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Public Education Among Turks in Bulgaria

The Reality of Turkish Schools

It is surprising to learn that some Turkish girls do attend school, which challenges the common belief that Turks never send their daughters to school. However, it is important to note that many schools called “Turkish schools” are only Turkish in name. The teaching staff often consists of ignorant teachers, called “hodjas,” and even less knowledgeable “kadines,” who focus mostly on teaching prayers. Although the school programs include subjects such as Bulgarian, Turkish, and arithmetic, the instruction is very limited. Therefore, it is risky to draw conclusions about the education of the Muslim population in Bulgaria simply from the number of schools, teachers, or students Customised Private Istanbul Tour.

Children Eligible for Primary Education

According to the 1900 census, there were 670,375 children between the ages of six and twelve. Among them, 338,205 were boys and 332,170 were girls. It is important to note that primary education lasts four years, not six as it did before 1899. This means children attend school until around the age of ten rather than twelve. Some children only begin school at age seven. Additionally, some students remain in the same class for two years. Considering these factors, it is more accurate to assume that children attend primary school for an average of five years, and that school attendance is obligatory for children between six and eleven years old.

School Attendance Rates

Among the 554,568 children in this age group, 279,540 were boys and 275,228 were girls. In the school year 1903–1904, 340,668 children attended primary schools: 220,620 boys and 120,048 girls. This means that 78.9 percent of boys and 43.6 percent of girls, or 61.43 percent of all children in the required age group, were actually attending school. These figures show that while a majority of boys attended school, fewer girls did, highlighting the gap in education between the sexes.

Citizens’ Right to Petition

In Bulgaria, citizens have the right to petition the National Assembly. This means that any individual or group may present a request or complaint to the Assembly. The Assembly then examines the petition and takes into account the opinion of the competent ministers before making a decision. This ensures that the concerns of the people are heard and considered in the governance of the country.

Law-Making and Legislative Authority

The National Assembly has exclusive authority over laws. No law can be enacted, amended, or completed without being examined and approved by the Assembly. It also has the right to interpret the true meaning of any law. This system ensures that the legal framework of the country remains clear, consistent, and in accordance with the Constitution Istanbul Tours Guide.

All actions of the government must be based on laws that have been passed and officially promulgated. Nothing can be done unless it is explicitly allowed by a law sanctioned by the sovereign authority, acting on behalf of the nation. Citizens are informed of these laws so that they understand their rights and duties. In this way, the people are governed by laws, not by individuals or government institutions acting on their own authority.

Exceptions in Emergency Situations

In special cases, such as when the country faces internal unrest or foreign threats, this constitutional guarantee may be temporarily suspended. During these emergencies, the executive authorities may issue orders that have the force of law. Even in such cases, the National Assembly remains the final authority to decide whether the necessary conditions for the validity of a law have been met.

Rule of Law

Bulgarian Sovereignty

Bulgaria’s sovereignty depends on its strength. When Bulgaria is strong, it can consider itself fully sovereign. If the country is weak, its independence is limited and it is only half-sovereign. The clauses of the Treaty of Berlin concerning Bulgaria’s government were valid only until the country achieved autonomy. They applied before and during the Tirnova Constituent Assembly and continued to be in effect until the election of the Prince.

The Constituent Assembly and the Constitution

The constituent assembly met at Tirnova from February 10 to 22, 1879. During this meeting, the assembly passed the Constitution of Bulgaria, which remains the basis of the country’s laws today, with only minor modifications. After passing the Constitution, the assembly was dissolved and another assembly was convened to elect the Prince of Bulgaria. On April 29, 1879, Alexander of Battenberg was unanimously elected as Prince, marking the beginning of Bulgaria’s new autonomous government.

Key Historical Events

Several important events followed in Bulgaria’s modern history. On September 6, 1885, Eastern Roumelia united with Northern Bulgaria, strengthening the nation. Later that year, the Serbo-Bulgarian War took place, during which the Bulgarian army demonstrated great courage and won glory for the country. In 1887, Ferdinand I was elected Prince of Bulgaria, ensuring continuity of leadership and stability in the country Guided Tours Turkey.

