Street Parties

Obligation of Parents and Guardians

The law on compulsory education requires that parents, guardians, and anyone responsible for children between the ages of six and twelve ensure that the children attend school regularly (Article 13).

There are only two exceptions to this rule:

Children who are physically or intellectually unable to attend school.

Children who have already completed their primary education (Articles 21 and 22).

This ensures that all children receive the basic education necessary for life and citizenship.

Reporting Irregular Attendance

If a pupil does not attend school regularly, the headmaster must report the case to the school committee. The committee then informs the parents or guardians about the child’s absence (Articles 39 and 40).

If the child continues to miss school, the parents or guardians face fines. Initially, they may be fined 1 to 3 francs by the mayor of the parish Istanbul City Tour.

Increasing Penalties for Repeated Absences

If the parents or guardians fail to comply three times in a row, the departmental education council may impose higher fines, ranging from 5 to 30 francs. This system ensures that parents take responsibility for their children’s education and that children attend school consistently.

Responsibility of School Officials

The law also holds school officials accountable. If headmasters or presidents of educational councils fail to enforce the provisions of the law, they may be punished with fines ranging from 10 to 100 francs.

This creates a chain of responsibility:

Parents ensure children attend school.

School officials monitor attendance and report irregularities.

Authorities impose penalties when necessary.

Fundamental Principles of Government

According to the Bulgarian Constitution, the government and administrative organisation of the Principality are based on several fundamental principles:

Separation of Powers – Public authorities are divided into legislative, executive, and judiciary branches to ensure a balanced government.

Equality of Citizens – All citizens enjoy equal civil and political rights, without distinction of class or wealth.

Inviolability – The person, residence, property, and private correspondence of every individual are protected by law.

Freedom and Liberty – Citizens have the right to freedom of conscience, freedom of the press, freedom of public meetings, and the liberty to form associations.

Universal Suffrage – Members of the National Assembly, as well as departmental and municipal councils, are elected by direct and secret universal suffrage.

Local Self-Government – Communities have the right to manage local affairs independently, within the limits of the law Istanbul Day Tour.

The Principal Public Authorities

The Principality of Bulgaria is a constitutional and hereditary monarchy with a system of national representation. The legislative and executive authorities exercise national sovereignty in the name of the people, according to the limits set by the Constitution.

Legislative Power

Legislative authority is shared between the Prince and the National Assembly, which act jointly to make laws.

Executive Power

The Prince holds the executive power and oversees the administration of the state. His main responsibilities include:

Administrative Prerogative – All administrative organs act in the Prince’s name and under his control. He appoints and dismisses ministers, who in turn manage civil and military officials.

Military Authority – The Prince is the supreme chief of the armed forces in peace, and commander-in-chief in war.

Representation of the Nation – He represents Bulgaria in international relations and during national ceremonies.

Treaties and Agreements – All treaties with foreign states are concluded in the name of the Prince and require the approval of the National Assembly.

The Wooden Gate of Constantinople

A Wall Reaching the Golden Horn

From the northern end of the Heraclian Wall, a short connecting wall was built down to the water’s edge. This wall crossed the western end of the road that ran along the shore of the Golden Horn, just outside the Harbour Walls. Its purpose was clear: it served as an extra layer of protection. By closing the gap between land and water defenses, it prevented enemy land forces from easily reaching and attacking the harbor fortifications.

The Wooden Gate – Xylo Porta

For the sake of convenience, this wall was pierced by a gate, known as the Xylo Porta, which means the Wooden Gate in Greek. The gate allowed traffic and movement through this fortified area without sacrificing the defensive strength of the walls Jeep Safari Bulgaria.

Historical evidence shows that the Wooden Gate still stood as late as 1868, and at that time it even bore an inscription honoring Emperor Theophilus (r. 829–842). Because of this inscription, many historians believe the gate and its wall were most likely built or reconstructed by Theophilus himself, who carried out major works on the city’s harbor defenses.

