Introduction. Voicing Alternative Interpretations of the Russo-Ottoman War 1877 – 1878

Author(s): Dominik Gutmeyr / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2015

In 2012 a consortium consisting of scholars from eight scientific institutions from eight different countries, whose historical developments were influenced to different degrees by the Russo-Ottoman War of 1877 – 1878, started working to thoroughly analyze the causes and consequences of that war. The present volume comprises one of the scholarly outputs of this EU-funded Marie Curie project “Politics of Memory and Memory Cultures of the Russo-Ottoman War 1877/1878: From Divergence to Dialogue” (MemoryROW).

Labour as a Right, Duty, Matter of Honour and Repression in State-Socialist Bulgaria

Author(s): Ana Luleva / Language(s): English Issue: 3/2023

The idea of labour free from exploitation has a fundamental place in communist ideology and was a constant slogan in the public rhetoric of the ‘peoples’ democracies’. This paper aims to examine how labour is defined in the official discourse of state-socialist Bulgaria, how it is associated with the ideas of freedom, coercion, the new communist moral order; and how labour is used as a repressive measure for annihilation the political opponents immediately after the seizure the political power by the Fatherland Front on September 9th ,1944 until the closure of the labour camps in 1962. The juxtaposition of the official state discourse of free labour without exploitation of workers and the people’s accounts reveal whether the ideologemes imposed by the state-party propaganda were accepted and became part of the people's thinking and vernacular memory. My thesis is that the ideologemes of free labour are accepted or at least not problematized in the narratives of the majority of ‘ordinary’ people who lived during the communist regime without being subjected to political repression. The other group, however - the victims of such repression - challenges the regime's propaganda ideologemes of freedom and free labour under socialism, and do so by recounting their own lives and speaking from the undeniable position of witnesses. Thus, in terms of remembering labour, freedom and coercion, the generation born in the 1920s and 1930s is divided into two ‘generational units’ (using Mannheim’s term), that remain on irreconcilable opposing positions.

Connecting Ecologies: Egypt and the Balkans during the Climate Crisis in the Mid-1780’s

Author(s): Hristo Hristov / Language(s): English Issue: 1/2024

This article examines a brief episode from the Little Ice Age and its impact over the Ottoman empire during mid-1780’s. It aims to explore the transregional connections in the Eastern Mediterranean, driven by the adverse socio-economic consequences of climate stress after the eruption of Iceland's Laki volcano in 1783 –1784. The study tends to set up a series of causations illustrating how a certain global climatic event has considerable local socio-economic influences that test the Ottoman provisioning system and create a possibility for central administration to connect remote ecological zones in order to meet the necessities of food supply across the Mediterranean. Current scientific research utilizing archives of nature, such as dendrochronology, ice core analysis, sediment studies, and pollen analysis, provides insights into the past climate. This data corresponds with a range of written records meticulously maintained in archives of societies, with the most significant for this study being the documents preserved in the Ottoman archives. The written sources examined in this paper emphasize on the logistical coordination between two remote ecological zones: the Balkans and Egypt, situating this coordination within the larger context of political, economic, and social instability of the Ottoman Empire in a period of climatic stress. The Ottoman provisioning system of grain supplies connected food shortages in Egypt and the Hejaz to different agricultural areas in the Balkans and the Black Sea basin in order to mitigate the crisis in the Nile valley. Although this aid had a temporary effect, it nevertheless demonstrated the extent of the state’s administration ability to balance the natural resources across the vast territory of the empire.

Комисионни и рушвети – скритите оръжия във външната търговия на Народна република България

Author(s): Nikolay Yanev / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2024

Corruption has attracted the attention of researchers and experts as an obstacle to growth and a burden on public finances. Where the concerned mind sees a threat to good governance, the clever swindler finds an opportunity for profit. The managers of foreign trade in socialist Bulgaria are no exception. Behind the slogans of solidarity with Third World countries, state-owned enterprises that operate openly or covertly abroad deploy a wide network of corrupt dependencies to secure their interests through the generous distribution of “bribes” and “commissions”, two concepts that easily transform into each other. We find abundant documentary evidence of such practices in the court archive of the comprehensive case against the executives of the state-owned commercial enterprise “Texim”. The trial itself shows the contagious example of bribery, which from being a means of influence in foreign countries has settled into the organizational culture of the Bulgarian company, opening the door to various forms of abuse of office.

