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The River Morava and Its Trade

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The River Morava and Its Trade

By the River Morava, many of the goods of Servia and part of Bulgaria are carried down into the Danube, from where they are spread to many other regions. This river serves as an important route for trade and transport. Along its current flow agricultural products, wine, timber, and other local goods. In the opposite direction, traveling up the river, merchants bring salt and other commodities from Hungary, Austria, and neighboring countries. In this way, the Morava connects distant lands and supports the livelihood of many people who live along its banks Ephesus Day Tour.

A Great Battle Near the Morava

Not far from this river took place a great defeat of the Turks, led by the famous commander John Hunyadi. With only ten thousand horsemen, he boldly attacked the Turkish camp by moonlight. The surprise was complete. In this daring assault, thirty thousand Turks were slain, and four thousand were taken prisoner. After this great victory, Hunyadi returned safely to his own camp.

At that time, he left Uladislaus and George Despot of Servia in command. This battle remains one of the most remarkable examples of courage and strategy in the history of the region, and it shows how even a smaller force, if well led, can overcome a much larger enemy.

Arrival at Kruševac

After passing through these historic lands, we finally arrived at Halli Jahisar, called Kruševac in the Bulgarian tongue. It is a considerable town, both in size and importance. There stands a handsome church, notable for its two fair towers, which can be seen from a distance. The church gives clear proof that Christianity once flourished strongly in this area.

Through Hills and Forests

From Kruševac, we traveled the whole day through hills and thick woods. The road was long and sometimes tiring, but the natural scenery was varied and pleasing. Forests covered much of the land, and the hills rose and fell gently as we continued our journey Journey to Baditzna and Changing Customs.

At the end of the day, we reached Prupci, which some believe to be the ancient Villa Procopiam, and which the Turks call Urchup. This place lies quietly among the hills and appears modest, yet welcoming to travelers.

Hospitality of a Ragusan Merchant

We stayed in Prupci until the next day, lodging at the house of a Ragusan merchant. There we were well entertained and kindly treated. The hospitality we received was warm and sincere, and it offered a pleasant rest after the hardships of the road.

The local priest, who belonged to the Roman Church, spoke Latin, which is not commonly heard in these parts. When he learned that I possessed Latin books, he asked about them with great interest. I presented him with a small volume entitled Manuductio ad Coelum. He accepted it gratefully and, in return, gave me a beautifully worked, colored handkerchief, along with several small items typical of the region.

A Local Physician and His Practice

The town also had a physician, who possessed some knowledge of medicinal herbs and simple remedies. His method of practice was both humble and practical. Each morning, he would go into the marketplace and openly invite anyone in need of medical help to come to him. In this way, he made his services known to all, especially to the poor, who might otherwise lack access to care.

This simple approach reflected the character of the place—modest, direct, and guided by necessity rather than display.

Journey to Baditzna and Changing Customs

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Journey to Baditzna and Changing Customs

From there we traveled onward to Baditzna, where I first noticed a clear change in the dress of the women. Their clothing appeared unusual to me and quite different from what I had seen before. The women wore a kind of raised head covering, almost like a small canopy placed upon the head. This headpiece, as well as the forehead, was decorated with many kinds of coins, gathered from whatever money they could obtain, especially from strangers.

To contribute to this curious custom, we left behind a few small coins among them. I have seen Greek women who dressed in a similar way, though often more richly. Their head coverings were not raised so high, but their foreheads were covered with gold ducats and pearls, which gave them a splendid appearance. These ornaments were not only decorations, but also a sign of wealth and family pride Arrival at Leskovac.

Passing Through Jagodina

After leaving Baditzna, we continued our journey to Jagodina, which is pleasantly situated in a fair and fertile country. The surrounding land was green and well watered, making it suitable for farming and settlement. From Jagodina, we set forward again, and after a few hours of travel, we turned southward.

Not long after this turn, we saw, on the right side of the road, upon the slope of a hill, the tomb of a Turkish saint. The tomb was about four yards long, with a square covered structure standing beside it. When we reached this place, our Chiaus dismounted from his horse and performed his devotions in prayer. After this brief pause, we resumed our journey.

