Life

Teaching Staff in Primary and Infant Schools

Teaching in infant and primary schools is carried out exclusively by schoolmistresses. Until recently, the position of directress of infant schools was open to all graduates of girls’ gymnasia who had studied the Froebel method.

Since September 1905, a special two-year course for head mistresses of infant schools has been established in Sofia. This course ensures that the directresses receive professional training in early childhood education.

Goals of Primary Education

The primary school aims to:

Provide children with a moral education.

Develop physical abilities.

Teach the most essential knowledge for life and citizenship.

Primary education lasts four years, divided into four divisions, each focusing on gradually increasing knowledge and skills.

School Year and Subjects

The school year begins on September 1st. In towns, it ends on June 25th, while in villages, it ends in early May.

The subjects taught in primary schools include:

Morals

Catechism

Bulgarian and ancient Bulgarian language

Civic instruction

National geography

Arithmetic

Natural history

Drawing and singing

Gymnastics

Manual work for boys

Embroidery for girls

This curriculum combines academic learning, moral development, and practical skills to prepare children for future life Istanbul City Tour.

School Organisation and Class Size

Every parish or village with more than fifty houses must have at least one primary school. Smaller hamlets and villages are considered part of a larger parish for educational purposes.

Each class division should have no more than fifty pupils, although exceptions may be made in special cases. Pupil progress is measured through annual examinations, required for the third and fourth divisions. In the first two divisions, teachers use informal talks to review and organize the knowledge children have gained.

Compulsory Education

Collective Responsibility of the Cabinet

All measures taken by the Prince in urgent matters must be adopted collectively by the Cabinet Council. This means that all ministers share responsibility for the decisions made. Once these measures are adopted, they must be submitted for approval to the National Assembly at its earliest session.

A special provision of the Constitution strictly forbids the introduction of new taxes or duties through these emergency regulations. Only the National Assembly has the authority to impose or change taxes.

Government Regulations and Decrees

The Government may issue measures and regulations to ensure the proper application of laws. These regulations must first receive the approval of the Prince. After approval, they are published in the Official Journal as decrees, which gives them legal force. This system ensures that laws are applied consistently, while maintaining oversight by both the Crown and the legislative body Istanbul Day Tour.

Judiciary Prerogatives of the Crown

The Prince also holds judicial powers, which include:

Right of Pardon – The Prince can reduce or cancel punishments for convicted persons. No capital punishment can be carried out unless approved by the Prince, who may replace it with a lighter sentence.

Right of Amnesty – Amnesty can only be granted through a special law, which requires the joint sanction of the Prince and the National Assembly.

All law courts in Bulgaria issue their decisions in the name of the Prince, reflecting the central role of the Crown in the administration of justice.

Hereditary Monarchy and Regency

The royal title is hereditary, passed in the direct male line. The heir attains majority at 18 years old. If the heir succeeds to the throne before reaching majority, a regency council exercises the royal powers during his minority. The regency consists of three members, who must be current or former ministers or members of the Supreme Court, and are appointed by the Grand National Assembly.

Civil List of the Prince

The Bulgars and Slavs

The Formation of the Bulgarian Nation

When the Slavs arrived in the Balkan Peninsula, they found other tribes living there. The Slavs had a stronger character, and they imposed their language and customs on the local populations. Later, the Bulgars, who came from the Volga region, also mixed with the Slavs. Over time, the Bulgars adopted the Slavic language and some of their customs.

However, the Bulgars gave their name to the new, mixed nation. Thanks to their energy, discipline, and organizational skills, they assumed political control. This led to the establishment of the Bulgarian kingdom, which quickly expanded its territory. The Bulgars were known for their warlike abilities, patriotism, and strong leadership City Tours Istanbul.

Bulgarian Power and Influence

Under their kings, the Bulgarians became a powerful military force. They threatened Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and even forced the Greek Emperor to seek friendship and pay tribute. The kingdom reached its greatest extent during the reign of King Kroum, who strengthened both the army and the state.

Introduction of Christianity

One of the most important events in Bulgarian history was the introduction of Christianity. This happened during the reign of King Boris I at the end of the 9th century. Boris became the first Christian king of Bulgaria, marking the start of Bulgaria’s transformation into a civilized and organized country.

