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Peace Brings Prosperity to Serbia

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Whenever Serbia enjoys a time of peace, the country grows richer quickly. The number of animals—such as sheep, goats, and cattle—increases fast, and the economy improves steadily, like compound interest. Because of its natural advantages, Serbia has often been called “a poor man’s paradise.” The soil is rich, the climate is good for farming, and it is a great place for people with limited money to start a new life.

Farms can be bought for small amounts of money. Large open lands where cattle and sheep graze are often public property. These lands are usually free to use, except for a small tax paid to the local town or commune A Strong Education System in Serbia.

Growing Industry and New Opportunities

In recent years, Serbia has also begun developing industries. A German company built a large sugar factory near Belgrade that uses sugar beets as raw material. In addition, Belgian investors have opened a linen factory. Other industries already operating in the country include match factories, flour mills, tanneries, and breweries.

To support further growth, the Serbian government is offering financial help—called subsidies—to encourage the creation of woolen mills and other manufacturing businesses across the country.

Despite the good wages and plenty of jobs, many young Serbians are still choosing to leave. They often emigrate to the United States or nearby countries. One main reason is that young men are required to serve five years in the military, and many are unwilling to give up that much time from their lives Guided Tours Ephesus.

A Bride at the Market Tradition and Dowry

At the market, we saw a newly married bride dressed in traditional Serbian clothing. She had just come from the church after her wedding ceremony and was standing with her proud husband as friends and neighbors gathered to offer congratulations.

The bride was a healthy, cheerful young woman, resembling the Swedish type, with blond hair and bright blue eyes. On her head she wore a unique turban, from which several clusters of silver coins dangled. Long strands of coins also hung from her necklace and belt, covering her shoulders and hips. The coins were heavy, but they were her dowry—her personal savings collected since childhood.

Instead of putting her savings in a bank, she had carefully selected and strung together coins of different sizes and values to wear as jewelry. This tradition serves both as decoration and a way to attract eligible bachelors at festivals or village gatherings.

A Woman’s Right to Her Wealth

In Serbian culture, a bride has the legal right to control her dowry even after marriage. Many women continue to keep their wedding coins and later pass them down to their children. In some cases, the coins are used to buy land, a small house, or farm animals. Sometimes, the coins are taken off the strings one by one in times of need, such as during emergencies or to manage household expenses.

Life in the Countryside

Overall, Serbian peasants live fairly well. Most have enough to eat, can save money, and take pride in their homes and farms. As long as peace continues, ordinary people in Serbia can live comfortable and stable lives, with hopes for a better future.

Kidnapping Cases in the Turkish Provinces

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In recent years, there have been many kidnappings in the Turkish provinces, but very little has been reported about these incidents. The lack of communication and limited news coverage from that region means that the public is not aware of these events. Miss Stone’s case was different because it involved missionaries, and there was a lot of public interest in the matter. Missionary groups regularly communicated with their friends and families back home, so the American public was aware of the situation and the efforts to secure Miss Stone’s release Military Force and Its Impact on Communication.

A List of Kidnappings and Ransom Payments

Here is a partial list of kidnappings and the ransom amounts paid for the release of the victims since 1880. While there have been other cases, these are some of the most notable ones that have been documented:

1880 – Colonel Singe, $50,000 ransom paid.

1881 – Henry Suter, $60,000 ransom paid.

1884 – Richard Dussi, $6,000 ransom paid.

1885 – Mrs. Giovenov, $35,000 demanded, $2,000 paid.

1885 – Fritz Charmand, $8,000 demanded, $1,500 paid.

1887 – R. C. H. Wilkins, $30,000 demanded, $8,000 paid.

1890 – Gray Hill, $100,000 demanded, amount paid unknown.

1890 – Mr. Landler, $15,000 paid.

1891 – M. Rayneud, $5,000 paid.

1891 – M. Michele, $2,000 paid.

1894 – M. Provost, $3,000 paid.

