Sayfalar

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

J. F. Marmontel (1723-1799)

Marmontel, born in the Limousin of artisan parents, came early into popular esteem, and, when only a boy, was awarded several prizes for poetry. He wrote to Voltaire, who thought his verses showed an aptitude for finance, and got him a position in Paris. There until the eve of the Revolution he lived a happy and prosperous life.


He wrote plays, verses, romances, tales, literary criticism. Popular at court, protected by powerful nobles, he enjoyed the society of the philosophers and writers of his time. His Moral Tales, from which Lausus and Lydia is taken, were widely read throughout Europe. Amusing as it may seem, Lausus and Lydia was considered a very pathetic story in it? day. It does, however, possess merits of clarity and skilful construction. It may be considered a good example of a much-practised type of story in vogue in the Eighteenth Century, in which the author employs a foreign background—often of some imaginary Oriental land—for the purpose of exemplifying a moral or philosophical point.


The present version is reprinted from Moral Tales by M. Marmontel, translated by C. Dennis and R. Lloyd, London, 1771.


Lausus and Lydia


(From the Moral Tales) The character of Mezentius, King of Tyrrhene, is well known. A bad prince and a good father, cruel and tender by turns. He had nothing of the tyrant, nothing that showed violence as long as his de-sires knew no obstacle; but the calm of this haughty soul was the repose of a lion.


Mezentius had a son named Lausus, whose valor and beauty ren¬dered him famous among the young heroes of Italy. Lausus had attended Mezentius in the war against the King of Praeneste. His father, at the very summit of joy, saw him, covered with blood, fight¬ing and vanquishing by his side. The King of Praeneste, driven out of his territories and seeking safety in flight, had left in the hands of the conqueror a treasure more precious than his crown, a princess at that age wherein the heart has only the virtues of nature, and nature has all the charms of innocence and beauty.


Everything that the Graces in tears possess, either noble or affecting, was painted on Lydia’s countenance. In her grief, courage, and dignity, one might discover the daughter of kings amongst the crowd of slaves. She received the first compliments of her enemies without haughtiness, without acknow¬ledgment, as an homage due to her rank, the noble sentiments of which were not weakened by ill fortune.

Simply Split The Bill

The intercourse timing thing is a toss up… I’ve seen it go both methods… I think it’s more about how somebody acts extra so than the precise timing, or how nicely you recognize the individual… I’ve identified my husband since highschool (did not date, simply had mutual mates), so I def wasn’t a stranger… however  contemplating he was a player all through high school school and wasn’t huge on  girlfriends, I slept with him the primary bulgarian girls evening we frolicked as a result of I had no expectations… however, it’s been 8 years and 3 years of marriage and he could not stay away ;-)… I might say for those who JUST met a guy, sex right away does ship a sure message and he can draw conclusions about how you’re normally before attending to know you.


Avoid the pitfall: If it is a first date, let them know that you simply’d really wish to treat her. Clarify that you simply’re completely prepared to go dutch in your subsequent date, however since they agreed to spend her night with you, you’d like to get this one. If they are really insistent, don’t bulgaria women be weird about it. Simply split the bill. It’s not a check. They just needs to be equals and set up boundaries. And keep in mind, simply because you purchase dinner does not, in any manner, imply a person owes you something; not a hug, a kiss, or intercourse.


Change into the guy who provides them the explanation by subscribing to your local Time Out” journal, or repeatedly scanning the native blogosphere for what’s new in your metropolis, town or group. Women tend to be a lot better bulgarian girl at reading an individual’s vitality” than most males. That signifies that they’ll generally pick up on if you happen to’re into them earlier than you notice you are giving them any indicators.


Deciding Upon Immediate Secrets Of bulgarian women


I guess every little thing got here to a head and we had a huge struggle a couple of weeks ago (alcohol fueled, he got here house drunk and missed our date evening so sort of stood me up) and in the talks following it I principally said that I couldn’t spend our whole marriage like this so some compromise must be agreed, he stated he realized that there was a giant drawback. We plunged into the problems and it came out that he had been with holding sex as a strategy bulgarian women to punish me for my ‘anger in direction of him’. I actually did not have any anger in the direction of him, dissatisfied acceptance however not anger. In the weeks main up to this I hadn’t mentioned it, acted upon it just received on with it. I do have BPD and Bipolar 2 so the one conclusion I can draw is that he is punishing me for the cycles I go by mentally, which I really feel is unfair. ( He knew I had these circumstances once we first received together).



  1. Fall off the face of the earth, let her chase you and ask you the place have you ever been? When she asks the place you will have been, you reply Just hanging out, I have a lot going on.” You’re just saying to her- you aren’t bulgarian girl spending your time ready for her to make a move. Then it shows her you have got extra essential things going on apart from chasing a woman who doesn’t want you.


It can be easy to make your takeaway from a date all about the other particular person — Did they like you? Does she wish to see you once more? — but do not. That is as much about whether you want her as whether she likes you. Follow your feeling. Did you simply feel slightly bored? Did they interrupt an excessive amount of? Did you hate the way in which she kisses? Do you simply not want to see her once bulgarian women more? Do not see her again. Can’t stop occupied with their mouth? Cannot cease thinking about their mind? Apprehensive it was awkward but you nearly do not care ‘trigger you have been so intrigued? Say you had a good time and need to see her once more and see what occurs.


Nonetheless, if she does not reply either of these texts, drop your efforts, hold some dignity in the intervening time, and put her number in the will attempt again bulgarian girls some other time” bin. In her thoughts, a boring textual content = a boring guy. If you ship her something uncreative like that, you’re taking an unnecessary danger by jeopardizing her curiosity.


Painless Solutions For bulgaria women – The Options


The social arts is really a collection of various social abilities rolled up and bundled collectively in a single massive hodgepodge of stuff helpful for getting success with women. And certainly one of these many skills you will bulgarian girls discover you will need to work on that proves completely very important to your success is text messaging and the way to textual content a girl.


While many of us dream of our companions being so attuned to us that they’ll just inform I want them,” more often than not our apparent” indicators are usually not so obvious. Have a dialog bulgarian brides with your associate about cues, verbal and nonverbal, that you can depend on and stay up for.


What not to do on a first date? Comment on their appetite! Whether your date isn’t eating a lot – or they’re consuming a lot – I can guarantee bulgarian girls that they do not need you to make conversation about it. By all means verify that they like the food, however don’t go beyond that.

Sunday, December 29, 2019

The Queen Kralize

Whitsuntide, the festival of the Kralize, soon follows. From ten to fifteen virginsone of whom personates the Standard-bearer, another the King, and another the Queen Kralize, veiled and attended by a Maid of Honour pass through the village dancing and singing; stopping in front of every house. The subject of most of their songs relates to marriage, the choice of a husband, the happiness of wedded life, the blessing of children; and the refrain of every verse is li Leljo” supposed to be the name of an ancient Sclavonian Deity of Love.


There is also the ambulatory song of the Wilis, who dance under the growing fruit-tree; and of Kadischa  probably a male demon, as the former were females; who, shaking the dew from the flowers and leaves, sues to one of the Wilis, promising that, sitting with his mother in the cool shade, she shall spin silk on a golden distaff. The whole proceed mgs breathe the fresh pleasure of spring, and a concealed and modest emotion of love, nourished by the sympathy of nature now bursting forth into bloom and beauty.


The progress of the year now brings round the longest day; that period of the solstice which in ancient times the people throughout Europe were accustomed to celebrate with fire.


In Scrvia the festival of St. John is deemed of such importance that the sun is said to stand still thrice in reverence. The shepherds, bearing lighted torches of birch bark prepared the previous evening, walk round the pens of their flocks, and the enclosure in which the oxen are kept; then ascend the mountain and allow the torches to burn out, whilst they occupy themselves with sports.


The injuries to be apprehended to the harvest in Servia are twofold  too great an aridity and violent storms. In the event of a continued drought, a maiden is divested of her usual garments and so wrapped round with grass, herbs, and flowers, that hardly any part, even of her face, can be seen. She is called the Doclola; and in this state, like a walking bundle of grass, she goes from house to house: the housewife then pours a pailful of water over her as a symbol.


Her companions chant a prayer for rain, and the people feel almost certain of obtaining their object. They have a song expressly composed for the occasion : its purport is, that the clouds should outrun the procession, and bedew the grapes and corn as it advances.

Saturday, December 28, 2019

Tempy aged all of a sudden

“She didn’t begin to age until two or three years ago, did she?” asked Mrs. Crowe. “I never saw anybody keep her looks as Tempy did. She looked young long after I begun to feel like an old woman. The doctor used to say ’twas her young heart, and I don’t know but what he was right. How she did do for other folks! There was one spell she wasn’t at home a day to a fortnight. She got most of her livin’ so, and that made her own potatoes and things last her through. None o’ the young folks could get married without her, and all the old ones was disap-pointed if she wa’n’t round when they was down with sickness-and had to go. An’ cleanin’, or tailorin’ for boys, or rug-hookin,’ there was nothin’ but what she could do as handy as most. ‘I do love to work,’ – ain’t you heard her say that twenty times a week?”


Sarah Ann Binson nodded, and began to clear away the empty plates. “We may want a taste o’ somethin’ more towards mornin’,” she said. “There’s plenty in the closet here; and in case some comes from a distance to the funeral, we’ll have a little table spread after we get back to the house.”


“Yes, I was busy all the mornin’. I’ve cooked up a sight o’ things to bring over,” said Mrs. Crowe. “I felt ’twas the last I could do for her.”

