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Trial of Writer Trifon Kunev

On 14 November 1947, a trial was held against writer Trifon Kunev. He was accused of publishing a collection of satirical short stories that criticized the regime. In his work, Kunev described the resistance of the Bulgarian people against the oppressive regime. He aimed to document the struggle against a system that stripped people of their dignity, writing, “I decided to leave behind a lasting document about the resistance movement of the Bulgarian people… The resisting power of Bulgarians against the enslavement depraving them of human dignity is enormous…” (from “Cramped And Puny Like Baby Camels,” 1946).

Repression of Opposition and Military Officers

After the State Security had ruthlessly eliminated democratic legal opposition parties, their focus shifted to removing high-ranking Bulgarian military officers and dismantling patriotic organizations. In July and August 1946, the State Security organized trials against legionaries—members of the Bulgarian National Legion youth organization that existed until 1944. The communist authorities considered these legionaries their most significant enemies Istanbul Day Tour.

Out of 68 legionaries put on trial, 13 were sentenced to death, and the remaining were given various prison terms.

Reports of Brutal Repression

On 25 November 1945, the Greek daily newspaper “Embros” reported from Athens: “The Maritza River washes ashore the dead bodies of Bulgarians. These bodies, dragged by the river from Bulgaria, are numerous. They are likely the bodies of Bulgarian ‘reactionaries’ who were massacred shortly before the elections to intimidate the population into voting for the Communist Front.”

Similarly, on 19 February 1946, the Greek daily “Estia” reported: “On the eve of the Bulgarian elections, many Greek citizens and some British officials witnessed the muddy waters of the Maritza River carrying a large number of dead bodies towards the Augean. These reports are documented and kept on record.”

The period following World War II was marked by intense repression and brutality under the communist regime. The trial of Trifon Kunev, the crackdown on legionaries, and reports of violent acts aimed to suppress any opposition and maintain control. These actions reflect the regime’s harsh methods of silencing dissent and instilling fear among the population.

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Trial of Writer Trifon Kunev

On 14 November 1947, a trial was held against writer Trifon Kunev. He was accused of publishing a collection of satirical short stories that criticized the regime. In his work, Kunev described the resistance of the Bulgarian people against the oppressive regime. He aimed to document the struggle against a system that stripped people of their dignity, writing, “I decided to leave behind a lasting document about the resistance movement of the Bulgarian people… The resisting power of Bulgarians against the enslavement depraving them of human dignity is enormous…” (from “Cramped And Puny Like Baby Camels,” 1946).

Repression of Opposition and Military Officers

After the State Security had ruthlessly eliminated democratic legal opposition parties, their focus shifted to removing high-ranking Bulgarian military officers and dismantling patriotic organizations. In July and August 1946, the State Security organized trials against legionaries—members of the Bulgarian National Legion youth organization that existed until 1944. The communist authorities considered these legionaries their most significant enemies Istanbul Day Tour.

Out of 68 legionaries put on trial, 13 were sentenced to death, and the remaining were given various prison terms.

Reports of Brutal Repression

On 25 November 1945, the Greek daily newspaper “Embros” reported from Athens: “The Maritza River washes ashore the dead bodies of Bulgarians. These bodies, dragged by the river from Bulgaria, are numerous. They are likely the bodies of Bulgarian ‘reactionaries’ who were massacred shortly before the elections to intimidate the population into voting for the Communist Front.”

Similarly, on 19 February 1946, the Greek daily “Estia” reported: “On the eve of the Bulgarian elections, many Greek citizens and some British officials witnessed the muddy waters of the Maritza River carrying a large number of dead bodies towards the Augean. These reports are documented and kept on record.”

The period following World War II was marked by intense repression and brutality under the communist regime. The trial of Trifon Kunev, the crackdown on legionaries, and reports of violent acts aimed to suppress any opposition and maintain control. These actions reflect the regime’s harsh methods of silencing dissent and instilling fear among the population.

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Mixed Sentiments Towards King Peter

King Peter’s Isolation

In the hearts of the Serbian people, there’s a mix of admiration and regret for England’s refusal to recognize King Peter. While they respect England’s principled stand, they also lament the isolation it brings to King Peter himself. Despite his kind nature, King Peter feels like an outcast among kings. Neither he nor the Crown Prince has won the favor of the populace. The lack of popular support is evident when officials turn away or retreat to shops and side streets rather than salute the king. The crowds rarely cheer, and hats are seldom raised in his presence.

