The Military Clergy in the Russo-Ottoman War 1877 – 1878 – East Orthodoxy and Other Confessions

Author(s): Anastasiya Pashova,Petar Vodenicharov / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2015

In the paper we followed the tradition of priests serving in the Russian Army during the wars in the 19th century. Their statute and functions and the process of establishing a centralized structure of the military clergy directly subjected to the tsar have been analyzed. Special attention has been paid to the participation of the military Orthodox clergy in the Russo-Ottoman War of 1877 – 1878 but the functions of the priests of other denominations – Catholic, Protestant, Muslim and Jewish have also been analyzed. The mechanisms of using religion for military purposes in the past and the restoration of the system of military clergy in today’s Russia were also researched.

National Minorities of Armenia during the Russo-Ottoman War of 1877 – 1878

Author(s): Grigor Aghanyan,Karine Bazeyan / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2015

National minorities of Armenia also actively participated in the Russo- Ottoman War of 1877 – 1878. The article examines the involvement of Kurds-Muslims, Yezidis, Assyrians, Greeks, Lom people (Boshas), and Caucasian Tatars (Turks) of the Russian Army in the military operations at the Caucasus Front. In the article interethnic collisions in different inhabited localities in Armenia are considered as well. To provide some comparative material, the appendix presents an example of an interethnic collision in the Balkans published in the Armenian press of the time.

Yezidis in the Yerevan Gubernia (Province) after the Russo-Ottoman War (1877 – 1878)

Author(s): Milena Angelova / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2015

The text presents the Yezidi community after the Russo-Ottoman War and the efforts of the Russian administration to regulate the situation of these people on the territory of today’s Armenia. The article is based on publications and research on the historical destiny of Yezidis in the South Caucasus as well as on documents kept in the National Archives of Armenia.

Относно местонахождението на някои документи от архива на майор Райчо Николов

Author(s): Vidin Sukarev / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 4/2024

The archive of Raycho Nikolov is stored in two institutions: the National Museum of Military History in Sofia and the Regional History Museum in Plovdiv. Research in both locations revealed that some of the most valuable documents of this national hero are kept in the Plovdiv museum, despite several publications mistakenly stating that they are in Sofia. This article provides necessary clarifications, helping to popularize the hero’s documentary heritage and offering full access details to interested parties.

Османски документални сведения за Георги Стойков Раковски и неговия род

Author(s): Oktay Aliev / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 4/2024

The article presents newly discovered registers (nüfus defteri, temettuat defteri) from the Ottoman Archives in Istanbul, which contain previously unknown information about Georgi Stoykov Rakovski, his father Stoyko Popovich, and his younger brother Yordan. These registers record their ages at the time of compilation or updates, allowing assumptions to be made about their birth years. Due to the specifics of the registers, the data both support Rakovski’s stated birth year of 1821 and provide grounds for the hypothesis that he may have been born in 1820.

"Zakonik Danila Prvog" and Religious Identity: Orthodox Christianity in Montenegrin Legal Thought

Author(s): Srđan Mladenov Jovanović / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2025

This article explores the Zakonik Danila Prvog (Code of Danilo I) as a foundational legal document that shaped Montenegrin governance and national identity by integrating Orthodox Christian values into the state’s legal framework. Established in 1855, the Zakonik reflected the influence of Orthodox Christianity on justice, morality, and public life, while also serving as a tool for asserting Montenegrin sovereignty against Ottoman and Catholic influences. The analysis investigates the deep interconnection between law, religion, and national identity, comparing the Zakonik with Eastern Orthodox canon law and highlighting its role in regulating religious life, family law, and public morality. Additionally, the article discusses the tensions between customary tribal laws and Christian doctrine and explores how non-Orthodox communities were governed under this legal framework. The broader implications of the Zakonik for Balkan legal and religious history are also examined.