They drew their chairs near the stove again, and took up their work. Sister Binson’s rocking-chair creaked as she rocked; the brook sounded louder than ever. It was more lonely when nobody spoke, and presently Mrs. Crowe returned to her thoughts of growing old.


“Yes, Tempy aged all of a sudden. I remember I asked her if she felt as well as common, one day, and she laughed at me good. There, when Mr. Crowe begun to look old, I couldn’t help feeling as if somethin’ ailed him, and like as not ’twas somethin’ he was goin’ to git right over, and I dosed him for it stiddy, half of one summer.”


“How many things we shall be wanting to ask Tempy!” exclaimed Sarah Ann Binson, after a long pause. “I can’t make up my mind to doin’ without her. I wish folks could come back just once, and tell us how ’tis where they’ve gone. Seems then we could do without ’em better.”


Compassionately


The brook hurried on, the wind blew about the house now and then; the house itself was a silent place, and the supper, the warm fire, and an absence of any new topics for conversation made the watchers drowsy. Sister Binson closed her eyes first, to rest them for a minute; and Mrs. Crowe glanced at her compassionately, with a new sympathy for the hard-worked little woman. She made up her mind to let Sarah Ann have a good rest, while she kept watch alone; but in a few minutes her own knitting was dropped, and she, too, fell asleep. Overhead, the pale shape of Tempy Dent, the outworn body of that generous, loving- hearted, simple soul, slept on also in its white raiment. Perhaps Tempy herself stood near, and saw her own life and its surroundings with new understanding. Perhaps she herself was the only watcher.


Later, by some hours, Sarah Ann Binson woke with a start. There was a pale light of dawn outside the small windows. Inside the kitchen, the lamp burned dim. Mrs. Crowe awoke, too.


“I think Tempy’d be the first to say ’twas just as well we both had some rest,” she said, not without a guilty feeling.


Her companion went to the outer door, and opened it wide. The fresh air was none too cold, and the brook’s voice was not nearly so loud as it had been in the midnight darkness. She could see the shapes of the hills, and the great shadows that lay across the lower country. The east was fast growing bright.


“’Twill be a beautiful day for the funeral,” she said, and turned again, with a sigh, to follow Mrs. Crowe up the stairs.


Source and more information: https://bulgarian.marietaminkova.com/miss-tempys-watchers-part-9/

Friday, December 27, 2019

The Western races

Ever since powers have been established on earth, endeavouring to realize, to represent, and to promote those general ideas which involve the destiny of the human race, it would seem that no nation is any longer allowed to develope itself by the unrestrained exercise of its own innate strength and genius. The progress of all development depends materially on the relation into which a newly emerging people enters with the nations already in a state of civilization ; and in reviewing the history of the various Sclavonian tribes, it is evident that their development was determined by the influence thus exercised upon them.


The Western races — the Moravians, Zechians, Carantaneans, and to some extent, even the Poles — joined themselves to the Western Empire, as renewed among the Germans, and to the Latin Church ; taking part in the changing forms of public life which gradually arose.


The Eastern tribes associated with the Eastern Church, in the national form prescribed by it; yet much difference was discernible amongst them.


Russia had become much too powerful through the German immigration, and was also too remote from the centre of the Greek State, for the government at Constantinople to think of making her spiritual dependence the foundation for the secular authority. The Servians, on the contrary, who had settled on the soil of the Greek Empire, and acknowledged its general supremacy, had to strain every nerve against the attempts made by the Emperors to increase their power over them.


In the eleventh century, the Greeks, despite of the stipulations they had entered into, attempted to take Servia under their immediate control, and to subject it to their financial system. In pursuance of this design, a Greek governor was sent into the country.


But the proceeding incited a general revolt. A Servian chief, Stephan Boist- law, who was imprisoned at Constantinople, found means to effect his escape, and return to his native land. lie quickly assembled the nation around him ; and the Greek governor, with his dependents, who are represented to have been mercenary and tyrannical, like their master, were compelled to leave the country.


Boistlaw appears to have taken up a position near the coast; vessels from Byzan-tium, laden with rich treasures, fell into his hands; and he entered into alliance with the Italian subjects of the Greek Empire, who were at that time endeavouring to obtain their freedom.

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Public Response To The Mayor’s Allegations

Three policemen and four protesters suffered injuries after violent clashes broke out the rally in Radnevo, the Bulgarian interior ministry said on Thursday.


Around 2,000 people joined the protest on Wednesday evening, following an incident in which four men of Roma origin assaulted three Bulgarians in a street row on Monday.


The violence erupted when the crowd, shouting “Bulgaria for the Bulgarians”, “Bulgarians – heroes”, “Bulgaria above all” and various anti-Roma slogans, reached the Roma neighbourhood of Kantona, which was cordoned off by interior ministry special forces.


Some of the protesters tried to break through the barricades and enter the Roma neighbourhood, throwing stones and fireworks at the policemen, who responded by dispersing the crowd with batons.


According to Radnevo’s mayor Tenyo Tenev, the people who tried to break through the barricades were football hooligans from the nearby city of Stara Zagora.


Speaking to public broadcaster BNT on Thursday, Tenev called on the people of Radnevo, a town of around 13,000 inhabitants, to protest peacefully.


Tenev alleged that the incident that sparked the tensions was caused by one Roma family.


The people are fed up with the wrongdoings of this family, of their shameless, aggressive and arrogant behaviour,” he told media on Wednesday.


The family has so far made no public response to the mayor’s allegations.


Four people – a Roma man called Kalcho Ivanov and three of his relatives – were arrested and charged with attempted murder after they allegedly beat up three young men from Radnevo on Monday.


One of the victims was admitted to hospital with a life-threatening knife-stab wound.


The suspects’ lawyer claimed however that one of the Roma men, Stefan Ivanov, was severely beaten up by the Bulgarians.


People in Radnevo are now organising another rally, scheduled for Thursday evening.


Meanwhile, people from the Roma neighbourhood told media that they are afraid for their lives and most of its inhabitants have temporarily left, moving in with friends and relatives outside Radnevo.


Wednesday’s clashes were not unprecedented in Bulgaria, where in recent years tensions between people from Roma and ethnic Bulgarian backgrounds have erupted several times, usually over crime-related issues.


The most violent clashes took place in 2011, when anti-Roma protests were held all over the country following tragic accidents in the southern Bulgarian village of Katunitsa which led to the deaths of two young Bulgarian boys.


In 2015, protesters also occupied Roma ghettos in the southern Bulgarian village of Garmen, as well as in Sofa’s Orlandovtsi neighbourhood, but police prevented any violence from breaking out.

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Howleglass and the horses just

So they stopped and called Howleglass in a great passion, inquiring what vile work he had been doing, and swore and threatened dreadfully. Just then a wagonload of straw luckily went by, and the unhappy party purchased a small quantity, with which to purify the wellbedizened chariot.


Quite enraged, the merchant cried out, “Off to the gallows,you rascal!” and soon after Howleglass saw one not far from the roadside, and driving the chariot right underneath it, he was proceeding very leisurely to unharness the horses. “What is it that you are about, villain?” said his master. “Why,” replied Howleglass, “did not you order me to drive off to the gallows? where I thought I was to set you down.”


On looking up, the priest and the merchant sure enough saw the gibbet; upon which his master, being seized with a panic, commanded him to back, and drive right away as hard as he could flog.


Hearing this, Howleglass dashed neck and nothing through the mud, so that by the horrible pulling and tearing, the vehicle came straight in two, the hinder part remaining with the merchant and the priest stuck in the mud, and the other proceeding with Howleglass and the horses just as if nothing had happened. At length with much shouting and running the merchant overtook his driver, and was beginning to inflict summary vengeance upon him, when the priest came up and prevented him; and in this fashion they contrived to accomplish their journey, and so home again.


Eat and Drink


Well! his wife inquired how the merchant had enjoyed his journey? “Oh, delightful,” cried the merchant, “now that we are safely returned.” Then he called Howie glass, saying, “Tonight eat and drink to your heart’s content, for tomorrow you quit this house. I cannot keep you, you are too great a malicious rascal for me.”


“All right, master,” said Howleglass. And in the morning when the merchant went out, he again said, “Eat and drink, take as much as you like, but do not let me find you here when 1 come home from church.” So while the family was at church, Howleglass proceeded as he had been ordered to take what he liked; and very shortly he had almost completely gutted the house.


In short, the merchant met him with a whole load of his goods in the street as he was coming from church. “Ha! my honest cook,” he cried, “what are you dressing now?” “What you commanded me to do,” replied Howleglass: “you informed me that I might take what I liked, and rid the house of me.” “Leave these things where they are,” exclaimed the merchant, “and go to the devil if you please.” Howleglass said, “I do everything that my masters order me, and yet I cannot live in peace.” So he quitted the merchant in a huff, whom he was sorry again to have met with, while the former had his goods conveyed back to the house.


S: https://bulgarian.marietaminkova.com/eulenspiegel-and-the-merchant-part-3/

Monday, December 23, 2019

How are they different from Russian brides?

When you look at the gorgeous Bulgarian ladies, it’s very difficult to notice the differences between them and other Slavic beauties. It’s true that many of their appearance features are very similar. However, once you get to know your Bulgaria girl better, you will find many peculiarities.


One of the most striking differences between Bulgarian and Russian ladies is that Russian wives tend to be very demanding. They have very high expectations for their man’s social status, financial situation, and even appearance. Bulgarian women are much more accepting and grateful for what they have.


Another major difference between brides from Russia and Bulgaria is their views on marriage and family. Russian ladies are not opposed to marriage, but they tend to explore the dating scene for a while before committing to one man. A Bulgarian girl is ready to get married soon after meeting a man and making sure he’s the one, so if you see marriage and kids in your nearest future, a bride for Bulgaria is your best option.