Лимитите на растежа в контекста на екологичната трансформация на икономиката в ЕС и България

Author(s): Vanya Ivanova / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2024

The use of natural resources, in particular material flows, is not only one of the main drivers of economic growth, but also leads to resource depletion and environmental problems. Existing infrastructure, economic models and technologies, together with established behaviours, keep the economy ‘locked in’ to the linear model. It operates in a one-way pattern of resource – production – consumption – waste. The life of resources in Europe is limited to a single cycle. Today’s economy throws away more and more of the materials we extract from nature, which are increasingly difficult to degrade but have a high residual value when reused. In order to achieve economic growth without increasing the quantitative consumption of mineral resources and without adverse effects on the environment, it is necessary to carry out a decoupling analysis that combines both resource decoupling and environmental impact decoupling. The attempts to overcome the limits to growth, which began in the 1970s, take on new nuances in the context of the environmental transformation of economies today. The aim of this study is to analyse the extent to which the process of decoupling growth from resource dependence is being realised in EU countries and in Bulgaria in particular. Based on a descriptive analysis of the dynamics of the indicators economic growth rate and resource productivity in the period 1980–2020, the results show an albeit slow and uneven positive trend in Europe and a significant lag in Bulgaria. In the face of rising prices and resource depletion, this is becoming an increasingly risky factor for business development. From an economic point of view, therefore, the interest in reducing these costs, using them more efficiently and optimising raw material flows is fully justified. The paper draws conclusions about the place of the circular economy in this process and points to some opportunities for deepening the processes of transition towards a resource–efficient and environmentally friendly economy.

Динамика и конвергенция на производителността на труда в България към еврозоната: сравнителен анализ с останалите страни от Централна и Източна Европа

Author(s): Stela Raleva,Dimitar Zlatinov / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2024

The paper provides an analysis of labour productivity dynamics in Bulgaria in 1970–2019 and assesses the convergence to the euro area in comparison with other CEE countries. Based on the data from Pen world table, we measure convergence by the deviations from euro area average productivity levels and by employing panel models of absolute β-convergence. The results show an increasing tendency in labour productivity, a decreasing trend in its growth rates, the existence of significant peculiarities and internal heterogeneity of the three distinct periods (the last two decades of socialism, the 1990s and the first two decades of the 21st century). It is proved that at the end of the first period Bulgaria was ahead of Romania, Poland and Estonia in terms of labour productivity, at the end of the second period – only of Romania, and in the third period it started to lag behind all other CEE countries. The strongest deterioration in Bulgaria’s relative position over time has been recorded vis-à-vis Romania, and the largest lag in the level by 2019 is vis-à-vis Poland. The results from the estimation of the β-convergence model at 1990 base year indicate the existence of a catching-up process for the countries as a whole and the absence of such a process for Bulgaria. In the 2000-based model, labour productivity in Bulgaria converges with the euro area, but least among all countries in the region. Compared to Hungary, Slovenia and Slovakia, this is a consequence of a lower starting base, compared to Romania – of lower growth rates, and compared to the other countries – of a combination of both.

Динамика на пространствената концентрация на икономиката в България след 2007 година – възможности и бариери

Author(s): Nedko Minchev,Veneta Hristova,Ivan Stoyanov / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2024

Bulgaria’s membership in the EU in 2007 is a turning point in our history. Following the slogan “Europe of the Regions”, the country has turned to seeking the right instruments for regional development and planning the spatial concentration of individual industries to meet common policies and standards in the Union. The complex contemporary socio-economic processes and dynamically changing development conditions impose some specific requirements on the scientific justification of political and purely economic decisions. This implies a good knowledge and proper use of the basic models for analyzing trends in the dynamics of the spatial concentration of economic activities and taking into account the characteristic features of the development of the territory concerned. Although more than 15 years have passed since our accession, the differences between the regions are widening. Moreover, Bulgaria is also home to the poorest region in the entire Union. By 2024, there is still a serious gap between the real and the desired picture in this direction. This paper seeks to address this problem through an in-depth statistical and economic study of the dynamics of economic concentration in the country since 2007, with the aim of tracing the dynamics of the spatial location of economic activities. The subject of the study is the spatial and sectoral concentration of enterprises in the country, and the object of study is enterprises and employees in the territory of the country in aggregate form by planning regions and type of activity carried out by sectors of the economy. Through the macro analysis carried out, the existing trends over the years are sought and outlined, and findings on the dynamics of the spatial concentration of the economy in Bulgaria are derived. A chronological approach is used and time constants and variables are identified. The chosen methodology allows to trace the evolution of these dynamics while identifying persistent favorable and/or unfavorable correlations and practices. The approach based on the past will indicate in which directions policy instruments supporting the development of regions should be focused. The results obtained show the systematic absence of national and regional policies to manage the processes of spatial concentration of economic resources in territorial terms.