От културен трансфер към социокултурна трансформация. Часовниците и усещането за времето в България

Author(s): Andreas Liberatos / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2013

The invention of the mechanical clock was one of the most signifi cant technological advances which brought about European world hegemony. Starting with the clock towers which gradually became an indispensable element of Balkan town landscape and sound environment during the 17th and 18th centuries, and reaching the climax of mass imports of pocket or wrist watches from Central Europe during the early 20th century, the transfer of the new technology to Europe’s Southeastern periphery not only changed the system of time measurement, but was also related to the concomitant important cultural shifts in the perception of time, most importantly the transition from time obedience to time discipline. Focusing on present day Bulgaria and using mostly Bulgarian sources, the paper offers an overview of the abovementioned process, tackles the ensuing theoretical and methodological questions and outlines an approach to the study of this particular case of cultural transfer.

Малцинства – търговци в Румелия през ХVІІ–ХVІІІ век

Author(s): Svetlana Ivanova / Language(s): English,Bulgarian Issue: 1/2012

In 1761 in a berat of a tax farmer of the income from tobacco merchants from Rumeli – Muslim or non-Muslim, raya and askeri-offi cials in “state trade”, were defined as follows: “selling tobacco tücar taifesi either from janissaries or from the other askeri and from bazergân taifesi”. Thus we meet with the affiliation of the Ottoman trade class (bazergân or tücar), with the basic elements of the social structure of the Ottoman Empire (askeri and reaya). However, the sources of that time as well as historiography agree on one additional particularity fact that it was the representatives of ethno-confessional groups – minorities for the region given (Armenian, Greek, Jewish as well as Latin and Dubrovnikan) who had a special place among the merchants in Rumeli. They had some characteristics that were typical for the social positions in the range zimmi – müstemin. They operated in a network together with their compatriots living abroad, which is the precondition` for their signifi cant presence both in local and international trade. In my attempt to reconstruct the real status of these “foreigners of the Islam”, as they were called by F. Braudel, I call such subjects of the sultan “own foreigners of the Empire”.

Руската преселническа политика, българите и Одринският мир от 2 септември 1829 г.

Author(s): Vanya Racheva / Language(s): English,Bulgarian Issue: 1/2012

The last two decades have made Eastern Europeans witnesses and participants in intense migration processes. They carry significant and still under-researched implications both for societies in political, economic and societal transition and for the developed countries receiving the migrant flows. Since 1989, Bulgaria has been no exception to global group or individual population migration, and the numbers from official statistics are telling. For example, in 1990 87 900 Bulgarians emigrated, in 1991 - another 40 300 people, in 1992 the country was left by 68 000 people... On the seventh year after the fall of the Berlin Wall, in 1996, the emigration of Bulgarians continued with almost the same intensity and then 62 000 people left the homeland. Of course, these figures must be supplemented by the hard-to-quantify unofficial emigrants "hidden" behind trips in the form of excursions, brigades, guest work, etc.

Georgi S. Rakovski in Wallachia (1855): Two Greek Documents

Author(s): Georgios Kontogeorgis / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2012

Georgi Stoikov Rakovski (1821–1867) was a prominent revolutionary figure of the 19th century Bulgaria and more broadly the Balkans, who served Bulgarian nationalism both with “pen” and “sword”. His life and his ideas have, justifably enough, attracted historical interest which resulted in the production of a voluminous and well-rounded bibliography.2 Despite, however, the intensive and ongoing research on Rakovski’s life and activities, there still remain many unanswered questions and “gaps” in our knowledge for certain phases of his life, one of which is his sojourn in Wallachia in 1855–1856. The aim of my short contribution to this volume is to present two documents which testify to Rakovski’s acquisition of the Greek citizenship in 1843.

Търговските контакти между Флоренция и Мехмед II Завоевателя

Author(s): Ivayla Popova / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2025

This study explores the trade relations between Florence and the Ottoman Empire during the reign of Mehmed II the Conqueror (1451–1481). Drawing on various sources, including documents of the Florentine Commune, The Chronicle of Benedetto Dei, travelogues of Western travelers, and accounting records, the study examines both the interactions between Mehmed II and the Medici family and the broader trade relations between the two powers. An analysis of period documents reveals the existence of active political and commercial ties, which intensified during the rule of Lorenzo the Magnificent (1469–1492). Within the context of these trade relations, Florence’s role in the Levant becomes evident, as the city pursued an independent policy aimed at maximizing political and economic advantages from its favorable relations with the Ottoman sultan. This policy occasionally diverged from the plans of other Western states to organize a crusade against the Ottomans.

