A Look at the Serbian Parliament
The Appearance of the Skoupshtina
The Skoupshtina, Serbia’s Parliament, is quite plain and unremarkable. It is built from lath and plaster, and its walls are covered in whitewash. In front and on the sides of the building, there are lime trees. Under these trees, Serbian men gather, each dressed in different styles. Town men often wear clothes that look like those in Western Europe, while men from the countryside sport brown homespun jackets and bright, floral shirts. Their trousers are tight-fitting and made from the same rough material, and many wear simple sandals made by hand.
Others are dressed in loose white clothing, with trousers that appear to have shrunk in the wash and shirts that hang down to their knees. It often seems as if these men have forgotten to tuck in their shirts. Despite their varied outfits, almost everyone can be seen smoking cigarettes, creating a relaxed atmosphere around the Parliament Scenes from
Scenes from the Balkans
Clanging Chains and Convict Labor
As I turned a corner on the road, I heard a loud clanging noise. Coming into view were forty prisoners, a grim sight, all chained together. Despite their situation, they were talking and laughing loudly as they walked. Accompanying them was a group of soldiers, swords drawn, ensuring the prisoners remained in line.
Further along the highway, I noticed more prisoners working to repair the road. These men, dressed in simple clothes, used picks and shovels, the sound of their chains providing a grim rhythm to their labor. At intervals, soldiers stood resting their rifles, ready to intervene if any prisoner attempted to escape or cause trouble Private Istanbul Tour.
A Look Inside the Serbian Parliament
The Current Parliament House
In the future, the people of Serbia plan to build a Parliament House in Belgrade that t
Terminology in the Communist Constitution
Distortion of Meaning
The terminology used in the Communist Constitution of Bulgaria often starkly contrasts with the actual state of affairs, revealing a profound dissonance between language and reality. For instance, the term “freedom of conscience” is a euphemism for the systematic suppression and extermination of political adversaries. Similarly, the so-called “right to work” translates into a compulsory obligation for individuals to labor, even under conditions akin to slave labor in concentration camps A Look at the Serbian Parliament.
Moreover, “freedom of science” implies adherence to Marxist-Leninist dogmas and strict compliance with directives issued by the Communist Party. The “right to education,” instead of promoting inclusivity, has resulted in the mass expulsion of non-Communist students from educational institutions. Only those students deemed “polit
Unveiling the Top Rafting Nations
Top Rafting Nations A Closer Look
Analyzing the results of the IRF World Championship over the past 5 years, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Russia consistently claim the top three positions. Following closely are Slovakia, Brazil, Italy, and the USA, securing spots in the top five Evolution of Rafting in Turkey. These findings suggest potential wide tourism markets for rafting. Notably, the most prominent rafting enthusiasts in Turkey are from Russia, Germany, and England.
Demographics of Rafting Enthusiasts
Inquiring about the ideal rafting spots in Turkey, experts highlight Karasu River in Erzincan, Mulkis River in Bahcesaray, Van, Firtina Stream in Camlihemsin Istanbul Tour Guides, Rize, Kelkit River in Kelki Valley, and Zap River in Hakkari. However, the looming threat of dam constructions on these rivers neces
The Threat to Yusufeli
Rafting Paradise in Peril
The Decline of Coruh River Rafting
Qoruh River, renowned for its rafting routes and attracting around 12,000 enthusiasts annually, faces an impending threat due to dam constructions. The district of Yusufeli, a top rafting center in Turkey, is at risk of submersion. Qoruh River, spanning 431 km (410 km within Turkish borders), stands as Turkey’s fastest flowing river and the 10th fastest globally Unveiling the Top Rafting Nations.
Dam Projects on Coruh River
The Ministry of Public Works and Settlement Program is undertaking extensive dam construction on Coruh, with 10 dams planned on the river and an additional 17 on its branches. While Muratli Dam and HEP are already completed and operational, Borcka and Deriner dams are currently under construction. The Council of State annulled the cabinet decree for the construction of Yusufeli Dam in 2005, but an appeal court̵
Princes’ Islands Tranquil Retreat near Constantinople
Moda Burnu, the protruding promontory nestled between two bays, is a favored residence for the British colony in Constantinople. Offering a breathtaking panorama of Stambul, the Sea of Marmara, and the Islands, it serves as a tranquil escape.
