Sultan Murad IV – Reign and Legacy

Repairing and Enriching Sacred Sites

The Tombs of Imam-i Azam and Sheikh Abdulkadir Geylani, revered figures in Islam, underwent extensive repairs supervised by Sheikhulislam. They were adorned with opulent gold and silver lamps along with jewelry, enhancing their grandeur and significance. Additionally, Mustafa Pasha, the trusted guard of Sultan Murad IV, displayed profound devotion by sending a diamond to adorn the Prophet’s Tomb in Medina (Ravza-i Mutaharra).

International Diplomacy and Remarkable Gifts

Sultan Murad IV’s reign saw prosperity that extended its influence to the farthest reaches of the east. An envoy from India arrived in Musul bearing lavish gifts while the Sultan was en route from Baghdad to Istanbul. Among these gifts was an exquisitely decorated belt valued at fifty thousand piasters and a unique helmet crafted from elephant’s ear and rhinoceros hide, reputed to be impervious to bullets and swords. In a display of his prowess, Sultan Murad IV pierced the helmet effortlessly with his spear, filling it with gold florins before returning it to the Indian Sovereign’s palace.

Restoring Order and Stability

Sultan Murad IV’s rule was marked by his unwavering authority, which he wielded to maintain order within the empire, rescuing it from the brink of collapse. However, the toll of such authoritarianism took a toll on him, leaving him exhausted. Upon his brother Sultan Ibrahim’s ascension to the throne, order had already been established, aided by a treasury brimming with resources.

The Reformative Era Under Sultan Ibrahim

During Sultan Ibrahim’s reign, characterized by historians as a period of folly, Kara Mustafa Pasha, a seasoned vizier, served as Grand Vizier. Under his leadership Istanbul Walking Tour, the treasury remained stable, intoxication was abolished, and administrative reforms were implemented, including city registrations and the first census. He ensured timely payments for Janissaries and Spahis, with salaries fixed at eighty aspers of pure silver. Moreover, he introduced the practice of allocating clothing aid annually from the treasury. Despite his remarkable achievements, Kara Mustafa Pasha met an untimely end through execution in 1053.

Legacy and Conclusion

Sultan Murad IV’s reign left an indelible mark on Ottoman history, marked by prosperity, diplomatic prowess, and authoritative governance. His legacy endured through the reforms initiated under Sultan Ibrahim, underscoring the significance of stable governance and administrative efficiency in sustaining an empire.

Tragic Discoveries in the Ruins

In the midst of a vast heap of debris, a somber scene unfolded before our eyes. Amidst the scattered remnants, a solitary skeleton lay, draped in a simple chemise. The skull adorned with a colored handkerchief, and the bony ankles adorned with embroidered footless stockings—typical attire of Bulgarian girls.

A Grim Landscape

Surveying the desolate surroundings, we noticed bones strewn about in all directions, remnants of lives lost and forgotten. The ground, once teeming with vitality, now served as a haunting reminder of the past. Below us, a hundred yards away, lay the remnants of a town.

Desolation and Destruction

Not a single roof remained intact, nor a wall standing upright. The town had succumbed entirely to ruin, resembling the ancient cities of Herculaneum or Pompeii after catastrophic events. The air was filled with a mournful lament, echoing like the keening of Irish mourners, permeating the valley with sorrow.

Grisly Revelations

Upon closer inspection of the skeletal remains, a chilling realization dawned upon us. The bones were predominantly small, accompanied by fragments of women’s clothing scattered amidst them. These were not just any victims; they were all women and girls, their lives brutally cut short.

Unthinkable Atrocities

From my vantage point atop my horse, I counted roughly a hundred skulls amidst the grim tableau. Many more lay hidden beneath the surface, while others had been scattered across the fields. Almost all the skulls were detached from their bodies, and the majority of skeletons were missing their heads—a stark indication of the horrors inflicted upon these women.

Haunting Encounters

Descending into the heart of the ravaged town, we encountered a haunting sight. Within the ruins of a dilapidated house sat a woman, her grief palpable as she rocked back and forth, clutching a babe to her chest. Beside her, another child observed us with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension Tour Packages Balkan.

A Heartbreaking Refrain

Her mournful chant, a lament for her lost home and husband, echoed through the ruins. With each repetition, her words carried the weight of unimaginable loss and despair. “My home, my husband,” she cried, her voice trembling with sorrow, the refrain echoing endlessly amidst the desolation.

In this once-thriving community, now reduced to rubble and sorrow, the tragedy of war and violence had left an indelible mark, a grim reminder of the fragility of life and the horrors humanity is capable of inflicting upon itself.