Cultural and Literary Development

At the same time, the great apostles Cyril and Methodius created the Cyrillic alphabet, which would later be used by all Slavic peoples, including Russia. This invention laid the foundation for Bulgarian national culture. With the new script and Christian teachings, a literary movement began in Bulgaria, helping the country develop education, literature, and religious texts in its own language.

The Seaward Walls of Constantinople

Natural Protection by the Sea

Constantinople occupied a unique maritime position, bordered by the Golden Horn, the Sea of Marmara, and the Bosphorus. Because of this, the city’s seaward defenses were historically less important than its land fortifications. So long as the Byzantine Empire controlled the seas, naval attacks were difficult to carry out. Ships could only enter through the narrow channels of the Hellespont and the Bosphorus, making direct assaults on the city unlikely.

Challenges from Emerging Sea Powers

This relative safety was challenged when the Saracens and the Italian maritime republics—Venice, Genoa, and Pisa—became dominant sea powers. Even then, Constantinople’s position made naval attacks extremely difficult. The northern shore could be protected by a chain across the entrance of the Golden Horn, which blocked enemy ships. Meanwhile, the strong currents along the Marmara coast threatened to sweep vessels out to sea or dash them against the rocks. According to the chronicler Villehardouin, during the Fourth Crusade in 1204, the Venetian fleet under Dandolo hesitated to attack the Marmara walls because the currents were too dangerous Jeep Safari Bulgaria.

Storms as Natural Defenses

The waters around Constantinople were prone to violent storms, which acted as natural allies against naval attacks. For example:

In 718, a storm disrupted the Saracen fleet during their siege.

In 825, a tempest forced Thomas, rival of Michael II, to withdraw his ships.

In 865, the first Russian fleet to enter the Bosporus was destroyed by a storm.

These natural hazards, combined with Constantinople’s strategic position, made most naval sieges ineffective.

Exception The Venetian Capture of 1204

Despite these natural and man-made defenses, there was one notable exception. In 1204, the Venetians successfully captured Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade. This remarkable feat was less due to the Venetians’ seamanship than to the weakness and poor leadership among the Byzantine defenders. The city’s advantages—narrow waterways, strong walls, and defensive currents—were undermined by internal disorder and a lack of coordinated resistance.

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.

The City of Constantine Expansion and Fortifications

In the year 328 AD, Emperor Constantine the Great began the transformation of Byzantium into New Rome, the future city of Constantinople. This marked the beginning of a new era. Constantine expanded the city’s borders and built strong new walls for its protection.

According to tradition, the emperor walked the boundary of his future capital with a spear in hand, personally marking the outline. When surprised officials asked how far he would go, he reportedly answered:

“Until He stops Who goes before me.”

This story shows the deep meaning Constantine gave to his work. The city’s transformation was not just political or military—it was spiritual and historical Sofia Sightseeing.

The Challenge of Identifying the City’s Boundaries

Determining the exact size of Constantine’s new city is not easy today. Some ancient descriptions are unclear, and many landmarks no longer exist. However, by comparing historical sources with modern geography, we can still form a fairly good idea of the area.

The New Land Wall and City Limits

The new land wall built by Constantine crossed the historic peninsula (promontory) of Byzantium. It was located just east of two major cisterns:

The Cistern of Mokius, near the Seventh Hill (west of Avret Bazaar).

The Cistern of Aspar, near the valley between the Fourth and Sixth Hills, along the road from the Mosque of Sultan Mehmed to the Adrianople Gate.

Where the Walls Ended

The southern end of the land wall reached the Sea of Marmara, somewhere between today’s Daoud Pasha Gate and Psamathia Gate.

The northern end reached the Golden Horn, near the area where the Stamboul end of the modern inner bridge stands.

At the same time, the old sea walls of Byzantium were repaired and extended to connect with the new land wall. This created a complete line of fortifications that surrounded Constantine’s new capital.

A New Era for an Ancient City

With these changes, Constantine turned a Greek trading colony into a Roman imperial city. It now had strong defenses, expanded territory, and the potential to become the heart of an empire. The city would later grow even larger under later emperors, but this foundation laid by Constantine was a major turning point in its history.