Peace and Development

Since the election of Prince Ferdinand, Bulgaria has enjoyed long-lasting peace. This peaceful period allowed the country to focus on internal and external consolidation, the moral and intellectual development of its people, and the advancement of social, economic, and cultural enterprises. Today, Bulgaria ranks among the civilised and well-organized nations of Europe.

Foundation of a Dynasty

The Imperial Pier and Its Importance

In front of the gate near Aivan Serai, there was a landing-stage known as the Imperial Pier (Apobathra tou Basileos), mentioned by the Byzantine historian Nicetas Choniates. Some writers believe this pier was located at Balat Kapısı. However, this cannot be correct. Choniates used the Imperial Pier to describe the position of the Wall of Leo, which was attacked by the Latins in 1203. For him to use it as a point of reference, both the pier and the wall had to be close together. Since Balat Kapısı and the Wall of Leo are far apart, that location does not fit. Instead, the Wall of Leo was much closer to Aivan Serai Iskelesi, which supports the idea that the Imperial Pier was there.

The name Aivan Serai means Palace of the Porch or Veranda, most likely referring to the nearby Palace of Blachernae, which played an important role in Byzantine history.

The Tower and the Carving of St. Pantoleon

Over the northern entrance to the lower chamber of the tower, just west of the gateway, there once stood two carved stone blocks. On these stones was the name of St. Pantoleon, placed between two birds—either peacocks or phoenixes. These birds symbolized immortality, as phoenixes were believed to rise again from fire, just as martyrs gained eternal life through their suffering Bulgaria Tours.

It is possible that this lower chamber was used as a small chapel. Travelers and citizens passing through the gateway may have stopped there to pray before leaving or entering the city. According to the Russian pilgrim Stephen of Novgorod, the relics of St. Panteleon were kept in the nearby Church of the Theotokos of Blachernae, making this area an important religious site.

The Church of St. Thekla

Behind the tower stood a small mosque known as Toklou Dede Mescidi. This mosque was believed to have originally been the Church of St. Thekla, located in the Blachernae district. This shows how the area changed hands and religious purposes over the centuries, reflecting the layered history of Constantinople.

The Byzantine Edifice on the Road to Blachernae

On the east side of the road leading from the Porta Kiliomene (the Kiliomene Gate) to the Church of Blachernae, the remains of a large Byzantine building can still be seen. This structure was two stories high and had three aisles, showing that it was a significant construction.

The exact purpose of this building is uncertain. Some scholars suggest that it was the Porticus Cariana, a monumental structure built by the Emperor Maurice. According to accounts, the walls of this portico displayed paintings that illustrated the major events of Maurice’s life, from his childhood to his rise as emperor. If true, the building served not only as an architectural landmark but also as a place of imperial memory and celebration.

A Sacred and Imperial Quarter

Diocletian's Palace A Luxurious Roman Retreat

The Emperor Diocletian, who was born in Salona, chose this beautiful place for his retirement. At the peak of his power and wealth, he built an extraordinary palace here to spend his later years. The palace, or rather a group of palaces, covers almost ten acres of land. According to contemporary sources, it required about 6,000 servants, attendants, and guards to maintain and protect this magnificent Roman retreat.

Construction of the palace took twelve years to complete, and it must have cost an immense amount of money. In both its size and beauty, it was more impressive than any building before or after. When finished, around the end of the third century AD, it was likely the largest and most expensive building ever created by humans. The palace was a symbol of Diocletian’s power and wealth, and it surpassed all other structures of its time.

Remaining Parts of the Palace

Even though much of the palace has been damaged or destroyed, parts of it are still in excellent condition today. These remaining structures continue to amaze visitors. Some of the best-preserved parts include:

The Mausoleum: Originally built as Diocletian’s tomb, it is now used as a church.

The Capella Palatine: This part is now used as a baptistery.

The Main Vestibule and Colonnade: The entrance area and colonnade still stand in good condition.

The Gates: Three of the gates remain, allowing us to study their architectural details.

These sections of the palace are well-preserved enough to allow detailed study and admiration.

The Decline and Destruction of Diocletian’s Palace

Unfortunately, much of the rest of the palace has been destroyed over time. The marble and building materials from the ruins have been taken and used to construct buildings in Trieste, Venice, and even Rome. In fact, several beautiful palaces in Venice are believed to have been built entirely with materials taken from Diocletian’s palace Private Sofia Tours.

