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Coexistence in Macedonian Villages

Diversity Often Forgotten

It’s easy to overlook the fact that half of Macedonia’s population is Muslim and Turkish. Turkish peasants are just as hardworking and industrious as their Christian counterparts. Despite facing similar oppression from Turkish officials, who exploit them for taxes and military service, Turkish villagers lack the support systems available to Christians, such as foreign consuls or bishops to advocate for their rights. Nevertheless, they often accept their fate resignedly, seeing mistreatment as an inevitable part of life under Turkish rule.

Quiet Contentment Amid Misrule

For centuries, both Muslim and Christian villagers have lived under Turkish authority, adapting to the challenges of their environment. While it’s human nature to be drawn to tales of tragedy, we sometimes overlook the quiet contentment that exists in many Macedonian villages. Despite the oppressive rule they endure, countless Muslim and Christian villages coexist peacefully, devoid of any animosity between them Bulgaria Tours.

Harmony Amidst Diversity

In numerous Macedonian villages, Turks and Christians live in harmony, engaging in trade and daily life side by side without conflict. These villages serve as examples of how different religious and ethnic groups can peacefully coexist, even under challenging circumstances. While external narratives often focus on conflict and oppression, the reality is that many communities in Macedonia have found ways to foster understanding and cooperation among diverse populations.

Overlooking Quiet Coexistence

It’s essential to recognize the overlooked aspect of quiet coexistence in Macedonia. Amidst the turmoil of misrule and oppression, there are pockets of harmony where Turks and Christians live together peacefully, transcending religious and ethnic differences. By acknowledging and celebrating these instances of peaceful coexistence, we can better appreciate the resilience and adaptability of the people living in Macedonia, despite the challenges they face under Turkish rule.

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Revealing Turkish Deception An Eye-Opening Experience

A Startling Revelation

My journey through Bulgaria has exposed me to a level of deceit that I never imagined possible. Despite my extensive travels and worldly experiences, nothing prepared me for the depth of human duplicity I encountered here. The Turks possess a remarkable ability to lie with coolness and plausibility that defies belief, leaving even the most skeptical minds deceived.

The Art of Deception

Their lies are delivered with an air of honesty, earnestness, and seriousness that is incredibly convincing. They speak with such conviction, aligning their words with your own beliefs and perceptions, making it seem impossible that they could be wrong. It’s only when you witness firsthand their calculated and shameless lies that you begin to grasp the extent of their deceitfulness City Tours Istanbul.

Blind Trust

In many cases, there is no way to verify the truth, leaving you no choice but to believe. It requires a unique mindset to distrust every word spoken, a mindset rarely found among Europeans who are continually deceived in their dealings with Orientals.

Personal Vulnerability

Even I, the writer of these lines, confess to being vulnerable to their manipulations. I realize that any Turk, like the Mutld-Serif of Philippopolis, could easily convince me of falsehoods unless I have tangible evidence to the contrary. I feel like a naive child in their hands, unable to doubt their words until confronted with undeniable proof.

Betrayal of Trust

The Turks’ actions further expose their deceitfulness. Upon learning of our visit to Perustitza, they swiftly relocated the villagers’ cattle to prevent us from intervening, callously disregarding their plight and selling off their livestock.

My experience in Bulgaria has shattered any illusions of trust and honesty I once held. The Turkish art of deception is a sobering reality that demands caution and skepticism in all dealings with them.

[kazanlakhistory]

Katip Qelebi's Treasury Reforms

Katip Qelebi’s treatise emphasized the importance of entrusting the state’s treasury to individuals of strong integrity and willpower. He advocated for fiscal responsibility, suggesting the maintenance of a budget reserve for at least one year. His rational proposals aimed to uphold legal sovereignty and ensure financial stability within the empire.

Unheeded Reforms and Political Turmoil

Despite Katip Qelebi’s recommendations and the efforts of Grand Vizier Tarhuncu Ahmet Pasha, progress toward treasury reform stalled. Tragically, Tarhuncu Ahmet Pasha faced capital punishment, signaling a setback in the quest for financial integrity Private Istanbul Tours.