Contributions from Key Figures

Karel Shkorpil’s Educational Endeavors (1891-1894)

During his tenure as a teacher at the High School for Boys in Turnovo from 1891 to 1894, Karel Shkorpil made significant strides in unraveling the history of Turnovo. He meticulously crafted plans and penned detailed descriptions, culminating in a comprehensive report titled “The Monuments in Turnovo and a Project for Excavations of the Old Bulgarian Capital,” which he presented to Tsar Ferdinand in 1893. Accompanying this report were 37 volumes containing plans, photographs, drawings, and sketches. In 1910, Shkorpil’s work was published as a seminal study titled “A Plan of the Old Bulgarian Capital Turnovo.”

George Sior’s French Expedition (1900)

In 1900, French archaeologist George Sior embarked on a significant expedition commissioned by Tsar Ferdinand. His excavations on Trapezitca yielded the discovery of an impressive 14 churches. Notably, his exploration of Tsarevets, particularly Chan Tepe (The Bell Hill), led to the uncovering of The Church of the Patriarch.

Ministry of Education’s Artistic Commission (1903-1904)

In 1903-1904, the Ministry of Education commissioned renowned reproduction artist V. Dimov from the National Museum to replicate the frescoes found in the newly discovered churches in Trapezitca Private Tours Istanbul. Dimov not only produced faithful reproductions but also meticulously drafted plans of the churches. His extensive study was published in 1915, shedding further light on Turnovo’s architectural and artistic heritage.

Revival of Archaeological Society (1905)

In 1905, the archaeological society resumed its activities. Under the guidance of M. Moskov, significant efforts were made, including the clearance of sections of the palace building in Tsarevets, excavation of the Well east of “The Church of the Patriarch,” and investigation of the tower-well on the left bank of the Yantra river, near the so-called Balduinova Kula (tower). Subsequent excavations conducted by Moskov in 1906 focused on two noteworthy Turnovo churches: “Sveti Dimitur” and “Sveti Chetiredesete Muchenici” (Saint of Forty Martyrs), with findings published in 1912.

The First Archaeological Conference (1910)

On June 6-8, 1910, the Turnovo archaeological society organized the First Archaeological Conference of the Society in Bulgaria. Despite the significant damage caused by an earthquake on June 1, 1913, which affected many of Turnovo’s monuments, archaeological excavations persisted.

Restoration and Exploration Initiatives (1930s-1959)

In the 1930s, the first restoration efforts of the old capital began under the initiative of the Ministry of Public Works and the Turnovo Council. In 1946, exploration of “The King Palace” (Tzarskia Dvorets) commenced. Notably, from 1958 to 1959, the study of the fortress walls established the cultural stratification layers for the first time, providing invaluable insights into Turnovo’s historical evolution.

The Arrival of the Slavs in the Balkans

Background

The Slavs, originating from the eastern regions of the Russian steppe, arrived in the Balkan Peninsula around the 5th century. Over the next two and a half centuries, they gradually occupied the area, pushing aside the local Hellenized population, especially in Thrace and Macedonia. By the end of this period, the Slavs had settled across the entire peninsula, except for the coastal regions where the existing inhabitants relied on the military strength of Byzantium to keep the new settlers away.

Byzantine Relations with the Slavs

The Byzantine emperors did not see the Slavs as enemies. The Slavs were peaceful tribes who became farmers and herders. They were not aggressive or politically driven. Over time, the Slavic settlers were even called upon to fight alongside the Byzantines against common enemies. The Byzantine ruling court viewed the gradual settlement of Slavic farmers and herdsmen in the Balkans favorably City Tour Istanbul.

Old Bulgarians’ Arrival (Around 650 A.D.)

Around 650 A.D., a powerful group of Old Bulgarians, led by their khan Asparukh, arrived at the banks of the Danube, dividing Romania from Bulgaria. Settling in North Dobrudja, they initiated raids on Byzantine territory. The Old Bulgarians had originated from the region between the Volga River and its tributary, the Kama. Unlike the Slavs, they were more politically oriented. Over the centuries, small migrant groups of Old Bulgarians had integrated into Slavic communities. The Old Bulgarians, skilled organizers, extended their political influence over the Slavs, providing them with a name, a sense of unity, and leadership. They adopted the Slavs’ language and embraced a greater sense of democratic policy.

