The Importance of the Golden Gate Inscription
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...
The Mystery of the Golden Gate Inscription
For many years, people believed that the famous inscription on the Golden Gate (Porta Aurea) of Constantinople was lost or perhaps even legendary. However,...
The Golden Gate
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...
Turkish Orders and Greek Bulgarian Bands
What the Turkish troops do is based on orders from Constantinople. However, it's difficult to figure out if the Greek and Bulgarian "bands" are...
Limited Aid for Rebuilding Villages
The Turkish government provided money to help rebuild the villages that were destroyed, but it was only about fifteen shillings per family. Many villagers...
The 1903 Uprising and the Attack on Smilevo
Mr. James McGregor, the former British Consul at Monastir, reported that during the 1903 uprising, Turkish soldiers, made up of eleven battalions and several...
The Democratic Nature of the Serbian Parliament
A Unique Assembly
When I first entered the Serbian Parliament, what struck me was its democratic feel. There were no aristocrats or wealthy-looking individuals. Instead,...
The Serbian Parliament: Structure and Issues
Duration and Stability of the Parliament
The Serbian Parliament is elected for a term of four years, but it typically functions for only about two...
A Visit to the Serbian Parliament
The Journey Up the Stairs
As I climbed the old, creaking staircase, I let out a sigh of relief when I finally reached the top....
Discovering Brusa
A Historic Ottoman Capital
A visit to Brusa, the once vibrant capital of the Ottoman Empire, requires a minimum of three days, including a full...