Sofía’s Best Theatres

Sofia has a lively theatre scene offering a mix of comedy, drama, experimental plays, and studio performances. Here are some top venues worth visiting:

Aleko Konstantinov Satirical Theatre

Location: B‑3, ul. Stefan Karadzha 26

Phone : 987 66 06

What to Expect: A mix of classical and modern comedies with a satirical twist. The lineup often includes witty plays that cleverly critique everyday life, politics, and human nature.

Beyond the Canal (Malkiya gradski teatar “Zad kanala”)

Location: G‑8, bul. Madrid 1

What to Expect: A studio theatre hosting small-scale contemporary productions. Expect a mix of cross-genre events, including theatre performances, film projections, and live music gigs Bulgaria Vacations.

Bulgarian Army Theatre (Teatar Bulgarska Armia)

Location: B‑4, ul. Rakovski 98

Contact: 987 23 03

What to Expect: Known for high-quality drama, this theatre offers both classical plays (like Shakespeare and Chekhov) and contemporary Bulgarian works.

Ivan Vazov National Theatre

Location: B‑3, ul. Dyakon Ignatiy 5

Contact: 811 92 19

What to Expect: Sofia’s grandest and most prestigious theatre, staging large-scale performances from Bulgarian classics to international hits. The building itself is a majestic landmark in the city.

Sfumato Theatre Workshop

Location: G‑8, ul. Dimitar Grekov 2

Contact: 944 01 27

What to Expect: A cutting-edge experimental theatre with international recognition. Shows combine physical theatre, multimedia, and bold storytelling, perfect for adventurous audiences.

Tears and Laughter (Sala i Smyah)

Location: B‑4, ul. Rakovski 127

Contact: 987 58 95

What to Expect: The oldest theatre in Sofia, offering challenging modern dramas and comedies. Expect thought-provoking productions that encourage reflection and conversation.

Theatre 199

Location: B‑4, ul. Slavyanska 8

Contact: 987 85 33

What to Expect: A contemporary studio space with a 199-seat auditorium. Features experimental and innovative performances, including contemporary Bulgarian and international works. A key venue for discovering fresh, creative theatre.

Why Theatre in Sofia Matters

Affordable Prices: Ticket costs are very reasonable, often far cheaper than Western Europe.

Cultural Variety: From traditional comedies to avant-garde performances, Sofia’s theatres offer something for all tastes.

Support for Local Artists: Many theatres focus on Bulgarian playwrights and new productions.

Central Locations: Most venues are easily accessible in the city centre, making them great for a night out after dinner.

Tips for Theatre-Goers

Book ahead, especially for popular shows at the National Theatre.

Check English subtitles—some theatres offer them, especially for contemporary performances.

Arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere and perhaps have a glass of wine or coffee.

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 Labour Camp System in Bulgaria

Overview of Labour Camps

After the establishment of the communist regime in Bulgaria in 1944, the country set up a system of labour camps to imprison political opponents, perceived enemies, and people seen as a threat to the regime. According to Peter Gogov, the chief of the Lovech Labour Camp, there were about 44 labour camps in Bulgaria between 1945 and 1962. However, other sources suggest that there were as many as 83 labour camps in total, spread across different locations, and operating for varying lengths of time during this period.

Some Notable Labour Camps in Bulgaria

Zeleni Dol (Blagoevgrad Region)

This was the first labour camp in Bulgaria after the communist takeover. It was established in September 1944, following the demand of the Soviet occupational forces. The camp housed 203 people, including German citizens and German women married to Bulgarians. The camp operated until December 1945 Istanbul Day Trips.

Sveti Vratch Station (Sandanski)

A labour camp was set up in January 1945 near the town of Sandanski. The camp held political prisoners and other people considered undesirable by the regime.

Kutziyan Mine (Pernik Region)

This camp operated from October 1945 until the end of 1949. It primarily housed counter-revolutionary Russians. In 1948, it also became the location for many supporters of Nikola Petkov’s Agrarian Party, which was seen as a political threat to the government.

“Black Sea” Mine (Bourgas)

Located near Bourgas, this camp was in operation from January to April 1945. It was another location used to imprison those deemed enemies of the state.