Through Woods and Caravan Routes

We then traveled through thick and extensive woods, which were known to be dangerous because of wolves and thieves. These forests were dark and quiet, and travelers were advised to pass through them with caution. We came to Chiflick, where there was a caravanserai, or lodging place for travelers. However, this place was not always considered safe Private Guided Ephesus Tours.

Because of this, we refreshed ourselves instead at a large farmhouse not far away. It belonged to a rich wine merchant from Belgrade, and there we found food, rest, and a sense of security. This stop was welcome after the long and tiring road.

Night Journey to the River Morava

From this place, we traveled by night toward the famous River Morava, also called Moschius, the chief river of this country. The Morava rises in the mountains from two streams: one called the Morava of Bulgaria, and the other the Morava of Serbia. After joining together, the river flows onward and finally enters the Danube at Zenderin, or Singidunum, opposite the Rascian shore.

We crossed the Morava at a place where the river was wide, deep, and fast-flowing. This crossing caused us some fear, and our Chiaus prayed loudly in Turkish, while the couriers repeated the prayer “Ora pro nobis”. Their voices filled the night air as the horses struggled against the current.

Reflections on the River Crossing

After we had safely crossed, the others were not pleased with me, because I had been more silent than the rest, yet was the first to reach the opposite shore. This crossing reminded me of the swift River Varus, on the border between Provence and Italy, which I once crossed on horseback with two men beside me, struggling against the strong current.

Such river crossings show both the dangers of travel and the courage required of those who journey through distant lands.

State Control Over Agriculture and Labor

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State Control Over Agriculture and Labor

In 1950, the Central Committee of the Bulgarian Communist Party introduced a new system of compulsory state supplies. Under this system, farmers were forced to deliver a fixed amount of grain to the state. The amount was calculated according to the size of the land they farmed, not according to the actual harvest. This meant that even in years of poor yields, farmers still had to meet the same quotas. As a result, many peasants faced serious economic hardship.

This policy increased state control over agriculture and reduced the independence of farmers. It also created fear and dissatisfaction in rural areas. The compulsory supply system became one of the strongest tools used by the government to enforce collectivization Expansion of the Socialist Sector.

Labor Restrictions and Job Passports

In 1951, a new Labor Code came into force. This law further strengthened state control over workers. Job passports were introduced, and people were no longer free to change their place of work. Without official permission, leaving a job became illegal.

This system tied workers directly to their workplaces and limited personal freedom. The government justified these measures as necessary for planned economic development. In reality, they were used to secure a stable labor force for factories, mines, and construction projects.

Soviet-Bulgarian Economic Cooperation

The First Five-Year Plan also marked the peak of economic cooperation between Bulgaria and the Soviet Union. Several joint Soviet-Bulgarian enterprises were created. These included aeronautic transport companies such as TABSO, construction enterprises like SovBolStroi, and mining operations Guided Tours Istanbul.

Many former German-owned enterprises in Bulgaria were transferred to joint Soviet-Bulgarian control. This transfer followed the decisions of the Potsdam Conference after World War II. Through these arrangements, the Soviet Union gained strong influence over key sectors of the Bulgarian economy.

In addition, a special agreement was signed with Romania. This agreement ensured the continued supply of electric energy for the industrial region of Russe and parts of Dobrudja in northeastern Bulgaria. Energy cooperation was essential for the rapid growth of heavy industry.

Goals of the Second Five-Year Plan

The Second Five-Year Plan covered the period from 1953 to 1957. Its goals were largely the same as those of the First Five-Year Plan. The government aimed to continue rapid industrialization, with a strong preference for heavy industry. At the same time, it sought to intensify the collectivization of agriculture.

Capital investment during the Second Five-Year Plan increased significantly compared to the First Plan. Total investments doubled from 12 billion leva to 24 billion leva. This sharp rise shows the regime’s determination to reshape the economy.

Distribution of Capital Investments

A comparison of capital investments during the first two Five-Year Plans clearly shows the priorities of Bolshevik economic policy.

Industry received the largest share of investments. During the First Plan, industry received 5.9 billion leva. In the Second Plan, this amount rose to 13 billion leva. Agriculture received much less support, increasing from 1.2 billion leva to 3.2 billion leva.