Ambivalence Towards the Regicide

Do the Serbian people truly approve of the violent removal of Alexander and Draga? It’s unlikely. While they may have desired the removal of the king and queen, their preference was likely exile, not murder. The conspiracy to assassinate them was driven by a faction within the army, not by the general populace. Despite their love for their country, the Serbian people have a resigned acceptance of circumstances, tinged with an Asiatic shrug of the shoulders. They recognize the disgrace brought upon their nation but fear that resistance would only lead to further bloodshed and potentially invite Austrian intervention, spelling the end of Serbia’s autonomy Private Tours Bulgaria.

Undercurrents of Conspiracy

Beneath the surface of Belgrade lies a web of conspiracy. Rumors abound of movements to hold the conspirators, including the king, accountable for their actions and even subject them to execution. There are whispers of restoring the Obrenovitch dynasty or seeking a Montenegrin prince with a clean record to ascend the throne. Some even envy Bulgaria’s progress under a foreign prince and contemplate similar paths for Serbia’s future.

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Unveiling the Mysteries of Thracian Temples

The Temple in the Golyama Arsenalka Mound

In the 5th century BC, a temple emerged within the Golyama Arsenalka mound, offering a glimpse into ancient Thracian beliefs. The temple’s floor, crafted from meticulously arranged flagstones, unveils a circular recess symbolizing the sun. Encircling this central motif are three concentric belts, reflecting the Thracian concept of the Universe encompassing underground, terrestrial, and celestial realms. Although ancient plundering has disturbed the site, remnants of golden jewelry have been discovered amidst the gaps.

A Glimpse into Royal Burials

Within this burial ground lies the resting place of a Thracian ruler, dating back to ancient times. Among the remarkable discoveries within the tomb is a golden mask, a unique artifact within Thracian territories, alongside a distinctive signature ring. The ruler’s interment included an array of weaponry and armor, comprising a breastplate, swords, lances, and arrows, rendering this find one of the most opulent in Bulgaria’s history Private Tour Istanbul.

The Temple of Seuthes III (Golyama Kosmatka)

Constructed during the latter half of the 5th century BC, the Temple of Seuthes III within the Golyama Kosmatka mound boasts a complex architectural design. Comprising a rectangular chamber, a circular chamber, and a sarcophagus hall, the temple stands as a testament to Thracian spiritual practices. Noteworthy are the vibrant adornments embellishing the marble gate, symbolizing the cardinal directions and the cyclical nature of existence. Within the tomb, a treasure trove awaits discovery, including a magnificent golden wreath, ornate wine goblets, and intricately decorated armor pieces.

Celebrating Thracian Heritage

Experience the enchanting allure of Thracian rituals during the annual Celebrations of the Valley of the Thracian Kings, held on 2nd and 3rd September. This event, inspired by the rich cultural heritage of the Thracians, aims to foster a deeper appreciation for their way of life. The festivities encompass a diverse array of activities, from exhibitions showcasing Thracian heritage through the eyes of artists to guided tours of the Valley of the Thracian Kings. Additionally, a scientific symposium delves into the significance of cultural tourism in the Thracian lands, offering insights for both scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Unlocking the Past: Embracing Thracian Legacy

Join us in unraveling the mysteries of ancient Thracian temples and celebrating the enduring legacy of this remarkable civilization. Through exploration, discovery, and cultural immersion, let us embark on a journey through time, where the echoes of Thracian rituals and traditions resonate with timeless allure.

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Unveiling Thracian Life Through Frescoes

The frescoes found in the Thracian Tomb depict various scenes from the life of the buried nobleman. Initially interpreted as a funeral feast, the central scene is now believed to represent a wedding procession. The focal point features a Thracian couple of noble lineage, accompanied by a towering figure, likely a goddess, standing beside the man. Other participants, including pipers, cup-bearers, gift-bearing women, and horse-led warriors, flank the central figures, illustrating the richness of Thracian ceremonial life.

Extraordinary Thracian Temples

The Shushmanets Mound Temple: This temple, unparalleled in the Balkans, boasts columns both in its foyer and chamber. Reflecting Thracian cosmology, it symbolizes the underworld and celestial realms, united by a grand column terminating in a sun emblem Istanbul Cultural Tours.

The Ostrusha Mound Temple

Dating back to the 4th century BC, this temple comprises six rooms, with a ritualistic horse sacrifice recorded in the southwestern chamber. Noteworthy is the single granite-block central chamber and a preserved image of a female face on the ceiling.

The Griffons Mound Temple

Named for its griffon-headed entry, this temple showcases dome-shaped architecture crafted with remarkable skill. Griffons, mythical creatures with lion and eagle attributes, adorn the entry, distinguishing it from other Thracian monuments.

