Balkanisation of Bulgaria

Thus the national ideal of “unification of all Bulgarians under one common state roof’ was born and has passed into the new history of Bulgaria. A happy event for the Bulgarians was the Union of Eastern Rumelia with the Bulgarian Principality (6 September 1885). The people rose against the ultimate will of the powers of the “European Concert” and, in the war against offensive Serbia, defended their determination to live together on both sides of the Balkan Range. The great military success made the Bulgarians believe in their own power and grasp the fact that they were capable of being victorious only when united.

A state developed in the middle of the Balkan Peninsula, whose rise promised a bright future. But the geopolitical location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa determined its difficult position as of a “strategic key”, “door” or “bridge” in intercontinental relations. The Great Powers imposed a “balance in the Balkans” which became the root of the sadly well known “Balkanisation” principle, supported by the selfish interests of international players.

Lands are not the main defining factor of social-political relations of communities. The Bulgarians have proved that they know how to develop, adapt and transform the environment into a place suitable for a normal and functionally productive historical life, no matter what the physical-geo-graphic conditions are. The historical development is not the road of nomads following their herds. It is a road of civilisation, of contacts and conflicts in which the Bulgarian mediation has often fused different ethnic communities. The nomad is a guest in any land; his steps leave almost no traces, while the Bulgarians have been true to their choice because they have had a stable cultural-historical impact. For the Bulgarian, it is symbolically visualised by the symbol of a mountain, which represents both a peak citadel and a hope. With its reaching to skies, the mountain is a natural hierarch of space. It makes visible the start of the road to God.

The problem of race often concerns members of different national historiographic schools who think that the ethnic origin of their people defines its place and role in the history of the region, the continent and the world. There are no strong arguments in support of this position and any super-interpretation of the usually scarce data on ethnicity definitely leads to the well-known sombre theories of the supremacy of some nations over others. Anatomical-anthropological characteristics should be treated with reservation because the corroboration of variance and the paleo-differences among people of the same physical-geographic and cultural-historical zone call for ample statistical data, which are absent from the written and material sources of the epochs before Modem Time.

The ethnic consolidation of the Bulgarians was a long economic, social, political and spiritual process. It stabilized with the cooperation of different ethnic components, which joined the national core in the course of the “motion of civilisation”, as might be expected in the Central Asian ethnic-demographic melting pot.

 

 

On tills point, Jugowitsch had many stories in readiness. He stated that, of two deputies who had come from Constantinople under pretence of making proposals for peace, and who had been ordered to return, one, named Nicolaus, had nevertheless remained at Belgrade, and entered into the service of Leonti; and that the Metropolitan had, even in the depth of winter, set out in his company, under the pretext of collecting his Dimnitza, but in reality to excite the multitude against their chiefs. Leonti, he said, had asked the people, “ why they fought for their chiefs   for men whose design it was first to enrich themselves, and then to flee with their riches, and to give the peasants up to the Turks ? It would be better for them to submit to the Turks at once.” It could not be believed, added Jugowitsch, but that there was an understanding between Leonti and Rodofmikm; else why should the latter, when new ambassadors from Constantinople appeared in the Kraina, have contrived to be commissioned to negotiate with them himself ? He had gone to meet them accom-panied by Leonti and Nicolaus 3 but no negotiation whatever had been brought under discussion. Secret designs had been there agreed upon, whilst the parties were standing conversing, two and two, together.

On these representations, Kara George considered it almost as a duty he owed to his country to assert his own personal authority   for what event could have been more pernicious to the country than its falling under the rapacious domination of the Fanariotes ? Without delay, he banished Nicolaus; and Leonti also was made to feel his displeasure, lie took especial care, too   in order to prevent an influence of so dangerous a nature from acquiring a preponderance in the Senate   that his two friends should resume their seats in that assembly. And no one ventured to oppose him. Mladen, it is true, visited the Sessions only now and then; yet he enjoyed greater influence, and was more feared than ever.

Such manifold oppositions of the civil administration to the military chiefs, and of the Gospodars to the commander-in-chief, together with disputes concerning internal and external relations, disturbed this government, even at the commencement of its formation: yet they were unable to destroy its unity.