The Arrival of the Slavs in the Balkans

Background

The Slavs, originating from the eastern regions of the Russian steppe, arrived in the Balkan Peninsula around the 5th century. Over the next two and a half centuries, they gradually occupied the area, pushing aside the local Hellenized population, especially in Thrace and Macedonia. By the end of this period, the Slavs had settled across the entire peninsula, except for the coastal regions where the existing inhabitants relied on the military strength of Byzantium to keep the new settlers away.

Byzantine Relations with the Slavs

The Byzantine emperors did not see the Slavs as enemies. The Slavs were peaceful tribes who became farmers and herders. They were not aggressive or politically driven. Over time, the Slavic settlers were even called upon to fight alongside the Byzantines against common enemies. The Byzantine ruling court viewed the gradual settlement of Slavic farmers and herdsmen in the Balkans favorably City Tour Istanbul.

Old Bulgarians’ Arrival (Around 650 A.D.)

Around 650 A.D., a powerful group of Old Bulgarians, led by their khan Asparukh, arrived at the banks of the Danube, dividing Romania from Bulgaria. Settling in North Dobrudja, they initiated raids on Byzantine territory. The Old Bulgarians had originated from the region between the Volga River and its tributary, the Kama. Unlike the Slavs, they were more politically oriented. Over the centuries, small migrant groups of Old Bulgarians had integrated into Slavic communities. The Old Bulgarians, skilled organizers, extended their political influence over the Slavs, providing them with a name, a sense of unity, and leadership. They adopted the Slavs’ language and embraced a greater sense of democratic policy.

The Road to Independence

Bulgaria’s Struggle for Autonomy

Founding Visions

The founders of an organization embraced the idea of political autonomy for Macedonia and the Odrin region of Thrace within the Ottoman Empire. Their initial goal was annexation to the Principality of Bulgaria in the near future. The organization’s military units played a role in punishing Turkish rulers and safeguarding Bulgarians from Serbian and Greek forces.

1903 Insurrection in Thrace

In 1903, an insurrection erupted in Thrace, met with harsh repression. The aftermath witnessed the burning of hundreds of villages and the loss of thousands of lives. Despite the desperate Bulgarian quest for liberty, Europe turned a blind eye, making the Macedonian Question a persistent diplomatic challenge. Over time, Bulgarians realized that achieving national unity required a confrontation with Turkey.

Democratic Party’s Push for Unification

In 1908, Democratic Party leader Alexander Malinov assumed a government role, fostering Bulgarian aspirations in Macedonia, Eastern Thrace, and Aegean Thrace for unification with the fatherland. However, breaking free from the Sultan’s dependence, dictated by the Treaty of Berlin, became a prerequisite. The favorable climate in 1908, marked by the Young Turk revolution, set the stage for change in the Ottoman Empire and the Balkans Private Turkey Tours.

Bulgaria’s Declaration of Independence

Following an unofficial agreement between Sofia and Vienna, a historic event unfolded on September 22, 1908, in the medieval Bulgarian capital city, Turnovo. Bulgaria was solemnly declared an independent state. Prince Ferdinand assumed the coveted title “King of the Bulgarians” in this significant moment.

Triumph Amid Struggles

Bulgaria’s journey toward autonomy and independence marked a challenging period. From clashes with Turkish rule to diplomatic challenges, the path was arduous. The declaration of independence in 1908 represented a triumph, signaling a new chapter in Bulgaria’s history.**

The Unveiling of Unspeakable Horrors

Women’s Descent into Despair

Confessions of Dishonour A Brave Prelude

In the shadow of unthinkable horrors, women found courage in the act of confessional narration. They stood before the world, their voices trembling yet resolute, as they uttered the word “dishonour.” But what lay ahead was a descent into a darkness far more profound and agonizing.

Beyond Dishonour The Stain of Defilement

The narratives unfold, revealing that for women subjected to the brutality of Turkish oppression, dishonour was but a prelude. A woman’s suffering extended beyond mere shame; she faced a harrowing journey of being stained, defiled, and degraded. These stories depict a descent into a nightmarish reality, where self-loathing becomes an indelible mark, and the mirror reflects a stranger tainted by the hands of cruelty.

Echoes of Despair A Mother’s Agony for Her Daughters

The women, in their heart-wrenching confessions, weren’t shedding tears for themselves alone. A more profound grief engulfed them as they recounted the atrocities inflicted upon their daughters. Innocent and tender girls of twelve and fifteen, even children Balkan Tours, became victims of the same brutalization. A mother’s agony extended beyond personal suffering to encompass the unbearable pain of witnessing the desecration of her offspring.

Silent Screams Why Share the Unbearable?