Discovering the Princes’ Islands
The Princes’ Islands, known as Kizil Adalar by the Turks, comprise nine isles, but only four are inhabited and accessible by steamers—Proti, Antigoni, Halki, and Prinkipo Chalcedon.
Situated approximately 12 miles south of Constantinople, in the Sea of Marmara, these islands were formerly called Bemonesi and Papadonesi by the Byzantines. Historically, they functioned as places of exile for deposed emperors and troublesome princes. The Turks bestowed the name Kizil Adalar, referencing the islands’ red soil.
Exploring the Inhabited Islands
Proti, the closest to Constantinople, once hosted the British fleet under Vice-Admiral Duckw
Evolution of Rafting in Turkey
From Coruh to the World
Accidental Splash into the Spotlight
In an effort to promote rafting, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism invited the foreign press for an organization. Unexpectedly, Minister Aksu’s boat tipped over, catching the media’s attention and inadvertently intensifying the promotion. The subsequent year saw ProjectRaft, an international institution promoting rafting, supported by the Ministry, organizing the 4th World Rafting Championship on Coruh. Rafters, initially trained on Coruh, later explored Kopruli Canyon in Antalya and Dalaman River in Mugla.
Rafting’s Expansion in Tourist Regions
Rafting’s popularity expanded among tourists visiting beach tourism regions. The kayaking races held in Ispir, Erzurum, have gained international attention The Threat to Yusufeli, evolving into the CoruhExtreme event. The 2nd edition in 2006, sponsored by Ispir Municipality and Ispir
Chalcedon
Ancient Heritage along the Bosporus
The bubbling spring surrounded by trees near the railway station marks the location of the ancient Hermagoras. Haidar Pasha Plain serves as the gathering point for troops heading to the front on the Asiatic side. This vast plain is a cherished spot for Moslems and Oriental Christians on St. George’s Day, following the Greek Calendar (corresponding to May 5th). On this day, people from neighboring suburbs converge to celebrate the arrival of spring with a picnic feast featuring roast lamb.
A Historic Meeting Ground
Kadi Keui, adjacent to Haidar Pasha, occupies the site of ancient Chalcedon and is a preferred residence for British and other European residents in Constantinople. Steamers regularly commute between Galata Bridge and Kadi Keui almost every half-hour, from sunrise to sunset.
Echoes of Chalcedon’s Past
Ancient Chalcedon, once a rival to Byzantium, dates back to 685 B.C. An oracle famously r
Maritime Landmarks Bosporus
Maritime Landmarks and Legends along the Bosporus
The prominent square yellow structure neighboring the cemetery, visible from the sea, is Selimieh Barracks. It stands on the grounds where Sultan Murad IV’s summer palace once existed. Sultan Selim III transformed it into a barracks for his Nizam jedid (New Regulars) in 1807. The Janissaries, in their rebellion against Selim III, set fire to the palace, leading to the construction of the current building under Sultan Mahmud II.
From Royal Retreat to Military Hub
Leander’s Tower, known as Khiz Kuleh (the Maiden’s Tower) in Turkish, is a square lighthouse perched on a submerged rock off Skutari Princes’ Islands Tranquil Retreat near Constantinople, serving as a prominent landmark in Constantinople’s waters. The name ‘Leander’s Tower’ originated from the Crusaders and has no association with the l
Seven Lakes
A Virtual Nature Museum
Discovering Nature’s Masterpiece
Amidst a dense forest that almost blocks out the sunlight, the Seven Lakes unfold across two plateaus 800 meters above sea level. A well-marked road guides you through the national park, revealing the beauty of each lake in just a couple of hours. As you seek these lakes, adorned with names reflecting their unique charm, nature accompanies you with blackberries, mushrooms, and the soothing rustle of leaves underfoot. Even after glimpsing the lakes, surprises continue, as if walking through a tree tunnel protecting against the chill winds.
A Journey Through History
The ruins at Koyyeri hint at a Byzantine settlement, adding a historical touch to the natural wonder. The region, sloping from north to south, boasts diverse elevations, with Egrikiris Tepesi hill at 488 meters as the highest point and Kirazcati at 465 meters as the lowest. Home to one of Anatolia’s enchanting mixed fores