Стопански връзки между търговска фирма „Хаджи Минчо х. Цачев и дружие“ и братя Тъпчилещови

Author(s): Veselin Goranchev / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2024

The publication is a continuation, supplement, and summary of several previous studies devoted to the economic relations between the company „Hadzhi Mincho Tsachev and Company“ from Tarnovo and the Tapchileshtov brothers (Hristo and Nikola) in their trade in metals (copper, iron, and steel), tallow of animal origin, and buffalo hides. This publication provides information on the exchange of other goods and raw materials between the mentioned contractors: raw silk, cordovans, wheat, yellow cheese, caviar, coffee, olive oil, and soap. It also presented information about the assistance that the Tapchileshtov brothers (mainly Hristo Tapchileshtov) have provided to the partners in the Tarnovo company in their activities on the purchase and exploitation of state sources of revenue. The present publication, as well as the preceding ones, is prepared mainly based on previously unused Greek-language documents (letters and transcripts of letters). The research method is thematic-chronological. The conclusions we reach are: The information on the topic of the relations between the trading company „Hadzhi Mincho Tsachev and Company“ and the Tapchileshtov brothers is fragmentary, and it is not possible to make a complete analysis of the trade exchange that has taken place between them (quantities of goods sent, their value, financial turnovers, respective profits, etc.). It can be assumed that the beginning of the economic relations between the company „Hadzhi Mincho Tsachev and Company“ and the Tapchileshtov brothers was established in 1847. The exchange of goods is two-sided. The Tapchileshtovi brothers (together or independently) sent to their partners in Tarnovo the following raw materials and goods: metals, caviar, coffee, olive oil, soap, and dye. The Tarnovo company sent to the Tapchileshtovi brothers (to both or one of them): tallow, buffalo hides, raw silk, cordovans, yellow cheese, wheat and possibly corn. The economic operators in question also carried out commission activities. The Tapchileshtovi brothers assist the company „Hadji Mincho Tsachev & Company“ in its activities on the purchase and exploitation of state revenue sources. This is what Hristo Tapchilestov is mainly involved with. The documents testify that the contact between the Tarnovo company and the Tapchileshtovs lasted until the spring of 1855, i.e., until the murder of Hadji Mincho.

Водните бедствия като бариера пред развитието. По примера на Карлово в началото на XX век

Author(s): Aleksandar Zlatanov / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2024

The socio-economic situation of the town of Karlovo and the surrounding area after 1878 was difficult, and the prospects for economic development were uncertain. The new economic realities and free competition accelerated the process of decline of the old crafts and livelihoods, while the local authorities and the central government failed to support the local craft and textile industries. The transition from proto-industrial to factory production proved unsuccessful in the first decades after 1878, despite isolated successful initiatives. A significant, but not sufficiently studied factor hindering the development of Karlovo and the region during this period were natural disasters, especially water-related ones. This paper will examine the consequences of water-related natural disasters that were a significant barrier to the economic development of Karlovo in the early 20th century. As will be seen, these processes were not isolated only around the Balkan Mountain, but occurred throughout Thrace, north-central and southwestern Bulgaria. In 1905 and 1910, two major water-related natural disasters occurred, causing considerable damage to the population and the underdeveloped economy of the town and the region. The paper traces how and why such devastating consequences occurred, and what measures were taken by local and central government to solve the problem? Were they successful or did vested interests and local power struggles prevailed?