Location and Descriptions

Depending on how it is described in historical texts, the Xylo Porta is sometimes called the gate at the northern end of the land walls, and at other times, the gate at the western end of the Golden Horn fortifications. Both descriptions are correct, since the gate connected the two systems of walls at this exact point.

Confusion with Another Gate

Over the centuries, there has been confusion between the Xylo Porta and another gate, the Porta Xylokerkus. The famous historian Du Cange mistakenly identified them as being the same gate. However, the two were different.

The Porta Xylokerkus was part of the Theodosian Walls and led directly into the main city. Historical records state that it was walled up during the reign of Isaac II Angelus (1185–1195), which does not match the history of the Xylo Porta. Furthermore, the Byzantine historian Ducas clearly distinguished between the two gates in his writings.

Two Distinct Entrances

To put the facts in order:

The Gate of Xylokerkus already existed before the seventh century, probably no later than the reign of Anastasius I in the 5th century.

The Xylo Porta (Wooden Gate) was created later, not earlier than the reign of Heraclius in the 7th century, when new walls were built west of Blachernae.

This timeline shows that the two gates belonged to different defensive systems and were separated by centuries of construction. Therefore, they cannot be considered the same gate under different names.

A Rich Land for Ethnology and Archaeology

Bosnia is home to a wonderful national museum, which showcases the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage. The region is considered especially valuable for ethnology—the study of people, cultures, and traditions. In fact, Bosnia remains a largely unexplored area for ethnographic research, with many potential discoveries still buried in the soil.

A few years ago, Bosnia hosted an international congress of archaeologists and ethnologists, and the Austrian government welcomed the guests warmly. The event was meant to encourage scientific interest in Bosnia’s past. The reports published by the congress gained international attention, but there is no record that the United States participated in this important gathering.

Layers of History Still Waiting to Be Studied

Bosnia has a long and complex history. Throughout the centuries, the land has been inhabited by many different civilizations, each leaving its mark. The Romans and Greeks once built great cities here. These advanced cultures were later overrun by invading tribes, but Bosnia continued to rebuild and evolve with each new wave of people.

Today, many ancient remains are still visible, especially in the valleys of the mountains. Much of the country’s ancient art and architecture is buried underground. Alongside Roman and Greek ruins, there are also traces of Germanic, Gothic, Saracenic, and Turkish influence. Sadly, most of these sites have not been carefully studied. Some were even damaged or looted by locals searching for treasure or using the stones to build their homes Private Sofia Tour.

Bosnia offers a huge opportunity for archaeological research, much like what has been done in Greece. Scholars and research groups could find incredible discoveries if systematic studies were carried out.

Comfortable Hotels and a Welcoming Policy

Visitors to Bosnia can find good hotels in every region, many of which were built with government support. In some cases, the government gave financial help (subsidies) to help establish hotels that would attract tourists and businesspeople. This has proven to be a smart investment, making the country more appealing to travelers.

Austria’s Supportive Approach to Economic Growth

Austria’s approach in Bosnia is very different from that taken by the United States in its new territories, such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. In those regions, U.S. lawmakers discouraged investment, fearing that private companies might earn profits. They even banned the creation of new businesses or franchises, slowing down economic growth.

The Search for a New King

Recognizing that the European public would not approve of an empty throne in Bulgaria, Stambouloff sent a group to find a suitable king. They approached several members of royal families but found it difficult to select a candidate who wouldn’t cause jealousy among the great European Powers.

The story goes that the delegation was returning to Bulgaria when they met someone they knew in a beer garden in Vienna. After learning their purpose, the man suggested, “That young officer sitting at the table is the one you need. He is Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, grandson of Louis Philippe of France, and a cousin of every crowned head in Europe. He is a favorite of both the Emperor of Austria and the Emperor of Russia, and he’s also very wealthy.”