Where to meet Bulgarian women?


Some Western guys are lucky enough to meet their Bulgarian girl in her hometown: for example, when they are visiting for work or are enjoying a nice vacation by the sea. However, even if you do travel to Bulgaria, no one can guarantee that you will meet your soulmate on your first try.


A much better alternative is signing up for one of the international dating websites that offer to connect foreign men to Bulgarian beauties. There you will gain access to thousands of women’s profiles and will be able to select women based on their age, location, appearance traits, and views. There is a very good chance your ideal woman is already waiting for you there!


From there, the road to your marital bliss shouldn’t take long — as we’ve said before, Bulgarian women are very motivated to get hitched and build their new family with the man they love.


Summary


Bulgarian ladies are so beautiful, complex, and fascinating that it’s impossible to describe them with one blog post. The best way to experience the grace and beauty of Bulgarian women is to find one and get to know her better.


Once the two of you become closer, we are convinced that marriage is just around the corner. And if you are still thinking about your ideal future spouse, find even more reviews of the amazing foreign brides on our website!


 


 

Friday, December 20, 2019

They were both old schoolmates and friends

Mrs. Crowe, on the contrary, was well to do, her husband being a rich farmer and an easy-going man. She was a stingy woman, but for all that she looked kindly; and when she gave away anything, or lifted a finger to help anybody, it was thought a great piece of beneficence, and a compliment, indeed, which the recipient accepted with twice as much gratitude as double the gift that came from a poorer and more generous acquaintance. Everybody liked to be on good terms with Mrs. Crowe. Socially she stood much higher than Sarah Ann Binson.


They were both old schoolmates and friends of Temperance Dent, who had asked them, one day, not long before she died, if they would not come together and look after the house, and manage everything, when she was gone. She may have had some hope that they might become closer friends in this period of intimate partnership, and that the richer woman might better understand the burdens of the poorer. They had not kept the house the night before; they were too weary with the care of their old friend, whom they had not left until all was over.


Ran down hillside


There was a brook which ran down the hillside very near the house, and the sound of it was much louder than usual. When there was silence in the kitchen, the busy stream had a strange insistence in its wild voice, as if it tried to make the watchers understand something that related to the past.


“I declare, I can’t begin to sorrow for Tempy yet. I am so glad to have her at rest,” whispered Mrs. Crowe. “It is strange to set here without her, but I can’t make it clear that she has gone. I feel as if she had got easy and dropped off to sleep, and I’m more scared about waking her up than knowing any other feeling.”


“Yes,” said Sarah Ann. “It’s just like that, ain’t it? But I tell you we are goin’ to miss her worse than we expect. She’s helped me through with many a trial, has Temperance. I ain’t the only one who says the same, neither.”


These words were spoken as if there were a third person listening; somebody besides Mrs. Crowe. The watchers could not rid their minds of the feeling that they were being watched themselves. The spring wind whistled in the window crack, now and then, and buffeted the little house in a gusty way that had a sort of companionable effect. Y et, on the whole, it was a very still night, and the watchers spoke in a half-whisper.


S: https://bulgarian.marietaminkova.com/miss-tempys-watchers-part-2/

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Contradicting information

The Bulgarian Helsinki Committee monitors annually the level of police violence in Bulgaria, interviewing people in police custody and prisons. The data from recent years shows that violence is persistent, and almost a third of the detainees are victims of illegal use of force by police officers. The alarming conclusion of the researchers is that minors are at the greatest risk of ill-treatment.


Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior and courts provide almost no information about the number of reported cases of abuses by law enforcement officers.


Only a third of the courts (42 of 144) have provided data about 212 initiated cases, but according to the Interior Ministry there were 1,146 appeals for the period 2000-2015.


Nobody knows to what extent the number of complaints is relevant to the appealed cases. Moreover, there is no collection of thorough information about the real number of complaints, and their outcome.


No punishment


The most common complaints are about torture and unlawful detention (42.2 percent and 41.5 percent, respectively), and in 16.4 percent of cases the interrogation was conducted with illegal use of force. Of all the 1,146 complaints, received in the Ministry of Interior, only 11 percent of the cases resulted in violations being found and punishment being imposed. Three hundred complaints were deemed unfounded, and 725 cases were considered as complying with the law.


By comparison, when the appeal was brought to the court, the officers were found guilty in 61 percent of the cases. This suggests that the Ministry of Interior has no policy regarding the investigation and punishment of the law enforcement officers in cases where they exceed their powers.


Even in those few cases in which a violation of the law was found, the penalty is usually diminished. According to the Interior Ministry, only 18 policemen have been dismissed in the past 15 years, 48 were fined, and 11 were sentenced to conditional imprisonment (for a period of 1.5 to 3 years). Normally, the fines vary from 500 to 1,000 levas (approximately 250 to 500 euro), and there is no information on whether they are actually paid.


According to the data provided from the courts for the same period, fines were imposed on 101 police officers, and 28 were punished with a conditional sentence of imprisonment.


Consequences: The data discrepancies show that police violence is a worrying problem in Bulgaria. According to the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee’s analysis of European Court of Human Rights judgments against Bulgaria, the state was sentenced to pay over 900,000 levas in penalties and damages between 2000 and 2010 because of uninvestigated and unpunished police violence.

Sunday, December 15, 2019

The Coming Of Gandin

Now when he had sung another lay, Gandin arose and stood before the king, holding the lute in his hand. “Sir King,” he said, “bethink thee of what thou didst promise me.”;


And Mark answered: “Of good will will I do it. Tell me what wilt thou?”

“Give me Iseult,” quoth the knight.


“Friend,” said Mark, “whatever else thou desirest thou shalt have, but this may not be.”


“Verily, Sir King,” said Gandin, “I will neither much nor little, but Iseult alone.”


The King spake: “Of a truth, that shall not be!”


“Sire, wilt thou then break thy promise? If thou be thus forsworn, henceforth shall men hold thee unworthy to be king of any land. Bid them read the right of kings, and if this be not so, then will I renounce my claim. Or, dost thou, or any other say that thou didst not swear to give me what I asked, then will I assert my right against thee, or against whomsoever the court may choose.


My body shall be overcome with fight ere I renounce my claim. Choose thou a knight to ride in the ring against me, and I will prove by combat that fair Iseult is mine.” The king looked all about and on either side if he might find one who would dare to uphold his cause; but there was no man who would set his life on such a wager, nor would Mark himself fight for his queen, for Gandin was so strong and valiant that none durst take up his challenge.


Weeping and Lamenting


Now Tristan had ridden forth to the woods to hunt, and as he came homeward to the court he heard on the way the news of what had chanced. It was all true: Gandin had led the queen, weeping and lamenting bitterly from the palace to the seashore. On the shore was pitched a tent, rich and costly, wherein he led the queen that they might wait till tide and river rose and floated the bark, which now laying on the sand.


Tristan heard the tale from beginning to end, he mounted his horse and took his harp in his hand, and rode swiftly, even to the haven. There he turned aside secretly, to a grove, made his horse fast to the bough of a tree, and with his harp in his hand took his way to the tent. The knight of Ireland sat there, armed, beside the weeping queen, whom he strove hard to comfort, but little might it avail, till he saw Tristan and his harp.


He greeted Gandin, saying: “God save thee, fair minstrel!”


“Gramercy, gentle knight.”


“Sir,” he said, “I have hastened hither. Men have told me thou art come from Ireland: I too am from thence. I pray thee, of thine honor, lake me back to mine own land.”


The Irish knight made answer: “That will I do; but sit thee down, play to me, and if thou canst comfort my lady, whom thou sees weeping sorely, I will give thee the fairest garment that is in this tent.”


This a fair offer, Sir Knight,” said Tristan. “I have good hope that I may do so; and her grief be not so great that it will stay not for any man’s playing, she must needs be consoled.”


Source: https://bulgaria.doholiday.com/the-coming-of-gandin-part-2/

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Bulgarian women speak little to no English

For a poor, Southern European country, Bulgarians speak surprisingly good English.  Most women I talked to were able to understand me and reply with no problems — until you meet one who doesn’t.  One interesting fact is that most girls are also studying or already speak Spanish.  During one date with a very cute girl, we were literally speaking 3 languages: English (mostly), Spanish (here and there), and Bulgarian/Russian mixture (when she didn’t know a word in either of the previous languages).


Bulgarian women don’t much eye contact


Like in most of Eastern Europe, smiling and eye contact

directed at strangers is generally a sign of weakness.  I look Southern European for the most part,

and, as a result, received almost no eye contact in Bulgaria.  Most Bulgarians easily thought I was

Bulgarian or even Greek, so relying on eye contact is a poor indicator of

interest.  I would assume being a 6’4”

Norwegian Viking with spiky blonde hair would buy you more attention, but

still, it wouldn’t be something I would rely on.  If you’re southern European looking like me,

you’ll have to work to get noticed.


Bulgarian dating culture


Nothing surprising here: Balkans is one of the most

conservative regions in Europe when it comes to dating and courtship.  I estimate you’d need solid three days of

dates (or more) before getting her to come back home with you.  Don’t expect to fly in on EasyJet from London

for a weekend and bang women left and right. 

I would aim for at least a solid two weeks, but, as usual, the more the

better.  Pipeling beforehand might help,

but I don’t do that so I wouldn’t know.


How to meet Bulgarian women during the day


When I was in Sofia, I spent a good share of my time

approaching women on the streets. I won’t try to sugarcoat anything, but it was

tough. The biggest problem was that the women just weren’t used to being

approached.