The Helvetsia Mound Temple

Built in the 4th century BC, this sanctuary was later repurposed for burial. The entrance gate’s stone wings, painted red and black symbolizing life and death respectively, remain intact. A horse sacrifice aimed to channel blood into the earth, symbolizing reverence for the Great Mother-Goddess.

These temples offer profound insights into Thracian beliefs, rituals, and architectural prowess, enriching our understanding of this ancient civilization.

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Horrors Unveiled Atrocities in Panagurishti

The Fate of the Innocents

In Panagurishti, we bore witness to the chilling remnants of unspeakable atrocities inflicted upon the innocent. Within the desolate ruins of the church, where the altar once stood, we encountered a haunting sight—a blackened spot adorned with charred bones and a bouquet of flowers. Here lay the remains of Theodor Peoff, an elderly priest of 85 years, subjected to unimaginable torture and mutilation at the hands of his captors. His agonizing ordeal, culminating in his merciless execution and burning before the altar, bore testimony to the depravity of his assailants.

Further Tragedies Unfold

Elsewhere in the village, another grim scene awaited us. A blackened patch marked the spot where Dondje Stregleyoff, an elderly blind man, suffered a brutal assault before being cast into the flames, condemned to burn alive. The ruthless cruelty inflicted upon these helpless victims defied comprehension Bulgaria Tours.

Suffering of a Benevolent Soul

Among the victims was Zwatko Boyadjieff, a revered figure known for his philanthropy and compassion towards all, regardless of religion or ethnicity. Despite his altruistic deeds, he too fell victim to the savagery unleashed upon the village. His eyes gouged out, subjected to unspeakable torment, he was left to perish in the inferno, his fate emblematic of the indiscriminate brutality inflicted upon the populace.

Grave Injustice

The yard of a modest cottage, shaded by trees, bore witness to yet another tragedy. A grieving woman knelt beside a freshly dug grave, mourning the loss of her son—a promising youth of eighteen, innocent and uninvolved in the unrest. Returning home from school after a two-year absence, he was cruelly seized and subjected to a barbaric spectacle, his hands severed one by one in the presence of his anguished mother before meeting his untimely demise.

Confronting Unspeakable Cruelty

The harrowing accounts of suffering and loss in Panagurishti underscored the depths of human depravity and the callous disregard for human life exhibited by the perpetrators. These atrocities serve as a stark reminder of the horrors unleashed during times of conflict and the urgent need for justice and accountability to prevent such heinous acts from recurring.

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Unveiling Horrors The Journey to Batak

A Grim Revelation

Since my last correspondence, each passing moment has unfolded a new layer of horror, leaving me shaken to the core. There is no tale of Turkish brutality that I do not now find credible, no atrocity beyond the realm of possibility. The Turks have surpassed all limits of barbarity, reaching a point where mere words fail to convey the depth of their depravity.

A Threshold of Inhumanity

There comes a point where the atrocities become so egregious that rational analysis falters, and the mind recoils in horror. The path forward is obscured by mountains of unspeakable cruelty, rendering further investigation futile. It is a realm where moral compasses shatter, and the soul cries out for respite from the relentless onslaught of brutality Private Guide Turkey.

A Perilous Journey to Batak

Our journey to Batak was fraught with obstacles, as local authorities, aggrieved by Mr. Schuyler’s refusal to be accompanied by Turkish officials, sought to impede our progress. Despite their efforts to thwart us, the resilience of the villagers prevailed, as they clandestinely provided us with horses to continue our journey.

Defying Oppression

In the face of official prohibition, the villagers defied orders with remarkable determination, initially presenting us with horses without saddles as a subtle protest. Undeterred, we requested saddles, prompting the villagers to swiftly comply, their actions a silent rebuke to the oppressive dictates of authority.

Unified Resolve

Amidst the challenges and uncertainties of our journey, the unwavering solidarity of the villagers emerged as a beacon of hope. Despite the specter of retribution, they stood united in their defiance, demonstrating an indomitable spirit in the face of tyranny.

A Testament to Resilience

As we embarked on the next leg of our journey, the echoes of the villagers’ resolve lingered in the air, a poignant reminder of the human capacity for resistance in the darkest of times. In their defiance, we found inspiration, reaffirming our commitment to bearing witness to the unspeakable horrors that awaited us in Batak.