Sofia the Capital of Bulgaria

Sofia, the capital and commercial center of Bulgaria, is located in the southwestern part of the country. It sits on a high plain, at the foot of Mount Vitosh, a beautiful peak that rises to 7,800 feet. The top of the mountain is often covered with clouds, and snow can be found in its crevices throughout the year. These weather effects, along with the changing seasons, make the mountain very picturesque. In autumn, the forests surrounding the mountain are covered in scarlet and yellow leaves, which reach all the way up to the snowline, creating a stunning contrast.

The base of the mountain is only a short distance from the city, making it a popular destination for excursions. This is one of the few recreational activities available to visitors during the warmer months, as Sofia offers limited entertainment. There are no theaters, only one small vaudeville show, and concerts are rare, with military bands occasionally performing at the palace. Social entertainment is also limited. Foreign visitors often find their enjoyment in activities such as driving, riding, picnicking, and playing tennis. Golf has not been introduced to Sofia, as the local population does not show much interest in the sport. The foreign community in Sofia is small and mostly made up of diplomats from various European countries. There are also a few Austrians and Germans involved in business, several Belgian engineers who manage the electric light and streetcar services, and a handful of Englishmen and Americans, mostly working as missionary teachers Private Tour Ephesus.

Development and Stagnation in Sofia

Sofia covers a large area, and the city seems to have been in the middle of a building boom that was suddenly stopped. This is true because Prince Alexander, the previous ruler, was a strong supporter of development. Under his rule, Bulgaria made great progress, and Sofia began to grow rapidly. After his abdication, Stambouloff, the prime minister known as the Bulgarian Bismarck, continued his work and carried out many of the plans started by Alexander. However, after Stambouloff was no longer prime minister, little progress has been made in the development of the city or country.

The Location of the Cistern of Bonus

Dr. Strzygowski proposed that the Cistern of Bonus might have been located near Eski Ali Pasha Djamissi, on the northern bank of the Lycus Valley, to the southwest of the Mosque of Sultan Mehmed. However, there have been no traces of a cistern found in this area. Despite this, Strzygowski’s suggestion is reasonable when considering its proximity to the line of Constantine’s Wall and the Church of the Holy Apostles.

Yet, the choice of this location for a summer palace remains unclear. The area might have been cool and suitable for such a purpose, but without further evidence, it’s hard to explain why this spot was specifically chosen for the palace.

The Constantinian Wall and Its Route

The Constantinian Wall, after passing the Cistern of Aspar, turns sharply to the north-east. The wall continues towards the shore of the Golden Horn by crossing the ridge of the Fifth Hill at an oblique angle. This direction is important for two reasons Private Sofia Tour.

Why the Wall Took This Route

First, this route helps keep the width of the city within the dimensions specified in the Notitia, an important source of information about the city’s layout. According to the Notitia, the city’s Eleventh Region did not extend all the way to the Golden Horn. The document clearly states: “Nulla parte mari sociata est,” which translates to “No part [of the region] is connected to the sea.”

This statement implies that the northern fortifications of the city, in the Eleventh Region, were not near the water but set back from it. This further explains why the fortifications along the northern front of the city must have been positioned at a distance from the Golden Horn.

The Geography of the Fifth Hill

The Fifth Hill slopes steeply toward the Golden Horn, so there wasn’t much available land for building on this side of the city. The only usable space for the fortifications in this area would have been the plateau of the Fifth Hill. This location is where the large cistern beside the Mosque of Sultan Selim can be found.

Elate Plaza Hotel

Location: H-8, Mladost-1, corner of bul. Alexander Malinov and bul. Andrey Saharov Contact: Tel/Fax: 974 49 48

Elate Plaza is a small, cozy, and charming hotel located just a four-minute drive south of Sofia’s airport. It sits in a quiet residential neighborhood, making it a peaceful place to stay for travelers.

The rooms at Elate Plaza come in various shapes and sizes. They have a modern style with warm red colors and bright bathrooms. Suites include bathtubs for added comfort. The hotel has a friendly, “make yourself at home” atmosphere, and the staff are very helpful and attentive.

For guests’ convenience, there is a fitness center with a sauna where you can relax after a busy day. The hotel also offers a conference hall that can hold up to 45 people, which makes it suitable for small business meetings Bulgaria Private Tour.