Transport and communications investments rose from 2.1 billion leva to 3.1 billion leva. Other sectors, including housing and social services, increased from 2.8 billion leva to 4.7 billion leva.

Preference for Heavy Industry

Within industry, heavy industry was clearly favored over light industry. This preference grew steadily over time. In 1939, heavy industry accounted for only 29% of industrial investment. By 1948, it reached 35%. In 1952, the share increased to 39.1%, and by 1955 it reached 45.2%.

At the same time, investment in light industry declined. It fell from 71% in 1939 to 54.8% in 1955. This shift shows how the regime focused on building an industrial base, often at the expense of consumer goods and living standards.

These policies shaped Bulgaria’s economic structure for many years and left long-lasting social and economic consequences.

Expansion of the Socialist Sector

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Expansion of the Socialist Sector

During this period, the Communist regime changed the balance between the Socialist sector and the private sector in Bulgaria. The Socialist sector included state-owned and co-operative property, while the private sector consisted of individually owned farms, businesses, and enterprises. This transformation was one of the main goals of the new political system.

Before World War II, in 1939, the entire economy was almost completely private. There was no real Socialist sector at that time. After the Communist takeover, this situation changed very quickly. By 1948, the Socialist sector already accounted for 44.5% of the economy. The private sector still existed, but its share was reduced to 55.5%. By 1952, the transformation was almost complete. The Socialist sector controlled 87% of the economy, while the private sector was reduced to only 13%.

These figures clearly show how fast and forcefully private ownership was replaced by state and co-operative ownership Customized Tours Istanbul.

The First Five-Year Plan and Economic Control

During the First Five-Year Plan, the Socialist sector expanded into all key areas of the economy. It controlled all transport, all credit and banking activities, and all foreign and domestic trade. More than half of the rural economy was also brought under Socialist control.

One of the most important changes was the shift in industrial production. The government focused strongly on heavy industry, such as metal production, machinery, and energy. Light industry, which produced consumer goods, received less attention.

By 1952, the share of heavy industry production reached 46.7%, while light industry accounted for 53.3%. This marked a major change from the pre-war period, when light industry and agriculture were dominant.

Growth of the Industrial Workforce

At the same time, the proletarization of the population increased rapidly. Many people left agriculture and moved into factories, mines, and construction sites. In 1948, the number of workers and employees was about 330,000. By 1952, this number had grown to around 970,000.

This sharp increase was the result of forced industrialization and state-directed labor policies. People were encouraged, and often pressured, to become industrial workers. This process deeply changed Bulgarian society and daily life Bulgaria’s Economy Before World War II.

Collectivization of Agriculture

In 1950, the government adopted the “Model Statute of the Collective Farms,” known as TKZS. This statute was based almost entirely on the Soviet kolkhoz system, with only small local changes. It became the legal foundation for land collectivization in Bulgaria.

Under the First Five-Year Plan, collectivization advanced quickly. The growth of collective farms can be seen in the following data:

1944: 28 collective farms

1946: 480 collective farms, 3.7% of farmers, 3.5% of arable land

1948: 1,110 collective farms, 11.2% of farmers, 6% of arable land

1952: 2,747 collective farms, 52.3% of farmers, 60.5% of arable land

These numbers show how fast agriculture was transformed.

Peak of Forced Collectivization

The forced collectivization of arable land reached its peak in 1950. In that single year, the number of collective farms increased by about 1,000 compared to 1949. Resistance from peasants was strong, but it was suppressed by the state.

During this period, the government also created 100 DZS (state farms) and 140 MTS (machine and tractor stations). These institutions helped the state control agricultural production.

By the end of the First Five-Year Plan, about 60% of all arable land and 50% of all farms had been turned into co-operatives. This marked the near completion of the collectivization process and the full dominance of the Socialist economic system in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria’s Economy Before World War II

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Bulgaria’s Economy Before World War II

State-sponsored economic measures helped revive some parts of the Bulgarian economy during the 1930s. However, this recovery did not last long. In 1937, a new global economic crisis began and affected many European countries, including Bulgaria. During this difficult time, Bulgaria changed its foreign policy direction and moved closer to Germany.