At that time, Ferdinand was an officer in the Austrian army, stationed in Vienna. The committee immediately accepted the suggestion, met with the Austrian prime minister the following morning, and contacted Stambouloff in Sofia by telegraph. Within 48 hours, they offered Ferdinand the throne of Bulgaria, even though he was only 23 years old Ephesus Daily Tour.

Ferdinand Becomes King

The selection of Ferdinand was approved by most European powers, except for Russia. Czar Alexander III had no personal objection to Ferdinand, but his policy was to isolate Bulgaria as long as Stambouloff and the Liberal party (who were in power) continued to oppose Russia.

The regents resigned, and Ferdinand became king of Bulgaria. He immediately appointed Stambouloff as prime minister, a position he held continuously until May 1894. During this period, Stambouloff controlled the government’s policy and had significant influence over the king.

For the first few years, Stambouloff and Ferdinand worked well together. Ferdinand followed his minister’s advice and played the role of a loyal supporter. However, as time went on, particularly after his marriage in 1893, Ferdinand began to grow restless. He wanted to gain recognition from Russia, which had ignored him up until then. This desire for recognition likely came from his new wife, who had her own ambitions.

Growing Tension Between Stambouloff and Ferdinand

Stambouloff could have remained in power if he had shown more tact with the young king and respected his wife’s influence. However, Stambouloff did not try to hide that he was the true power behind the throne, and when Ferdinand started to show signs of independence, Stambouloff took control even more tightly.

The Princess Marie Louise of Bourbon, the daughter of the Duke of Parma, whom Ferdinand married in 1893, played a major role in encouraging her husband’s pride and independence. Over time, she gained enough influence over Ferdinand to convince him to resist Stambouloff’s control.

Main Temples in the Acropolis

Like in many ancient cities, the Acropolis of Byzantium held the city’s most important temples. These included the Temples of Artemis, Aphrodite, Apollo, Zeus, Poseidon, and Demeter. The Acropolis was a sacred and elevated area, used for worship and civic pride.

Entertainment Buildings on the Eastern Side

On the steep eastern slope of the Acropolis, Emperor Septimius Severus built two important entertainment structures:

A theatre for dramatic performances.

A Kynegion, where wild animals were exhibited, similar to Roman-style amphitheaters.

This design followed the tradition seen in Athens, where the Theatre of Dionysius and the Odeon were also built into the slopes of the Acropolis.

Column Honoring Claudius Gothicus

Near the tip of the promontory, a column was erected to celebrate the Roman emperor Claudius Gothicus. It still stands today. The Latin inscription on the column reads:

“Fortunae Reduci ob devictos Gothos”

This means: “To the returning Fortune, for the defeat of the Goths.” It commemorated Claudius’s victories over the Gothic tribes Sofia Sightseeing.

Stadium, Ports, and Other Public Buildings

To the north of the Acropolis stood the Stadium, where athletic events were held. Nearby were two major harbours:

The Port of Prosphorion

The Neorion Port

In the same area were several key facilities:

The Strategion, a public training ground and gathering place.

A public prison used by city authorities.

Shrines to Achilles and Ajax, legendary Greek warriors from the Trojan War.

Water Supply from Hadrian’s Aqueduct

The aqueduct built by Emperor Hadrian before Severus’s reign still provided fresh water to the city. This impressive engineering work ensured that the city had a steady water supply, which was essential for daily life and hygiene.

Life Outside the City Walls

Many people also lived outside the walls of Byzantium. According to ancient writers like Dionysius Byzantius, the countryside had small villages, temples, and public buildings. Important places included:

Blachernae, a district near the Sixth Hill, which would later become important in Byzantine times.

Sycae, famous for its fig trees, located in the area now known as Galata.

The Xerolophos, also called the “Dry Hill,” had a temple to Zeus on top. It was considered a sacred place.

Winter Traditions Kukeri – Bulgaria’s Masked Dancers

Winter in Bulgaria is not just cold—it’s magical, mysterious, and full of ancient traditions. One of the most colorful and lively customs is the Kukeri Festival, where men dress up in animal costumes, wear cowbells, and perform loud, energetic dances.

