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Understanding the Political Situation in Servia

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Understanding the Political Situation in Servia

To understand the current political situation in Servia (now known as Serbia), we need to look back at the country’s history. Servia has long been a source of political interest and surprises for Europe. Much of the trouble in Servia can be traced to a long-standing conflict between two powerful peasant families. This feud has influenced the country’s politics for generations.

Servia Under Turkish Rule

At the start of the 19th century, Servia was a province of the Ottoman Empire. It was governed by a Turkish official named Hadji Mustapha, who was known for being fair and kind. Unlike many rulers of that time, he treated his Christian subjects with respect. Because of his just rule, Servia experienced peace and prosperity during his time in power King Michael’s First Reign.

However, a powerful group within the Turkish army called the Janizaries did not like Hadji Mustapha’s liberal policies. They were especially angry that he tried to protect the Christian population from their cruelty and greed. The Janizaries accused him of being too friendly with Christians and claimed he had betrayed the Turkish cause. They trapped him inside a fortress (the citadel) and killed him.

Massacres and the Rise of a Hero

After Mustapha’s death, the Janizaries took control. For about four or five years, they ruled Servia with fear and violence. Worried that the local population might rebel, they decided to eliminate anyone who could become a leader. As a result, thousands of people were brutally killed, and bloodshed spread across the land.

During this dark time, one man escaped to the mountains. His name was George Petrovitch, better known in history as Kara George (or “Black George”), due to his dark skin and black hair. He was a swineherd—someone who looked after pigs—but he would go on to become the greatest hero in Servian history.

Kara George From Swineherd to King

Kara George led the people of Servia in a successful fight for independence from Turkish rule. Though he could not read or write and was completely illiterate, he had great wisdom, leadership skills, and a strong sense of justice. As king, he used a special mark or symbol in place of a signature on official documents.

Kara George was known for being honest and brave. His sense of justice was so strong that he allowed his own brother to be executed when he disobeyed government laws—setting an example that no one was above the law Guided Sofia Tours.

A Humble Leader

Even as king, Kara George continued to dress like a peasant. He said this reflected his simple lifestyle and lack of formal education better than a crown and royal robes. He lived modestly, often cooking his own meals in the palace, just as he had done when he was a pig herder in the mountains.

Kara George’s rise from a poor swineherd to a national hero shows how powerful leadership, courage, and justice can change the future of a nation. His humble lifestyle, strong character, and unwavering dedication to Servia’s freedom left a lasting mark on the country’s history. Understanding his story is essential to grasping the roots of Servia’s ongoing political struggles.

The Kidnapping of Miss Ellen M. Stone

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The Kidnapping of Miss Ellen M. Stone

The kidnapping of Miss Ellen M. Stone, an American missionary, and her companion, Mrs. Katarina Stephanova Tsilka, shocked the world in 1901. The two women were captured on September 3, 1901, and held for five months and twenty days. They were finally released on February 23, 1902. Miss Stone represented the American Board of Foreign Missions, and Mrs. Tsilka was the wife of Rev. Gregory Tsilka.

Their kidnapping drew international attention to the ongoing unrest in the Macedonian region, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire. The kidnappers hoped that the incident would push the United States and European countries to intervene in the region’s problems. However, although the case caused great public interest, no major foreign powers took direct action A Harvard Graduate from a Humble Background.

An Attempt to Gain Global Attention

The main purpose of the kidnappers—who were Macedonian revolutionaries—was to make the world notice the chaos and lawlessness in Rumelia (a part of Macedonia under Ottoman control). At the time, the area was full of political instability, banditry, and violence. The revolutionaries believed that kidnapping well-known foreigners would force the global powers to get involved in Macedonia’s struggle for independence.

While their plan did not lead to political intervention, it succeeded in gaining public attention. Newspapers around the world reported on Miss Stone’s situation, and many people became aware of the dangers missionaries and other foreigners faced in the region.