Maybe it was because I was ugly or didn’t speak English, but

they simply kept going instead of stopping and answering my question.


Some women did stop, but nothing came out of it.


I had much better luck in situations where the women weren’t

in a rush anywhere, like bookstores, cafes, stores, and malls. As you would

expect, these women were generally much more receptive to my approaches.


Of course, being a Balkan country with its relatively

conservative women, I knew that I couldn’t simply fly in, approach a couple of

women and instantly create a harem and enjoy life.


That’s certainly not the case.


Nevertheless, I still recommend approaching during the day

because you’re able to meet women who otherwise wouldn’t be approached (I don’t

believe Bulgarian guys are keen on approaching women). You can grab her contact

information and try to build something later on.


Where to meet Bulgarian women during the day


Although I approached everywhere and anywhere, the best luck

I had was actually in the Sofia malls. It seemed that Bulgarians love their

malls, so the women were naturally much more relaxed there than in pretty much

any other setting.


I don’t particularly recommend approaching out in the open

since that resulted in some bewildering expressions, but if that’s what you

like, then I won’t hold you back.


Do what you’re most comfortable in.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Belarus Brides So Popular

For years, it seemed like Belarus was nearly non-existent on

the map of international dating. Western men knew about Russian and Ukrainian

women, but the little country to the north of Ukraine remained a mystery for everyone.


Luckily, a few years ago the situation has started to change

and Belarus brides came out of the obscurity. And it turned out that these

women can successfully compete with other European brides as wife material!


A Belarus wife can be an excellent choice for any men.

Whether you already have marriage experience or it’s your first time looking

for a loving wife, we can’t recommend Belarus women enough.


There is a variety of factors that contributed to the

popularity of Belarusian girls. From their stunning looks to their wonderful

characters, it seems like there is nothing a wife from Belarus cannot do. Here

are just a few reasons why you’ll enjoy every day of your life with a

Belarusian beauty.


Family values


Out of all Eastern European nations, Belarus girls have the

most balanced views on marriage and family. Getting married is rarely their top

priority, but they definitely envision a happy family somewhere in the future.


 Since these girls are

not focused exclusively on marriage, they freely enter the dating scene. Of

course, there are ladies who are very motivated to become wives, but most women

will first want to get to know you better.


Once a girl in Belarus decided that she wants to get married

to her man, she becomes very serious about the relationship. She will put in

extra effort to make sure her family stands on a solid foundation.


Most Belarus women get married with the intention of having

children. It may not happen right away, but it will be a priority for her. And

once a woman from Belarus becomes a mother, you will see a side of her you’ve

never seen before. Men who were lucky enough to find Belarus wives say there is

no one better to have your child than a Belarusian beauty.


Ambitions


Ever since early childhood, girls in Belarus are taught to

rely on themselves. Many girls there grow up without a father, but even if the

father is present in their lives, they still learn how to be independent.


 Every Belarusian girl

receives an outstanding education that not only makes her a well-rounded person

and an excellent woman to talk to, but also gives her an opportunity to build a

brilliant career.


Very few ladies prefer to sit at home and do nothing after

graduating. Most of them enter their dream career field and continue succeeding

further in life, whether it’s higher positions, bigger salary, or better

working conditions.


The biggest benefit of marrying a career-oriented Belarus

woman is that you will have an absolutely equal relationship that is more like

a partnership. Your woman will contribute to the household budget and won’t

allow you to work too much, which means you will have plenty of time for each

other.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Bulgarians themselves of their ships

This is a wonderfully documented idea of the Bulgarians themselves of their ships, in which they sailed and traded across seas and rivers.


The reconstruction of the Bulgarian state after its temporary dependence on Byzantium by the brothers Tsar Petar (1185 1197) and Tsar Assen (1186 1195/6). And its stabilization under the rule of Tsar Kaloyan (1196 1207) reach their peak at the time of Tsar Yoan Assen II (1218 1241) when Bulgaria was bordered by three seas   the Black, the Aegean and the Adriatic.


A French historian wrote about Yoan Assen II:


“…Assen built 25 (twenty five) galleys… war ships, which appeared in the Black Sea on the Bulgarian side…”


The reason of above was the participation of the Bulgarian fleet, together with the Greek one, in the battle of Constantinople in 1235. These and other ships were made at a big yard at the estuary of Kamchya River, i.e. near the east part of the Balkan Range, which is extremely rich in timber (oak wood) for shipbuilding.


Independent Bulgarian ruler


In the second half of the 14th century, the independent Bulgarian ruler in the northeast, Despot Dobrotitsa, whose name has been given to the region (called Dobrudzha even today), carried out a very active maritime policy. His capital was Kaliakra   an excellent base and an “admiralty” fortress harbor.


In 1367, the Black Sea fortress harbors of Kavama, Karvuna (Balchik), Kastritsi (north of Kranevo), Varna, Galata, Rosito, Vicha, Kozyak (near Obzor) and Emona were within the borders of his state. He was declared a Despot by Tsar Yoan Alexandar (1331 1371) in 1369 and obtained the Danube fort of Drustar. Dobrotitsa undertook a sea campaign to Trapezund (present Trabzon in Turkey) on the Black Sea with me the intention of enthroning his son in law there.


He minted his own coins on which the name of the capital, Kaliakra, was written. This powerful ruler was allied to the Venetians and carried out pirate attacks against the Genovese ships in the Black Sea. The Genoa archives are full of information on the pirate attacks of Dobrotitsa’s ships. As late as 1387 his son beneficial peace treaty for trade with Genoa. The Ottoman invasion, however, hampered the fast development of that powerful Bulgarian sea state.


There were more than twenty Bulgarian ports along Lower Danube in the 12th— 14th centuries   stretching from Florentin (near Vidin) down to the river delta. In that period, the most important were Bdin, Oryahovo, Nicopol and Holavnik on the opposite bank, Svishtov, Novgrad and Pirgos, Ruse, and Gyurgevo on the north bank, Tutrakan, Drustar and Ostrova.


Source: https://sofia.istanbulgaria.info/bulgarians-documented-idea/

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

A Background In Plans Of bulgarian girls

Rejection isnвЂt straightforward to take , however dishing

it out is no cakewalk both. Knowing what kind of relationship or interplay you

are looking for earlier than you fastidiously craft your online dating profile

will save you time by ensuring you only bulgaria woman publish your profile at

the most eligible and suitable dating web site(s). When doubtful if a textual

content is just too risky, don’t ship it. Wait to spend time with a lady

face-to-face to find out her sense of humor, and if she’ll think

‘inappropriate’ jokes are humorous.


Simply be your personal self and be assured. Preserve your

sense of humor intact in any state of affairs and you may see it is not

difficult to be beloved by a woman. Not taking yourself significantly and

letting your guard down to show bulgaria women your goofy aspect lets the girl

you like be herself fully. It units a vibe between the each of you and your

girl will notice there’s something particular about you.


Be good to his pals. So that you already bathe your man with

compliments and cooking—now it’s time to turn your consideration to his

buddies. Purchase a spherical of beer for the gang subsequent bulgarian girl

time you are taking a bunch outing, or offer to make snacks for their weekly

game night. Quickly they’re going to be singing your praises too.


He continued to occasionally communicate along with her –

only a examine-in each few months. As a result our sex life died. For the last

two years, we perhaps had sex a few instances a 12 months bulgarian women.

Fully because of me. My husband has undiagnosed ADD (it’s extremely apparent,

though he’ll do nothing about it). Because of this, practically all tasks fall

on me. I have just felt used.


Real-World Advice Of bulgarian girls Revealed


Before the date, discover out a little bit about her (but

not all the pieces – getting to know someone is rather more fun face to face,

trust me): what she likes to drink or eat, her favourite places, her favourite

things to do. It will help to generate priceless date ideas; tailoring your

evening bulgarian brides to whomever you’re dating will display that you’re a

considerate particular person and provide help to to depart a long-lasting

impression. It is okay to have a few nice date spots in your arsenal to fall

back on for final-minute adventures, but let’s not treat this like a

manufacturing line; the more personalised, the better.


Thank you Ron to your web site; I found it final year when

my wife of 16 years left me…. She hadn’t bodily left (but), however she advised

me she did not like me, didn’t wish bulgaria women to be married to me, and

wan’t sure if she even cherished me. But she had positively already left

emotionally. And as an added kick in the tooth, she had opened her heart to

another person.


Get thinking about her day, her emotions and her

experiences. Ask her what she thinks about things, how she feels about one

thing that’s going on on this planet or your lives. When she does speak

bulgaria women to you , PAY ATTENTION. Get curious in her story and do not just

brush her off. Intimacy means Into me you see”-share your self as well. Tell

her about what’s going on in your life and extra specifically your coronary

heart and thoughts. She needs you to know” her and for her to know you-that

doesn’t happen by just being in the same house collectively.


Thanks in your thoughts. It is form of hard to think that by

way of intercourse with a cheaterI would have the ability to construct my self

esteem when my counselor is saying I am being used by a cheater that desires

his cake and eat it too. That I am in denial he is a cheater and cheaters don’t

change. That’s from my counselor who brings within the jerry springer lie

detector on the husbands she mentioned just bulgarian girls one man has handed

the lie detector test in her offices to this point. assume maybe one other

resolution can be flirting with other males that may build my self-worth and

maybe set off a aggressive male gene in him. But let’s face it relationships

are voluntary and if a person will not be commited he’s not commited.


To delight or impress a gift, it’s a good suggestion to send

her cosmetics. You simply need to select from some on-line website like Aveeno

Because this is a weak point of every younger woman. The moment she receives a

set bulgarian brides of cosmetic objects, she’s going to begin doing make-up

and look within the mirror in front of you. Particularly, you will have a

greater impression on her when she uses the makeups you send with a shining

smile on her face.