Germany was a highly industrialized country and needed agricultural products to support its population and industry. Bulgaria, on the other hand, was mainly an agricultural country. It needed reliable markets to sell its farm products and also needed machines, equipment, and industrial goods. Because of these mutual needs, economic cooperation between Bulgaria and Germany grew rapidly State Control Over Agriculture and Labor.

This relationship became even stronger due to Bulgaria’s foreign policy, which favored cooperation with Germany and Italy. As a result, trade with Germany increased sharply in just a few years.

Growing Trade Dependence on Germany

The share of Bulgaria’s exports and imports connected to Germany rose steadily before World War II. The figures below show how strong this dependence became Istanbul Private Tours:

Export and Import with Germany (Percent of Total Trade)

1936: Export 48%, Import 61%

1939: Export 67%, Import 65%

By the start of World War II, Bulgaria was already economically dependent on Germany. This dependence continued to grow during the war years. In 1941, Germany accounted for 72.5% of Bulgaria’s total imports and 70.2% of its total exports.

This situation remained unchanged until 1944. At that time, the Soviet army crossed Bulgaria’s northern border, marking a major political and economic turning point for the country.

Political Change After 1944

The events after 1944 developed very quickly and dramatically. Bulgaria was occupied by the Soviet army, and a Communist government was imposed with Soviet support. This marked the beginning of the process known as the bolshevization of Bulgaria.

A new economic system based on the Soviet model was introduced. In 1947, the government launched the “Two-Year Preparatory Plan” for 1947–1948. During this period, two important trade agreements were signed with the Soviet Union.

By the end of 1947, major changes had taken place. Banks, mines, and most industries were nationalized. All private banks were forced to merge into a single institution, the Bulgarian National Bank. Private ownership in key sectors was almost completely eliminated.

Soviet-Style Industrial Organization

The organization of industry followed the Soviet model. Economic activities were divided into government-controlled sectors. At first, 20 large industrial “complexes” were created. These complexes grouped different enterprises under strict state control.

Artisans and small craftsmen were also affected. They were forced to join “Producers’ Co-operatives of Craftsmen.” The growth of these cooperatives was rapid:

Producers’ Co-operatives of Craftsmen

1944: 3,282 members in 86 cooperatives

1947: 27,442 members in 713 cooperatives

1948: 44,000 members in 1,037 cooperatives

The First Five-Year Plan and Its Effects

The First Five-Year Plan covered the years 1949 to 1952. Officially, it was completed in only four years. However, it was carried out with violence, fear, and a widespread system of labor and concentration camps. Peasant revolts against forced collectivization were brutally suppressed.

The main goal of the Communist regime was to change Bulgaria from an agricultural country into an industrial one. According to official data, the balance between industry and rural economy changed significantly:

Economic Structure Changes

1939: Industry 27.1%, Rural Economy 72.9%

1948: Industry 39.4%, Rural Economy 60.6%

1952: Industry 55.9%, Rural Economy 44.1%

These changes reshaped Bulgaria’s economy and society for decades to come.

Greek Shepherds Currant Country and the Canal of Corinth

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Greek Shepherds Currant Country and the Canal of Corinth

The Myth of the “Beautiful Greek Shepherd”

Writers of old romances often used the phrase “as beautiful as a Greek shepherd.” Yet, anyone traveling through the countryside of modern Greece might doubt whether such shepherds ever existed outside the imagination. The men who tend the flocks today are usually rough-looking, with blank expressions, unkempt beards, and clothing that seems never to have been washed.

The contrast with ancient Greece is striking. From the ruins and statues unearthed, we know that the Greeks of old possessed a deep love of beauty, art, and architecture. But the ordinary working-class Greek of today often lives in homes that appear comfortless, unclean, and gloomy, with little evidence of refinement. Observers sometimes suggest that while the modern Greek’s surroundings may lack beauty, his mind is still sharp, recalling the intellect and spirit of his ancestors from twenty centuries ago The Traditional Greek Costume and Rural Life.

Life in the Currant Country

Traveling through the railway towns of the “currant country,” one sees that nature remains lovely, but the villages themselves often show poverty and neglect. Around the stations, groups of men linger, apparently indifferent to their condition. They do not inspire admiration, though one cannot deny that they are excellent talkers. Nearly all of them carry a string of beads in their hands.