Miss Stone A Respected Missionary in the Balkans

Miss Ellen M. Stone was widely known and respected throughout the Balkans. She had been working there as a missionary ever since Bulgaria became independent after the Russo-Turkish War ended in 1878. Her main base was in Salonika (now Thessaloniki, in modern Greece), a city rich in Christian history. It is the same place to which St. Paul wrote his letters to the Thessalonians in the Bible.

Miss Stone worked closely with Rev. John H. House from Painesville, Ohio, who was one of the first missionaries in the area. Together, they led the mission’s efforts in the region. Miss Stone focused on educational work, helping to open schools, train local teachers, and support students. She often traveled by horseback through remote villages to oversee this work Sofia Day Tours.

Her Words on the Dangers

Miss Stone herself spoke of the dangers she faced. In her own words, she said:

“During the frequent missionary tours which I have made in Macedonia during the last twenty years and more, I have often been conscious of danger from the brigands who have long infested that country. Thrice before my capture I had come into personal contact with them.”

This statement shows her bravery and dedication. Despite the risks, she continued her work to educate and uplift local communities.

The kidnapping of Miss Stone was not just a dramatic event—it was also a symbol of the complex political struggles in the Balkans at the beginning of the 20th century. Her story shows the courage of missionaries, the dangerous conditions in the region, and the desperate attempts of revolutionaries to make the world notice their fight for freedom.

A Harvard Graduate from a Humble Background

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A Harvard Graduate from a Humble Background

Another inspiring example of American influence in Bulgaria is Stoyan Kristoff Vatralsky. He was the son of a poor Bulgarian shepherd, yet he achieved great success through education. Vatralsky first studied at the missionary school in Samakov, where he was motivated to aim higher. That school helped him dream of going to the United States for a better education. His dream came true, and he graduated from Harvard University in 1894.

While at Harvard, he was chosen as the class poet, a great honor that shows his talent for writing and public speaking. After graduation, he stayed in the United States for a while, working in literature and public lectures. His goal was always to return to Bulgaria and use what he had learned to help improve education and cultural life in his homeland. Mr. Vatralsky represents what a young Bulgarian with ambition and the right guidance can accomplish Daily Sofia Tours.

Russia’s Powerful Presence in Bulgaria Mr. Bakhmeteff

In modern Bulgaria, Russia has a strong political presence, and its highest representative in the country is Mr. Bakhmeteff, a highly skilled and experienced diplomat. He is known for his intelligence, although he often hides it behind a calm and unemotional appearance.

Mr. Bakhmeteff is very familiar with the United States, having spent a lot of time in Washington, D.C. His wife, Mme. Bakhmeteff, is an American. She is the daughter of General Edward F. Beale, who was a close friend and former roommate of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant during their time at West Point Military Academy.

Mme. Bakhmeteff A Bridge Between Two Worlds

Mme. Bakhmeteff is not only intelligent but also kind-hearted and active in charity work. While she supports her husband’s mission to keep Bulgaria close to Russia, she is truly American in her lifestyle and values. She has brought many important social improvements to Bulgaria American-Educated Leaders in Bulgaria.

Thanks to her efforts:

A free hospital was created with the support of the Czarina of Russia, who sent a team of nurses from a Russian religious order.

The Red Cross Society was introduced to Bulgaria.

A training school for nurses was started, with the help of many high-ranking women in society.

She also helped improve schools and made charity work popular among upper-class Bulgarian women.

Influence Behind the Scenes

While Mme. Bakhmeteff focuses on helping society, her husband plays an important role in politics. He is so powerful that the Bulgarian Prime Minister consults him before making big decisions. In fact, Mr. Bakhmeteff’s advice is often treated as a direct command from the Russian Czar. His quiet but firm control ensures that Bulgaria stays aligned with Russian interests.

Through individuals like Stoyan Vatralsky, Mr. Bakhmeteff, and Mme. Bakhmeteff, we see how education, diplomacy, and charitable work have shaped Bulgaria’s modern history. Whether through American schools or Russian diplomacy, these figures have left a deep mark on the country’s political and social landscape.