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Bulgarian Cultural Development

From Old Bulgarian to Cyrillic Alphabet

Adoption of Slavonic Language (893)

In the year 893, the Bulgarians embraced the Slavonic language, later recognized as “Old Bulgarian,” as their official tongue. This linguistic shift gave rise to a literary tradition known today as “Old Slavonic,” primarily focused on ecclesiastical matters.

Creation of Old Bulgarian Alphabet (9th Century)

The Old Bulgarian alphabet used in early ecclesiastical literature was devised by two brothers, Cyril and Methodius, hailing from Salonica. These brothers were later canonized in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Originally called Glagolitsa, their alphabet is now referred to as “Cyrillic” in its contemporary modified form. The dissemination of the Cyrillic alphabet in Bulgaria was championed by Cyril and Methodius’ disciples, particularly Kliment and Naum. Kliment established a school in Ochrid, while Naum founded another in Preslav.

Literary Centers in Ochrid and Preslav (9th-10th Centuries)

The schools in Ochrid and Preslav emerged as crucial hubs of Bulgarian literature. Kliment, active in Ochrid until his death in 916, authored twenty-seven works. Meanwhile, at Preslav, numerous Greek books were translated into Bulgarian. This period, flourishing under the rule of King Simeon I (865-927), is renowned as the “golden age” of Bulgarian literature Private Istanbul Tour.

Secular Literary Breakthrough: Chernorizets Khrabur

Chernorizets Khrabur was a pivotal secular writer who deviated from religious themes. His work “About the Letters” served as a polemic defending young Bulgarian literature against critiques from Greek writers.

Cultural Impact and Alphabet Adoption by Other Slavic Peoples

The literary endeavors in medieval Bulgaria led to the widespread adoption of the Bulgarian alphabet by various Slavic communities, including Serbs, Cossacks, Russians, and Ukrainians. This cultural exchange left an enduring mark on the linguistic and literary heritage of these Slavic nations.

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Bulgarian Cultural Development

From Old Bulgarian to Cyrillic Alphabet

Adoption of Slavonic Language (893)

In the year 893, the Bulgarians embraced the Slavonic language, later recognized as “Old Bulgarian,” as their official tongue. This linguistic shift gave rise to a literary tradition known today as “Old Slavonic,” primarily focused on ecclesiastical matters.

Creation of Old Bulgarian Alphabet (9th Century)

The Old Bulgarian alphabet used in early ecclesiastical literature was devised by two brothers, Cyril and Methodius, hailing from Salonica. These brothers were later canonized in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Originally called Glagolitsa, their alphabet is now referred to as “Cyrillic” in its contemporary modified form. The dissemination of the Cyrillic alphabet in Bulgaria was championed by Cyril and Methodius’ disciples, particularly Kliment and Naum. Kliment established a school in Ochrid, while Naum founded another in Preslav.

Literary Centers in Ochrid and Preslav (9th-10th Centuries)

The schools in Ochrid and Preslav emerged as crucial hubs of Bulgarian literature. Kliment, active in Ochrid until his death in 916, authored twenty-seven works. Meanwhile, at Preslav, numerous Greek books were translated into Bulgarian. This period, flourishing under the rule of King Simeon I (865-927), is renowned as the “golden age” of Bulgarian literature Private Istanbul Tour.

Secular Literary Breakthrough: Chernorizets Khrabur

Chernorizets Khrabur was a pivotal secular writer who deviated from religious themes. His work “About the Letters” served as a polemic defending young Bulgarian literature against critiques from Greek writers.

Cultural Impact and Alphabet Adoption by Other Slavic Peoples

The literary endeavors in medieval Bulgaria led to the widespread adoption of the Bulgarian alphabet by various Slavic communities, including Serbs, Cossacks, Russians, and Ukrainians. This cultural exchange left an enduring mark on the linguistic and literary heritage of these Slavic nations.

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Bulgaria's Economic Recovery and Challenges (1997-2000)

The “Blue” Government and Rapid Reforms

The provisional government, led by the “blue” mayor of Sofia, Stefan Sofianski, took swift measures to stabilize Bulgaria’s financial situation and introduced the currency board. In the elections on April 19, 1997, the newly formed Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) faced a decisive defeat against the Socialists, resulting in an absolute parliamentary majority for the ADF. A month later, Ivan Kostov, the leader of the ADF, assumed leadership of the new “blue” government, enjoying broad social support. The primary challenge before the cabinet was the implementation of much-needed reforms.