Confiscations and Financial Seizures

Successive viziers failed to address the ongoing practice of confiscations. During Ib§ir Pasha’s tenure, the confiscation of the Minister of Finance in Mora led to the seizure of vast amounts of gold and silver. This wealth was redirected to the state treasury, perpetuating the cycle of financial control.

External Threats and Financial Strain

The blockade of the Dardanelles by the Russians during Siyavu§ Pasha’s term heightened tensions, amplifying the importance of the treasury amid external threats. The ongoing Cretan War further strained financial resources, underscoring the urgency of fiscal management during times of crisis.

Reform Initiatives Under Koprulii Mehmet Pasha

The appointment of Koprulii Mehmet Pasha as Grand Vizier marked a turning point in treasury reform. In 1656 A.D., he assumed office with full authority, initiating significant changes in financial governance. His tenure, alongside that of his son Fazil Ahmet Pasha, was instrumental in reshaping the Ottoman Imperial Treasury based on new principles.

Counting the Treasury and Reorganization

Koprulii Mehmet Pasha and his successors prioritized the meticulous counting of the treasury and the reorganization of register books. Their efforts stemmed from the financial challenges faced by the state in the mid-17th century, exacerbated by tensions with Russia. These reforms laid the groundwork for a more sustainable and efficient financial system within the empire.

[kazanlakhistory]

Katip Qelebi's Treasury Reforms

Katip Qelebi’s treatise emphasized the importance of entrusting the state’s treasury to individuals of strong integrity and willpower. He advocated for fiscal responsibility, suggesting the maintenance of a budget reserve for at least one year. His rational proposals aimed to uphold legal sovereignty and ensure financial stability within the empire.

Unheeded Reforms and Political Turmoil

Despite Katip Qelebi’s recommendations and the efforts of Grand Vizier Tarhuncu Ahmet Pasha, progress toward treasury reform stalled. Tragically, Tarhuncu Ahmet Pasha faced capital punishment, signaling a setback in the quest for financial integrity Private Istanbul Tours.

Confiscations and Financial Seizures

Successive viziers failed to address the ongoing practice of confiscations. During Ib§ir Pasha’s tenure, the confiscation of the Minister of Finance in Mora led to the seizure of vast amounts of gold and silver. This wealth was redirected to the state treasury, perpetuating the cycle of financial control.

External Threats and Financial Strain

The blockade of the Dardanelles by the Russians during Siyavu§ Pasha’s term heightened tensions, amplifying the importance of the treasury amid external threats. The ongoing Cretan War further strained financial resources, underscoring the urgency of fiscal management during times of crisis.

Reform Initiatives Under Koprulii Mehmet Pasha

The appointment of Koprulii Mehmet Pasha as Grand Vizier marked a turning point in treasury reform. In 1656 A.D., he assumed office with full authority, initiating significant changes in financial governance. His tenure, alongside that of his son Fazil Ahmet Pasha, was instrumental in reshaping the Ottoman Imperial Treasury based on new principles.

Counting the Treasury and Reorganization

Koprulii Mehmet Pasha and his successors prioritized the meticulous counting of the treasury and the reorganization of register books. Their efforts stemmed from the financial challenges faced by the state in the mid-17th century, exacerbated by tensions with Russia. These reforms laid the groundwork for a more sustainable and efficient financial system within the empire.

[kazanlakhistory]

The Grim Aftermath

As we ventured deeper into the village, we were confronted with the chilling evidence of the massacre’s aftermath.

A River of Death

Beneath us, the wheel-pit served as a macabre grave, its waters teeming with lifeless bodies. The stream’s banks, once strewn with corpses, bore witness to the gruesome fate of men, women, and children left to decay under the merciless sun.

Nature’s Grim Mercy

Yet, nature intervened—a torrential rainstorm descended, swelling the stream and carrying the bodies downstream. From Pestera to Tatar Bazardjik, forty miles away, the grim remnants of the massacre were scattered far and wide, concealed beneath the underbrush and shaded woods.