American-Educated Leaders in Bulgaria

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American-Educated Leaders in Bulgaria

It is a pleasant surprise to see that in this distant country, Bulgaria, there are men and women who studied in the United States and understand American values and institutions. These people are now playing important roles in Bulgarian society.

A Pioneer for Women Madame Ivan B. Kassuroff

One of the most respected women in Bulgaria is Madame Ivan B. Kassuroff. She was a student of Miss Stone, an American missionary. Mme. Kassuroff is famous for being the first Bulgarian woman to enter the world of business. At that time, it was very unusual for a woman to work in business, and her actions went against the traditions of the country.

Many people were shocked at first. However, Mme. Kassuroff’s strong character, intelligence, and determination helped her succeed. Over time, she earned the respect and admiration of everyone around her. Today, she is seen as a role model, and many other women are now following her example. Thanks to her, the idea of women working in business has become more accepted, even in a society that used to be very conservative.

Now, when Mme. Kassuroff walks down the street, people greet her with respect and even take off their hats to her—a clear sign of honor in Bulgaria.

A Businesswoman by Circumstance

Mme. Kassuroff did not choose her career entirely by choice. Her husband owned the main bookstore in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. When he died in 1874, no one was left to run the business. Instead of closing it or selling it at a loss, she decided to take over.

Since then, she has managed the bookstore herself, showing great skill and business sense. Her shop is now well-known and even supplies the government with books and stationery. It is called the “Court Book Store” and is located directly across from the royal palace The Kidnapping of Miss Ellen M. Stone.

Her life shows what a woman can achieve when she has access to education and new ideas. She is a powerful example of how American missionaries helped bring positive change to the lives of women in Eastern Europe.

Another American-Educated Woman Mrs. Popoff

Mrs. Popoff, the wife of the Protestant pastor in Sofia, also studied in America. She graduated from the Painesville Seminary in Ohio. Like Mme. Kassuroff, she has brought American ideas into Bulgarian homes. She has helped inspire women to be more independent and to dream bigger.

Her husband, Reverend Marko N. Popoff, also studied in the United States. He went to Hamilton College and studied theology at Auburn Seminary in New York. In total, he spent eleven years in America. Today, he is known as a well-educated speaker and respected church leader. His church is always full, and he is a popular public speaker.

The stories of Mme. Kassuroff and Mrs. Popoff show how education and exposure to new ideas can bring big changes. These women have helped shape modern Bulgaria and opened doors for future generations. Their lives are proof of the powerful impact that American education and missionary efforts had on the development of Bulgarian society, especially for women City Tour Sofia.

Students from Across the Region

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Students from Across the Region

Students at Robert College come from many different countries. They represent places across Asia Minor, European Turkey, Greece, and the Balkan States. The largest group of students comes from Constantinople and its surrounding areas. After that, most students come from Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania, but nearly every nationality is represented at the college Leadership and Trustees in New York .

In 1902, the number of students by nationality included:

Greeks – 127 students, Armenians – 108 students, Bulgarians – 51 students

Other students came from Turkey, Jewish communities (Israelites), Romanians, Austrians, French, Russians, English, Americans, Assyrians, Georgians, Persians, and Levantines.

Parents of these students belong to almost every religion found in Constantinople. They are willing to put aside religious concerns to give their children the educational opportunities that Robert College offers.

Challenges for Muslim Students

The Turkish government’s policies make it very hard—sometimes even impossible—for Muslim (Moslem) students to attend the college. Because of this, no student is openly Muslim. In fact, it might be dangerous or even deadly for a student to say he is a follower of Islam while enrolled at the college.

There are suspicions that some Muslim students register under different religious identities to attend. When young men from far parts of Turkey arrive to study, they are sometimes arrested or imprisoned as soon as they enter the city.