These dancers, known as kukeri (also called mummers), appear in small towns and villages, mainly in January. Their goal is to chase away evil spirits and bring health, peace, and fertility for the new year. It’s noisy, it’s strange, and it’s one of Bulgaria’s most unique celebrations.

What Are Kukeri?

Kukeri wear large, often frightening wooden masks and sheepskin or wool costumes. They also wear bells around their waists and carry wooden staffs or sticks. As they jump, shout, and dance, the bells ring loudly—this is believed to scare off bad spirits that hide in the darkness of winter Bulgaria Vacations.

The tradition goes back hundreds, even thousands of years, to Bulgaria’s pagan past, long before Christianity. Even today, Bulgarians keep the ritual alive every winter.

When Does It Happen?

Kukeri rituals usually take place around January 1, but some villages still follow the Old Orthodox Calendar, celebrating on January 14 instead. The biggest and most famous celebrations happen in mid-January in the Pernik region, just 25 km southwest of Sofia.

One of the top spots is the village of Yardzhilovtsi, where local groups of kukeri dance through the streets and gather for a lively final show near the schoolyard.

The International Kukeri Festival in Pernik

Every even-numbered year, Pernik hosts the International Festival of Masquerade Games—the largest of its kind in Bulgaria. This weekend-long event brings together kukeri groups from all over the country, as well as performers from other countries with similar traditions.

Festival Details

Location: Pernik, Bulgaria

Dates: January 25–27

Opening Ceremony: Friday, January 25 at 18:00

Parades Saturday and Sunday (January 26–27) from 10:30 to 17:00

For more info and photos, visit the official site: www.surva.org

Why You Should See It

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the Kukeri Festival is a must-see. It’s more than just a show—it’s living folklore, full of energy, tradition, and Bulgarian spirit. It combines costumes, music, dance, and community in a way that few other events can.

Serbia's Breach of the Treaty with Bulgaria

The Broken Treaty

Before the second war started, Serbia had already broken the treaty made with Bulgaria. This treaty had been agreed upon before the war with Turkey. Serbia broke the treaty both in spirit and in practice.

If Great Britain was right to declare war on Germany for breaking the Belgian neutrality treaty, then Bulgaria was even more justified in going to war with Serbia. This is because Bulgaria had already sacrificed 1,228 officers and 82,261 soldiers in the war against Turkey.

Serbia’s losses in the same war were 23,000, but there was no breakdown between officers and soldiers.

Greece’s losses during the war against Turkey were not given to the Carnegie Commission.

The Role of Russia and Austria

It is hard to understand why Russia allowed Bulgaria to be treated so unfairly, especially with the Treaty of Bucharest. This treaty was based on two broken treaties. The only explanation for Russia’s actions is its policy at that time, described by Russia’s minister in Belgrade, Monsieur Hartwegg: “Serbia must be strong Turkey Sightseeing.”

Russia’s policy seemed to involve weakening Bulgaria. This explains why Russia allowed the Treaty of London to be broken by Turkey as well.

As for Austria, it did not protest against the Treaty of Bucharest. This was because Austria did not want to offend Roumania and knew that Russia’s actions would upset Bulgaria. Serbia would also be weakened by its temporary control over Macedonia, as well as by the bitter hostility of the Bulgarian race.

The Growing Resistance Movement in Bulgaria

The June Uprising in Berlin

In 1953, during the June Uprising in Berlin, Bulgarian State Security reports showed that the resistance movement in Bulgaria was becoming more organized. The uprising in Berlin, where workers protested against harsh conditions, sparked a wave of resistance across Eastern Europe, including in Bulgaria. By this time, the resistance was no longer just a few individuals but had evolved into group activities. Reports from the authorities indicated that 75% of all events classified as “hostile and counter-revolutionary” in Bulgaria were the work of groups, while only 25% involved individual actions Istanbul Day Trips.