Kostov’s Leadership and Foreign Policy

During Prime Minister Ivan Kostov’s rule from 1997 to 2001, often affectionately referred to as the “Commander” by his supporters, efforts were concentrated on rebuilding the country after the devastating impact of Videnov’s cabinet. Kostov’s foreign policy played a crucial role in securing Bulgaria’s membership in the International Monetary Fund and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The country shifted toward a policy of political and economic alignment with the West, particularly the USA. Concurrently, the domestic market faced an influx of goods of questionable quality, mainly imported from the Far and Near East Guided Turkey Tours .

Financial Reforms and the Rise of the “Grey Economy”

The financial system underwent significant reforms from 1997 to 1999, impacting small businesses and expanding the basis for the “grey economy.” This informal sector gained prominence as people, facing reduced incomes, sought ways to avoid social security payments and other financial obligations to the state. The ties between official institutions and agencies with criminal economic structures became evident. Prime Minister Rostov’s personal control over various economic spheres generated discontent, leading some former supporters to leave the “Blue Alliance” and form their own organizations and parties. By the year 2000, a substantial portion of those who had voted for the ADF in 1997, particularly representatives of small and medium-sized private businesses, were anticipating a change.

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Klissura's Heartbreaking Ordeal

The Lingering Agony of Klissura

This article plunges into the heart-wrenching tales of Klissura, unraveling the profound suffering endured by its inhabitants. From the cruel abduction of children to the despair of forsaken mothers, Klissura’s agony echoes through the ages, challenging the conscience of those who bear witness to its sorrow.

The Illusion of Liberation

In a disheartening revelation, the Mutle-Serif of Philippopolis shamelessly denied the existence of orders forbidding villagers from leaving Klissura. Yet, the reality spoke otherwise. The villagers, trapped within the remnants of their homes, were denied the fundamental freedom to seek opportunities beyond the confines of their shattered village. This illusion of liberation further tightened the chains of oppression, leaving the people shackled in despair.

The Tragedy of Forced Conversions

Klissura, akin to Batak, bore witness to the tragic abduction of children and young girls. Carried off to neighboring Turkish villages, these innocent souls faced a harrowing fate – forced conversion to Islam. The parents, grappling with the agony of separation, found themselves powerless in the quest to reclaim their children. The echoes of these tragic stories reverberate not only in Klissura but also in Tatar Bazardjik and Philippopolis Private Tours Bulgaria, underscoring the pervasive cruelty of these forced conversions.

Women’s Heartrending Pleas

As we departed Klissura, a procession of despair unfolded. Miserable, haggard women, many cradling infants, pursued our departure. Their wails and cries painted a haunting portrait of desperation, a poignant outcry for relief that remained elusive. Klissura’s women, burdened by the weight of sorrow, pleaded for change, for a glimmer of hope that had eluded them for three long months.

Klissura’s Unheard Suffering

Klissura’s ordeal, marked by the denial of freedom and the tragedy of forced conversions, remains a silent scream in the corridors of history. The Mutle-Serif’s denial echoes the broader silence that surrounds the suffering of Klissura. As these stories unfold, it becomes imperative for the world to turn its gaze towards the silent cries of Klissura, acknowledging the agony that persists in the shadows.

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Unveiling the Singular Clash

Turmoil in Strelcha and the Weight of Vengeance

Strelcha’s Singular Strife A Rare Confrontation Amidst Balkan Unrest

In the turbulent landscape of post-uprising Balkans, the village of Strelcha emerged as an anomaly, witnessing a clash between Christians and Turks—a rarity in the broader narrative of rebellion. The unique characteristic of Strelcha, a mixed village housing both Christian and Turkish communities, set the stage for an inevitable confrontation once the decision to rise up had been made.

The Unfolding Battle An Inevitable Confrontation

As the insurgents from Otluk-kui and Avrat-Alan rallied to support the Christian cause in Strelcha, a confrontation became unavoidable. In the intricate dance of communal relations, the lines were drawn, and the villagers found themselves at odds with each other. Yet, amidst the chaos of battle, a distinctive aspect stands out—the deliberate effort of both Christian and Turkish women and children to seek refuge in the fields, avoiding the direct impact of the conflict.

The absence of recorded incidents of Turkish women or children being killed or violated during the clash speaks to a shared understanding between the warring factions to protect the vulnerable members of their communities. However, as the winds of fortune shifted, and the Turks gained dominance, the repercussions would be severe and unrestrained Bulgaria Private Tours.

Vengeance Unleashed Understanding the Depths of Retribution

In the aftermath of the confrontation, with Strelcha succumbing to the flames of conflict, the Turks seized the upper hand. What followed was a grim tableau of vengeance—retribution wrought upon Christian neighbors and their families. The scars of this vengeful act, although fueled by the exasperation of witnessing their homes in flames, leave an indelible mark on the collective memory of Strelcha.