According to Dr. Washburn, the college president, the minister of police usually acts reasonably. If the students prove they have come for honest educational purposes, the police often release them into the care of the college treasurer, who is then held responsible for their conduct.

A Student’s Ordeal in 1901

In 1901, one student was detained for two months on charges of bringing in dangerous printed material. The police claimed he had seditious literature, but all they found in his luggage were two pieces of music, which could be bought at any regular music store in Constantinople. Still, the authorities pressed charges, and his father had to pay a large sum of money to secure his release.

Successful Graduates and Their Influence

Graduates of Robert College hold important positions throughout the Eastern world. Many serve in government roles in Bulgaria, Romania, and other nearby countries.

At one point, four alumni of Robert College were ministers in the Bulgarian government. Among them was the late Mr. Stoiloff, who was known as the most capable statesman in Bulgaria after the death of Stambouloff. He served as Prime Minister from 1894 to 1901 Private Sofia Tour.

A School That Shapes Leaders

Despite political challenges, Robert College continues to educate young leaders from many nations. Its graduates are respected across the region for their intelligence, leadership, and education, proving the lasting impact of this unique institution.

Leadership and Trustees in New York

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Leadership and Trustees in New York

The Board of Trustees of Robert College is based in New York City. The president of the board is John S. Kennedy. The secretary is Edward B. Coe, and the treasurer is Frederick A. Booth. Other members of the board include John Sloane, Cleveland H. Dodge, William T. Booth, William C. Sturgis, Robert W. de Forest, and William Church Osborn. These trustees help guide the college and provide support from the United States Sofia Guided Tours.

A Diverse and Dedicated Faculty

The faculty at Robert College is diverse, with many teachers coming from the Eastern countries. These include Greeks, Armenians, Bulgarians, Romanians, and Turks. Most of them are also graduates of Robert College and belong to the Protestant faith. This creates a strong and united teaching community.

The current president of the college is Dr. George Washburn. His father-in-law, Dr. Cyrus Hamlin, was the actual founder of the college Sports and Character Building.

The Founding of Robert College

In 1860, a New York businessman named Christopher R. Robert visited Constantinople. He was very impressed by the city but saw a great need for higher education. He invited Dr. Hamlin to help him start a college that would offer a true American education to young men of all races and religions.

In 1863, Dr. Hamlin opened the college in a rented house in Bebek. Mr. Robert provided all the funding needed to run the college until his death in 1878. In his will, Mr. Robert left one-fifth of his estate, around $400,000, to the college.

Official Recognition and Growth

The college was officially incorporated in New York in 1864. Later, in 1869, the Sultan of Turkey, encouraged by the American minister in Constantinople, gave the college imperial recognition, granting it the same rights as other approved schools in the Ottoman Empire.

On July 4, 1869, the cornerstone of the first permanent building was laid by E.J. Morris, the American minister. The building was finished in 1871 and still stands today as the main structure. It is called Hamlin Hall, named after the college’s founder.

Continued Support and Financial Stability

Since that time, more buildings have been added with donations from American supporters. After Mr. Robert’s death, other generous American citizens helped grow the endowment fund. Today, the college is nearly self-supporting.

The money from tuition fees covers the salaries of professors, and the remaining costs are paid from the endowment income. On average, the annual expenses are less than $50,000, which is considered very efficient for a college serving 311 students. Out of these, 182 students live and eat on campus.

A Lasting Legacy in Education

Robert College stands as a strong and successful example of how international cooperation, visionary leadership, and generosity can build a lasting institution. With its solid foundations, it continues to provide high-quality education to students from many backgrounds across the region.

Sports and Character Building

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Sports and Character Building

At Robert College, the gymnasium and playground are not just for fun—they are seen as very important parts of a student’s education. The college faculty strongly supports sports and physical activity, not only for health, but also for moral and social development.

Games like football, cricket, and baseball help students learn important life skills. These sports are great equalizers—meaning they bring students from all backgrounds together on the same level. While students come from many different social classes, cultures, and traditions, everyone is treated the same on the field Students from Across the Region.