This was sustained by the authority of the Commander in chief: which, though unquestionably much restricted, already extended over all parts of the country; had the preponderance in the Skupschtina, and could influence the decisions of the Senate. Victorious success in arms had laid the foundation of this authority: but, without great tact and natural talent, it could not have been preserved in its integrity. Kara George will be ever memorable, not only as having led the insurrection against the Turks, but also as the founder of a comprehensive national authority throughout the country, lie well deserved to be regarded as the chief of the nation. Let us pause a moment, to consider his history and character, manners and personal appearance.

But George remained inexorable, llis father was at last equally resolved: “Go, then, over alone:” He said, “ I remain in this country.” 1 How!” replied Kara George, “shall 1 live to see thee slowly tortured to death by the Turks ? It is better that I should kill thee myself on the spot!” Then seizing a pistol, he instantly shot his father, and ordered one of his companions to give the death-blow to the old man, who was writhing in agony. In the next village, Kara said to the people, “ Get the old man who lies yonder buried for me, and drink also for his soul at a funeral feast.” Kor that pur-pose he made them a present of the cattle which he had with him, and then crossed the Save.

This deed, which was the first indication of his character, threw him out of the common course. He returned to his own district, with the rank of serjeant, in the corps of volunteers; but, believing himself unjustly passed over at a distribution of medals, he retired into the mountains as a lleyduc. However, he became reconciled in this matter with his colonel, Mihaljewitseh; went with him after the peace to Austria; and was made “ forest- keeper” in the cloister of Kruschedol. But he did not rest satisfied in Austria ; and as, under Hadschi Mustafa, he had nothing to fear in Servia, he returned thither, and from that time followed his business   that of a dealer in swine. The outrages of the Dahis hurried him into the movements in which lie was destined to perform so important a part.

Kara George was a very extraordinary man. He would sit for days together without uttering a word, biting his nails. At times, when addressed, he would turn his head aside and not answer. When he had taken wine, he became talkative; and if in a cheerful mood, he would perhaps lead off a Ivolo-dance.*

That the Sultan should grant all that the Servians had demanded

Princes have ever sought the Tmpathy and cooperation of the common people as their best aid, when engaged in a contest with those classes of their subjects who have grown too powerful through the exercise of exclusive privileges.

It was unfortunate for Selim and the Turkish Empire that he could not thus act: his position would not allow him so to do.

Unlike any other prince, all of whose subjects belong to him equally, he was the head of the Mussulmans before all others.

For, as has been shown, the Turkish Empire is based not on an union and amalgamation of different elements, but on the opposing forces of two distinct populations; one destined to command, the other to obey.

That the Raja, whose part it was to serve, should arm themselves and thus assume an equality with the followers of the dominant religion, was intolerable to the Mussulmans of both parties  the reformers, as well as those who adhered to the old system; and it was also contrary to the fundamental laws of the country: to the very nature of the Caliphate, and to the supreme authority itself.

AVe have seen that it was alleged against Hadsclii Mustafa as a crime, that he had led the Servians against Passwan Oglu. On the difference between the Faithful and the Infidels rested that Fetwa of the Mufti, by which the re-admission of the Janissaries into Belgrade was decided. Nothing made so strong an impression on the otherwise peaceful Turks as the banner of the Heyduc, and the artil-lery carried by the Raja.

That the Sultan should grant all that the Servians had demanded at Ostruschniza, was not to be expected. He was justified in refusing to consign to their keeping the fortresses on the frontiers. Other grants, however, tending to place them and their property in greater security, were unquestionably due to them. Nor could the Sultan condemn them for having taken up arms in his behalf, since he had thus been freed from an usurpation most dangerous to his authority.

Yet, great as was the contradiction involved in this course, Selim III. nevertheless adopted it.

He seemed to consider the Servians in the light of evil-doers, and rebels against his authority ; and instead of any answer to their claims, lie placed their deputies under arrest, and issued an order to Alis, the Pacha of Nisch, to disarm the Baja.

This hostility to the Servians, treatment altogether different in character from any they had before experienced from the Turks, and originating with the Grand Signior himself,  met with the approval of the Mussulmans, and was energetically pursued.

The Council of Women in Business

Part of the fifth edition of National Internship Initiative “Staying in Bulgaria”, will have the opportunity to participate in five trainings, free of charge and to be familiar with the real business environment in five Bulgarian companies.

The fifth edition of the National internship initiative “Staying in Bulgaria”, organized by the Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria in partnership with A1, started with very interesting and useful program. The goal of young.LEADERS.talk 2019 is to help the youngest future professionals to upgrade their qualities and skills, to enter the world of business and to get information about development opportunities, suitable environment and incentive for career options in Bulgaria.