A Churchyard of Sorrow

Entering the churchyard, we were met with an overpowering stench—a poignant reminder of the tragedy that befell this once-sacred ground. Holding tobacco to our noses, we pressed on, determined to uncover the truth.

Uncovering the Horror

Within the confines of the churchyard, a grisly sight awaited us—an immense heap of human bodies, concealed beneath layers of stones and rubble. The entire area was transformed into a mass grave, the putrid odor emanating from the decaying remains Tour Packages Balkan.

Failed Attempts at Burial

Weeks after the massacre, attempts were made to bury the dead, but the stench proved unbearable. Men tasked with the grim duty could not bear to stay, hastily burying a few bodies while covering others with scant earth. In the churchyard, their efforts to conceal the horrific scene with stones and debris were only partially successful.

The scene before us bore witness to the unimaginable horrors endured by the villagers of Batak. Despite efforts to bury the dead and obscure the grim reality, the lingering stench and haunting remnants served as a sobering reminder of the brutality inflicted upon the innocent.

[kazanlakhistory]

The Grim Aftermath

As we ventured deeper into the village, we were confronted with the chilling evidence of the massacre’s aftermath.

A River of Death

Beneath us, the wheel-pit served as a macabre grave, its waters teeming with lifeless bodies. The stream’s banks, once strewn with corpses, bore witness to the gruesome fate of men, women, and children left to decay under the merciless sun.

Nature’s Grim Mercy

Yet, nature intervened—a torrential rainstorm descended, swelling the stream and carrying the bodies downstream. From Pestera to Tatar Bazardjik, forty miles away, the grim remnants of the massacre were scattered far and wide, concealed beneath the underbrush and shaded woods.

A Churchyard of Sorrow

Entering the churchyard, we were met with an overpowering stench—a poignant reminder of the tragedy that befell this once-sacred ground. Holding tobacco to our noses, we pressed on, determined to uncover the truth.

Uncovering the Horror

Within the confines of the churchyard, a grisly sight awaited us—an immense heap of human bodies, concealed beneath layers of stones and rubble. The entire area was transformed into a mass grave, the putrid odor emanating from the decaying remains Tour Packages Balkan.

Failed Attempts at Burial

Weeks after the massacre, attempts were made to bury the dead, but the stench proved unbearable. Men tasked with the grim duty could not bear to stay, hastily burying a few bodies while covering others with scant earth. In the churchyard, their efforts to conceal the horrific scene with stones and debris were only partially successful.

The scene before us bore witness to the unimaginable horrors endured by the villagers of Batak. Despite efforts to bury the dead and obscure the grim reality, the lingering stench and haunting remnants served as a sobering reminder of the brutality inflicted upon the innocent.

[kazanlakhistory]

Symbolizing Bulgarian Heritage

The Church “Sveti Apostoli Petur & Pavel” Witness to Historic Milestones

Situated at the foot of the Northern side of Tsaravets hill, the Church “Sveti Apostoli Petur & Pavel” holds immense significance in Bulgarian history. It has witnessed pivotal moments such as the appointment of Knaz Alexander Battenburg in 1879 and the Uniting of Bulgaria after the Russian-Turkish war, along with the proclamation of Independence in 1908.

Architectural Evolution and Restoration

Built by Tzar Kaloian to commemorate his signing of the Papal edict joining the Orthodox church with the Roman Catholic church in 1204, the church underwent later modifications, including the addition of a monastery by the wife of Tzar Asen the Second. Despite sustaining damage in the 1913 earthquake, the church was meticulously restored by architect B. Kuzupov, preserving its original intricate frescoes.

The Church “Sveti Georgi” A Testament to Time

Located on the right bank of the river, south of the church “Sveti Dimitur,” the early structure of the Church “Sveti Georgi” dates back to the mid-13th century under Tzar Ivan Alexander’s rule. The present-day church features frescoes from the early 17th century, offering a glimpse into its architectural evolution over centuries Private Turkey Tours.

A Hub of Trade and Diversity

Nestled in a wide turn of the Yantra river southeast of Tsaravets lies the area known as the Frenkhisar. While not fully excavated, this district unveils a bustling commercial hub where foreign traders and merchants once thrived. Artifacts showcasing a diverse cultural tapestry typical of commercial areas have been unearthed, alongside buildings housing local council and government offices.

