far behind in the millennia, and the aim of the author is to depict the historical course of events in just superficial strokes, then the task gets rather more complex. This one wrote in one way, the other belies to him, a third one refutes the rest… Having at disposal but a page or two for a whole century that is stuffed with events, one gets confused. And starts applying the method of rejecting: from here we take just the most substantial facts, from there just the most outstanding persons, and so on. Of course, personal attitude also says its say. The formulation of one historical author is being preferred to the one of another, the interpretation of a Renaissance architect sounds to you more decent than the one of an eminent contemporary. We cannot speak of any impartiality.
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SECOND FLOOR
Vestibule.—On the floor a mosaic from Ourfa.
ROOM NO. 8.—In the show cases on the walls: a rich collection of coloured glass from Phoenicia and Syria.
On the Floor.—A large mosaic from Cos representing Orpheus dompting the animals with his lyre. In the various glass cases several terra-cotta figures mostly from Myrina.
Narrow Passage.—Two glass cases on the walls with terra-cottas, etc.
ROOM NO. 9.—Archaic pottery from Gordion, Pateli, etc.
ROOM NO. 10. — Yases from Rhodes and Lampsacus.
ROOM NO. 11.—On the left near the railing: the Siloam inscription. It is of limestone, and was discovered in 1880 at Jerusalem. The inscription is in Phoenician characters, and runs thus:—
Boring was effected
. . . the boring; and here is where the boring was effected ; yet . . .
And the pickaxes were directed against each other when, just as there remained but three ells more to be bored, voices were heard calling to one another, for there was a gallery in the rock on the south side and on the north side ; and the day The boring was completed the workmen found themselves face to face, and the pickaxes against each other [that is to say, they met each other], and The water flowed from the spring to the fountain, a distance of one thousand ells ; and The height of the rock above the travellers’ heads was one hundred ells.
The canal was cut to convey the waters of the spring of Gihon outside the city walls to that of Siloam within. Passages in the Books of Kings and Chronicles seem to attribute this work to King Hezekiah, in the 8th cent. B.C. (Imperial Ottoman Museum Catalogue.)
On the Right.—The stele from the Temple of Jerusalem in limestone with a Greek inscription on it. This unique monument was discovered in 1871 by M. Clermont-Gauneau, built into the wall of a ruined Medresseh (Mohammedan convent) in the vicinity of Omar’s mosque. It originally stood in the Temple to mark the limit which Gentiles were not allowed to pass on pain of death. The inscription runs thus :
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Regularly held in the Mosques
The prayers are regularly held in the Mosques, the Moslem places of worship, attendance at which, however, is not considered indispensable, so long as devotions are performed at the appointed hours, and with the face turned in the direction of Mecca. These Mosques have no bells, like churches, but have one or more tall, slender, round spires, called minareh, from a gallery near the top of which a special official, the Muezzin, or deacon, calls the Faithful to prayer five times in the twenty-four hours, by chanting, in as loud a voice as possible, the Muhammadan creed, which is as follows:—
‘ Allah Akber (four times); Essehadou Allah il laha il-allah (twice), Essehadou annch Muhammadan ressool-ul-lah (twice) ; Haayah allah sal-lah (twice); Haayah al ul-fellah (twice); Allah Akber (twice); La il lah il Allah ; meaning: ‘ Great one, I avow there is no God but God; I avow that Muhammad is his Prophet; Let us go and pray; Let us go save our souls; God is Great; There is no God but God.’
While this is being chanted, the Faithful file into the mosque after having performed the indispensable ablutions, and this latter without regard to the season of the year. This over, the Muezzin comes down from the minaret gallery into the mosque, and takes his place on the maafil, whence he conducts the service. The form of worship followed consists of genuflexion and prostration every time the words ‘ God is Great ’ are uttered by the head priest from the mihrab. After this some leave the mosque, while others remain, seated cross-legged, to devote more time to private prayer, and to repeat the ‘ El-esmau-ul-Husnah’ or Divine attributes. These latter originated in the words of the Prophet guided istanbul tours: ‘ The most beautiful names hath God.’
Sub-hana- Allah
They are ninety-nine, and those reciting them use a rosary composed of ninety-nine beads and a hollow cone, the latter being told at the word ‘ Allah.’ This rosary, called Tesbih, is subdivided into three sections of thirty-three beads each, separated from each other by a bead of different form. A bead is told for every Divine attribute uttered; and when the worshipper has reached the bead dividing the first section from the second, he ejaculates Sub-hana- Allah ’ (‘ How far is God from every imperfection ’) ; at the bead dividing the second section from the third, he exclaims ‘ El Hamdu Lillah ’ (‘ Praise is due unto God ’); and at the hollow cone winds up with ‘ Allah ATcber ’ (‘ God is Great ’). The use of the Tesbih is not confined to prayer-time at the mosque only, or to Muhammadans alone; it is also used at all times out of prayer hours, both by Moslems and non-Moslems, as a plaything for the owner’s idle fingers. The rosaries, however, used by non-Moslems are not restricted to ninety-nine beads, but vary according to the owner’s fancy.
Money.—The Turkish currency is composed of gold, silver, and silver-plated coins. The copper coinage previously current is now obsolete, having been abolished in 1879, and replaced by the old silver-plated copper coins known by the name of ‘metallic.’ Time, wear and tear, and the industry and ingenuity of those who hanker after lucre as long as it can be obtained without honest work, have long ago divested these ‘ silver-plated ’ coins of any particle of silver that formerly adorned them. Turkish coins, from their small size, are extremely inconvenient and ill-adapted for easy handling, and are easily lost.
The monetary unit throughout Turkey is the gurush or piastre (as it is called by Europeans), and is subdivided into 40 paras. The coins now current are:—
Gold is at a premium, which, for the last few years, has been fixed at 8 per cent. Thus the lira,
which is worth 100 piastres in gold, is worth 108 in silver currency. On the other hand, small change is also at a premium owing to its scarcity. This dearth of small change is artificial, and is caused by the numerous money-changers and by the banks buying it up and keeping the amount in circulation under their own control, by which means they are able to sell small change at a good profit.
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