Bulgari Hotel

Location: A-2, Ul. Plrotska 50 Contact: Tel: 831 00 60

Bulgari Hotel is a small and welcoming place located in a lovely cobbled street in old Sofia. The hotel’s bright tangerine-colored rooms are on the smaller side but come with TVs and usually a small desk.

Bathrooms vary — some have bathtubs while others feature a traditional Bulgarian-style shower without a partition. One special room to request is the ‘Melnik’ room on the top floor, which has a glass-covered balcony that feels like a conservatory and offers great views of the sky.

Breakfast here is served on glass tables decorated with seashells, adding a nice touch to your morning. The hotel is known to be gay-friendly, welcoming all guests warmly.

Central Hotel

Location: B-2, bul. Hristo Botev 52 Contact: Tel: 981 23 64

Central Hotel is a relatively new hotel located in a convenient downtown area. It offers good value for money with comfortable facilities.

Rooms are decorated in a modern and practical style, mostly featuring showers instead of full bathtubs. The hotel’s location makes it easy to explore Sofia’s city center.

Central Forum Hotel

Location: G-7, bul. Tsar Boris III 41 Contact: Tel: 954 44 44

Central Forum is a recently renovated hotel located about 1 km southwest of Sofia’s downtown area. It is in a mixed residential and commercial neighborhood, making it quiet yet close to the action.

The rooms are not very large but are decorated in soft, creamy colors designed to reduce stress. Although the hotel calls itself four stars, most rooms have showers, and only the ‘luxury’ rooms have real bathtubs.

Destruction of Bulgarian Villages

The Carnegie Commission summarized the actions of the Greek Army with the following findings:

“Systematically and in cold blood, the Greeks burned one hundred and sixty Bulgarian villages and destroyed at least 16,000 Bulgarian homes.”

The Murder of the Vicar of the Bulgarian Archbishop

Another terrible act was the murder of the Vicar of the Bulgarian Archbishop of Salonica, Archimandrite Eulogius. He was known to be a highly educated man and a patriot with noble and elevated views. His death marked another tragic incident in the conflict Guided Turkey Tours .

Growing Protests Against the Communist Regime

As the years passed, protests against the communist regime in Bulgaria increased. These protests, both individual and group actions, were often met with harsh repression by the authorities. Despite the growing unrest, the communist government worked to maintain strict control over information, imposing a total blackout on any news about the protests.

One example of resistance to the regime took place in Stara Zagora prison. On 9 September 1969, which marked the 25th anniversary of the communist coup in Bulgaria, five political prisoners managed to take control of the prison. After the evening retreat, they freed 80 more political prisoners from their cells. This revolt was a significant act of defiance against the government. However, the rebellion was quickly crushed by regular army troops. The main organizer, Petko Chobanov, was unable to escape the authorities and tragically committed suicide Customized Tour Istanbul.

The Impact of the 1975 Helsinki Accords

The year 1975 brought a glimmer of hope to people in Eastern Europe, as it marked the signing of the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE). This historic document, signed by 35 countries, including the Soviet Union and the United States, focused on human rights and the sovereignty of nations. It reaffirmed the importance of human rights, which gave people in Eastern Bloc countries a renewed sense of hope for possible liberation from their oppressive totalitarian regimes.

The signing of the Helsinki Accords stirred expectations for political change, and for many, it offered a new weapon: human rights. People began to believe that they could demand greater freedoms and push back against the government’s control over their lives.

Emergence of New Opposition Movements

In the wake of the Helsinki Accords, a new type of opposition began to emerge in Eastern Europe. Citizens, particularly in countries like Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Bulgaria, started to openly protest against the limitations imposed on their personal freedoms. These protests focused on the violation of human rights and the lack of political freedoms under communist rule.

As more and more people joined these efforts, the communist authorities found themselves under increasing pressure. Although the governments tried to suppress these movements, the protests and demands for human rights continued to grow. The 1975 Helsinki Accords gave ordinary people a framework to challenge the authorities, and the idea that human rights should be respected gained more importance in the minds of many.

The Inner Castle

The Inner Castle was built with stones and bricks, and has a cradle vault. It measures 17.50 x 15.80 meters and was used as a watchtower and police station. There was a storage area for supplies built into the ground for the soldiers on duty. Water for the castle came from a cistern on the east side of the building.