These beads are not rosaries for prayer but rather tools to keep their fingers busy during conversation. They are twisted, clicked, or rolled while speaking. Even members of parliament are known to use them when giving speeches. Locals claim that the simple act of fingering the beads sharpens the mind and makes the tongue more fluent. Whether this is true or not, it is a curious habit unique to Greek society. One wonders what Demosthenes, the great ancient orator, would have thought of such an aid to eloquence.

The Rebirth of Corinth

Modern Corinth stands at the head of the Gulf of Corinth. The present town, with about four thousand inhabitants, was founded only forty years ago, after an earthquake destroyed the last remaining houses of the old city. Despite this, Corinth has regained some prosperity in recent years thanks to the completion of the Corinth Canal.

This great engineering work cuts through the clay ridge that separates the Gulf of Corinth from the Saronic Gulf, reducing sea voyages by more than two hundred miles. The idea of building such a canal was not new. It was first imagined by the ancients and later attempted by Caesar, Hadrian, and even Nero. In fact, traces of Nero’s unfinished excavation can still be seen today Tours Bulgaria.

The modern canal, however, was constructed by a French company and completed in 1893. It is three and a half miles long and about one hundred feet wide, large enough to accommodate vessels drawing up to twenty-six feet of water. Built without locks or sluices, the canal sits at sea level, with breakwaters to protect the entrances.

A Land of Contrasts

Thus, the journey through this part of Greece offers contrasts at every turn. On one hand, there is the simplicity—and sometimes hardship—of rural life, with shepherds and farmers who seem far from the glory of their ancestors. On the other hand, there are feats of modern engineering, such as the Corinth Canal, that connect Greece once more to the legacy of ambition and vision that defined its ancient world.

The Traditional Greek Costume and Rural Life

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The Traditional Greek Costume and Rural Life

The “Well-Greaved Greek”

The traditional Greek costume, often called the dress of the “well-greaved Greek,” is considered one of the most picturesque national outfits in Europe. Its bright colors, flowing fabric, and unique design set it apart from other European clothing styles. No other costume can truly compare with it in terms of beauty and distinctiveness.

However, like many traditional garments, it is slowly disappearing. In modern Greek cities, very few people wear it anymore. The upper classes sometimes dress their servants in this costume, which has unfortunately made it unpopular among mechanics and working-class men. Many fear that if they wear it, they might be mistaken for household servants, and so they prefer more modern clothing Visit Bulgaria.

Where the Costume Still Survives

In the countryside and small towns, the traditional outfit is still much more common. At railway stations in rural areas, one can see many men wearing it proudly. Farmers, shepherds, and villagers still dress in this way, particularly in areas far from large cities. Men working in the fields or tending animals are often seen in native dress, which adds color and charm to the Greek landscape.

The outfit itself is beautiful, but its effect would be even more striking if the wearers paid more attention to neatness and cleanliness. Travelers often notice that the garments are not always well cared for, which can lessen the costume’s elegance.

First Impressions of the Modern Greek Peasant

To foreign visitors, the first impression of the modern Greek peasant is not always favorable. Their clothing often appears dirty, their homes are simple and untidy, and their personal habits do not always inspire admiration or confidence. Observers also note that women seem to carry the heavier share of the daily workload in many rural areas.

The Role of Women in Rural Labor

As trains pass through the countryside, travelers frequently see women working hard in the fields. Women hoe the soil, carry heavy bundles, and manage much of the farming work. Along the highways, groups of women can be seen balancing heavy loads on their heads or struggling down mountain paths with large bundles of firewood on their backs Olive Oil Irrigation and Traditional Greek Life.

In contrast, the men are usually seen performing lighter tasks. They tend to drive carts, guard sheep and goats, or look after pigs, while leaving the harder physical labor to their wives and daughters. Though these tasks are important, it often appears that the women are carrying the greater share of the burden of daily life.

A Blend of Tradition and Hardship

The sight of men in their traditional costumes and women working tirelessly in the fields paints a complex picture of Greek rural life. On the one hand, the national dress remains a powerful symbol of identity and pride, admired for its beauty and uniqueness. On the other hand, the everyday struggles of rural families—especially the heavy responsibilities borne by women—reveal the hardships of agricultural life.