The 3 easy letters you should use in messages to spice up

your response rates by as much as 28%. Do you have got any ideas you’ve got

found useful for moving in along with your girlfriend? Go away bulgaria women a

remark under—I would love to hear your ideas. Should you have been dumped, meet

with the opposite person to hear her causes for breaking apart with you or

watch her in a new relationship.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

The Coming of Gandin

Gottfried Von Strassburg (Died about 1210)


Gottfried was one of the most famous of that group of Minnesingers which included Hartmann von Aue and Wolfram von Eschenbach. These were the most popular writers of the socalled romances of knighthood. Gottfried’s Tristan was a workingover of a French version of the tale (now existing only in fragmentary form) by Thomas the Trouvere. The German work is a manycoloured story of love and adventure, direct, simple, and devoid of the finer subtleties of psychology. The Coming of Gandin is one of the complete episodes which abound throughout the romance.


The present version, translated by Jessie L. Weston, is reprinted by her permission from Tristan and Iseult, published by David Nutt in 1899. There is no title in the original.


The Coming of Gandin


From Tristan and Iseult


For in these days a ship came to Mark’s haven in Cornwall, and there landed from it a knight, a noble baron of Ireland, named Gandin; he was rich, handsome, and courteous, so manly and strong of limb that all Ireland spake of his valor.


Fairly clad, without shield or spear, he came riding to the king’s court. On his back he bare a lute adorned with gold and precious stones, astrung as a lute should be.


He dismounted, entered the palace, and greeted Mark and Iseult in fitting wise. Many a time and in many ways had he served the queen in her own land, through his knighthood, and the great love he bare her, and for her sake had he journeyed hither from Ireland.


Then Iseult knew him, and greeted him courteously. “God save thee, Sir Gandin.”


“Gramercy, fair Iseult, fair and fairer than gold in the eyes of Gandin!”
Iseult spake softly to the king, saying who the knight was and whence he came; and Mark hearkened, wondering much why he bare a lute, and in sooth so did all the folk, for such was not the wont of wandering knights. Nevertheless would Mark do him all the honor he might, both for his own sake and for that of Iseult, since he was the queen’s countryman; so he bade the stranger sit beside him, and spake to him of his folk and land, and of knightly deeds.


When the feast was ready, and water was brought round to the guests to wash their hands, then did the courtiers pray the stranger to play the lute before them. The king and queen said nought, they would leave it to his own will; and when he took no heed of their prayers, the courtiers mocked him, calling him “The Knight of the Lute,” “The Prince with the Penance”; and Gandin said nought, but sat beside King Mark, and ate and drank, and heeded them not.


When the feast was over, and the tables borne away, then King Mark prayed him, and he could, to pleasure them awhile with his skill on the lute; but Gandin answered: “Sire, I may not, save that I know what my reward may be.”


“Sir Knight, what meanest thou? Dost thou desire aught of my possessions? If so, ’tis granted; let us but hearken thy skill, and I will give thee whatever thou desirest.”


“So be it,” spake the knight of Ireland.


Then he sang a lay which pleased them all well, so that the king desired him to sing another. The traitor laughed in his heart. “Tell me,” he said, “what thou wilt, that I may play even as shall please thee.”


Source: The Coming of Gandin

Monday, November 4, 2019

THE MANAGEMENT OF THE SECONDARY AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS

TEACHING STAFF


The management of the high schools and of

all class schools is entrusted to directors who, in that capacity, are

responsible for the carrying into practice of all the legislative enactments

and regulations. They also preside over the meetings of professors, represent

their respective establishments before the public authorities, parents and

guardians of the students, supervise the internal affairs of the school, watch

over the good order, teaching, and discipline, and are directly responsible for

all that concerns their school.


The directors are selected among the senior

professors of secondary schools, and receive as salary: directors of high

schools, 5,400 francs per annum, and the directors of the incomplete high

schools, 4,200 francs.


The professors of the secondary schools are

divided into two categories : regular professors and free professors. The

salaries of the regular professors are fixed as follows :


Those of 1st class get 4,200 francs per

annum.


The free professors are appointed to teach

certain subjects, and receive a salary of 2,400 francs per annum.


The candidates for the post of professor in

a high school must be Bulgarian subjects, must have graduated in a secondary

school, and must hold a university diploma. The promotion from one class to a

higher one takes place at the end of five years of successful teaching. The

number of lessons which the professors must give varies, according to the

subject, from eighteen to twentyfour per week.


The appointment and the dismissal of the

professors take place by a ministerial decree. When it is a question of

dismissing a regular professor, the preliminary agreement of the departmental

educational council must be obtained.


There are altogether 681 professors and 117

schoolmistresses distributed between the various high schools, secondary

schools, or incomplete high schools belonging to the State or to the communes.

As regards their rank, they are distributed as follows:


MEDICAL TEACHERS


An important innovation has been introduced

since the year 19031904: medical teachers of both sexes have been attached to

every educational establishment, with the mission of continually watching over

the sanitary condition of the schools and over the physical development of the

students. Besides, these medical teachers give lessons in hygiene, chemistry,

anthropology, anthropometrical statistics, and sanitary management. They are

appointed by the Ministry of Public Instruction, and receive a salary of 3,000

francs per year.


There are now seventeen teachersdoctors and

eight women 


doctors in the various high schools

belonging to the State and the communes. The departmental and district doctors

are also entrusted with the supervision of the sanitary conditions of the

communal schools.


With a view of facilitating the task of the

directors the Ministry of Public Instruction authorises these latter to choose

among the members of the teaching staff a certain number of preceptors who help

him in their administrative work and supervise in a more direct manner the

conduct and the general education of the students. As might be expected, these

preceptors have very few lessons in the week.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

The hypotheses regarding the connection

If the goal of a group of people, united in a nation and organized in a state, is to be historically active in order to be creative, that group can create a culture. Culture, as behavior, is the actual task of a nation under any circumstances of its existence. It incorporates a divine spark when it teaches love of man.


The values of the Bulgarian civilization, which create the Bulgarian state of the spirit, are rooted firstly in the tradition of mutual coexistence. It was boom and established as early as the original fatherland in Central Asia. It is the source of the urban way of living, not in centers of the ancient Greek type (poleis, which were always victims of separatism), but in centralized, united dynastic countries. Slavery and slave trade did not exist in the urbanized fortified settlements of the Bulgarians.


Man was granted the status of a free citizen, soldier and owner; the rights of women were guaranteed, which is a mark of democracy in society. Archaeological evidences and written sources, referring to Antiquity and the whole medieval period, to the Ottoman rule, to Bulgarian Revival and the Modem Time, prove explicitly that in the towns and villages in any Bulgarian territory there were people of different origin and social status, who lived, worked and worshipped God as free men.


Bulgarian civilization denounced


The fact that Bulgarian civilization denounced and never employed slavery in the early period of its development explains the lack of glorious monuments of the Egyptian, Mesopotamian and Roman type and reveals the national psychology of the


Bulgarians. They are known as freedom- loving, adamant, stable people who defend their community and state. In battle, they fight for their freedom as free men.


From their Eurasian homeland, the Bulgarians brought a solid tradition of spirituality, which harmonizes the divine and the human. This cult of the equilibrium in the Universe and in society materializes in the ritual complex in the rocks near the village of Madera, Shumen Region. Madera Horseman is still an unsolved symbol of Bulgarian statehood.


The hypotheses regarding the connection of this monument to the institutions and statehood, to religion and the cult of the horseman, to the calendar and time or, indeed, to all of these, attest its semantic richness. According to latest research, the rock image of Madera Relief can be defined as a horoscope with parallels in Egypt, Syria and other ancient states. A precisely timed monument and event are encoded in the relief composition, which are of grandiose importance to Bulgarian statehood.

Saturday, November 2, 2019

The jurisdiction of the military courts comprises

The jurisdiction of the military courts

comprises all criminal offences, whether they be of the common law or

professional, which have been committed by persons serving in the active army.

The Orthodox religious courts deal with disputes touching on marriage, divorce,

or on religion in general. They are, however, strictly forbidden to have

cognisance of the proprietory relations between married parties, these falling

within the jurisdiction of the ordinary courts. The Mahom medan courts, or the

courts of the muftis, are competent to decide the following affairs : personal

or proprietory relations between married persons and relatives belonging to the

Mahommedan religion, and questions touching on inheritance, marriage, and

divorce, between parties of the same confession.


The decisions of the religious courts are

executed by the bailiffs of the ordinary courts, whose permission must be

previously obtained.


The Consular Courts in Bulgaria exist in

virtue of art. 8, § 2 of the Treaty of Berlin. They have cognisance of all

civil and commercial disputes arising between foreign subjects and not

involving landed property in Bulgaria. In this latter case, the Bulgarian

courts are alone competent to decide the dispute.


The jurisdiction of the Consular Courts,

which constitutes an interference with the sovereignty of our country, may have

had its raison d’&tre at the time of our political emancipation, when the

Bulgarian courts were not as yet thoroughly organised. Today, however, when the

country possesses a


judiciary organisation based on the

principles prevailing in all the civilised countries, it is nothing short of an

anomaly. As a matter of fact, the regime of the Capitulations is on the eve of

its disappearance from the Principality. For a certain time past, the foreign

subjects themselves have been voluntarily renouncing the consular jurisdiction

and protection, preferring to turn to the Bulgarian courts, where they are

always certain to find every desirable security for justice and equity in the

settlement of their disputes.


