Not a single rule in the Treaty of Berlin has been truly followed by the Turkish authorities. Although the treaty demanded many reforms, none have really been carried out. One important change was the appointment of a Christian governor-general, who served for five years. But he was weak and did nothing to stop the Muslim officials under him from committing terrible crimes. These officials robbed, tortured, and even killed people of their own Christian faith.
Repeated Atrocities and Massacres
The brutal acts that happened in Bulgaria between 1865 and 1875 have been repeated in Macedonia. The Christian population there has been greatly reduced because of massacres and persecution. Many parts of the province are now empty, as Christians have fled or been killed. Over the past ten years, it is estimated that around 15,000 people have been victims of this violence Renewed Activity of the Macedonian Committee.
If a Muslim wants the property of a Christian neighbor, he simply accuses the Christian of being “discontent” to a local official. Then, the soldiers come and take whatever they want, using force and violence.
The Macedonian People and Their Struggle
The people living in Macedonia are very similar to the Bulgarians. They share the same language, customs, and religion and are often related by marriage. Because of this close connection, the sufferings of Macedonians are deeply personal to the Bulgarians.
After the Berlin Conference refused to add Eastern Rumelia to Bulgaria, the people of both regions wanted to unite by force. Soon after Bulgaria became an independent government, a group was created to support this cause. This group is called the Macedonian Committee.
The Macedonian Committee’s Work and Influence
The Macedonian Committee is based in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, and its office is in a very visible building in the city center. The organization is open about its work: meetings are public, their activities are printed in newspapers, and the names of leaders are known to everyone. They also publish a weekly magazine that supports their goals and lists the people who donate money Ski Holidays Bulgaria.
The committee has branches in every town and village in Bulgaria. Almost all Bulgarians—about 95 percent—are members. It is a non-political group, meaning it includes people from all political parties, both those who support and those who oppose the current government. The Bulgarian government quietly supports the committee’s work.