1896 – Captain Marriott, $15,000 demanded, $120 paid.

1896 – M. Waligrski, $4,000 paid.

1896 – Mme. Branzian, $50,000 demanded, $10,000 paid.

1898 – James Whithall, $500 paid.

1899 – M. Chevalier, $15,000 paid.

1900 – Gerasim Kirias, $2,000 paid.

1901 – M. Alphonse, $5,000 demanded, $1,000 paid.

1901 – Miss Stone, $125,000 demanded, $65,000 paid.

Missionaries’ Opposition to Paying Ransom

The missionaries who worked in these regions almost always opposed paying ransom for kidnapped individuals. They had strong moral objections to paying blackmail and saw it as a dangerous precedent. They argued that paying ransom would encourage more kidnappings of missionaries and other foreigners in the future. The missionaries feared that it would lead to the rise of a new industry where bandits would kidnap missionaries for ransom Sofia Day Trips.

One missionary even argued that it would be better for Miss Stone to die in captivity than for them to give in to the kidnappers. He said, “God would prefer Miss Stone to perish of hunger in the mountains than to endanger the lives of His servants elsewhere.”

The Concerns of the Missionaries

The missionaries’ refusal to pay ransom was based on the idea that submitting to kidnappers would only encourage further criminal activity. They believed that if they gave in to blackmail, it would create a dangerous situation not just in Turkey, but in all countries where missionaries worked. This stance was controversial, as many people felt that paying ransom would be the quickest way to secure the release of the hostages.

Despite the risks, the missionaries chose to uphold their principles and moral values. Their decision remains a subject of debate, as it was clear that the situation was not just about Miss Stone’s safety, but also about the future of missionary work in these areas.

The case of Miss Stone’s kidnapping highlights the difficult moral and ethical choices that missionaries faced in situations of danger. The practice of paying ransom for hostages was common in the region, but the missionaries’ refusal to give in to these demands was driven by their commitment to integrity and the belief that submitting to kidnappers would have dangerous consequences for others in the future.

Military Force and Its Impact on Communication

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A military force was sent to the area where Miss Stone was captured, and its official purpose was to capture the brigands and rescue Miss Stone. However, the presence of this force actually hindered the mission. Instead of helping, it made it more difficult for the missionaries to gather information and communicate with the local people who might have been able to help.

Anyone who appeared to know something about the kidnapping or the brigands was immediately arrested. These individuals were imprisoned for a few days before being released without any chance for the missionaries or Miss Stone’s friends to speak to them. This created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation in the neighborhood, and it stopped any efforts to gather helpful information or provide assistance to the missionaries Walking Guided Tours Sofia.

Refusal to Pay Ransom

Another factor that slowed down the rescue efforts was the missionaries’ decision not to pay ransom or offer money for information. The people living in that area were very poor and could be tempted by money to help, but the missionaries were firm in their refusal to offer any payment. They felt it was important to maintain their integrity and moral standing by not appealing to mercenary motives.

At the beginning of the situation, the missionaries made it clear that they would not pay any ransom. They also rejected any offers from others, including Consul-General Dickinson, who suggested paying for information or the release of the captives. The missionaries believed that paying money for the release of Miss Stone would not only compromise their values but could also encourage further kidnappings.

The Debate Over the Decision

Many people, both in Bulgaria and abroad, questioned this decision. They argued that it might have been more practical to pay ransom, especially given the customs of the area. In many parts of the country, paying blackmail or ransom was common, and in some Turkish provinces, brigandage (banditry) was even seen as a legitimate occupation.

The customs of the region were in direct conflict with the missionaries’ decision to refuse ransom. If the missionaries had followed local practices, they might have gained valuable information or assistance from the local population. However, the missionaries chose to follow their own strict ethical code, refusing to pay money for the release of the captives The Suspected Leader Ivan Zandanski.