PUBLIC INSTRUCTION IN BULGARIA


DURING the Turkish domination, until the eve of our political emancipation (February 19th, 1878), the Bulgarian schools used to be administered by the national religious communities. It is a fact worth noticing that, notwithstanding the persecutions of the Turkish Government and the difficulties created by the Greek Church, under whose spiritual control we continued until 1872, there have always been thoroughly organised schools in Bulgaria.


This is the more remarkable as these schools had to depend for their only means of maintenance on private gifts and church foundations. In these poorly endowed schools were brought up most of those Bulgarians who were to lead the nation in its struggle for religious and political liberty, and who, when the independence of the country was proclaimed, in their various capacities as politicians and functionaries, had to undertake the organisation of the young Bulgarian state.

Friday, November 1, 2019

Frozen Bosphorus

Curious Eyes


The next day, it’s reported that the wind changed direction and the ices move rather to the shores of Sile and this fact lightens the Bosphorus. After that the ices quit the Bosphorus and it stops snowing, such news cover much lesser place in the newspapers. After the flow of ices, on the first Sunday when a mild weather is felt, the inhabitants of Istanbul rush to the Bosphorus. “Gece Postasi” reports the news as follows:’’


The inhabitanst of Istanbul watch the flow of ices covering the Bosphorus at various points and they take photos together with their families. Some tricksters trying to take advantage of this event took possession of some ice fields and they ask for money from people taking photos there.”


The Bosphorus lightened due to the nice weather and the change in the wind direction is again invaded by the ices some days after. The maritime transportation is halted. The newspaper ”Istanbul Ekspres” dated March 2, based on the wireless communication of a ship with Roumanian flag, reports that much bigger ice fields arrive towards the Bosphorus. Much fewer news showing the difficulties in winter 1954 appear in the newspapers. We don’t know whether it’s because less ices are seen or the news loses its significance but the last news is reported by the newspaper “AkSam” dated March 5.


“The space between Buyukdere and Kavaklar on the Rumeli and Anatolian shores of the Bosphorus is entirely covered by ice.”


Effects To The Daily Life


Following the freezing cold, snowstorm, storm and heavy snow lasting 10 – 15 days, the Bosphorus is frozen and Istanbul covered in white looks like the North European countries. Compared to the actual cold weathers, the winter 1954 looks much more like the Siberian winter. Cemalettin Bildik writes the following about the ices blocking the Bosphorus in the newspaper “Aksam” dated February 28.1954: “After 1929.


The ice fields arriving from the Danube and other rivers obstructed once again the Black Sea Straits and one can go on foot from the Garipler Village on the Rumeli side to the Poyraz Village on the Anatolian side.” This is the most important event of the winter 1954. It’s even much more important that the shortage of coal and wood and the price of leek jumped to 75 kuruS (piaster) and the price of spinach jumped to 140kuruS.


No matter how quick is the governor in uniting both sides of the Bosphours, the heavy winter managed to make people walk on the Bosphorus and thus, the real problem of food has been forgotten. Not only the private cars but also low-income people coming by bus or dolmus? crowded the Bosphorus to contemplate the ice fields.


Don’t Wake The Moon Up


Yesterday me too, I went to Yenimahalle to see people who contemplate the ice fields. The trip to the Bosphorus in heavy winter recalls the trips made in spring and summer but there is a big difference… Where are ladies in their sleeveless dresses making promenade on the shore… Ladies with shorts… Where are those jumping into the sea from the shores…


We meet some familiar faces but they wear now warm clothes and overcoats. While contemplating this landscape, don’t know why but the Moda Bay comes to my mind. The voice of the master Munir Nurettin Selcuk rings in my ears.’’Aheste gek kurekleri, mehtap uyanmasin” (Row slowly, so that the moon doesn’t wake up)… Which moon, master?… Let’s come and look at this state of the Bosphorus and imagine the Moda Bay. Even if the boatman rows slowly, where can he go among these ice fields… Let alone the rowboat, the ship doesn’t sail.”


Source: https://sofia.istanbulgaria.info/bosphorus-frozen-1954/

Thursday, October 31, 2019

The glory and supremacy of Simeon's reign

The glory and supremacy of Simeon’s reign,

unfortunately, did not last. Internal struggles had begun, owing to the

jealousies of some of the nobles and their spirit of adventure. The boyars, the

knights and dignitaries of Bulgaria, had always had great authority. In the

reign of Boris II. (A.D. 963), a boyar named Shishman Mokar raised a party and

took possession of the whole of Western Bulgaria, turning it into a separate

kingdom. Boris was overwhelmed by fresh misfortunes. The Russians invaded

Bulgaria, and Boris called in the help of the Emperor, John Zemissius, who took

advantage of the situation to gain possession of the kingdom. Fortunately, the

successor of Shishman, Tsar Samuel, whose reign was as brilliant as that of

Simeon, succeeded in reuniting the kingdom of Bulgaria, with Prespa as capital.


A long and unlucky war with Byzantium


In 1015 Bulgaria, after a long and unlucky war with Byzantium, was brought to subjection. A new state of things began for the Bulgarians, who till then had never felt the control of an enemy. The people longed for liberty, and there were many attempts at revolt. Towards 1186, two brothers, John and Peter Assen, raised a revolt and succeeded in reestablishing the ancient kingdom, choosing as capital Timova, their native town. It was then that Timova became what it still remains, the historic town of Bulgaria. The reign of John and Peter Assen was a brilliant time for Bulgaria Art and literature flourished as never before, and commerce developed to a considerable extent. Once more the Bulgarian empire was respected and feared abroad.


This lasted as long as the dynasty founded by John and Peter Assen continued to reign. Unfortunately, this dynasty died out in 1257, and Bulgaria fell into the hands of usurpers. Once more it was divided, and different chiefs, among them Roman, George Terter and Michael Shishman, tried in turn to found dynasties and protect the country. They all tailed. On the one side the Servians, on the other the Magyars, and afterwards the Turks, who were already settled in the south of the peninsula, cast greedy eyes on Bulgaria. At last, as a result of the famous and fatal battle of Kossovo (A,D. 1393), Bulgaria lost her political independence and became a simple Ottoman province.


I am from the generation that witnessed

communism. I had my good moments, I had my fears but I love Bulgaria the most.

Many interesting things can be learnt and seen on a communist Bulgaria tour.

Definitely, this is something to be experienced – a tour in an ex-communist

country.


Soon afterwards she lost the independence

of her autonomous Church, and in spiritual matters became a slave of the

Phanar. All the other Christian peoples of the peninsula were in their turn

subjected by the Turks.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Eurobond All Fonds

Government Bonds Less Interest


When it comes to government bonds, on the other hand, the returns are less interesting. Mathias Bauer, head of Raiffeisen Capital Management: “Government bonds have long been classified as a safe haven for investment, but corporate papers are now preferable on risk grounds.” This is why Austria’s money experts in general are advising investors to alter their strategies.


Franz Witt-Dorring, Head of UBS Austria: “Investors should not commit to any government bonds with a term longer than seven years, since such papers could come under pressure in the next 12 to 24 months.” Erste Bank expert Hollinger went on: “Investors should be reducing the average remaining term of their fixed-interest bonds held in security deposits. They should also consider shifting their fixed-interest securities into floaters.”


Private Banking Manager Ohswald: “Share funds which actively hedge the interest rate risk offer good opportunities. Investors should avoid funds which only display one index, however.”


This is why Ohswald is currently recommending that his well-heeled private banking clients invest in such items as the broadly-spread R2 Eurobond All Fonds, or the corporate share fund Euro Corporate Fonds. Vontobel Head Landesmann also finds corporate bonds a good way for aspiring investors to mix their money: “Thanks to the superior returns they offer compared to secure government bonds and the lively economic situation in the industrial sector, corporate securities are attractive.”


Creditworthiness also plays an important role, however, thanks to the returns that can be achieved. Bank Austria Private Banking Manager Danzmayr comments: “Those investing in corporate securities for the first time would be well-advised to go for securities of companies with a lower level of creditworthiness, since first-class credit ratings are already yielding lower returns than the government bonds of core Eurozone countries.”


Erste Bank expert Hollinger also finds reasons to opt for securities with worse classifications: “Shares with ratings below the investment grade field show high liquidity. In addition to this, the low interest environment in the developed economies, better corporate data and falling rates of bankruptcy offer benefits.”


“Corporate papers are now preferable on riskgrounds”


The 10-year gold price in US dollars rose by around 420 percent. For Euro-investors, too, gold has been a good investment, yielding a return of some 250 percent. Despite the strong price increase, there is still room for it to rise further. UBS expert Witt-Dorring notes: “The gold price could rise to 1,650 dollars per ounce over the next year. For this forecast to come true, however, investor demand and demand for gold jewellery must continue to rise.


Purchases by central banks alone will not lead to higher prices.” To maintain a broad spread, gold should continue to have a place in investors’ portfolios. There are a number of different ways of buying into gold: you can buy physical gold, or invest in exchange traded funds which include gold. In addition to this, investors can buy gold shares. As Vontobel expert Landesmann puts it: “Gold plays the role of a buffer against risk during crisis situations.


We are currently recommending to conservative investors that they put seven percent of their entire investment in gold and gold exchange traded funds. Since gold shares depend on the stock exchange trend, however, they don’t offer the same diversification benefit as physical gold.” RCM Head Bauer recommends that five percent of your money be kept in gold. Bauer: “If you want a broader spread, you should invest in gold and raw materials funds such as Raiffeisen Active Commodities.”