While acknowledging the extenuating circumstances that may have contributed to the Turks’ actions, the massacre in Strelcha stands as a singular case where the Christian population actively engaged in hostilities against their Turkish neighbors. The subsequent vengeance, however cruel and unjustifiable, takes on a different hue in comparison to the widespread, cold-blooded atrocities witnessed in other regions.

In the grand tapestry of Balkan unrest, Strelcha’s singular clash serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities that underlie communal relationships during times of upheaval. As the flames of vengeance subside, they leave behind a village scarred not only by the physical toll of conflict but also by the profound repercussions of a clash that defied the broader trends of post-uprising dynamics in the region.

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Incredulous and sceptical mind

Nobody can understand the cool, plausible, conscientious way in which a Turk can lie until he has seen what I have seen during this trip through Bulgaria. I have travelled a good deal, and seen something of the world; but I am willing to confess that until I came here I had no idea of the extent to which human duplicity could be carried. The honest, straight-forward way in which these people will lie to you is simply past belief, and will impose upon the most incredulous and sceptical mind.

There is an honesty, an earnestness, a seriousness in the tones of the voice, an evident knowledge of the necessities of the situation, which carries conviction with it, and convinces you that they see and know and feel about it exactly as you do. The right is so evident to their mind as well as yours, that it is impossible they should go wrong : and it is not until you see with your own eyes that they have been coolly, deliberately, and with premeditation, lying to you in the most shameless manner, that you begin to fathom the depths of their duplicity.

There are cases like the present, in which one finds out the truth; but generally you have no means of verifying what has been said to you, and of necessity you are obliged to believe. It requires a special habit and training of mind to be able to disbelieve every word which is said to you ; a habit of mind which Europeans as a rule have not got, which they cannot get, unless brought up in it from infancy, and which is rarely obtained in Europe Guided Tours Turkey.

This is why Europeans are continually deceived and overreached in their dealings with Orientals. The reader will say, perhaps, that I, the writer of these lines, seem to have learnt it pretty well already. Not at all. I know that the Mutld-Serif of Philippopolis, or any other Turk, can make me believe any number of lies, unless I have ready to hand the means of dis-proving them. I feel I am a perfect child in their hands.

I could no more have doubted Kiana Pacha and Edib Effendi when they said there was nobody killed at Batak than I could have doubted that the sun would rise to-morrow, had I not been to Batak and seen 6,000 or 7,000 bodies lying there. So far from returning the cattle to the destitute villagers, the Turks of Ustuna, hearing that we had been to Perustitza, and fearing we might make urgent representations on the subject, drove them all off to another part of the country, and sold them.

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Beneath the stones

Beneath the stones and rubbish that cover the floor to the height of several feet, are the bones and ashes of 200 women and children burnt alive between those four walls. Just beside the schoolhouse is a broad shallow pit. Here were buried a hundred bodies two weeks after the massacre. But the dogs uncovered them in part. The water flowed in, and now it lies there a horrid cesspool, with human remains floating about or lying half exposed in the mud. Nearby, on the banks of the little stream that runs through the village, is a sawmill. The wheel-pit beneath is full of dead bodies floating in the water. The banks of this stream were at one time literally covered with corpses of men and women, young girls and children, that lay there festering in the sun, and eaten by dogs.

Even Tatar Bazardjik

But the pitiful sky rained down a torrent upon them, and the little stream swelled and rose up and carried the bodies away, and strewred them far down its grassy banks, through its narrow gorges and dark defiles beneath the thick underbrush and the shady woods as far as Pestera, and even Tatar Bazardjik. forty miles distant. We entered the churchyard, but the odour here became so bad that it was almost impossible to proceed. We took a handful of tobacco, and held it to our noses while we continued our investigations Istanbul Private Tours.

The church was not a very large one, and it was surrounded by a low stone wall, enclosing a small churchyard about fifty yards wide by seventy-five long. At first we perceive nothing in particular, and the stench is so great that we scarcely care to look about us, but we see that the place is heaped up with stones and rubbish to the height of five or six feet above the level of the street, and upon inspection we discover that what appeared to be a mass of stones and rubbish is in reality an immense heap of human bodies covered over with a thin layer of stones.