Until the first half of the 19th century, the castle continued to be used in this way. Evliya Çelebi, a famous traveler, visited the town in 1670 and mentioned the Inner Castle in his travel book. In 1702, a German artist made a drawing that only shows the Inner Castle on the island.

The city walls were constructed in 1826 using stones from Snake Island. This means that the ancient Marathesion structure is now part of the city walls on Pigeon Island Customized Tour Bulgaria.

Okuz Mehmet Pasha Caravanserai

The Okuz Mehmet Pasha Caravanserai is located across from the pier. It was built in 1628 by Grand Vizier Okuz Mehmet Pasha and was restored in 1966. It is an Ottoman-style building designed for overseas trade.

The courtyard of the caravanserai is 18.50 x 21.60 meters and is surrounded by a two-story arcaded building. There are two stairways at the northwest and southeast corners of the building. The caravanserai has two entrances: one at the north and one at the west side.

The main entrance has a 2.96-meter wide marble doorway with a flat arch. On the right and left sides of the entrance, there are two separate parts that are connected by an arch to the central area.

On the left side, there is a smaller room that is believed to have been used as a depository. The area on the right is thought to have been where the guards watched the entrance to the caravanserai.

Mirdites and Tosks Different Customs

The customs of the Mirdites and Tosks are very different. The Mirdites try to have some form of government, but the decisions are mainly made by the leaders of the strongest clans. Their laws are strict and sometimes harsh. One interesting tradition is the practice of adopted brothers. Two men can swear to be brothers, and their relationship is so strong that their children cannot marry each other. The Tosks are more hardworking than the Mirdites, and some of their leaders, called Beys, become relatively wealthy.

Albania’s Relationship with Turkey

While the Albanians would like to be free from even the small amount of control the Turks have over them, this control prevents the country from falling into chaos. The Turkish rule keeps the clans from fighting each other and stops the Italians from taking over the country. As a result, Albania does not have much influence in the Balkans. In a larger uprising, the Albanians would fight the Turks, but since they cannot unite, they have no political power Istanbul Day Tours.

Outrages and Violence in Albania

It is not surprising that in such a warlike land, there are many violent acts. For example, the first consul from Serbia to Pristina was killed by Albanians after six months because he refused to leave when they asked him to. The Albanians also expelled the Turkish governors of Pristina and Prisrend because they disliked them, and the Turkish authorities did nothing in response.

Violence Between Albanians and Others

In another case, three noble Albanians at Nich, after a big dinner, took their guns and started shooting at local farmers. One farmer was killed, and another was injured. A few days later, two of the Albanians assaulted a pregnant farmer’s wife. They gathered the farmer’s children, made them sit around a fire, and used shovels to throw hot embers on their arms and legs.

Sofia, an Albanian bandit, led a group of ten men and demanded 575 francs from the Mayor of Doumuntze. If the mayor didn’t pay, he threatened to burn the village down. Sofia had taken the same amount of money from the village the year before. At the same time, Sofia demanded another ransom from a rich man he had kidnapped the previous year. The mayor, fearing for his life, had no choice but to give him fifty dozen Martini cartridges as well.

Traveling to Kavala

To the south of Drama is the old town of Kavala, located on the coast. It takes about four hours to ride there. The journey passes through the flat Drama plain, miles of tobacco fields, and the remains of the ancient city of Philippi.

The Ruins of Philippi

The only building left in Philippi is a rundown coffee house with a muddy floor. It is a place where travelers can rest their horses and have a break. The people in the coffee house, who were Turks, didn’t know much about the city’s history. There was a step made of marble with a Roman inscription, and marble blocks were scattered around. One side of the coffee house was part of a large block of marble. This marble was likely built to honor the Romans after their victory in the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC, where Augustus and Antony defeated Brutus and Cassius. The marble had holes for tying horses. When I asked the Turks what the marble pillar meant, they looked confused and said it was built in honor of a great Turkish general!

The History of Philippi

Not much is left of Philippi. The few ruins that remain tell the story of a town that lived and thrived for about 30 centuries. The first people in the area were probably Thracians who mined gold in the nearby mountains. They built a town to protect themselves from invading tribes who wanted to steal the gold. The town, called Datus or Datum, existed as early as 11 centuries before Christ. It was a prosperous town until the 4th century BC Who we are.