Source: https://bulgaria.doholiday.com/money-interest/

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

The North American imperialism

Now that the common enemy, the North

American imperialism, threatens world peace by agressive actions against

Nicaragua and by interfering in the international affaire of Salvador and other

countries in the world, it is necessary for all peoples to unite their efforts

and to reject the warmongering and reckless policy of the government of the USA.


Our peoples fought in order to win peace.

Now we have to defend and preserve it.


Bulgaria is a country which rendered

Nicaragua its solidarity in support of our efforts for building a new society.

We got acquainted with a fraternal country and identified ourselves with its

people.


Our friendly ties will deepen with every

passing day.


Accept, dear brothers, most heartfelt and

warm congratulations on the occasion of the completion of 1300 years since the

foundation of the Bulgarian state.


We believe that with the entry upon the new

century the goals set by your people, Party and Government will be reached.


Byardo Aroe Castano Commandante of the

Revolution, Coordinator of the Political Commission of the National Leadership

of the Sandinist Front for National liberation of Nicaragua.


TO


COMRADE STANKO TODOROV, CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL

OF MINISTERS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA


On the occasion of the 1300th anniversary

from the foundation of the Bulgarian state, I have the pleasant obligation to

convey to you on behalf of my government and on my own behalf most cordial and

warmest regards.


I avail myself of this opportunity to

present to you on the eve of the new year my wishes for your personal happiness

and for the prosperity of the Bulgarian people.


I wish the relations of friendship and

cooperation that exist between our two countries to further develop for the

benefit of our two nations, as well for the consolidation of the world peace.


With deepest respect,


Col. LouisSylven Goma, Head of the

Government of the People’s Republic of the Congo.


TO


TODOR ZHIVKOV, GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE

CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF THE BULGARIAN COMMUNIST PARTY AND PRESIDENT OF THE STATE

COUNCIL OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA.


Congratulations on the occasion of the celebrations


Dear Comrade Zhivkov,


I’m sending you my cordial greetings and

congratulations on the occasion of the celebrations of the 1300th anniversary.

We are commemorating this anniversary as our own. It is part of the great his

torical heritage of the Bulgarian people, who have accomplished heroic fects in

their glorious history.


Their deeds in the name of freedom,

progress and peaceful coexistence are of everlasting importance both for

Bulgarian history and the history of mankind.

Monday, October 28, 2019

Bulgarians first contact Balkan

The Bulgarians’ first contact with the Balkan Peninsula is dated to the end of the fifth and the beginning of the 6th centuries. They settled gradually in the regions of the former Roman provinces of Moesia, Dacia and Macedonia. The territories had suffered invasions of the Barbarians in the 3rd—5th centuries but the Bulgarians revived them, bringing economic, political and cultural prosperity. The following expressive statement refers to such a prospering country:


“They say that the land of Alexandaros Ogal Sosmanoz [Tsar Yoan Shishman (1371 – 1395)], son of Alexandar [Tsar Yoan Alexandar (1331 – 1371)], is on the bank of the river Tuna [Danube] and belongs to the region of Edirne [Odrin]…


It [the land of the Bulgarians] was a very fertile region. It exported honey, butter and sheep across the world. In general, there were all kinds of goods in it, more than in other regions.”


From Book of Description of the World by Mehmed Neshri. Translated by I. Tataria. Kitab-i Gihannuma, Mehmed Nesri, Ankara, 1949.


Medieval Bulgarian state


The medieval Bulgarian state in Southeastern Europe occupied the lands to the south of the Balkan Mountains in the direction of Constantinople. The dream of conquering the Byzantine metropolis was alive until the death of Tsar Simeon the Great (893 927). The policy of inhabiting the lands in the south-southwest turned out however to be more productive.


The territories south of the Rhodope Mountains to the Aegean Sea and in the west to Morava River, present day Macedonia and parts of Northern Thessaly, Albania, Kosovo were joined at the time of Kan Presian (836 852). These regions and the whole of Moesia and Thrace formed the historical ethnic cultural space of the Bulgarians in Southeastern Europe in the middle Ages.


Most European states


The territories of most European states, including Bulgaria, took shape in the early Middle Age Period. Only the lands of modem Italy and Germany are an exception; they became state territories in the second half of the 19th century.


In most cases, the causes of wars were the defense of territories already possessed, rather than the taking control of new ones with a foreign population. Medieval Bulgarians lived under the impression of occupying vast territories, which they usually referred to as “Upper Land” (Moesia with the lower flows of the rivers Timok and Bulgarian Morava, as well as the plains up to the Carpathian Mountains) and “Lower Land” (Thrace, the Aegean coast and present-day Macedonia). In the period 7- 14th centuries, the Bulgarians who were the most numerous people in the Balkan Peninsula, settled permanently in their ethnic lands.


Source: https://bulgarian.doholidays.com/bulgarians-first-contact-balkan/

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Continuing the traditions of this bold struggle

Today, continuing the traditions of this

bold struggle, the Bulgarian Communist Party, under the leadership of its

prominent head, Comrade Todor Zhivkov, is the vanguard of the Bulgarian people

and the inspirer of their persistent and dynamic efforts to build a developed

socialist society in Bulgaria. Your Party, united with the progressive forces

in the whole world, is fighting for lasting peace on the Balkans and in the

world, as well as for social progress of mankind.


The Kampuchean people have followed with

due respect the achievements of the Bulgarian Communist Party and the Bulgarian

people at all stages of the construction of socialism in Bulgaria.


Thanks to the international proletarian

cooperation with the fraternal people of Viet Nam, the people of Kampuchea

succeeded in overthrowing, once and for all, the bloodstained regime of Pol

Pot, Jeng Sari and Khien Samphan and is engaded today in transforming the

beautiful land of Angkor into a new proletarian state the People’s Republic of

Kampuchea. Under the leadership of the People’s Revolutionary Party the

revolutionary forces of Kampuchea enjoy the active support of the parties and

the peoples of the fraternal socialist countries in particular Viet Nam, the

Soviet Union and the other countries in the world which value peace and

justice.


The Kampuchean people


Applying great efforts, the Kampuchean people, inspired and deeply convinced in the just political cause of our Party transform their country from the ruins left by the bloodstained regime of Pol Pot with the aim of normalising their life. The Peking Expansionists and reactionary circles in the countries of ASEAN as well as the other reactionary forces, conspire by supporting and fostering the remnants of the followers of Pol Pot, Jeng Sari and Khien Samphan and the other reactionary Khmers.


Their bases are on Thai territory from where they lead extensive sabotage actions aimed at the liquidation of the Kampuchean revolution. But because they are helpless in their attempts to change the situation in Kampuchea by military means they started to plot foul maneuvres in order to tarnish the prestige of the People’s Republic of Kampuchea and the United Nations Organisation thus trying to use this international organisation as a screen for hiding their criminal actions against the Kampuchean people.


Notwithstanding all this Kampuchea is

harmoniously developing in all areas. General and democratic elections were

organised in order to restore the state institutions, in particular the

National Assembly, the State Council and the Council of Ministers. The People’s

power is taking care of the welfare of the people, the agricultural production

is gradually being increased. A certain number of industrial enterprises

renewed their work. This year already 1.5 million school children attended

classes; the studies at institutions of higher education were also renewed, the

literacy compaign cove red the whole country. The national culture is being

revived; from day to day the public health services improve.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

The Story In It Part 3

Mrs. Dyott just waited, and it had the effect, indescribably, of making everything that had gone before seem to have led up to the (piestion. This effect was even deepened by the way she then said, “Whom do you mean?”


“Why, I thought you mentioned at luncheon that Colonel Voyt was to walk over. Surely he can’t.”


“Do you care very much?” Mrs. Dyott asked.


Her friend now hesitated. “It depends on what you call ‘much.’ If you mean should I like to see him then certainly.”
“Well, my dear, I think he understands you’re here.”


“So that as he evidently isn’t coming,” Maud laughed, “it’s particularly flattering! Or rather,” she added, giving up the prospect again, “it would be, I think, quite extraordinarily flattering if he did. I’ixcept that, of course,” she subjoined, “he might come partly for you.”


“ ‘Partly’ is charming. Thank you for ‘partly.’ If you are going upstairs, will you kindly,” Mrs. Dyott pursued, “put these into the box as you pass?”


Living Reproach


The younger woman, taking the little pile of letters, considered them with envy. “Nine! You are good. You’re always a living reproach!” Mrs. Dyott gave a sigh. “I don’t do it on purpose. The only thing, this afternoon,” she went on, reverting to the other question, “would be their not having come down.”


“And as to that you don’t know.”


“No I don’t know.” But she caught even as she spoke a ra-tat-tat of the knocker, which struck her as a sign. “Ah, there!”


“Then I go.” And Maud whisked out.


Mrs. Dyott, left alone, moved with an air of selection to the window, and it was as so stationed, gazing out at the wild weather, that the visitor, whose delay to appear spoke of the wiping of boots and the disposal of drenched mackintosh and cap, finally found her. He was tall, lean, fine, with little in him, on the whole, to confirm the titular in the “Colonel Voyt” by which he was announced.


But he had left the army, and his reputation for gallantry mainly depended now on hia fighting Liberalism in the House of Commons. Even these facts, however, his aspect scantly matched; partly, no doubt, because he looked, as was usually said, un-English.


His black hair, cropped close, was lightly powdered with silver, and his dense glossy beard, that of an emir or a caliph, and grown for civil reasons, repeated its handsome color and its somewhat foreign effect. His nose had a strong and shapely arch, and the dark gray of his eyes was tinted with blue. It had been said of him in relation to these signs that he would have struck you as a Jew had he not, in spite of his nose, struck you so much as an Irishman.