Lessons Learned

In hindsight, the missionaries themselves began to question the wisdom of their decision not to offer ransom. The high moral ground they took was similar to the stance of the New York merchants in 1775, who famously said they would pay “millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute.” While their decision reflected a desire to maintain integrity, it ultimately delayed the rescue efforts and may have contributed to the length of the kidnapping.

It is impossible to say for certain what might have happened if they had followed the local customs of paying ransom, but their refusal highlighted the difficult balance between morality and practicality in such a challenging situation.

The failure to communicate and the missionaries’ refusal to offer ransom both played significant roles in the delay of Miss Stone’s rescue. These decisions were driven by strong moral principles, but in the end, they may have been counterproductive in a situation where local customs had a powerful influence on how problems were solved.

The Suspected Leader Ivan Zandanski

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Many people believe that the real leader of the group that kidnapped Miss Stone was Ivan Zandanski. He was once the keeper of a prison in Bulgaria and lived in a small town called Dubnitza, not far from where the kidnapping took place. Zandanski was actively involved in the Macedonian revolutionary movement, and he worked closely with Cyril Vaciloff. He was also known as a dangerous outlaw with a bad reputation.

During the summer before the kidnapping, Zandanski was seen following Miss Stone on several of her journeys. People noticed his presence wherever she went, but at that time, no one thought much of it. Now, after the kidnapping, those sightings are seen as important clues Kidnapping Cases in the Turkish Provinces.

A Suspicious Journey with Weapons

Not long before the kidnapping, Zandanski claimed he was going on a trip to organize Macedonian supporters living on the Turkish side of the Balkan Mountains. He took with him more than twenty guns from the Macedonian Committee’s weapons storage in Samakov. He later returned on October 11, returned the guns, and said he had been very successful on his trip.

However, local villagers and peasants strongly believe that Zandanski was actually leading the group of bandits that captured Miss Stone. Several people who were traveling with her at the time of the attack also identified him as one of the attackers.

Despite this, he was arrested and quickly released due to what the authorities claimed was a lack of evidence. The missionaries and the American consul-general, Mr. Dickinson, were not asked for their input, and they were not consulted before his release Sofia Tour Guides.

Another Suspect The Guide George Toderoff

Another man suspected of being involved in the kidnapping was George Toderoff, the mule driver and guide who worked with Miss Stone’s group. When he returned from the mountains after the kidnapping, he gave several different versions of what had happened. His changing stories made people suspicious, and he was arrested.

But like Zandanski, Toderoff was also released by the government in Sofia. Reports suggest that the authorities feared retaliation from Macedonian rebels, which influenced their decision to let him go.

Disappearances Before the Kidnapping

There is also strong evidence that several members of the local Macedonian organization in the Samakov area disappeared at the end of August, just before Miss Stone was taken. They returned home quietly during September. These individuals claimed they had been traveling like Zandanski to organize revolutionaries in Macedonia.

However, most villagers and local people believe these men were actually part of the kidnapping team. Their timing and sudden disappearance match the events too closely to be a coincidence.

The kidnapping of Miss Stone appears to have been well-planned, involving multiple members of the Macedonian revolutionary network. Figures like Zandanski and Toderoff played suspicious roles, but because of political pressure and fear, no serious legal action was taken. The lack of investigation and the quick release of suspects created a sense of injustice and frustration among the missionaries and American officials trying to solve the case.

The Importance of the Golden Gate Inscription

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The inscription on the Golden Gate (Porta Aurea) is very important because it provides historical clues about the gate’s origin and purpose. The inscription mentions that the monument was built after the fall of a tyrant (post fata tyranni), which helps us understand when and why it was constructed The Mystery of the Golden Gate Inscription.

Was the Gate Built During the Time of Theodosius II?

At first, many people thought the Porta Aurea was built during the time of Theodosius II, because it is located in the Theodosian Walls, which were built in 413 AD. If this were true, then the emperor mentioned in the inscription would be Theodosius II.