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Two parts Treasury

The Seraglio is divided nowadays in two parts —the Treasury, to which visitors are admitted by imperial warrant; and the Outer Grounds, in which are situated the Imperial College of Medicine, the Fine Arts School, the Museum of Antiquities, the Mint, and the Church of St. Irene. Between the entrance to the Treasury and the Church of St. Irene is an open square, called the Court of the Janissaries ; in its centre is an old plane-tree, called the Janissaries’ Plane-tree; it is said that on its branches the executioner in olden times was wont to hang those sentenced to death for treason or other crimes, and that under its cool shade many a mutiny of the Janissaries was hatched. The porphyri sarcophagi, bearing a cross, seen near the Church of St. Irene, are supposed to have held the mortal remains of Byzantine Emperors; they were discovered among the ruins of the Church of St. Minas, near St. Irene. Close by is Eudoxia’s Column, a broken obelisk, and a fragment of an enormous head of Medusa.

Admission to the Treasury.—The Treasury, or the Crown Jewels, is open on Sundays and Tuesdays from 6 to 9 o’clock, Turkish time. Visitors wishing to visit the Treasury have to get, at least one day before the above said days, a letter from their respective Embassies to the officials in the Foreign Office, whence another letter, written in Turkish, will be given to them to the officials of the Treasury. The issuing of the permit is free of charge private tour istanbul. And no gratuities are given to the innumerable attendants who closely surround visitors while they are in the Treasury proper.

Orta Kapou

Travellers who obtain the permit have to go to Orta Kapou, or Middle Gate, and show their permit to one of the guardians of this gate, who will conduct them through the Bab-i-Saadet to the inner section of the grounds, where they will be met by the Treasurer. Ortah Kapu, which is flanked by massive towers, is always guarded by soldiers, and none can pass the door without a permit. Within this gate is a court planted with trees, and in it are those dome buildings which excite the curiosity of foreigners approaching Constantinople from the Sea of Marmora, when the steamer rounds Seraglio Point.

A great part of the buildings with yellow chimneys, on the right on entering this court, are the palace kitchens; on the left is the dower-house, where the wives of the Sultan’s predecessors reside, closely guarded. These buildings are approached by the Bab-i-Sadet (Gate of Felicity), or Ah Aghalar Kayu (Gate of the White Eunuchs), guarded by white eunuchs ; here the accession of Sultans to the throne was formerly proclaimed.

Visitors are first conducted to the Treasury proper, the iron gate of which is solemnly opened in their presence by the Treasurer. The first room below contains a fine collection of old Turkish arms and armour; in the centre is an inlaid Persian throne, set with rubies and emeralds, captured by Sultan Selim I. in 1514, from the Shah of Persia, Ismael. Opposite the entrance, near a window, is the bronze statue of the late Sultan Abd-ul-Aziz on horseback ; the adjoining glass case contains the sword of Constantine Paleologus, the last Byzantine Emperor; and the left-hand glass cases contain sword-handles of emerald, vases filled with coral, and large unwrought pearls; besides costly embroidered counterpanes and saddles.

Visitors are next conducted upstairs; the most remarkable object to be seen here is the throne of Sultan Ahmed III., made of precious wood, inlaid with tortoise-shell, and set with turquoises and a large emerald, the whole an exquisite specimen of early Turkish art; in the glass case on the left is the chain-mail worn by Sultan Murad 1Y. at the taking of Bagdad in 1638.

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THE VARNA TREASURE

31. THE VARNA TREASURE

The treasure was fortuitously found in Varna in 1961, during construction works, at the corner of Knyaz Boris I and Makedonia streets, 1,5 m be-low the today’s walking level. The spot is about 500 m north – east to the Late Antiquity fortress walls of Odessos, near the Roman necropolis of the town (AD 2nd – 3rd centuries). At the area of the find there is evidence of funerals dating from the 4th – 6th centuries.

It has been probably kept within a leather sa-chet and might have been part of a larger treasure

consisting of gold jewelry belonging to ecclesiastical or secular persons. The presence of additional artifacts and fragments suggests the treasure has been divided in two parts at least, and submitted by the Church or by Odessos authorities in the second half of the 6th – early 7th century to Barbarians (probably the Avars who invaded the Balkans in 580 – 582) in return for captives; the local bishop Martin attested to a similar initiative — in 544 he succeeded in receiving from Emperor Justinian a special privilege for the church community in town (Just. Nov. CXX, 4)

The treasure consists of eight objects or frag-ments of 22-carat gold, precious and semi-precious stones: pearls, garnet and malachite of a total weight of 417 g. They were produced in different periods between mid 5th and mid 6th centuries, using various techniques peculiar of the Early Byzantine goldsmith’s art as forging, engraving, chasing, filigree, granulation, incising, intaglio and encrustment. Some of the pieces were prob-ably fashioned in the imperial workshop of Con-stantinople, as the bracelets tour bulgaria, the incised diadem which is the only one known of its kind, and per-haps the necklace. The rest of the jewels were like-ly produced in the workshops of Odessos, which were very active in the course of 4th – 6th centuries.