За съдбата на една търговска компания, отразена в завещанията на дубровничани от 90-те години на ХV век

Author(s): Elena Kostova / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2025

The commercial activities conducted by merchants from Ragusa within the Balkan Peninsula during the Middle Ages are a key topic of interest for researchers. The testaments of Ragusan merchants who passed away within the Bulgarian lands in the 15th century have become invaluable historical sources, as they contain rich information about the economic history of the region. Simultaneously, these documents reflect the inner world of the medieval individual, concerned with the salvation of their soul and the desire to secure the well-being and material prosperity of their family and close ones. Additionally, the clauses in these testaments shed light on the fate of trading companies established by representatives of the Adriatic Republic in the Bulgarian lands. This article examines the history of one such trading company, founded by Dubrovnik merchants and operating in Bulgarian territories during the 1490s. It explores the redistribution of capital following the death of partners within the company. The study concludes that, through their final wills, the representatives of the Adria Republic meticulously regulated credit and debt relations, aiming to resolve financial matters fairly among members of their company, who were often close relatives.

Деятели и ползватели. Влашките търговци и търговията им в Източна Европа (края на XVII–XVIII век)

Author(s): Gheorghe Lazăr / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2025

Situated north of the Danube, in the contact zone between Western and Eastern Europe, Wallachia was a tributary principality of the Ottoman Empire from the early 15th century to the mid-19th century. It benefited from administrative and judicial autonomy. The Wallachian economy was predominantly agrarian, with most of the population engaged in farming and animal husbandry. These products were primarily exported to Western Europe and Constantinople, while luxury goods were imported from the Ottoman Empire, Venice, Austria, Poland, Russia, and even England to meet the needs of the princes, great boyars, and their families. In this socio-political context, the article first examines the role of merchants in the luxury trade in Wallachia, highlighting the key consumers and most loyal clients of such goods. In a society where “being” and “appearing” were closely intertwined, the purchase of expensive clothing by the local elite represented not only a “prestige expense” but also a means of asserting their social status. To secure access to luxury goods, Wallachian merchants developed trade networks with partners in major commercial centers in Central and Western Europe, such as Vienna, Venice, Budapest, and Sibiu. These networks expanded significantly towards the late 17th century and throughout the 18th century, particularly under the rule of the Phanariot princes. Representative examples of prominent merchants include the Pepano brothers, Apostol Lazarou and his son Manu Apostol, the moneylender Nica Papa, Hagi Constantin Malache, and Nicolitza Iovipalis, the latter two being particularly active during the second half of the 18th century.

Средновековната аристокрация на България през ХІІІ–ХV в. в контекста на данните от съседните страни

Author(s): Nikolay Ovcharov / Language(s): English,Bulgarian Issue: 2/2024

The study raises the question of the increasing penetration in Bulgaria and the neighbouring countries (mostly Byzantium and Serbia) of feudal relations of Western type during the 13th–14th centuries. Nobility with a corresponding hierarchy also emerged, which was different from the official hierarchy typical of the Byzantine legal system. These structures in the three countries were quite similar, but they also had certain distinctive features. Thus, in the Byzantine Empire, the late aristocracy comprised first and foremost the members of the imperial family, followed by the senior magnates (‚megistani‘, μεγιστάνες) descending from the most prominent families in the empire. Further down was the large and motley stratum of the so-called „archons“ (άρχοντες) and the holders of military „pronias“ (πρόνοια), called „stratiotes“ (στρατιώτες). In Serbia there was a similar hierarchy, where immediately below the ruling family were the „major and minor lords“, who until the middle of the 13th c. were called „boyars“ under Bulgarian influence. The most numerous stratum of the Serbian medieval aristocracy were the „rulers“, also called „soldiers“. There was also a nobility hierarchy in the Bulgarian Kingdom, however, due to the historical vicissitudes, very few documents have survived. Previously it was known from them that the aristocracy in the 13th–14th centuries was divided into „major and minor boyars“. I now introduce the data from the most interesting letters of Tsar Ivan Shishman, found in manuscript No. 298 in the Library of the Romanian Academy of Sciences and written between 1393 and 1395. They make it clear that in Bulgaria there was also a large stratum of lower nobles, called „soldiers“ and vassals to the boyars. Comparisons with the feudal system in Western Europe and evidence from Serbian legal documents show that they were called upon by their direct suzerains and were required to report to the army under penalty of capital punishment and confiscation of their estates. Along with the documentary evidence that there was a noble stratum, the study gives examples of the penetration of Western European feudal practices and customs – castle building, knightly rituals, heraldry. Interestingly, after the Ottoman invasion, some of the nobility were drawn into the military corps (askeri tayfesinden) of the conquerors as Sipahis and the so-called cebe-voinutzi. On the other hand, in many European armies in the 15th–16th centuries, the so-called stradioti were highly valued – mercenaries originating from among the former Balkan nobility. Among them there were also Bulgarian nobles, such as those of the Soimirovichi family.