Workers’ Resistance in Bulgaria

One of the most significant instances of resistance came from workers. In the 1940s, in Plovdiv, the cigarette-making factory became a hotbed of resistance activities. The factory’s workers took part in various forms of protest, including strikes and clandestine actions against the regime. The events in Berlin and other parts of Eastern Europe helped inspire the workers in Bulgaria to take a more active stance against the communist government.

The factory in Plovdiv, like other industries in Bulgaria, had become a symbol of state control. The workers’ dissatisfaction with poor working conditions and low wages led to increased tensions, which eventually boiled over into organized resistance. Many of the resistance activities in the factory were coordinated through underground networks, and workers used every opportunity to communicate their dissatisfaction, even in the face of constant surveillance.

The Role of the Gorjani Movement

The Gorjani were an important part of the Bulgarian resistance movement. One of their key activities was the distribution of leaflets that condemned the communist regime. In the summer of 1953, they issued a leaflet about the events in Berlin, calling the demonstrations there “another expression of the struggle of mankind against tyranny.” The leaflet spread throughout Bulgaria, fueling anti-communist sentiment. It also highlighted the growing spirit of resistance against communist oppression in East Germany and beyond.

These leaflets emphasized that the people of East Germany were rising against the “People’s Democratic Republic,” showing that resistance was alive and growing in Eastern Europe. This movement was not just about economic hardships but also about political freedom and the desire to live under a government that respected human rights.

Crossing the Border A Dangerous Escape

For many Bulgarians, one of the most dangerous forms of resistance was trying to cross the border into the free world. The Bulgarian borders were heavily guarded, and the communist regime made it clear that anyone trying to escape would face severe punishment. Those who managed to cross were labeled as “traitors of the motherland” and sentenced without trial. Their families would suffer severe consequences, including social and professional restrictions.

On 28 August 1952, the Presidium of the National Assembly passed a decree, Decree No. 359, which allowed border guards to shoot anyone attempting to cross the border. As a result, many tried to escape, only to lose their lives in the process. The bodies of those who died attempting to flee were buried in unmarked graves, as the regime insisted that “enemies of the people” had no right to a proper burial.

In the early years of the communist regime, many opposition members were executed under the pretext of attempting to flee the country illegally. The Southern and Western Bulgarian borders became marked by anonymous graves, representing the tragic end of many lives lost in their desperate fight for freedom.

Bulgarian Women's Movements and International Connections

The history of women’s movements in pre-communist Bulgaria follows patterns seen in many other countries. It shows that in “liberal democracy,” the social contract, or agreement about rights and responsibilities, was mostly made between men. This meant that modernity and the ideas of citizenship and civil society were often shaped by men’s experiences. As a result, women’s demands for equal rights and their actions were very similar worldwide, and they shared common goals with international women’s organizations.

Bulgarian Women in International Movements

Bulgarian activists participated in many international women’s congresses. While it’s not possible to mention every event, one is especially important for the Bulgarian women’s movement: the Congress of the International Alliance of Women for Suffrage and Equal Citizenship (IAWSEC), held in Istanbul from April 18-25, 1935. This congress was seen as significant because it was held in the east, symbolizing a growing connection between women’s movements in both the West and the East Adventure Balkan Tours.

Recognition for Dimitrana Ivanova

At the congress, Dimitrana Ivanova from the Bulgarian Women’s Union was elected to the Board of the IAWSEC. This was a major recognition for Bulgaria’s women’s movement. Ivanova had been nominated by Mrs. Theodoropoulou, the chairwoman of the Greek League for Women’s Rights, and a member of the IAWSEC board. This election helped the Bulgarian Women’s Union stay connected with the IAWSEC, and they were able to align their efforts with the international women’s movement on issues like political and economic equality, equal morality, and legal gender equality.