The question arises—why these women chose to come forward, to expose their deepest wounds and utter the unspeakable? It transcends the burden of personal injustice and the foul, dreadful wrongs inflicted upon them. Perhaps, it’s the spirit wounded beyond endurance, impelled by an invisible force to scream out the injustices that Heaven must hear, if not see. A feeble hope, perhaps, that someday justice will prevail, and the avenging hand of retribution will reach those responsible.

The Unheard Stories Unspeakable Horrors Left Untold

The sheer horror embedded in these narratives defies repetition. The tales of unspeakable brutality, though left untold here, serve as a testament to the depth of human suffering. In a world where such atrocities persist, the voices that dare to break the silence become beacons, exposing the need for justice, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to end the cycle of cruelty.

The Resilient Spirit of Perustitza’s Daughters

A Tale of Courage Amidst Chaos

In the harrowing tale of Perustitza’s siege, a remarkable narrative emerges, spotlighting the indomitable courage of its young girls who, facing imminent danger, defied societal norms to ensure their survival. The absence of a clear command structure among the villagers made their defense against the menacing Bashi-Bazouks all the more challenging, yet the community rallied together to confront the impending threat.

During the three days from Tuesday to Thursday, the villagers found themselves in a desperate struggle for survival. What is particularly striking is the absence of a discernible leader orchestrating the defense. Despite this leadership vacuum, the community displayed a collective resolve by distributing rations, posting sentries, and projecting a bold front against their aggressors.

Amidst this chaos, a curious and courageous decision was made regarding the village’s young girls. Recognizing the potential brutality they might face if captured by the Bashi-Bazouks, a collective decision was reached within the confines of the village church. All girls over the age of ten were to don boys’ clothing, transforming their appearance in the hopes of escaping the horrifying fate that awaited them if the worst came to pass.

The Armenian girl, a witness to this extraordinary transformation, recounts the efforts of her peers to assume a disguise. Nearly all the young girls, fueled by a determination to protect themselves, adopted the attire of their brothers. They skillfully cut off their long hair and endeavored to pass as boys, a desperate measure taken to evade the infamous brutality of the Bashi-Bazouks.

In the face of such adversity, these girls displayed immense bravery. The Armenian girl, although offered a boys’ suit, opted to endure the siege in her own attire. She notes that many of the disguised girls expressed a willingness to wield a weapon in defense of their community, underscoring the shared commitment to survival among the private tours bulgaria besieged villagers. Unfortunately, the scarcity of arms, even among the men, meant that the women were left without means to actively contribute to the defense.

Protective walls

The resilience of these girls, however, is not without its share of tragedy. As they ventured outside the protective walls, they were often mistaken for boys and fell victim to ruthless gunfire. Many lost their lives in this tragic case of mistaken identity. Despite the perils they faced, those who survived did so with their honor intact. The bright pairs of eyes that met the gaze of onlookers, undeterred by the missing tresses, spoke volumes of the unyielding spirit of Perustitza’s daughters.

In the face of chaos, uncertainty, and the ever-present threat of brutality, the young girls of Perustitza made a bold stand, challenging societal norms and demonstrating a resilience that defied the darkest expectations. Their story is a testament to the strength that can be found in unity and the unwavering human spirit in the face of adversity. Perustitza’s daughters, through their courage and sacrifice, etch a chapter of inspiration in the annals of resilience and defiance.

Constantine aimed at making the new capital

Constantine aimed at making the new capital a counterpart of the old one, both in situation and in name. The first part of his wish was completed a century later, when the walls were extended by Theodosius to enclose all of the seven hills; but the title of New Koine, which he decreed the city should hear, was never generally used, and survives only in the official language of the Eastern Church. From the first the world insisted on calling it after its founder, Constantinopolis, the city of Constantine a name that, with slight alteration, has passed into all European languages. The Turkish name Istambol, corrupted into Stambul, is derived from the Greek e ‘ to town ’ or ‘ in town by which term the Greek-speaking inhabitants of Constantinople to this day refer to that part of the city. Throughout Turkey and Greece Constantinople is still alluded to as rirot?, i.e. ‘town and people speak of going to ‘ town ’ instead of saying ‘ to Constantinople In all official documents, however, and on their coins, the Turks use the word Constantinieh, the Arabic form for Constantinople, and not Istambol.

With the second foundation of the city by Constantine the Great, its true history may he said to commence. Constantine spared no effort to adorn his new capital, and forced the numerous countries subject to his sway to contribute their most valuable and their most costly relics, and their treasures of art and antiquity, to enhance the beauty and add to the splendour of Constantinople. The city was further embellished by his successors; among whom Theodosius II., the promulgator of the Theodosian Code, constructed the present land walls; while the church (now mosque) of St. Sophia, which is still one of the most famous buildings in the world, was erected by Justinian, whose Code, Pandects, Institutes, and Novellae have made his name immortal as a legislator.