A Sanctuary of Spiritual Reflection

Situated south of Tsaravets and Trapezitsa, Sveta Gora, or the Sacred Forest, derives its name from its association with Eastern European Christianity. Revered as a site for numerous monasteries, it provided a retreat for the religious and philosophical elite of society within close proximity to the bustling city center, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of spirituality and urban life.

[kazanlakhistory]

Symbolizing Bulgarian Heritage

The Church “Sveti Apostoli Petur & Pavel�� Witness to Historic Milestones

Situated at the foot of the Northern side of Tsaravets hill, the Church “Sveti Apostoli Petur & Pavel” holds immense significance in Bulgarian history. It has witnessed pivotal moments such as the appointment of Knaz Alexander Battenburg in 1879 and the Uniting of Bulgaria after the Russian-Turkish war, along with the proclamation of Independence in 1908.

Architectural Evolution and Restoration

Built by Tzar Kaloian to commemorate his signing of the Papal edict joining the Orthodox church with the Roman Catholic church in 1204, the church underwent later modifications, including the addition of a monastery by the wife of Tzar Asen the Second. Despite sustaining damage in the 1913 earthquake, the church was meticulously restored by architect B. Kuzupov, preserving its original intricate frescoes.

The Church “Sveti Georgi” A Testament to Time

Located on the right bank of the river, south of the church “Sveti Dimitur,” the early structure of the Church “Sveti Georgi” dates back to the mid-13th century under Tzar Ivan Alexander’s rule. The present-day church features frescoes from the early 17th century, offering a glimpse into its architectural evolution over centuries Private Turkey Tours.

A Hub of Trade and Diversity

Nestled in a wide turn of the Yantra river southeast of Tsaravets lies the area known as the Frenkhisar. While not fully excavated, this district unveils a bustling commercial hub where foreign traders and merchants once thrived. Artifacts showcasing a diverse cultural tapestry typical of commercial areas have been unearthed, alongside buildings housing local council and government offices.

A Sanctuary of Spiritual Reflection

Situated south of Tsaravets and Trapezitsa, Sveta Gora, or the Sacred Forest, derives its name from its association with Eastern European Christianity. Revered as a site for numerous monasteries, it provided a retreat for the religious and philosophical elite of society within close proximity to the bustling city center, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of spirituality and urban life.

[kazanlakhistory]

Symbolizing Bulgarian Heritage

The Church “Sveti Apostoli Petur & Pavel” Witness to Historic Milestones

Situated at the foot of the Northern side of Tsaravets hill, the Church “Sveti Apostoli Petur & Pavel” holds immense significance in Bulgarian history. It has witnessed pivotal moments such as the appointment of Knaz Alexander Battenburg in 1879 and the Uniting of Bulgaria after the Russian-Turkish war, along with the proclamation of Independence in 1908.

Architectural Evolution and Restoration

Built by Tzar Kaloian to commemorate his signing of the Papal edict joining the Orthodox church with the Roman Catholic church in 1204, the church underwent later modifications, including the addition of a monastery by the wife of Tzar Asen the Second. Despite sustaining damage in the 1913 earthquake, the church was meticulously restored by architect B. Kuzupov, preserving its original intricate frescoes.

The Church “Sveti Georgi” A Testament to Time

Located on the right bank of the river, south of the church “Sveti Dimitur,” the early structure of the Church “Sveti Georgi” dates back to the mid-13th century under Tzar Ivan Alexander’s rule. The present-day church features frescoes from the early 17th century, offering a glimpse into its architectural evolution over centuries Private Turkey Tours.

A Hub of Trade and Diversity

Nestled in a wide turn of the Yantra river southeast of Tsaravets lies the area known as the Frenkhisar. While not fully excavated, this district unveils a bustling commercial hub where foreign traders and merchants once thrived. Artifacts showcasing a diverse cultural tapestry typical of commercial areas have been unearthed, alongside buildings housing local council and government offices.