In some cases, it can be difficult for students from privileged backgrounds to accept the idea of human equality, especially if they are used to special treatment. But on the football field, everyone is equal. The person who shows the most skill and teamwork earns the most respect and influence.

Not a Missionary School

Although Robert College was founded with Christian values, it is not a missionary school, and it is not connected to any religious group. Its main goal is to give young men from Turkey and nearby countries a strong, practical education that prepares them for professional careers or business life.

The college wants to develop strong moral character as well as mental discipline. It encourages Christian values like honesty, respect, and responsibility, but it does not try to teach religious doctrine or convert students.

American-Style Education in Turkey

Robert College follows the same teaching methods and school structure as regular American colleges. All classes, lectures, and textbooks are in English. Only American textbooks are used Sofia Sightseeing.

Students must attend chapel services daily, as well as religious services on Sundays, no matter their background. This includes Jews, Christians, Muslims, and others. Everyone is also required to study Christian values, just like they study moral philosophy, political economy, or science.

A Practical and Well-Rounded Education

The college’s curriculum is designed to help students grow both intellectually and practically. The full college program takes five years to complete.

Tuition fees are as follows:

$200 per year for full tuition, including room and board. $40 per year for tuition only. $65 per year for tuition with daily lunch.

Helping Students in Need

Robert College also offers scholarships to help students who cannot afford to pay. These are given to deserving young men, based on faculty recommendations. This support allows more students to attend and benefit from the education offered.

A School of Opportunity and Equality

Robert College stands as a rare example of educational equality and moral strength in a region full of differences. With its focus on character, fairness, and quality learning, it continues to shape future leaders from across many nations and traditions.

A Day in the Bazaar

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A Day in the Bazaar

One day, I walk by the bazaar without going in. The next day, I stroll along with a friend. We pass the store, and the shopkeeper, a Jew, hears about me. He runs out to greet me, out of breath. He tells me his heart has been longing to see me. He invites me to come into his shop and have a cup of coffee. I tell him I’m leaving tomorrow morning, but I haven’t bought anything yet. He brings out the same items again for me to look at Facing the Dogs.

Negotiating the Price

My friend knows a lot about Turkish antiques, and we start talking about their value in English. Based on his advice, I decide to offer one total price for everything instead of picking individual items. The shopkeeper is interested in the total price because it catches his attention. He would like to sell the things that make a profit and keep the rest. But I insist on a fixed price for everything. After some thinking and looking over the items, the shopkeeper says he will accept twenty-five lira, but he looks unhappy.

The Deal

I offer ten lira. He shrugs, looking disappointed. We start to leave, glancing at other items as we go. The shopkeeper says he’ll take twenty lira. I pretend to be uninterested. He shows signs of sadness. I tell him I might visit him again when I come back to Salonika. We say goodbye and leave the shop Walking Tours Istanbul
.

“I want the items,” I say to my friend, “so I’ll give him the twenty lira.”

“Wait a moment,” my friend replies. Just then, the shopkeeper runs up to us. “It’s a loss for me, but I’ll give them to you for sixteen lira,” he says.

“That’s his final price today,” my friend explains.

I agree. The shopkeeper is thrilled and dances with joy. He says he’ll accept a cheque and bring everything to my hotel in an hour. He’s happy to make the deal!

A Lesson in Bargaining

“My friend,” says my companion, “if you had stayed for another two days, you might have gotten them for twelve lira. I think I could have got them for ten, living here myself.”

That’s how business is done in Turkey. In general, no one asks for a fair price. They ask for the highest price, regardless of the item’s value. If you don’t know the value and pay too much, that’s your responsibility. Usually, the seller asks twice as much as what he is willing to accept, and the buyer offers half of what he is willing to pay. Both sides spend time trying to change the price. It’s simply the custom.