Constantinople has suffered a long succession of attacks by foreign invaders. It was threatened by the Huns in the reign of Theodosius II. (450 A.D.) daily tours istanbul, and by the Huns and Slavs in that of Justinian (553 A.D.) In 626 A.D. Chosroes, king of Persia, a skilful and successful general, animated by hereditary hatred, and taking advantage of the breaking up of the Western Empire, led his troops in a series of successful marches to the very gates of Constantinople. The Emperor, Heraclius, succumbed at first, but eventually drove back the invader, retook his lost provinces, and exacted from Chosroes substantial guarantees for the maintenance of peace in the future.

Saracen conqueror Moawiyah

The next attack upon Constantinople was by the Saracen conqueror Moawiyah, who, in 668 A.D., sent his son Yezid at the head of a well-disciplined army to subdue the capital of the Eastern Empire. The invention of fire-tubes for squirting inflammable liquids supplied the garrison of Constantinople with a formidable weapon of defence. This feu Gregeois, as the early French writers style it, or Greek fire ’ (of which we now hear for the first time), created such havoc among their ships and men that the Saracen chieftains were at last, after a seven years’ siege, compelled to abandon their fruitless enterprise.

A second invasion of the Saracens under Mos- lemah was repelled by Leo the Isaurian in 718 A.D. In the latter part of the eighth century, the elegant and formidable Caliph of Bagdad, Haroun-el- Bashid, the friend and ally of Charlemagne, and the hero of the Arabian Nights planted his standard on the heights of Skutari, and would have laid siege to Constantinople, but drew back after obtaining a concession of tribute from the reigning Empress, Irene. In the middle of the next century, however, the Emperor Phocas Nice- phorus retrieved the disgrace by overrunning the dominions of the Caliph with a victorious army.

Constantine and Helena Church

To the south the fortress wall ‘disappears’ into the elevated courtyard of the SS. Constantine and Helena Church. Under its altar was revealed a quadrangular tower, which for many years was used as a crypt. South of Hisar Gate rise the impressive supporting walls of the courtyard of the church and above them, hanging over, is the elegant bay window of the administrative premises.

Further south is the eastern entrance into the church with the Holy Sepulchre Convent rising above it. Round the corner of the convent is a good place to look at a big section of the fortress wall with a round defence tower built in. Behind the wall were discovered the premises of barracks. This particular section of the fortress wall was built during the reign of Justinian the Great (the middle of the 6th c.). A small picturesque square encircled by the walls of the church compound, the back side of Kuyumjioghlu House and the facade of Dimiter Georgiadi House lies outside the Eastern Gate.

JUMAYA MOSQUE

Today, as in the time of Ottoman domination, Jumaya Mosque is the major Muslim temple in Plovdiv. At the time when the Ottomans conquered the town in 1371 this was the site of the cathedral of Plovdiv dedicated to St. Petka (Paraskeva) of Turnovo. Under the Sultan Murad II (1421 – 1451) the old cathedral was torn down and the mosque built in its place. It was called Ulu Jumaya Mosque – Chief Friday Mosque i.e. having the status of a cathedral. It was also called Muradie in honour of the sultan who ordered its construction holidays bulgaria. It is one of the oldest Ottoman temples on the Balkans and one of the largest in Bulgaria.

The building is an imposing rectangular structure whose prayer hall measures 33m by 27m. It is executed in the so-called ‘cellular’ construction technique, which testifies to a Byzantine and Old-Bulgarian architectural influence. The mosque has nine domes covered with lead sheets. A slim minaret rises over the northeastern comer of the main facade. It is decorated with a diagonal grid of red bricks arranged over white mortar. Jumaya Mosque is three-aisle with a wide central nave covered by three semi-spherical domes carried by pendentives built in the spaces between the pointed arches. Trough-shaped vaults cover the lateral aisles. Having entered the mosque one finds a spacious, impressive auditorium ending in a lavishly decorated sanctuary – mihrab at the far end.

The amazing wall paintings are a riot of vegetative representations – twigs, flowers and garlands interspersed with medallions containing quotations from the Koran. The frescoes probably date from the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th centuries. The interior and exterior architecture of the Plovdiv mosque is reminiscent of some of the oldest Ottoman cult monuments in Bursa, Adrianople and Sofia built in 14th -15th centuries.