Source: https://bulgaria.doholiday.com/the-story-in-it-part-3/

Friday, October 25, 2019

The Thracians and Philip of Macedon

For a short period of time the Thracians

fell under the domination of Philip of Macedon and of his son Alexander the

Great. After two centuries of heroic resistance they were conquered about the

middle of the first century A. D. by the powerful Roman Empire. The

long-continued domination of the Romans has left lasting vestiges in Bulgaria:

roads, aqueducts, temples, public baths, masterpieces of ancient art, whole

cities.


The so-called Great Migration of Peoples

which started in the 4th century affected the Balkan Peninsula as well.

Barbarian hordes of Goths, Huns, Avars and other tribes passed through it,

leaving desolation and ruins behind them. The Roman Empire, torn by internal

contradictions, could not resist the impact of the Barbarians and in the year

395 disintegrated into two parts – Western, whose capital was Rome, and

Eastern, with Constantinople (Byzantium, present-day Istanbul) for its capital.

In 476 the Western Roman Empire was destroyed by the Barbarian tribes, while

the Eastern Roman Empire continued to exist for still another millennium under

the name of Byzantine Empire.


Slavs and Proto-Bulgarians


The Slavs were of the Indo-European stock

of peoples, to which the German, Baltic-Slav, Greek, Celtic, Iranian and Indian

tribes belonged. During the third millennium B.C. they inhabited a vast region

in Eastern and Central Europe, bordering on the River Dnepr in the east, by the

River Oder in the west and the Carpathian Mountains in the south. In the late

2nd and early 3rd century A. D. the Slavs began to move to the south and by the

end of the 5th century they had settled in the plain between the Danube and the

Carpathian Mountains. The Slav tribes which inhabited the territory near the

estuary of the Danube and to the east of it were called Antae and those living

in the lands of present-day Romania and Hungary – Slavini.


In the early 6th century, numerous Slav

contingents began to cross the Danube, and to return with rich booty. Their

daring incursions could not be stopped either by the fortified strongholds

along the Danube and in the Balkan Range, or even by the Long (Anastasius’)

Wall built to defend the immediate approaches to the Byzantine capital. At the

end of the same century, under the pressure of the powerful state of the Avars

founded in Pannonia (present- day Hungary) and of new barbarian tribes coming

from


Bronze helmet of a Thracian warrior the

east, the Slavs began to settle in the depopulated areas of the Balkan

Peninsula, and even as far as the Aegean islands and Asia Minor. Because of

their common language, religion and way of life, the Slav tribes which settled

in Moesia (between the Balkan Range and the Danube), Thrace and Macedonia

became known later as the Bulgarian Slavic Group, to be distinguished from the

Serbo-Croatian Group which formed the western wing of the Southern Slavs.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Holy Roman Empire

The territory from the Black Sea to the Adriatic Sea and from the Wallachian Lowland to the Aegean Sea has an area of about 240,000 square kilometers and is the biggest territory of the Bulgarians in


Southeastern Europe. Until the end of its medieval statehood (the end of the 14th century), Bulgaria was among the first five European monarchies in terms of territory together with Russia, Byzantium, France and the Holy Roman Empire (the latter often being a conglomerate of semi dependent feudal kingdoms).


As in Antiquity, in the Byzantine and in the Bulgarian medieval periods and during the modem era, the population on the coasts of the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean Sea is not mono ethnic. It is usual to encounter bi ethnic and bilingual or multi ethnic and multi linguistic coasts with an official language, which is the one of the milling state.


The above-mentioned coastal parts played the role of a contact zone for the interior regions. It is there that cultures and civilizations meet for the first time and continue to live together. Contact zones are the spaces of synthesis where urban culture accumulates the latest achievements of the period.


Until the emergence of Danube Bulgaria (681), the Bulgarians and the Slavs lived around water basins and used to cross them. Their river and sea culture was not only their livelihood but also brought in military aggression. Fanagoria (present day Kerch), the capital of Kubrat’s Bulgaria lay in a very important strategic and commercial place by the sea.


8th century under Kan Tervel


On the other hand, the indigenous sea culture was, no doubt, quite strong. Therefore, it is normal to expect that as early as the beginning of the 8th century under Kan Tervel (700-721), Bulgaria, which already controlled the western Black Sea coastal area to the north of the Balkan Mountains, would initiate a purposive policy of colonization of the lands to the south of the Balkan Mountains. In 705, the Bulgarian miler obtained the region of Zagore (between the towns of Sliven, Yambol and the Black Sea) from Justinian II (685 695; 705 711). In 716, Theodosius HI (715 717) ceded new territories in the south to Bulgaria. They bordered on Mount Strandzha to the east.


The occupation of the coastal areas to the south of the Balkans became stable under Kan Krum (802-814). In 812, the Kan conquered Debelt and the Black Sea ports of Anhialo, Sozopol and Nesebar. It j should be mentioned that Nesebar, which is on a peninsula, was taken by siege. It is not possible to think that it was taken along the narrow strip of firm land (now artificially built) without the attack of Bulgarian ships from the seaside.


In fact, the ships are depicted on the walls of Pliska and later in Preslav and other parts of the Bulgarian northeast. Thus, the south direction of advancement towards the Aegean Sea began. In the same year, 812, Kan Krum reached the important town of Philipi on the Aegean coast near present day town of Kavala.


Source: https://sofia.istanbulgaria.info/holy-roman-empire/

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Clean Old Gentleman

He was a genial, fresh colored, not over clean old gentleman, between seventy and eighty; he had a long, white beard, and was clad in a singularly shabby and musty black surplice, with the usual tall, straight, black, round chimneypot hat on his head. He gave us coffee and mastik, smoked the cigarettes we offered him, and, both in his look and manner, resembled the landlord of a country tavern rather than an ecclesiastical dignitary of high rank. One of our party spoke Turkish fluently, and as the prior was a Bulgarian who had been born, and had lived the greater part of his life, in Macedonia, the language of the Turks was as familiar to him as his own. He informed us that he had been compelled to quit Macedonia some twelve years ago because he had given political offence, and that he had then come to Bulgaria, where he had been kindly received and appointed to the priorship of the convent. He seemed to entertain as bitter an animosity against the Turks as was consistent with a very good humoured and easy-going disposition.


Schools in Macedonia


On our referring to the recent withdrawal by the Sultan of the edict concerning the schools in Macedonia, which had given such offence to the Bulgarians, he observed that even if the Turks ever happened to do what was right one day, they always did what was wrong the next. He added that the grievances of Macedonia would never be removed till the Turks had been driven out of the country. It seemed to me he was much more interested in our questions about the crops and about the accommodation he could offer to visitors, than he was when the conversation turned upon political or ecclesiastical matters. He informed us that he had a stipend of £320 a year from the State; that, besides this, he made a certain amount of money by his farm and poultry-yard, and still more by letting the rooms of the convent during the summer months.


He also got a little but, as he added, a very little from the fees and offerings of the village hard by, whose parish church was the convent chapel. He complained also that out of his stipend he was compelled to pay the services of a coadjutor pope, and to keep the church in repair. What he may have paid the curate I cannot say, but from the look of the chapel, which the prior took us to visit, it must have been long years since a penny had been laid out on repairs of any kind. The chapel, the prior assured us, had been built between five and six centuries ago, before the Turks had conquered Bulgaria.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Bulgarian civil courts

The Metropolitan was tried and convicted by the civil courts, and sentenced to enforced confinement in a monastery, or, in other words, to imprisonment Last February, an appeal was made to the Superior Court to quash the conviction on the ground of non-jurisdiction. The appeal was dismissed, and the Metropolitan was left imprisoned for a few weeks, after which he was released on a pardon being granted him by the Prince.


Bishops complain


The priesthood, almost without an exception, are taken from the peasant class. Under the present regime a school has been established for the purpose of educating the lads who are designed for Holy Orders. The experiment has not proved very successful, and the Bishops complain that they find great and increasing difficulty in filling up the ranks of the clergy. I believe this is mainly due to the fact that, under the public school system, the scholars acquire an education which induces them to prefer the pursuits of civil life to those of the Church. I am told, too, that the post of Pope, as the village priests are called, has become much less attractive than it used to be owing to the changed conditions of the country. In the Turkish days the Pope was usually given the privilege of keeping the village liquor store.


This is now altered, and the Popes, therefore, are neither so well-to-do nor so influential in position as they were formerly. Moreover, in Bulgaria, as in most other countries where the Greek Faith is the national religion, the priesthood is almost always recruited from the lower ranks of the community. Ritual, as I have said, is more important than dogma; to intone well is a gift of more value to a parish priest than to possess the power of preaching.


The high aspirations which, in other lands, lead men to become ministers of the sanctuary in the hope of saving souls, can hardly find much scope in a church where the possession of a fine figure and a flowing beard are indispensable requisites for high ecclesiastical preferment The ranks of the priesthood are, therefore, naturally filled up by the sons of the poorer peasants, to whom the small stipend of their cure secures an income, on which they can marry, have families, and lead a life of what, to them, seems comfort In fact, the Bulgarian clergy bear a considerable resemblance to what I think the Irish priesthood would be, if they were allowed to marry and were paid by the State.


As things are, the village Popes, during the greater part of the year, lead the lives of ordinary Bulgarian peasants; and it is only on Sundays, feast-days, and special occasions that their clerical functions differentiate them from their neighbors. Thus, while their spiritual authority is weak, their social influence is very great in a community mainly composed of small peasant proprietors of their own class and race and creed* So long, therefore, as the general policy of the Government is in accordance with the traditions, aspirations, and prejudices of the Bulgarian people, it can count confidently on the support of the national priesthood.