However, this idea does not make sense. The inscription clearly says the gate was built after the defeat of a usurper, but Theodosius II never had to fight any rebellion or reclaim his throne. His rule was not challenged by a rival emperor, especially not in 413, when the wall was constructed.

Theodosius the Great The Likely Honoree

Historians like Du Cange were the first to suggest a better explanation: the gate was built during the rule of Theodosius the Great (not Theodosius II). Theodosius the Great defeated two major rebellions:

In 388 AD, he defeated Magnus Maximus, who claimed the western throne.

In 394 AD, he crushed another rebellion by Eugenius.

However, Theodosius died just four months after defeating Eugenius, and he never returned to Constantinople after that victory. So, the gate could not have been built to celebrate that later success Private Tour Guide Ephesus.

Built to Celebrate Victory Over Maximus

This means the Golden Gate was built between 388 and 391, to celebrate the defeat of Maximus. Theodosius saw this as a great achievement. He even held a triumphal parade in Rome in 389, and later returned to Constantinople for another victory celebration in 391.

So, the Golden Gate was originally a Triumphal Arch, just like those built in ancient Rome. It honored the emperor’s return after his successful war in the West. The gate stood as a symbol of imperial strength and victory.

A Lasting Memorial to Imperial Glory

This monument joined other great memorials in the city:

The Column of Theodosius in the Forum of Taurus

The Column of Arcadius in the Forum on the Xerolophus

The Obelisk of Theodosius in the Hippodrome

Together, these monuments were designed to keep the memory of Theodosius the Great alive, showing his victories and contributions to the empire for future generations.

The Mystery of the Golden Gate Inscription

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For many years, people believed that the famous inscription on the Golden Gate (Porta Aurea) of Constantinople was lost or perhaps even legendary. However, old scholars like Sirmondi and Du Cange had already mentioned it in their writings. Sirmondi quoted it in his notes on the Roman poet Sidonius Apollinaris, comparing the spelling of “Theodosius” using a “V” instead of an “O” to fit poetic rhythm. This was similar to how the name appeared in the Golden Gate inscription.

How Did They Know About It?

Strangely, neither Sirmondi nor Du Cange had ever visited Constantinople. How they knew about this inscription is still unknown. Possibly, they read it from old manuscripts or learned about it from others who had seen it Ephesus Daily Tour.

For many years, no one could confirm the accuracy of the inscription, and no traveler after 1453 had clearly seen or recorded it on the gate itself—until something changed in the late 19th century.

A New Discovery in 1891

In 1891, Professor J. Strzygowski, a well-known art historian, was studying the central archway of the Golden Gate. He noticed unusual holes in the large stones called voussoirs on both the east and west faces of the arch. These holes looked very similar to those used to attach metal letters onto stone surfaces.

This led Professor Strzygowski to an exciting idea: maybe these holes had once held the metal inscription described by Sirmondi and Du Cange The Golden Gate!

Matching the Holes to the Inscription

Strzygowski decided to compare the pattern of holes on the arch with the shape and spacing of letters in the Latin inscription. Although some stones had been replaced and were missing holes, the comparison worked very well where the original stones remained.

The Full Inscription Confirmed

Thanks to this discovery, experts could now confirm that the Golden Gate really did have a Latin inscription in metal letters, probably made from gilded bronze. The inscription was split between the two sides of the gate:

On the western side, the words read “Haec loca Thevdosivs decorat post fata Tyranni”, (“These places Theodosius adorned after the death of the tyrant.”)

On the eastern side, it said “Avrea saecla gerit qui portam constrvit avro”, (“He rules a golden age, who built this gate of gold.”)

This discovery solved a centuries-old mystery and proved that the Golden Gate had once carried a grand imperial message in gold letters. Through careful observation and analysis, Professor Strzygowski gave modern historians clear evidence linking the surviving architecture to written historical records, bringing the legacy of Theodosius and the Golden Gate back to life.