A Sanctuary of Spiritual Reflection

Situated south of Tsaravets and Trapezitsa, Sveta Gora, or the Sacred Forest, derives its name from its association with Eastern European Christianity. Revered as a site for numerous monasteries, it provided a retreat for the religious and philosophical elite of society within close proximity to the bustling city center, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of spirituality and urban life.

[kazanlakhistory]

The Balkan Wars and World War I

Bulgaria’s Struggles and Shifting Alliances

Discontent with the Berlin Treaty and International Rivalries

The Bulgarian people strongly opposed the Berlin Treaty, leading to widespread bitterness. The Balkans became a stage for intense international rivalries, with Bulgaria caught in the midst. Bulgaria’s primary goals were unity and the realization of national aspirations, but political unrest persisted.

Balkan Wars and Disputes (1912-1913)

In 1912, Greece, Bulgaria, and Serbia united to oust the Turks from their lands. The Bulgarians played a significant role in this success. However, disputes erupted among the victors after defeating the Turks, leading to a second Balkan war in 1913. Facing attacks from Romania in the north and a return of the Turks, Bulgaria couldn’t handle four enemies simultaneously. A peace treaty in Bucharest that year resulted in the partitioning of much Bulgarian territory to Romania, Serbia, and Greece City Tours Istanbul.

World War I and Bulgaria’s Alignment (1915)

World War I broke out in 1914, and Bulgaria, courted by both sides due to its central Balkan location, joined the Central European Powers (Germany and Austro-Hungary) in 1915. Fear of Russian influence in the Balkan Straits was a decisive factor in Bulgaria’s shift away from the Allies. However, internal opposition within Bulgaria questioned the alignment with Germany.

Consequences of World War I (1918-1919)

The war concluded with the defeat of Germany and the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Bulgaria suffered territorial losses to Romania, Serbia, and Greece. The peace treaty of 1919 granted Greece the right to expel Bulgarians from Thrace and Macedonia. Feeling unjustly treated and surrounded by enemies, Bulgaria entered a period of instability under the reign of King Boris III after the war.

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The Turbulent Years of Bulgarian Politics

Stamboliyski’s Rise and Fall

Stamboliyski’s Independent Agrarian Government

In the spring of 1920, after pre-term elections, the “Agrarians” secured a majority in the Parliament, marking a pivotal moment in Bulgarian politics. At this time, Alexander Stamboliyski assumed leadership, finally heading an independent agrarian government.

Stamboliyski’s Peasant Dictatorship

During his tenure, known as the “peasant dictatorship,” Stamboliyski openly opposed the young King Boris III. The Prime Minister’s ambitious reforms and radical political measures heightened tensions between capitalists and the working class, as well as between urban and rural populations. Stamboliyski’s self-confidence and authoritarian approach also drew criticism from intellectuals, leading existing pre-war political parties to seek unification against the agrarian government.

The “Fascist” Coup of 1923

On the night of June 9, 1923, a coup d’etat orchestrated by the Military Union and People’s Concord overthrew the government. Stamboliyski and other agrarian leaders were killed, placing Professor Alexander Tsankov at the helm of the new government, recognized by King Boris III. Despite these changes, political tension persisted, hindering efforts to restore constitutional order Sightseeing Turkey.

The Communist Uprising of 1923

Following the formation of the Communist International in 1919 and the Bolsheviks’ influence, a directive for a mass uprising arrived in Sofia in 1923. The Bulgarian Communist Party led the uprising in September of that year, adopting a “workers’-and-peasants’ rule” inspired by the Bolshevik model. However, government forces swiftly quelled the rebellion, forcing leaders like Georgi Dimitrov and their supporters to flee to Yugoslavia. The Communist Party was subsequently banned under the newly enacted “Law on the Protection of the State.”

In conclusion, the early 1920s in Bulgaria were marked by political upheaval, with Stamboliyski’s agrarian government facing opposition from various quarters. The era witnessed a coup, a communist uprising, and the suppression of political dissent, shaping the course of Bulgarian history for years to come.