Dimitrana Ivanova’s Contributions and Achievements

In 1935 and 1937, Ivanova attended meetings of the IAWSEC Board in Amsterdam and Zurich. At the Amsterdam meeting, the Board decided to send Ivanova to two Balkan congresses about protecting children, held in Athens and Belgrade.

The Ducks of Elbasan

In most Turkish towns, dogs clean the streets by eating scraps of food. But in Elbasan, ducks do the job. There are hundreds, even thousands, of ducks wandering around the streets. They don’t belong to anyone but eat the trash that is thrown into the alleyways. This is because drainage systems are expensive, and the Albanians manage without them. The smells in the Eastern bazaars, which are often described as exotic, are not as charming in the hot weather as people might think.

The shops in the bazaar don’t have windows; instead, the shops are just open spaces with no glass. The shop owners sit in the middle, hammering copper pots or sharpening daggers. Every man carries a dagger—usually two. The women wear black cloaks and keep their heads down. If a man dares to look at one of these women, her family will kill him. If she looks back with a soft gaze, both of them will be killed. I didn’t try this myself, but I was told that Elbasan is the most dangerous place in Europe to try flirting Istanbul Tour Guide.

The Silk of Elbasan

But the people of Elbasan don’t just quarrel. Some of the finest silk in Europe is made here. The fields around the town are full of mulberry trees, where silkworms are raised. The silk isn’t produced in big factories. Instead, the women in the homes weave the silk by hand. The weaving is done by passing the shuttle from one hand to the other. The silk isn’t as tightly woven as the silk made by modern machines in France, and it’s usually no wider than 36 inches.

Making Himself Comfortable

The young Englishman, without trying too hard, makes himself comfortable in his new life. He went from public school to university, and then straight into the Levant Consular Service. Along the way, he developed a sense of comfort that he carries with him. In the few years he has spent in Turkey, he has learned about local art, like prayer rugs, tapestries, and embroideries. After bargaining in the bazaars, he has bought valuable pieces that hang on his walls as decoration instead of traditional pictures.

A Comfortable Home with Personal Touches

He has developed a taste for collecting old weapons, like silver-chased flint-lock pistols and Damascus steel sabres, their blades inlaid with gold and handles studded with coral and turquoise. He even taught a Turkish carpenter to build a comfortable lounge and covered it with a Persian rug, making a cozy divan. He bought a couple of well-padded English armchairs from Constantinople, which the Turks find awkward and undignified to sit in. His room is filled with small personal touches: a stack of pipes, his favorite English tobacco, and a table covered with pieces of embroidery. The table holds photographs in little silver frames, not the Turkish kind, but ones from England, bought in busy shops in London or Oxford Street.

Memories from Home

The photographs show his life before he came to Turkey. There are pictures of his family, including his mother and father, and some of him with his friends in their cricketing clothes before he left England. You can tell which pictures are of his family from where they are placed. He also keeps pictures of cheerful English girls—maybe sisters or friends of his sisters—some of whom he might have known well, while others may have forgotten him by now.

Thoughts of Home

Arrival in Gabrova

The Turkish-Like Town

I arrived in Gabrova, a town that felt very Turkish with more mosques than churches. It is a busy place, known for trading leather and wool products.

The Inn

The inn where I stayed was dirty, and I had to pay three francs for the room, which seemed too much. It was also difficult to find food because it was a Church fast day. Luckily, I found an old Turkish man who didn’t care about the Christian rules and managed to get me some fish—just four small sprats. With a piece of bread and a pint of wine, this became dinner for me and my companion Bulgarian Coast.

Early Morning Departure

A Busy Morning

At 5:00 in the morning, I heard a knock at my door. Within ten minutes, I was in the inn yard, ready to leave. I had rented four horses the night before. I chose the best horse, a wild stallion, for myself, gave the second best to my companion, and left the guide to choose between the last two horses, one for him and one for carrying our bags.

We didn’t have time for breakfast, just a tiny cup of coffee, no bigger than a couple of thimbles. So, we saddled up and set off at dawn.