The Golden Gate

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A Triumphal Entrance

Between the seventh and eighth towers north of the Sea of Marmara, stands a grand gateway called Yedi Kule Kapısı (the Gate of Seven Towers). This gate is known in history as the Porta Aurea, or Golden Gate, because of the gilding (gold decoration) that once covered it The Importance of the Golden Gate Inscription.

Identifying the Golden Gate

There is no doubt that Yedi Kule Kapısı is the famous Golden Gate mentioned by Byzantine historians. The location, design, and materials used in the structure perfectly match the old descriptions of the Porta Aurea:

It is the first major gate north of the Sea of Marmara.

It stands at the southern end of the Theodosian Walls.

It is built from white marble.

It is flanked by two large marble towers, exactly as historical accounts describe.

Artistic Details and Inscriptions

In addition to its impressive appearance, the gate once had sculpted reliefs (stone carvings) on either side of its outer entrance. These decorative images were part of what made the Golden Gate a symbol of imperial power and celebration Ephesus Sightseeing.

Most importantly, there are still faint traces of an ancient inscription on the gate, which includes the name “Porta Aurea.” The Latin inscription likely read:

“HAEC LOCA THEODOSIUS DECORAT POST FATA TYRANNI, AUREA SAECULA GERIT CUI PORTAM CONSTRUIT AURO.”

This can be roughly translated as:

“Theodosius decorated this place after the tyrant’s death. He rules a golden age, for whom a gate of gold was built.”

A Curious History of the Inscription

The history of the inscription itself is quite interesting. Surprisingly, no historical source mentions the inscription before the year 1453, the year Constantinople fell to the Ottomans.

One possible early reference comes from Radulphus de Diceto, who in 1189 wrote that a local citizen showed a Templar knight a mysterious inscription on the Golden Gate. This inscription supposedly predicted the city’s capture—possibly during the Crusades.

After the Turkish conquest, many visitors came to Constantinople, but very few mentioned seeing this inscription. One exception was the traveler Joseph Dallaway, who claimed to have seen it still in place.

The Golden Gate of Constantinople was more than just an entrance—it was a symbol of Roman triumph, Byzantine glory, and later, Ottoman transformation. Built with white marble and golden decoration, guarded by two great towers, and marked by poetic inscriptions, it stood as a proud witness to centuries of imperial history. Today, even though damaged and weathered, its remains still tell the story of a once-golden era.

Learning to Read and Write

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It’s quite amusing to see Turkish men, some of them big and strong, struggling to learn how to read and write. In classrooms, there are between two and three hundred men slowly practicing the letters and words, like the Turkish version of “C-A-T, cat.” It may seem awkward at first, but they learn quickly. Once they know the basic words, their interest grows as they are given stories to read. They take turns reading aloud. Sometimes, they are asked to repeat the story from memory, which helps them think more deeply. There is laughter when some of them make mistakes, but they stay interested. The best students are chosen to teach the new ones, while the others are sent to work at frontier posts after a few months. However, I believe the benefits of the school do not last long Istanbul Daily Tour.

Gendarmes in the Districts

The gendarmes who have received this European-style training wear light blue jackets, which set them apart from others who wear dark blue jackets. They are stationed in areas where problems often occur. No matter what they do, their actions are misrepresented, either by the Greeks or the Bulgarians.

The Salonika Explosions

The Salonika explosions are still remembered by many. A group of Bulgarians drove past the Ottoman Bank and threw bombs at the soldiers and gendarmes guarding it. Three soldiers were killed, and three of the bombers were also killed, while three more were injured. The Bulgarians also set off dynamite at the bank, tried to destroy the Turkish Post Office, threw bombs around the town, and shut off the gas Hilmi Pashas Challenges in Macedonia.

Underground Passage and Bomb Making

It was discovered that the attackers had created an underground passage from a shop across the street to the bank. The passage led to a mine filled with dynamite, which was connected to the shop by electricity. This underground passage must have taken months to build. The dirt from the tunnel was carefully carried away in handkerchiefs and small paper packages, then dumped into the sea or far away from the site. Authorities also found a complete bomb-making setup, which included thirty-six quarter-pound jars of nitroglycerin.