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Unfathomable Agony in the Churchyard

Prolonged Agony A Four-Day Siege Unveils Unimaginable Suffering

For four interminable days, the besieged villagers endured a relentless onslaught within the sacred walls of the church. The haunting aftermath painted a portrait of unfathomable suffering, with lifeless bodies strewn across the churchyard, left unburied as silent witnesses to the brutality that had befallen the once-tranquil village.

Wounds Untended Agony of the Undressed and Unhealed

In the wake of the assault, the wounded lay in the throes of agony, their injuries left undressed or improperly treated. The absence of a medical professional in their midst condemned them to endure the pain of unhealed wounds. Besmeared with their own blood and the clotted remnants of their slaughtered companions, they bore the physical scars of the atrocities that had unfolded around them.

Specters of Desolation Filth, Weariness, and Haggard Faces

The besieged villagers, once vibrant and resilient, now resembled specters—filthy, wearied, and haggard. The desolation that had descended upon their community left an indelible mark on their faces, mirroring the physical toll exacted by the unremitting violence. The churchyard, once a sanctuary, had transformed into a grim theater of despair.

Relentless Assault Bashi-Bazouks’ Unyielding Barrage Continues

The small arms fire of the Bashi-Bazouks Bulgaria Holidays, strategically positioned on the low hills surrounding the church, continued unabated. The villagers, now desperate and defenseless, found themselves caught in a ceaseless barrage. Shells, like malevolent forces, tore through the churchyard, plowing through gravestones and crashing against the already battered walls—an unyielding testament to the unrelenting violence that held them captive.

Conclusion The Unending Nightmare of a Besieged Village

As the siege wore on, the churchyard became a haunting tableau of suffering and despair. The wounds—both physical and psychological—inflicted upon the besieged villagers bore witness to the extremities of human cruelty. In the heart of the besieged village, the unending nightmare persisted, leaving an indelible scar on the collective memory of those who survived the relentless onslaught.

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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.

[kazanlakhistory]

French Consul Bashi-Bazouks

The French Consul tells me of Bashi-Bazouks relating to circles of admiring listeners how the cut off the heads of little children, and how the dismembered trunks would leap and roll about like those of chickens; and I shut my ears and say, “ This is enough; I do not want to hear any more ; I do not care to investigate any further’ It does not matter to me that a few more or less have been committed. You cannot increase or diminish the horror of the thing by mere statements of round numbers. I shall leave the statistics to Mr. Schuyler and Mr. Baring, and shall be quite willing to accept their estimates.

It has been said that these acts were committed by irregular troops, over whom the Government had no control, for whom the Turkish authorities were in no way responsible, and that the latter would, on the contrary, have been very glad to restrain them. Unfortunately, there are many facts connected with the business which show that this view of the case is altogether erroneous.

Had the Government really been in earnest in making these protestations, it would have seized some of the principal leaders of the Bashi-Bazouks, some of those who had particularly distinguished themselves by their ferocity, and punished them summarily. Chefket Pacha, for instance, who burned the village of Bazardjik, and slaughtered nearly all of its inhabitants under more than usually revolting circumstances, should have been one of the first to feel the strong arm of the law City Tours Istanbul.

Sultan at Constantinople

But having done all this, he has been promoted to a high position in the Palace of the Sultan at Constantinople. Again, there is the case of Achmet Aga, a captain of a company of Bashi-Bazouks, who likewise distinguished himself by his ferocity. He wished to burn Philip- popolis, and was only withheld from doing so by the energetic action of the governor, who has since been removed, and who threatened to attack him with the regular troops. It was he who slaughtered 8,000 people at Batak, and burned 200 women and children alive in the school.

He is a low ignorant brute, who can neither read nor write, and yet he has been promoted to the rank of Pacha, and with that exquisite mockery of European demands for justice, for which the Oriental is so distinguished, he has been named a member of the commission appointed to prosecute and punish the Bashi- Bazouks. The reason is clear and simple. These men carried out the wishes and intentions of the Government, if not the positive orders. They did their duty, and have been rewarded.