31.1. DIADEM

Constantinople Second half of the 5th century Gold, pearls, green gems (emeralds?) 32,5 x 1,3 cm; 16,4 g

31.2. DIADEM A fragment Odessos 6th century Gold, opal, pearls, glass 19 x 1,3 cm; 40,8 g Varna, Regional Museum of History, lnv. N III 560

31.3. NECKLACE

Odessos

Late 5th – 6th century Gold, pearls, glass L. 25,6 cm; 25,6 g Varna, Regional Museum of History, lnv. N III 561

31.4. PECTORAL CROSS -ENCOLPION

Odessos 6th century Gold, garnet, malachite 7,3 x 5,2 x 0,75 cm; 37,5 g

Byzantium

Second half of the 6th century Gold, filigree, amethyst 3,9 x 2,5 cm Sadovets, Pleven region, discovered during archaeological research in 1934, in the vicinity of a Late Antiquity fortress together with 54 gold coins and 50 copper coins dating from the reign of Justinian (527 – 565) to Maurice Tiberius (582 – 602)

31.5. BRACELET

(the other one of the pair is now in a process of conservation) Constantinople 6th century Gold, pearls, glass, enamel 6,3 x 3,4 cm; 109,4 and 112,3 g Varna, Regional Museum of History,

[banskotravel]

Thracian settlement

There was once a Thracian settlement here which the Romans made into a fortress called Abritus. During Ottoman domination the town was a major crafts, trade and administrative centre. A monastic school was opened here in the 17th century, followed by a class school in 1812 and a girl’s school in 1848. The library club was founded in 1869. The town was liberated from Ottoman domination in 1878 by Russian troops, under Prince Dondukov-Korsakov.

The town then developed as the centre of a rich agricultural region, with craft and trade but poorly developed industry. Under socialism, Razgrad has quickly become an industrial , administrative and cultural centre with the glass and porcelain works being one of the largest in Europe.

The town has a theatre, district history museum, and various specialised schools.

Hotels: Razgrad, 3 stars, 20 floors, 16 suites, 21 single and 104 double rooms, restaurant, night club, coffee-shop, hairdresser’s, post office, information bureau.

Abritus, accommodating 140, 33 Beli Lom Blvd., tel. 27-06, Republika Restaurant.

Balkantounst bureau, 29 lenin Blvd., Tel,: 26-37

Union of Bulgarian Motorists, 3 Nozharska St.

Tourist attractions:

The ruins of the Roman fortress town of Abntus, discovered in 1953, the town was surrounded by a fortress wall 1215 m high and up to 3 m wide, with four gates. Near the eastern gate there is a 3rd-century building with 23 rooms which was probably the house of a rich landowner sofia guided tours.

The town was captured by the Goths in 251 and in the 6th century it was destroyed by the invading Avars and Slavs.

Tounst attractions:

Ibrahim Pasha Mosque, 1614;

The clock tower, 1864;

Kovanluka Park some 8 km southw’est of the town with ponds, sports grounds, a hotel-restaurant and a national taverna ‘Kolibite’.

During excavations in 1982, under a mound neai the village of Sveshtari, some 6 km northwest of Isperih in the Razgrad district, archaeologists discovered a 3rd century B.C. Thracian tomb. In ancient times this part of Bulgaria was inhabited by the Thracian tribe of the Getae. The tomb has a corridor leading to it and its walls, like the tomb itself, are made of large, well-cut slabs. The entrance is lined with rectangular columns with capitals decorated in red and blue rosetts. Above the columns is a frieze decorated with rosettes and garlands. The tomb proper consists of three chambers united by a semi-cylindrical vault.

The central chamber is decorated with a frieze depicting three female figures in high relief, dressed in long sleeveless robes tied with belts. Their hands are raised as if to support the frieze and they are in the style of the Cariatides in Athens. Another scene is of a goddess offering a wreath to a horseman. This is in black and white and is unique. There are two stone beds in the chamber, probably intended for a Thracian ruler and his wife. The tomb had already been plundered hundreds of years ago — there are traces of extensive damage in the three rooms: broken door slabs, ar-chitectural details, human and animal bones. Investigations continue.