Hilmi Pashas Challenges in Macedonia

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Hilmi Pasha has been the Viceroy of Macedonia for three years. He understands better than anyone how difficult it has been to achieve lasting peace in the region. Despite all the problems, he continues in his role because the Sultan has ordered him to stay Hilmi Pasha A Key Figure in Macedonia.

Problems with the Police in Macedonia

One of the major issues in Macedonia is with the gendarmerie, or police force. The police are uneducated, poorly paid, and often have to survive by taking bribes. They rarely solve crimes unless they are paid to do so. To improve this situation, a Gendarmerie School was set up in Salonika under pressure from foreign countries. This school is led by Major Bonham, a skilled officer who knows how to persuade the Turks to follow rules, rather than forcing them.

Bonham’s Babies

The recruits at the school are jokingly called “Bonham’s Babies.” Major Bonham is like a father to them, and the peasants who come from the mountains are very fond of him. It’s interesting to see how much affection they have for him, even though many of them are shy and inexperienced Istanbul Tour Guides.

The Short Training Time

Major Bonham doesn’t have much time to train the men, as most only stay for about four months. In that short time, he manages to teach them to march in a European style and helps them develop some character. However, the fear is that once these men return to their villages, they may go back to their old habits, especially with the influence of their fellow soldiers, who do not respect European ways.

A Visit to the School

I spent a morning at the Gendarmerie School and was struck by how poor the recruits’ physical condition was. These were the best men they could find. In the last group of 300 peasants, 90% were rejected because they didn’t have enough strength or endurance.

Results Despite Difficulties

Even though the recruits are not ideal, Major Bonham is happy with the progress. The Turkish authorities are not very enthusiastic about the school and are reluctant to fund it. However, the men themselves are eager to learn. They work hard, but Major Bonham treats them well, and they appreciate his kind words.

Improving Life for Officers

Major Bonham also improved life for the Turkish officers. Before he came, they had nowhere to relax except the cafes. Now, they have a large, comfortable room with carpets and decorations. They have plenty of newspapers to read and, instead of drinking alcohol, they only drink water. The officers spend their free time learning French.

Hilmi Pasha A Key Figure in Macedonia

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Hilmi Pasha is the Inspector-General of Macedonia and one of the most impressive men in the region. He works to keep the peace between Turkey and European countries. His job is to maintain good relations with Europe, but he tries to give away as little as possible. He genuinely cares about Turkey’s future and wishes the Macedonian problem could be solved, but he knows the task is almost impossible.

Meeting Hilmi Pasha

I was introduced to Hilmi Pasha by the British Consul-General in Salonika, Mr. R. W. Graves, who knows more about Macedonian affairs than anyone else. Hilmi Pasha is tall and thin, with a lot of energy. He might look tired, except for his large, intense eyes that are always full of life. These eyes draw people in and keep them focused Learning to Read and Write.

A Hard Worker

Hilmi Pasha is a hard worker. He starts his day early, working at his desk. He meets with secretaries, gives orders, and talks to many visitors. He smokes a lot of cigarettes and drinks endless cups of coffee. He never takes a break to exercise, and he works late into the night.

A Nervous Man

Hilmi Pasha is also a nervous person. When he speaks, his long fingers move quickly, almost as if they are shaking. He talks fast but never in a way that seems certain of himself. Instead, he tries to make you believe his view is the right one by appealing to your sense of reason. If he didn’t wear a fez, you might think he was Jewish because his features have some similarities. He has a nose like that of a Jewish person, but he is actually an Arab Customized Daily Istanbul Tours.

His Past and Current Role

Before this, Hilmi Pasha was the Governor of Yemen, where he ruled strictly. Now, he governs Macedonia with great skill. Even though he is always under the watch of foreign representatives, he knows how to stay polite and at the same time protect the interests of the Sultan.

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