A Night in Philippopolis

A Lively Garden Scene

Imagine a beautiful garden, glowing with lights from many lamps. Under the trees, there were many tables, and at those tables sat the people of Philippopolis, enjoying themselves. They were drinking coffee, beer, and toasting each other with big glasses of wine. At one end of the garden, there was a small stage. A Hungarian band played lively music, while a young woman in a short skirt sang songs. A deep-voiced singer performed, and then the band played some more, followed by more songs from the lady in the short skirt.

It was a Sunday evening, and Philippopolis was having a great time. In England, this might be seen as improper, but I didn’t think the people of Philippopolis were doing anything wrong. They seemed to be enjoying the evening in a very innocent way Customized Tours Bulgaria.

A Thought on Enjoyment

As I sat there, enjoying the lively atmosphere around me, I thought about my home in England. I wondered if there were better ways to deal with the problems of drunkenness in my country. In England, they close public houses early and criticize those who don’t drink in a strict, temperance-focused way. I thought maybe, over time, we would see changes. Perhaps, we might have places where people could enjoy a drink in a relaxed and social way.

The Flawed Policy of Sir Henry Elliot

The current state of Turkish power in Europe can only be maintained through careful intervention and support. Unfortunately, Sir Henry Elliot’s policy has been diametrically opposed to this crucial approach. He has consistently operated under the misguided belief that Turkey, as a free and independent nation, should never face interference or restraint, regardless of the reckless actions it may pursue. This approach encourages Turkey to continue its folly, merely to uphold the notion of its freedom and independence.

Blind Support for Turkey

Sir Henry Elliot’s unwavering support for Turkey has had serious consequences. By consistently siding with the Turkish government, turning a blind eye to its faults, and dismissing any criticisms as mere Russian propaganda, he has played a part in the tragic Bulgarian massacres. As a supposed ally to Turkey, he should have taken action to prevent the mobilization of the Bashi-Bazouks, but he failed to do so. This lack of intervention raises serious questions about his commitment to protecting innocent lives Private Bulgaria Tours Yachting.

Ignoring Evidence of Massacres

Elliot is also culpable for disregarding the numerous reports of massacres that flooded in from various sources. Despite receiving credible information from trusted individuals, such as the Rev. Dr. Long of Robert College, he chose to ignore these alarming reports. Dr. Long provided him with a collection of letters detailing the atrocities occurring in the burnt districts, but Elliot rejected this evidence, claiming it was not official enough for him to act upon.

The Misconception of Official Information

Elliot’s insistence on requiring official reports from Turkish authorities as the sole basis for action demonstrates a profound misunderstanding of his role. Typically, ambassadors and diplomats value trustworthy, unofficial information when it provides a clearer picture of reality. It is widely believed that part of an ambassador’s duty is to keep their government informed about critical developments, regardless of the source. However, Sir Henry Elliot seems to have a different interpretation of his responsibilities.

The Consequences of Inaction

The consequences of Elliot’s policies are grave. By prioritizing the appearance of Turkish independence over the lives of innocent people, he has allowed atrocities to continue unchecked. His reluctance to acknowledge and act on credible reports not only undermines his position but also contributes to the suffering of countless individuals caught in the conflict.

A Call for Accountability

The Flawed Policy of Sir Henry Elliot

The current state of Turkish power in Europe can only be maintained through careful intervention and support. Unfortunately, Sir Henry Elliot’s policy has been diametrically opposed to this crucial approach. He has consistently operated under the misguided belief that Turkey, as a free and independent nation, should never face interference or restraint, regardless of the reckless actions it may pursue. This approach encourages Turkey to continue its folly, merely to uphold the notion of its freedom and independence.

Blind Support for Turkey

Sir Henry Elliot’s unwavering support for Turkey has had serious consequences. By consistently siding with the Turkish government, turning a blind eye to its faults, and dismissing any criticisms as mere Russian propaganda, he has played a part in the tragic Bulgarian massacres. As a supposed ally to Turkey, he should have taken action to prevent the mobilization of the Bashi-Bazouks, but he failed to do so. This lack of intervention raises serious questions about his commitment to protecting innocent lives Private Bulgaria Tours Yachting.