Индустриалецът Стефан Пипев – променлив успех и трудни решения в кризисно време

Author(s): Svetla Atanasova / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2024

The study presents the professional development of Stefan Pipev –a graduate of the Academy of Economics in Wien, a third generation trader, industrialist and a partner in the brewery Prosek Brothers. The accent is put on the period from 1907 until 1927 when Stefan Pipev was managing the brewery on his own and in a partnership the industry established by the Prosek brothers. He succeeds in keeping the relative rise of the production and modernizes it with new technologies. His management coincides with multiple crisis - a fierce competition between the beer brewers, a lot of bankruptcies, raising excised duty, and the economic disruption caused by the Balkan, the Second Balkan War and the World War I. Despite the unfavourable circumstances the Bulgarian entrepreneur succeeds to fight off the competition and keep the trademark Prosek in the top three brewery industries. For the purposes of the research are studied documents from the State Archive –Sofia and State Archive – Veliko Tarnovo. Despite the low number of scientific and popular publications about Stefan Pipev all of them have been used in the study.

Пропуснатата възможност – заводът за автомобили Булгаррено в Пловдив

Author(s): Vidin Sukarev / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2024

The study is based on the archival fund of the Bulgarrenault Automobile Factory in Plovdiv. Its establishment is part of the attempts of the technologically backward socialist countries to meet the growing demand for cars through cooperation with Western manufacturers. In scientific publications to date, little information is given about the factory and its production, which in some cases is inaccurate. In this regard, the chronology of the foundation and construction of the factory, the duration of the construction works, its area and number of personnel have been clarified. Attention is paid why and how the enterprise was opened in Plovdiv as well as a state-owned agricultural holding existed on its place earlier. Another little-known fact is that during the first six months, the assembly of cars was carried out on a temporary assembly line in Hall No. 10 of the International Fair in Plovdiv. Until the factory entered full operation at the end of 1967, cars were assembled using the SKD system, which has so far remained unnoticed. It was claimed that the cars were fitted using the CKD system. However, this happens after the factory is opened. Until then, cars were sent from France in sets of 10 and assembled on the temporary line. When the factory is operational, the sets start at 50 cars each. The demand is high, but the Bulgarian state does not support the production. For the entire period, 6,995 cars were produced. The factory, which costs about three million BGN, works far from its capacity and produces an average of 123 cars per month, which is almost a manufactory. The closing of the factory in 1976 after unsuccessful attempts Bulgarrenault to be replaced with camping trailers and gasoline engines, means a missing of valuable chance for development of a modern Bulgarian automotive industry.

ТРАГИ НА РУДАРСТВО ВО ВИНИЧКИОТ РЕГИОН

Author(s): Julijana Ivanova / Language(s): Macedonian Issue: 23/2024

A large number of archaeological sites registered in the Vinica’s region from the period of prehistory to the Middle Ages provide insights, based on serious evidence discovered so far, into the development of pottery, mining and metallurgy as economic branches that influenced the economic development of the settlements in the region. Some of them, in the early antique, Roman and late antique periods grew into developed craft, cultural and commercial centers, and with the acceptance of the Christian religion, into significant religious centers. Archeological research at several sites has confirmed the existence of the remains of metal slag, stone crushers and stone vessels for smelting ore. The various metal objects that are distinguished by high quality speak of mining – metallurgical activity, which was one of the main reasons for construction of some of the settlements. Of particular importance for the development of mining in the region is the locality known under the name of Rashka near the village of Peklani, where several gold-bearing mining galleries have been discovered which, based on the archaeological material, are dated to the Roman period. That gold-bearing material was exploited there was proven by chemical analysis of the material from inside the galleries, where, in addition to native gold, certain amounts of silver were also found. The large concentration of archaeological sites that are located in its immediate vicinity goes in favor of the conclusion of the development of the settlements that gravitate around this mining center.

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”.

Стопанският облик на балканския град според географския труд на ал-Идриси (ХII век)

Author(s): Stoyanka Kenderova / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2025

The work of the Arab geographer Abu Abd Allah ibn Muhammad al-Idrisi (d. 1165), titled “Entertainment of the Longing to Traverse the Countries” (Nuzhat al-Mushtaq), was created under the patronage of the Norman King Roger II (1130–1154) and completed in 1153 in Palermo. The text reflects or mentions a total of 184 Balkan settlements, described with varying levels of detail. The information was gathered from sailors, merchants, travelers, Arabs in Roger II’s army operating in the Balkans, Crusaders returning from the Holy Land via Sicily, and other sources. In describing these settlements, Al-Idrisi follows a structured approach: the settlements are situated along main trade and military routes or their branches, with details on their size and the distances between them. The descriptions provide a vivid depiction of cultivated fields, vineyards, orchards, and bustling markets, presenting a comprehensive view of the economic and social life in the region.

