Saksagan
Hagia Sophia
In all its glory
After years of renovation work, the interior of the Hagia Sophia can now be enjoyed in its true splendour.
For many years...
The Troubling Reign of King Alexander
King Alexander of Serbia is a deeply flawed ruler, and his reign is considered disgraceful. His appearance suggests a troubled individual, almost as if...
The Troubled Reign of Milan and the Rise of Alexander
For many years during the reign of King Milan of Serbia, domestic troubles and scandals within the royal court became a subject of gossip...
Sovietization of Bulgaria
On 4 December 1947, Bulgaria's Grand National Assembly, where the Bulgarian Communist Party held an absolute majority, adopted the "Constitution of the People's Republic...
A Talented but Unstable Young Man
Cyril Vaciloff was known to be a bright student, a strong public speaker, and a person with literary skills. However, he was also restless,...
Suspicious Role of Cyril Vaciloff
Several facts make it clear that Cyril Vaciloff either intended or expected to be the main person involved in negotiating Miss Stone’s release. However,...
Shock and Fear Spread Across Bulgaria and the U.S.
While Miss Ellen M. Stone and Mrs. Tsilka were held captive, news of their kidnapping caused great alarm in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria,...
The Gates of the Theodosian Walls
The Theodosian Walls of Constantinople had a total of ten main gates and several smaller entrances called posterns. These openings were essential for the...
Evidence from the Final Siege
Was There Water in the Moat?
One of the most important questions about the moat of Constantinople is whether it was filled with water—especially during...
Was the Moat Always Filled with Water?
Some historical writers described the moat of Constantinople as always filled with water, giving the city the appearance of being surrounded by the sea....