Even as Greece modernizes, these images remind us of the strength and endurance of its people, as well as the challenges faced in balancing tradition with daily survival.

Olive Oil Irrigation and Traditional Greek Life

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Olive Oil Irrigation and Traditional Greek Life

The Wealth of Olive Oil

Olive oil is one of Greece’s greatest sources of wealth. The silver-green leaves of olive trees are among the most beautiful features of the Greek landscape. These trees are remarkable not only for their beauty but also for their longevity. Many olive trees can live for centuries, and some legends even suggest that certain groves still standing today may have borne fruit in the days of Socrates and Demosthenes. Near Eleusis, there are trees that locals claim may be as old as 2,800 years.

The trunks of these ancient trees are huge, often hollowed out by age and decay, yet still alive because new bark continues to grow around the damaged areas. Most of the olives harvested in Greece are consumed within the country, but a large amount of olive oil is also exported, especially to France, where it is highly valued Greek Shepherds Currant Country and the Canal of Corinth.

Irrigation and Farming Methods

Because rain in Greece is often irregular and scarce, irrigation is essential for farming. Every farmer must maintain a simple but effective irrigation system of his own. Traditionally, water is drawn up from wells by blindfolded mules, horses, or oxen. The water then flows into cement reservoirs built at an elevated level, allowing gravity to distribute it naturally to the fields.

Interestingly, windmills—so common in other Mediterranean countries—are not commonly used in Greece for irrigation. Instead, farmers rely on these more traditional and animal-powered methods. This system, though basic, has sustained Greek agriculture for generations.

A Colorful Scene at the Railway Stations

Travelers arriving at Greek railway stations often encounter lively crowds, many dressed in traditional costumes. These outfits are striking and unique, combining elegance with practicality. The men’s attire is especially eye-catching, resembling a cross between a ballet dancer’s costume and the outfit of a Highland chieftain.

The kilt, made of white cotton and pleated like an accordion, is worn over woolen tights with black garters tied just below the knees. The footwear is also distinctive: slippers or shoes without heels, curling upward at the toe like an old-fashioned skate, decorated with large silk or cotton pompons at the tip Tour Packages Bulgaria.

Details of Traditional Dress

The jacket, sleeveless and open in front, is richly embroidered with gold or silver braid. The shirt beneath has wide, flowing sleeves and a finely plaited front. Around the neck is a stiff collar, also decorated with gold embroidery or braid. The waist is secured with either a leather belt or a sash.

Greek men in full dress often carried weapons as part of their attire. A gentleman might wear a pistol and two or three daggers tucked into his belt in an accessible way. Peasants, too, commonly wore a leather belt with a sheathed dagger or a pouch at the front, where the handles of a knife and revolver often protruded.

One of the most recognizable parts of the outfit is the red Phrygian cap, which has a long tassel that hangs gracefully over the shoulder. This cap, both practical and decorative, has remained a symbol of Greek identity.

Tradition and Continuity

From the wealth of ancient olive groves to the sight of farmers irrigating their fields with age-old methods, and from the bustling railway stations to the proudly worn traditional dress, Greece shows a fascinating blend of past and present. Olive oil, farming traditions, and national costumes all reflect the enduring culture of a people deeply connected to their land and history.

Sunday Market in Belgrade

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Sunday Market in Belgrade

On Sunday mornings, everyone in Belgrade seems to go to the market. The display of fresh food is both large and interesting. There are long rows of stalls filled with fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, and other local products.

One side of the main square is occupied by Serbian sellers—local butchers, small traders, and people offering handmade goods and everyday items. On the opposite side, vendors from Hungary display their products. These sellers come from across the River Sava and must pay customs duty to bring their goods into Serbia A Royal Sunday in Belgrade.

Hungarian Goods More Popular with the Wealthy

The difference between the Serbian and Hungarian sides of the market is quite noticeable. The Hungarian vendors not only looked more polished—many wore their traditional national costumes—but their goods also appeared more appealing.

Their butter and cheese were arranged more neatly and looked more appetizing. The vegetables they sold were fresher and larger than those from local farms. Even the cuts of meat seemed of better quality. Because of this, we were not surprised to learn that wealthier people in Belgrade preferred to buy from the Hungarian side of the market, even if it meant paying a little extra Guided Ephesus Tour.