Bogdanov Dol (Pernik Region)

Operating from spring 1945 until 1951, this camp was situated in the Pernik region and was used to imprison individuals seen as a threat to the regime.

“Tolbukhin” Ore Mine

This was another mining camp, used during the period to imprison political prisoners and others opposing the regime.

Nikolaevo Mine (Stara Zagora Region)

This camp operated from 1948 until July 1949 in the Stara Zagora region. It was used to house various prisoners, particularly those seen as enemies of the communist government.

“Rositza” Dam

Located near a dam, this camp was active from October 1946 to 1948. It housed political prisoners and other undesirable elements.

Nozharevo (Silistra Region)

This camp operated from mid-1947 until mid-1952 in the Silistra region. It was used to imprison a wide range of political prisoners.

Boyana Village (Tutrakan Region)

A women’s camp was set up at Boyana village at the beginning of 1947. This camp was used to house women who were considered to be enemies of the state.

Veliko Tarnovo (Outskirts)

A women’s camp was also set up on the outskirts of Veliko Tarnovo in 1947, aimed at imprisoning women accused of anti-government activities.

Bosna Camp (Tutrakan Region)

Set up in 1947, this camp was located in the Tutrakan region, used for political opponents and others the regime wanted to suppress.

Boshuliya Camp (Pazardjik Region)

Operating from 1945 until 1949, the Boshuliya camp was another site for imprisoning political prisoners.

Belene (Danube River Islands)

Belene became one of the most infamous camps. It was established in April 1949 by a Council of Ministers’ decree. Located on several Danube river islands, it housed political opponents of the Communist Party. The first year saw 800 prisoners interned, and by 1953, the number had risen to 1,917 prisoners. They faced sentences ranging from 6 months to 7 years. The camp was closed temporarily from 5 September to 5 November 1956.

Waiting to Be Discovered

The Ancient City of Smyrna

The ancient city of Smyrna was built on a mound that was once a small peninsula connected to the mainland by an isthmus. Today, the site is still being explored to uncover its rich history.

Early Excavations

The first scientific studies of Smyrna began between 1948 and 1951, when a Turkish-British team conducted excavations. From 1966 to 1993, Professor Ekrem Akurgal continued these excavations. Since 1993, the work has been led by Professor Dr. Meral Akurgal.

Layers of History

The mound where Smyrna is located shows a continuous history of settlement, dating from the 11th to the 4th century B.C. In the 9th century B.C., the city was surrounded by a defensive wall made of mud bricks. The houses in this period were simple, usually consisting of just one room.

The Peak of Ionian Civilization

Between 650 and 545 B.C., Smyrna reached the height of its power during the Ionian civilization in western Anatolia. During this time, the city produced several important structures, including the City Wall, the Temple of Athena, the Monumental Fountain, the Meeting House Megaron, and the Double Megaron Adventure Balkan Tours.

Innovative City Planning

Smyrna was one of the first cities in the Greek world to use a grid city plan, which was introduced in the second half of the 7th century B.C. The city’s main street ran east to west and ended at the Temple of Athena.

A Sad Loss

The People of Elbasan and Albania

If the Albanians were to stop their family feuds, end their clan wars, and come together as one nation, Elbasan would be the capital. It is the most central town in Albania. However, this is unlikely to happen as long as the current fighting spirit remains in the hearts of the mountain warriors.

The Fierce Independence of the Albanians

Like other mountain people around the world, Albanians are more independent, defiant, and sometimes aggressive than those who live on flatter land. In the northern part of Albania, in the Dibra district, the hatred of the Turks is so strong that a Turkish person’s life is not safe. In the southern parts, the anger towards the ruling power is less intense, and it decreases as you move further south. By the time you reach the Greek border, the resentment is almost gone Istanbul Tour Guide.

Differences in the People of North and South Albania

A week of hard travel by horse will take you from the north to the south of Albania. Along the way, you will notice big differences in appearance. The northern people are shorter, darker, and have sharp, watchful eyes, ready to defend their honor or confront anyone who insults them. Albanians today come from many different backgrounds—Italian, Greek, Slavic, and Bulgarian. Their ancestors fled to these mountains many years ago to escape foreign conquerors. While they have often united against outside invaders, old tribal rivalries have never disappeared.