В сезонния ритъм: представата за годишните времена у средновековния българин в контекста на селскостопанската дейност

Author(s): Teodora Georgieva / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2025

Weather conditions directly influenced human activities, and it is no surprise that even in the Middle Ages, climate variability led people to seek explanations for various weather phenomena. During this pre-industrial period, agrarian societies were highly dependent on natural resources. The geographical environment, along with natural and climatic conditions, shaped the primary occupation of medieval people: agriculture. Meteorological descriptions were often influenced by sociocultural factors, incorporating both theological interpretations and observations of the natural world. Weather forecasting relied on interpreting signs, such as unusual natural phenomena, which required explanation. The interest in climate and environmental changes was closely linked to agricultural activity and the need for sustenance. Evidence of this is found in Byzantine narratives, hagiographies, hexameters, oratorical prose, and even apocryphal literature. These texts reflect the daily life of medieval people, their fears for the harvest, and their perceptions of climatic conditions. The medieval period reveals a climate perception with minimal abstraction, where daily life was governed by the rhythm of the seasons, natural conditions, beliefs, and the drive to understand the surrounding environment.

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.

Дипломация и търговия: хрисовулите на византийските императори за Венеция от ХІІ до ХV век (включително и от времето на Латинската империя)

Author(s): Snezhana Rakova,Galina Galabova / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2025

The Republic of Venice received numerous privileges from the Byzantine emperors through chrysobulls issued to them. These official documents were signed by nearly every ruler of the Eastern Roman Empire from the tenth to the fifteenth century. This model of diplomacy and trade regulation was maintained despite significant changes during the Latin Empire and later in Palaeologan Byzantium. The practice was subsequently adopted by the rulers of the Slavic states in the Balkans and later by the Ottomans, who inherited Byzantine traditions. This research examines the commercial clauses within the chrysobulls, supplemented by information from other narrative and documentary sources, to outline the trade relations between Venice and Byzantium. The study traces changes in trade regulations and the types of goods exchanged during three main periods: Komnenian Byzantium, the Latin Empire, and Palaeologan Byzantium, concluding with the fall of the Empire in 1453.

Търговията с хляб и зърно в далматинските градски статути от XIII–XV век

Author(s): Yoanna Bencheva / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 1/2025

This article focuses on the provisions in the medieval town statutes of the Dalmatia and Istria region that regulate the trade of bread and grain. These provisions are divided into two main groups: the first addresses the production, import, and export of grain, while the second pertains to the activities of millers and bakers responsible for the production and sale of bread. Both categories share common features, including an authorization regime, heightened control over compliance with regulations through the work of dedicated boards, supervision of weights and measures, price fixing, determination of applicable taxes and charges, and penalties for violations. An analysis of these regulations highlights the critical role of the bread and grain trade for the towns along the Adriatic coast during the Middle Ages.

Античните паметници по трасето на Диагоналния път в западните пътеписи от XVI век

Author(s): Ivan Valchev / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 5/2024

The paper presents an analysis of the accounts provided by Western travelers from the 16th century regarding the ancient monuments situated along the route of Via Diagonalis, which traverses the Balkans from Belgrade to Istanbul. The ancient Roman road was primarily utilised by Habsburg envoys to the Sublime Porte, although it was also employed by diplomats from Venice and, on occasion, from France. The travelogues provide insight into the condition of the ancient road and the ruins in Nis, Sofia, Plovdiv and Edirne. It is of particular interest to note the remains of the gate in Trajan’s Pass. The information provided by travellers is often limited in scope and lacks sufficient detail. The reasons for this are primarily the lack of time and the suspicious attitude of the Muslims who accompanied the travelers. Nevertheless, travelogues from the 16th century contain invaluable information about monuments and inscriptions that have been destroyed, thereby enhancing our understanding of the history and culture of the Roman provinces of Thrace and Upper Moesia. Furthermore, travelers provide insight into the attitude of the local population towards antiquities. In contrast to Renaissance Europe, where the study and preservation of Antiquity was a prominent aspect of the educated elite’s culture, travelers indicate a lack of interest in these matters among the local population.

В НОВИТЕ БРОЕВЕ НА СПИСАНИЯТА НА ,,АЗ-БУКИ“ ЧЕТЕТЕ

Author(s): Not Specified Author / Language(s): Bulgarian Issue: 5/2024