Meanwhile, the working-class and poorer citizens typically shopped on the Serbian side, where prices were lower, though the quality was often not as high.

Fruits, Especially Plums, Are Abundant

The fruits available in the market were particularly impressive—especially the grapes and plums. Plums are the most important fruit crop in Serbia. In fact, Serbia is one of the world’s largest producers of prunes (dried plums), many of which are exported abroad.

In 1901 alone, Serbia exported over 40,000 tons of dried prunes. Another 30,000 to 40,000 tons of plums were used for making slivovitz, a strong plum brandy that is widely consumed in the Balkans.

Farming The Heart of the Serbian Economy

Serbia is primarily an agricultural country. Out of a total population of about 2.3 million people, 87 percent work in farming. There are nearly 300,000 farms across the country, most of them small—between 20 to 30 acres in size.

Over 300,000 acres of land are dedicated just to growing plum trees. Other major crops include wheat, corn, and grass. In addition to crops, animal farming is also important.

Pigs, in particular, are a key product. After a war with Bulgaria some years earlier (in which Serbia was defeated), there was even a proposal to pay war reparations not in money, but in pigs—about one and a half million of them!

Livestock and Wool Production

Serbia also has many sheep, and as a result, the wool industry is quite active. Cattle are also raised in large numbers, and the ranges across the countryside are well stocked. Together, crops and livestock form the foundation of Serbia’s economy at the start of the 20th century.

A Royal Sunday in Belgrade

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A Royal Sunday in Belgrade

On Sunday morning, the King of Serbia gave an official audience to the Skupshtina, which is the name for the Serbian parliament. It was one of the most important events of the year and full of pomp and ceremony.

The occasion brought together many groups of high-ranking people. The bishops and other clergy wore splendid embroidered robes that were even more striking than the bright military uniforms of the generals, which included shades of blue, scarlet, and green with shining gold braid. Their presence added a powerful religious touch to the scene Day Tours Ephesus.

Diplomats and Military Pageantry

Members of the diplomatic corps also attended, wearing formal court dress. The Turkish minister and his staff led the group, followed by the Austrian and Russian representatives, both dressed in elegant clothing and heavily decorated with medals and honors. They attracted special attention from the crowd because many believed that Austria and Russia were secretly competing for influence and control over Serbia’s future.

The members of the Skupshtina themselves were dressed in formal black evening suits. They wore shirts with embroidered fronts, white bow ties, and white gloves, adding to the grandeur of the event.

A military band stood near the palace, playing cheerful music during the ceremony. Meanwhile, a battalion of the king’s personal bodyguard stood in two long rows outside the palace entrance. Everyone who entered had to pass between them. Their uniforms resembled those of the Austrian Hussars and were very colorful and eye-catching A Strange Carriage and a Police Stop.

I watched these young soldiers closely. Some looked like mere boys, but all of them had alert and serious expressions. I could tell they understood how important their duty was—after all, the king’s life depended on their loyalty.

The Royal Palace Old and New

The royal palace, located in the heart of Belgrade, is divided into two separate buildings. The first one looks like a French-style country home or château. It is two stories tall and designed with taste and comfort in mind. The ground floor includes the drawing room, dining room, and reception halls. The upper floor contains the king’s and queen’s private living quarters. It’s not too large and would make a perfect home for a wealthy and cultured gentleman.

The second building, called the New Konak, stands about forty or fifty feet away from the first. This structure is more elaborate and rises right up against the street without any garden or open space. It was built by King Milan—often referred to as “the gambler king”—for entertaining guests.

The New Konak is painted yellow like many other government and commercial buildings in Belgrade. It is made of stuccoed brick with detailed moldings and is four stories tall. Inside, it features a series of grand rooms filled with tapestries, gold decorations, and furniture as luxurious as those found in palaces in Berlin or Vienna. A French architect designed it, and the cost of the interior alone was extremely high, especially considering Serbia’s limited national wealth.

Security and Suspicion

The palace was heavily guarded, with soldiers posted all around. This could be seen either as a sign of fear and insecurity or simply as a wise precaution. Whether the king was overly cautious or not, the extra security made sense, given the political tensions of the time.

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