Albania and Scotland: Similarities Between Two Warrior Cultures

To give a simple comparison, Albania’s situation is similar to Scotland’s Highlands in the 16th century, when the clans were constantly fighting each other. Many times, I thought about the similarities between Albania and Scotland. Some parts of Albania look just like the Scottish Highlands. Both places share a deep love for their country. Just like the Scottish Highlanders, Albanians quickly take offense and are ready to fight anyone who disagrees with them. The Albanian quilted petticoat looks similar to the Highland kilt. And, if you were to hear Albanian music in the hills, you might almost think you were listening to the sound of bagpipes.

The Albanian Clan System

The Power of Being English

There are some rewards in being away from England. An Englishman feels more proud of being English when he is far from home. In London, he might complain about his country, but if anyone tries to say something bad about it in front of him while he’s in Constantinople, he won’t tolerate it! The Vice-Consul knows that England is highly respected in the Balkans. The Turkish people remember that when the Russians were about to take over Constantinople, it was England that stopped them. Today, even though many countries are pressuring Turkey, the Turk knows that England does not want to take over any land—unlike Russia or Austria, who are eager to control parts of the Balkans.

Respect in Turkey

Back in England, the Vice-Consul would walk down the street without anyone noticing him. But in Turkey, he is treated with great respect. He is always greeted by officials and soldiers on guard. They salute him and present arms when he passes.

Official Visits

When the Vice-Consul visits the Vali (the Governor), he dresses in his frock coat and silk hat, which he brought from England many years ago. These clothes might seem old-fashioned to someone just arriving from London. He is the only Consul in the area who speaks Turkish fluently, so the Vali appreciates him. During their meetings, they drink syrupy coffee, smoke cigarettes, and discuss local issues, like the harsh treatment of Christians in a nearby village. The Vali promises to improve things, but things rarely change.

The Relationship Between Consuls

The Vice-Consul also visits other foreign diplomats, including Russian, French, Austrian, Italian, Greek, and Servian Consuls. They all return the visit within 24 hours, but there is no real friendship between them. Most of the time, they watch each other closely, spying on one another through their interpreters and writing reports.

The Vice-Consul’s Work

Monuments to Russian Heroes

The Russian Monuments

In the mountains, there are tall, white obelisks that stand as reminders of the bravery of Russian soldiers. These monuments honor the courage of famous Russian regiments. They tell stories of the heroism shown during the battles. However, I did not see any monument honoring the brave Turkish soldiers. No one knows where the Turkish soldiers were buried.

A Quiet Moment in Nature

After riding for hours under the hot sun, the sound of a bird replaces the noise of battle. As I dismounted, I sought shelter in the shade of trees to rest and cool down. The peaceful sound of nature was a welcome change after the long ride Bulgarian Coast.

Riding Through Bulgarian Villages

The Bulgarian Villages

I spent most of a day riding through Bulgarian villages. The houses in these villages were low with large roofs that provided plenty of shade. Vines hung across the small streets. As I rode, the villagers offered me bunches of grapes, which I happily accepted. Along the narrow paths, there were countless trees full of plums, tart and refreshing, perfect for a dusty traveler.

The Legacy of Turkish Rule

Citizens Deprived of Basic Human Rights

Overview of Human Rights Obligations

According to Article 2 of the Peace Treaty between Bulgaria and the Allied Powers, which was ratified by Decree No. 4 of the Presidency of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria on 26 August 1947, Bulgaria committed to upholding its citizens’ fundamental human rights. This treaty became effective on 15 September 1947. It states that Bulgaria must ensure that every person under its jurisdiction enjoys basic human rights and freedoms, regardless of race, sex, language, or religion. These rights include freedom of speech, a free press, freedom of religion, political beliefs, and the right to public gatherings.

Violations by the Communist Regime

Despite this commitment, the communist regime in Bulgaria, which lasted from 1944 to 1990, systematically violated the rights of its citizens. The government acted with impunity, ignoring the principles laid out in both the treaty and the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Citizens faced repression, censorship, and persecution if they opposed the regime or sought to express their opinions.