But it has been said that the Bulgarians set the example of committing atrocities, and even Lord Derby, upon the authority of Sir Henry Elliot, made the statement before the House that both sides had been equally guilty in this respect. It might be interesting to learn where Sir Henry Elliot obtained his information. As I have already explained, the English Government had no agent here capable of sending information until the arrival of Mr. Baring. He could not have obtained it from other Governments, for the reason that the various consuls here, with all of whom I have talked, never reported any atrocities on the part of the Bulgarians to their respective Governments.

[kazanlakhistory]

Partly by persuasion

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

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

Servia had not declared war

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

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

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

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Glagolitic alphabet

The task of the assignment was fulfilled: in 855 they came out with a new product – the Glagolitic alphabet. Then the brothers – with the aid of several disciples of theirs – started translating books from Greek into Slavonic for the will of Constantinople was the quicker and easier dissemination of Christianity among the pagan Slavic tribes the monument of the ‘Salonica brothers’ Cyril and Methodius in front of the National Library in Sofia which is named after them.

In 860 on the request of the Prince of Great Moravia Cyril and Methodius were sent there as official Byzantine missionaries in order to build a line of defence against the German cultural and religious expansion. There they founded Slavic schools and a local church, thought their disciples the new alphabet and developed the new Slavic script adding some works of their own. Till that time, as the canons ordained Tour Packages Bulgaria, Christianity was to be practiced only in the three “holy languages”: Greek, Latin and Hebrew.

So Cyril – as a result of slanderous reports on the part of the German clergy – was summoned to Rome to stand before the Pope and answer for his deeds. In 869 he defended the right of the Slavs to have their own language in which the divine services to be hold. Unfortunately, soon he died. Impressed by the brilliant dispute of the brothers with the Roman clergy Pope Adrian II ordained Methodius as bishop of the Slavic province Panonia. Until his death in 885 he devoted himself to significant educational and religious activities. But then the German clergy stroke again and the disciples of the two brothers were subjected to pursuit. In 886 some of them – Clement, Naum and Angelari – arrived in Bulgaria and were accepted cordially by Boris I in Pliska.

[kazanlakhistory]

Ancient Phoenicia

The artist has represented each figure in a different attitude. The lid of the sarcophagus is in the form of a temple roof, and the head and foot represent the two frontages. At each of the four corners is a sphinx. On each of the two pediments is a group of three mourners stretched round the funeral pile. A most unique balustrade skirts the sides of the roof and runs behind the pediments. The carvings on each of the sides of the sloping roof are exactly similar, and represent a funeral procession, such as was common in ancient Phoenicia, wending its way to the cemetery, the sarcophagus being borne on a chariot drawn by four horses. This chariot is preceded by another chariot and four, and by two led horses, and is followed by a horse with a servant on each side of it, and at the head of the procession walks a female figure with its left hand raised to support its bowed head. The head and foot of the roof are each ornamented with a symmetrical group composed of a sitting and a standing figure.

FuTiereal Fresco, No. 4%.—This was discovered in a tumulus at Saida in 1887 by Djumbulat Selim Bey; it is of limestone, and has been much damaged by damp. It represents a woman standing, clad in a long tunic, and with her right hand on her head, in sign of mourning. At her feet is a funereal urn, while above her is a garland of flowers.

ROMAN PERIOD

Sarcophagus No. 39. — This sarcophagus was discovered at Selefkiyeh in 1890, and forwarded to Constantinople by Hassan Edib Pasha. It is of white marble, but the lid is missing. The heads of four of its carved figures also disappeared soon after its discovery, and have not yet been found, despite the unremitting search made for them. The trough is rectangular, and the sides, head, and foot are carved. The figures at each of the four corners are represented as standing, and on each side are five more, all of them being 44j- inches high.

North Side.—In the centre of this side is a nude figure of Death bearing a crown in his left hand; on either side of him is the figure of a woman dressed in a long robe; and towards each end a male figure clad in a toga.

South Side.—The central carving on this side represents the corpse dressed in a toga and seated on a chair; on each side of this figure is that of a woman clad in a long robe; and towards each end two male figures in togas, holding a horse.