Riding in a Turkish Saddle

My saddle was Turkish. Throughout the day, I realized that a Turk’s body must be shaped differently than a Briton’s. The high pommel, the brass decorations, and the shovel-like stirrups might look nice in a painting, but they were not comfortable for riding. Plain pigskin saddles are much better.

The Joy of the Morning Ride

Human Rights and Freedoms

List of Deprived Rights

Under the oppressive regime, citizens have faced numerous violations of their basic human rights and freedoms. Some of the key rights that have been denied include:

The right to life and safety Protection from arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile The right to freedom of movement Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion The right to express beliefs and opinions Freedom of speech and press The right to organize, gather, and associate The right to vote, including the ability to elect representatives and be elected Freedom to leave and return to the country Freedom to choose a place of residence Equal access to public and state jobs Protection from discrimination The right to access information And many others

Information Withheld About Chernobyl

One of the most significant instances of the regime’s disregard for citizens’ rights occurred after the Chernobyl disaster on 26 April 1986. This tragic event marked the worst nuclear accident in history, yet the communist leaders in Bulgaria chose to withhold crucial information about its dangers Private Tours Bulgaria Varna.

In the days and weeks following the disaster, the government made efforts to keep the truth from the public. They did not warn citizens about the potential health hazards posed by radioactive fallout, while ensuring their own families were safe. For instance, authorities failed to inform the population that a large cloud of radioactive particles was heading towards Bulgaria.

May Day Parades Amidst Danger

On 1 May 1986, at the peak of radioactive contamination in Bulgaria due to Chernobyl, the communist regime organized mandatory May Day parades. Instead of taking precautions, citizens were forced to participate in these public celebrations. Many families enjoyed picnics in parks, sports fans filled stadiums, and children played outside, completely unaware of the health risks surrounding them.

Meanwhile, well-informed officials hid in the safety of their concrete offices and homes. They took extra precautions by stockpiling medications and ensuring their families had access to safe food and beverages. This stark contrast highlights the government’s indifference to the well-being of its citizens while prioritizing its own safety.

Human Rights and Freedoms

List of Deprived Rights

Under the oppressive regime, citizens have faced numerous violations of their basic human rights and freedoms. Some of the key rights that have been denied include:

The right to life and safety Protection from arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile The right to freedom of movement Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion The right to express beliefs and opinions Freedom of speech and press The right to organize, gather, and associate The right to vote, including the ability to elect representatives and be elected Freedom to leave and return to the country Freedom to choose a place of residence Equal access to public and state jobs Protection from discrimination The right to access information And many others

Information Withheld About Chernobyl

One of the most significant instances of the regime’s disregard for citizens’ rights occurred after the Chernobyl disaster on 26 April 1986. This tragic event marked the worst nuclear accident in history, yet the communist leaders in Bulgaria chose to withhold crucial information about its dangers Private Tours Bulgaria Varna.

In the days and weeks following the disaster, the government made efforts to keep the truth from the public. They did not warn citizens about the potential health hazards posed by radioactive fallout, while ensuring their own families were safe. For instance, authorities failed to inform the population that a large cloud of radioactive particles was heading towards Bulgaria.

May Day Parades Amidst Danger

On 1 May 1986, at the peak of radioactive contamination in Bulgaria due to Chernobyl, the communist regime organized mandatory May Day parades. Instead of taking precautions, citizens were forced to participate in these public celebrations. Many families enjoyed picnics in parks, sports fans filled stadiums, and children played outside, completely unaware of the health risks surrounding them.

Meanwhile, well-informed officials hid in the safety of their concrete offices and homes. They took extra precautions by stockpiling medications and ensuring their families had access to safe food and beverages. This stark contrast highlights the government’s indifference to the well-being of its citizens while prioritizing its own safety.