International Context: East Germany

In 1977, Erich Honecker, the First Secretary of the German United Socialist Party and the head of state of East Germany, made a statement claiming that there were no human rights activists in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) because all human rights were fully respected in that country. However, this was far from the truth, as many citizens felt compelled to leave East Germany due to the oppressive political climate. The number of people trying to legally emigrate continued to rise, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with the regime Private Tours Bulgaria Varna.

Emergence of the Expatriation Movement

By the end of the 1970s, an informal movement called “Voting on a Request for Expatriation” emerged. This movement was largely composed of young people who sought to escape the restrictions imposed by their government. Reports from activist Robert Havemann in 1976 indicated that the number of members in this movement had grown to around 120,000. Other estimates, such as those from the East German news agency AND, claimed the number could be as high as 200,000.

Citizens Deprived of Basic Human Rights

Overview of Human Rights Obligations

According to Article 2 of the Peace Treaty between Bulgaria and the Allied Powers, which was ratified by Decree No. 4 of the Presidency of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria on 26 August 1947, Bulgaria committed to upholding its citizens’ fundamental human rights. This treaty became effective on 15 September 1947. It states that Bulgaria must ensure that every person under its jurisdiction enjoys basic human rights and freedoms, regardless of race, sex, language, or religion. These rights include freedom of speech, a free press, freedom of religion, political beliefs, and the right to public gatherings.

Violations by the Communist Regime

Despite this commitment, the communist regime in Bulgaria, which lasted from 1944 to 1990, systematically violated the rights of its citizens. The government acted with impunity, ignoring the principles laid out in both the treaty and the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Citizens faced repression, censorship, and persecution if they opposed the regime or sought to express their opinions.

International Context: East Germany

In 1977, Erich Honecker, the First Secretary of the German United Socialist Party and the head of state of East Germany, made a statement claiming that there were no human rights activists in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) because all human rights were fully respected in that country. However, this was far from the truth, as many citizens felt compelled to leave East Germany due to the oppressive political climate. The number of people trying to legally emigrate continued to rise, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with the regime Private Tours Bulgaria Varna.

Emergence of the Expatriation Movement

By the end of the 1970s, an informal movement called “Voting on a Request for Expatriation” emerged. This movement was largely composed of young people who sought to escape the restrictions imposed by their government. Reports from activist Robert Havemann in 1976 indicated that the number of members in this movement had grown to around 120,000. Other estimates, such as those from the East German news agency AND, claimed the number could be as high as 200,000.

Forced Deportation of Germans from Bulgaria

In January 1945, under pressure from the commander-in-chief of Soviet troops in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Council of Ministers issued an urgent decree that significantly impacted the German population in the country. The decree ordered all German men aged 17 to 45 and all German women aged 18 to 30, who were capable of working, to gather at designated deportation stations by January 7, 1945. This order was part of a larger plan to deport these individuals to the Soviet Union, with the deportation from the city of Rousse scheduled for January 10, 1945.

Soviet Command’s Influence

The Bulgarian government faced a difficult situation when it questioned the Soviet authorities about whether the deportation order applied to Germans with Bulgarian citizenship or those married to Bulgarian citizens. The Soviet response was clear and uncompromising: all capable Germans were to be deported, regardless of their citizenship status. This harsh directive highlighted the Soviet Union’s control over Bulgarian policies during this period, showing little regard for individual rights or national sovereignty. The deportation of Germans living in Bulgaria continued even after the initial deadline of January 10, 1945, extending the period of fear and uncertainty for those affected Istanbul Daily Tour.

Deportation of Whiteguard Russians

The Soviet Union’s efforts to remove perceived enemies from Bulgaria did not stop with the German population. Colonel General Sergey Biryuzov, a high-ranking Soviet officer, took personal charge of locating and deporting Whiteguard Russians who had sought refuge in Bulgaria after the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. These Whiteguards were former anti-communist fighters who had been defeated by the Bolsheviks and had fled to Bulgaria for safety.

To carry out this task, the Soviet military counterintelligence organization known as “Smersh” was given the responsibility of tracking down these individuals. Smersh, which was notorious for its ruthlessness, worked closely with Bulgarian state security forces to locate and deport the Whiteguard Russians back to the Soviet Union. This collaboration between Soviet and Bulgarian authorities ensured that those who had once fought against communism would face harsh retribution, even decades after their initial defeat.