A Story from England

A friend of mine, who had lived in Turkey for many years, went to a shop on Bond Street in England to buy a pair of gloves.

“How much?” he asked.

“Three shillings and sixpence, sir,” replied the shopkeeper.

“I’ll give you two shillings,” said my friend.

The shopkeeper just gave him a look and quickly closed the box. As he was putting it away, he said, “I said three and six.”

My friend, remembering he wasn’t in Turkey, laughed, explained the situation, and bought the gloves.

The Road to Ochrida

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The Road to Ochrida

The road we traveled was clear and easy to follow. It curved around long hills that had no trees. Goatherds, people living a simple life similar to the goats, sat by small fires to stay warm. They looked at us with curious eyes, and their dogs, which looked half-wolf, growled and jumped in front of our horses, acting as if they wanted to attack A Day in the Bazaar.

The Hills and Villages

Across the valley, we could see hills that rose gently. Between the trees, there were small villages that looked beautiful from a distance, but seemed unwelcoming up close. The hills, like the ones we were on, were barren and not good for farming. However, the cracks and valleys in the hills were filled with green plants, thanks to the many streams coming from the mountains Customized Istanbul City Tour.

The Captain’s Warning

“This is a dangerous place,” the captain of the guard said. “The hills are full of brigands (bandits). We are getting close to the village of Kazanihu. Everyone there are brigands. But don’t worry, you’re safe with us—no one will attack while we have soldiers with us!”

The Villagers as Brigands

Even though the captain said the villagers were brigands, they didn’t seem very scary. They were thin, dirty, and wore ragged clothes. They looked weak, and I doubted they could attack a mule caravan, let alone a group of soldiers.

“The brigands have gone into the hills,” the captain explained. “We might see some later. Do you have a revolver?” I think he was trying to show that without him and his soldiers, the life of a single foreigner wouldn’t be worth much.

A Close Encounter with the Goats’ Dogs

While the horses rested for a few minutes before we started a tough climb into the hills, I decided to take a short walk. I had barely walked a hundred yards when two fierce goat-dogs ran toward me, barking and looking ready to attack. I reached for my revolver. In situations like this, the first thought is often to shoot. But I remembered some advice from a British Consul, who had told me never to shoot a dog belonging to an Albanian goatherd unless I was ready to shoot the master as well—because he would shoot me in return. Then I remembered something I had read: a dog will never attack a person who is sitting down.

Facing the Dogs

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Facing the Dogs

With little belief that it would work, but with the quickness of a man in a comic opera, I sat down. Just in case something went wrong, I quickly took out my revolver, ready to use it on the dogs and their owner if needed.

The Dogs’ Reaction

However, the dogs didn’t seem to care about me. In fact, they probably thought I looked funny, just like I later realized. They stopped about five steps away, standing still with their hair raised, showing their teeth at me as I sat there Tour Guide Istanbul.

Sitting Down and the Goatherd

I don’t know how long sitting down like that would stop an Albanian dog from attacking. But soon, the goatherd—who had a gun on his back—came rushing over the rocks, yelling at his dogs in what I imagined was angry Albanian. His dogs had been rude to a calm foreigner like me. The goatherd was a true country man, and as the goats ran around, it made a funny scene. I took out my camera to capture the moment.

The Goatherd’s Mistake

The goatherd misunderstood what I was doing. He thought the camera was some dangerous device that I would use against him. Instead of getting angry or fighting, he lowered his gun and begged me not to be upset. Even though I didn’t understand his words, I could tell he was apologizing.

The Dragoman’s Intervention

My dragoman, who was very upset that I had wandered away from him and the soldiers, quickly ran up to me, cursing all Albanian people, dogs, and goats in Turkish. The goatherd, through my dragoman, kept apologizing, afraid I would have him punished by the soldiers The Road to Ochrida.

Making Peace

I told the goatherd that he hadn’t done anything wrong and gave him a cigarette as a peace offering. He seemed very grateful, as if I had saved him from serious trouble.

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