Human Rights and Freedoms

List of Deprived Rights

Under the oppressive regime, citizens have faced numerous violations of their basic human rights and freedoms. Some of the key rights that have been denied include:

The right to life and safety Protection from arbitrary arrest, detention, or exile The right to freedom of movement Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion The right to express beliefs and opinions Freedom of speech and press The right to organize, gather, and associate The right to vote, including the ability to elect representatives and be elected Freedom to leave and return to the country Freedom to choose a place of residence Equal access to public and state jobs Protection from discrimination The right to access information And many others

Information Withheld About Chernobyl

One of the most significant instances of the regime’s disregard for citizens’ rights occurred after the Chernobyl disaster on 26 April 1986. This tragic event marked the worst nuclear accident in history, yet the communist leaders in Bulgaria chose to withhold crucial information about its dangers Private Tours Bulgaria Varna.

In the days and weeks following the disaster, the government made efforts to keep the truth from the public. They did not warn citizens about the potential health hazards posed by radioactive fallout, while ensuring their own families were safe. For instance, authorities failed to inform the population that a large cloud of radioactive particles was heading towards Bulgaria.

May Day Parades Amidst Danger

On 1 May 1986, at the peak of radioactive contamination in Bulgaria due to Chernobyl, the communist regime organized mandatory May Day parades. Instead of taking precautions, citizens were forced to participate in these public celebrations. Many families enjoyed picnics in parks, sports fans filled stadiums, and children played outside, completely unaware of the health risks surrounding them.

Meanwhile, well-informed officials hid in the safety of their concrete offices and homes. They took extra precautions by stockpiling medications and ensuring their families had access to safe food and beverages. This stark contrast highlights the government’s indifference to the well-being of its citizens while prioritizing its own safety.

The Widespread Suppression of Democratic Values in Bulgaria

A Foreign Perspective on Bulgaria’s Democratic Decline

On March 19, 1945, the Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung published a critical commentary on the political situation in Bulgaria. The article highlighted the erosion of democratic values in the country, noting that the right to life seemed to be reserved only for members and supporters of the Fatherland Front coalition. This coalition included communists, left-wing agrarians, socialists, and members of the “Zveno” party, a group of military officers. According to the commentary, these four groups held a monopoly on political power, effectively silencing any form of dissent or opposition in Bulgaria.

The Forced Deportation of Germans from Bulgaria

As part of the Armistice agreement signed by the Bulgarian government, Article 1b imposed an obligation on Bulgaria to deport all German nationals and those from Germany’s allies who were living in the country. The Fatherland Front government was responsible for carrying out these deportations. However, the Soviet Command, which exerted significant influence over Bulgaria at the time, went a step further. They insisted that even Bulgarian citizens of German descent, including those married to Bulgarians, be deported, despite the fact that the Bulgarian Constitution did not permit such actions Istanbul Daily Tour.

This stance by the Soviet Command was in stark contrast to Bulgaria’s actions just two years earlier. In 1943, Bulgaria had successfully saved all its Jewish citizens from being deported to German concentration camps, citing constitutional protections similar to those being ignored in the case of the Germans.

Soviet Orders for Deportation

On December 28, 1944, Soviet Colonel General Sergey Biryuzov issued an order to the Bulgarian Minister for Foreign Affairs. The order mandated the mobilization and deportation of all Germans capable of work, including citizens of Germany, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Romania, and Bulgaria who were currently residing in Bulgaria. Biryuzov’s letter detailed the logistics of the deportation, specifying that the Germans were to be gathered at deportation stations and subsequently transported to Rousse, a city in Bulgaria, by January 1, 1945.

Failure to comply with these orders would result in summary trials within 24 hours. Additionally, Biryuzov warned that any relatives or friends attempting to hide Germans would face severe repressive measures. He also demanded that the Bulgarian government issue a special notice to ensure that all military and civil authorities were fully committed to executing the deportation orders. Finally, Biryuzov required a personal copy of the Bulgarian government’s decision regarding the deportation, underscoring the Soviet Union’s control over Bulgarian domestic affairs during this period.