The largest campaign related to retain young people in the country was officially opened in Sofia yesterday in the presence of management and members of the Council, representatives of A1 Bulgaria and participants in young.LEADERS.talk 2019 – 28 young people who are trainees in companies members of the Council.

One of the most important priorities of our organization is to retain young people in the country by creating valuable training and successful career opportunities. Therefore, for five years we haven’t stopped working on this and we are constantly looking for better and interesting opportunities for young people through which they have the chance to get to the real business and to get as much as possible useful knowledge from the practice.

An internship is a very appropriate way to do this and all companies members of the Council are pleased to welcome every year young people who want to learn and develop. This year we offer an even more interesting and practical program and training focused on specific soft skills and useful knowledge “Commented concerning the fifth edition of internship initiative, the Chairwoman of the Council of Women in Business and CEO of Siemens Bulgaria, Dr. Eng. Boriana Manolova,

A1 Bulgaria has a specific focus on young people, developing and upgrading its internship program over the last 15 years. So far over 1000 students from various universities in Bulgaria and abroad have been taken company traineeship, and approximately 30% of them remain employed annually. This year, we launched three new programs targeting pupil and students. We invited students from vocational high schools with a focus on telecommunications to conduct their practice with us, providing opportunity to stay to stay for work / internship of the best of them.

We launched the “A1 Summer Academy” – a new program for students who participated in IT Hackathon, Marketing Olympiad and other competitions organized by the universities together with us. The best were awarded with an invitation for internship at our company. They are currently working on real business projects and are actively involved in the creation of new products and services from the field of marketing or technology.

Our third program for active involvement of young people in business is the Internship Initiative of the Council of Women, who we cooperate with, sharing common values about the future of students in Bulgaria and the opportunities to stay in Bulgaria. We, at A1, believe that young people carry the necessary charge for change and the energy to bring it about, so we actively support them.Said in welcoming the young from LEADERS.talk Mrs. Miglena Uzunova-Tzekova, member of management board of The Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria and senior director Human resources of A1 Bulgaria.

Immediately after the formal opening, the first training of the young.LEADERS.talk 2019 began – with presentation skills. Boris Hristov of 365labs, ranked in Forbes “30 under 30” for 2018 and awarded with Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) award for merit in the presentation and power point communities, introduced the young people to the art of building a successful presentation. He presented in an interesting and exciting way what was the most important to the structure and success of a presentation and how to combine emotions and facts, retain interest, gain confidence and influence on the audience.

Within five weeks young people will have the opportunity to participate in 5 training free of charge. The next training is dedicated to the ability to speak powerful, manage projects, pursue a stress-free career and prepare a professional CV. The initiative includes a visit to the offices and facilities of five leading companies, where trainees will become familiar with their work in practice and gain an idea of the real business environment.

The Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria is a non-governmental organization in favour of society. Its members are top managers and representatives of companies and organizations in Bulgaria. Among the objectives of the Council are the popularization of good practices and programs that encourage the professional career development of the women in the small and middle-sized business and their development in management positions; the development and establishment of professional values in the civil society, education, science, culture, technology and the support of the young specialists and talents so that they can realize their potential in Bulgaria and to help young people from disadvantaged social upbringing in their education.

A1 part of A1 Group is a leading provider of digital services and telecommunication solutions in Bulgaria. The company offers mobile and fixed services, high speed broadband, digital and satellite TV, including four owned sport channels – MAX Sport 1, MAX Sport 2 and MAX Sport 3, MAX Sport 4, online payments solutions, own music streaming platform, cloud and IoT solutions to 5 million customers. In 2018 A1 Bulgaria reported turnover of EUR 446.2 million and EBITDA of EUR 138 million.

A1 Group is a leading provider of digital services and communications solutions in Central and Eastern Europe with more than 24 million customers, currently operating in seven countries: Austria (А1), Bulgaria (А1 Bulgaria), Croatia (А1 Croatia), Slovenia (A1 Slovenia), Belarus (Velcom), Serbia (Vip mobile) and Republic of North Macedonia (one Vip). A1 Group’s turnover in 2018 amounted to EUR 4.47 billion and its EBITDA was EUR 1.38 million. The portfolio of A1 Group includes voice services, high speed internet, multimedia, IT, data traffic and online payments solutions. A1 has a stable shareholder in América Móvil – the 4th largest telecom company in terms of customers in the world.