Българското политическо и етническо присъствие в гр. Облучица–Исакча от края на ХІІ до края на ХVІІ в.

Author(s): Tervel Popov / Language(s): English,Bulgarian Issue: 2/2024

During the 13th–15th centuries Obluchitsa-Isakcha was ruled by various states. It finaly fell under Ottoman rule in 1419/1420. A number of autors claim that the Danubian town was located on Bulgarian lands. The name “Obluchitsa” also testifies to his Bulgarian affiliation. It was preserved and used alongside the name “Isakcha” for a long time, wich is evident in many historical sources. In 1462 Bulgarians were the predominant Christian population inhabiting Obluchitsa-Isakcha. Although foreign invasions had a negative impact on the town's population, the Bulgarian ethnical presence remained strong among its diverse population in the 16th–17th centuries.

Osvjetljavanje Bosanskog ejaleta

Author(s): Romeo Knežević / Language(s): Bosnian,Croatian,Serbian Issue: 1/2004

Srećko Matko Džaja, doktor povijesti, političke filozofije i slavenske filologije, izvanredno je značajan autor s područja historiografije a da bih se smio upustiti u kritičku raspravu i ocjenu ovog njegovog djela s izrazito stručnog stajališta. Ali ono što je osim ovoga također moguće to je politologijska procjena implikacija historiografskih stavova ovoga autora izraženih u ovome djelu. S takvim pristupom, doduše, njegov autor sigurno ne bi bio oduševljen ali, uvjeren sam, ne bi bio suviše niti protiv, pogotovu, ako bi to bilo korektno i minuciozno izvedeno s obzirom na utvrđene činjenice i njihove značenjske implikacije.

Bistrița în apărarea Belgradului. Cheltuielile orașului pentru luptele împotriva turcilor (sec. XVI)

Author(s): Maria Frînc / Language(s): English,Romanian Issue: 38/2024

Since the early days of their settlement in Transylvania, the Saxons have played an importantrole in defending the southeastern and northwestern borders of the Kingdom of Hungary.This study examines the military efforts undertaken by the city of Bistrița in 1521 in the context of Belgrad crusade. The city’s expenses for paying mercenaries and covering various services necessary for preparing for the battle are discussed based on a 1521 register preserved at the National Archives– Cluj, within the archive of the city of Bistrița, in the “Accounts” series.

Седемнадесетото столетие и бариерите на времето: нахия Кара Лом пред икономическа и демографска криза

Author(s): Nevena Nedelcheva / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 6/2024

The present research is a kind of attempt to present all those barriers that appeared before the population living in the empire in the 17th century and that could reflect on its economic stability. Based on unpublished Ottoman documents, in combination with other types of data, the study presents indicators of a crisis experienced by the population in the empire during this century. The reasons that give rise to them (political, epidemiological, climatic) are marked, as well as the consequences they bring, brought out through the particular case of a territory limited in its scope (Nahiya Kara Lom). Although they are brought out through the particular case of a small territory of the Ottoman Empire, they are a clear marker of what was happening to the population in the empire in this century and are a starting point for the study of issues such as migration, Islamization and economic life.

Suraiya Faroqhi, Women in the Ottoman Empire: A Social and Political History

Author(s): Amer Maslo / Language(s): Bosnian Issue: 23/2024

Review of: Suraiya Faroqhi, Women in the Ottoman Empire: A Social and Political History, London: I. B. Tauris, 2023, 328 str.

Белетристиката в архивите. Подборът на факти и документи в научното изследване

Author(s): Tiha Boncheva / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 49/2024