Ignoring Evidence of Massacres

Elliot is also culpable for disregarding the numerous reports of massacres that flooded in from various sources. Despite receiving credible information from trusted individuals, such as the Rev. Dr. Long of Robert College, he chose to ignore these alarming reports. Dr. Long provided him with a collection of letters detailing the atrocities occurring in the burnt districts, but Elliot rejected this evidence, claiming it was not official enough for him to act upon.

The Misconception of Official Information

Elliot’s insistence on requiring official reports from Turkish authorities as the sole basis for action demonstrates a profound misunderstanding of his role. Typically, ambassadors and diplomats value trustworthy, unofficial information when it provides a clearer picture of reality. It is widely believed that part of an ambassador’s duty is to keep their government informed about critical developments, regardless of the source. However, Sir Henry Elliot seems to have a different interpretation of his responsibilities.

The Consequences of Inaction

The consequences of Elliot’s policies are grave. By prioritizing the appearance of Turkish independence over the lives of innocent people, he has allowed atrocities to continue unchecked. His reluctance to acknowledge and act on credible reports not only undermines his position but also contributes to the suffering of countless individuals caught in the conflict.

A Call for Accountability

Armed Goriyani Detachments

The Goriyani movement in Bulgaria consisted of various armed detachments that fought against the communist regime. These groups were made up of individuals from different backgrounds who were determined to resist the oppressive government. Here are some notable Goriyani detachments and their activities:

Early Detachments

Goriyani Detachment from the Godech District: Established in 1947, this detachment was led by Todor Dimitrov Filipov. They were part of the early resistance efforts against the communist regime.

Sixth Pirin Detachment: Formed in early 1947 under Gerasim Todorov’s leadership. To increase their mobility, this detachment split into two smaller groups, with the second led by Kiril Bengazov. Unfortunately, both groups were defeated, and 84 members and supporters faced court trials, resulting in twelve death sentences Istanbul Day Tour.

Continued Resistance

Pazardjik District Detachment: Active until late 1949, this detachment played a significant role in the ongoing resistance efforts.

Three Goriyani Detachments in Pirin Mountain: Organized in 1949, these detachments operated in the mountainous regions, continuing the fight against the regime.

First Sliven Detachment: This well-armed group consisted of 28 members, led by Penyo Christov Michov. They were destroyed in mid-November 1950.

Second Sliven Detachment: Established in April 1951, this detachment, under Georgi Marinov Turpanov, had about 150 members, including several women. They were active in the Sliven Mountains, facing significant opposition from military troops stationed in the area.

Expanding the Movement

Rilski Bojtzi Detachment: Formed in Dupnitza in 1950 under Nikola Hajdutov, this group operated in Dupnitza and Gorna Dzhumaja.

Yambol District Detachment: Active in the spring of 1950, this group contributed to the resistance efforts in the region.

Ruse Detachment: Created in September 1950 by eight individuals in Ruse, this detachment grew to 40 members, gaining many supporters in local villages. However, it was destroyed by May-June 1951.

Rila Warriors: Also established in 1950 under Nikola Hajdutov, they operated in Dupnitsa and Gorna Dzhumaja.

Notable Organizations

Stara Zagora Armed Detachment: Set up in October 1950, it had 145 underground members by the end of 1951.

Goriyani Bulgarian Resistance Movement: Founded in early April 1951, primarily by students from Plovdiv, this group had 46 members, including three women and several runaway soldiers. In August 1951, they established a second detachment led by Georgi Komitov.

Kazanluk Goriyani Detachment: Initiated by eight members in April 1951 near the village of Stryama. As their numbers grew, they split into three smaller groups, each operating in different areas of the Kazanluk district.

Karlovo Detachment: Formed at the beginning of 1951 by brothers Atanas and Ivan Batalov from Karavelovo. Their activities spanned the Karlovo and Staroselo regions of the Balkan Mountains.

Later Developments

Summer of 1951: Four additional Goriyani detachments were established in the Plovdiv region.

Sapareva Banya Goriyani Detachment: Created in autumn 1951 but was soon discovered and destroyed.

Popovo Detachment: Led by Dobri Christov Chupukov, this armed group consisted of 16 members and operated in the Popovo district until its destruction in early 1952.

Elena Area Detachment: Set up in 1950, this group was uncovered and destroyed in 1951, but another detachment emerged in the same area in 1954.