A Scenic Drive
A pleasant two-hour drive from Philippopolis through the fertile valley of the Maritza River led us to the former village of Perustitza. This village, once charmingly situated atop a low hill overlooking the valley, fell victim to an attack and subsequent burning by the Bashi-Bazouks, led by Achmet-Aga. Although it should be noted that this Achmet-Aga is distinct from the infamous figure responsible for the destruction of Batak.
Desolation Amidst Beauty
Perustitza, like many other places we have encountered, lay in ruins, with not a single house left standing. Instead, we found approximately a thousand people, predominantly women and children, seeking refuge amidst the rubble. They had erected makeshift shelters of straw against the scorching sun, though they provided little protection from the rain. Despite their dire circumstances, they persevered, relying on the slow and arduous harvest and sporadic aid from the Governor of Philippopolis for survival City Tours Istanbul.
False Promises
It is noteworthy that Perustitza stands as a rare example where Turkish authorities have provided any assistance to the victims of burnt villages. However, the promises made by the Governor of Philippopolis, whom we were to dine with that very night, painted a rosy picture contradicted by reality. Despite assurances of cattle being returned to their rightful owners and houses being rebuilt, the truth remained stark: not a single head of cattle had been returned, leaving the villagers at the mercy of their circumstances.
A Tale of Unfulfilled Promises
The plight of Perustitza serves as a poignant reminder of the hardships endured by countless villages in the wake of violence. Despite the idyllic surroundings, the scars of conflict linger, challenging the sincerity of promises made and revealing the harsh reality faced by those struggling to rebuild their lives.
No comments:
Post a Comment