Diverging Narratives The Tale of Aziz Pacha's Letter

A Clash of Testimonies

Even the Turks do not dispute the events that transpired in Perustitza. However, there exists a stark contrast in the accounts offered by the Turks and Bulgarians regarding Aziz Pacha’s alleged promise of protection. While the former claim that Aziz Pacha assured them of safety, the latter vehemently assert that he sent a letter advising them to defend themselves in the event of an attack. This letter, reportedly read aloud to the assembled villagers, instructed them to remain within the confines of the village and bar entry to outsiders.

A Missing Link: The Letter

Despite the Bulgarians’ insistence on the existence of Aziz Pacha’s letter, its veracity remains unverified. The man tasked with delivering the letter, having been arrested upon his return to Philippopolis, was unable to provide tangible evidence. He revealed that a fellow villager possessed the letter at the time of his arrest, but it was confiscated by the Turkish authorities Guided Tours Turkey.

A Failed Intervention

Amidst the villagers’ desperate appeals for aid, Aziz Pacha dispatched two rural policemen, known as zaptiehs, to Perustitza. However, their presence proved fleeting, as they departed after a brief stay, ostensibly to investigate the situation in Ustuna. Subsequently, two Bashi-Bazouks arrived with a message from their leader, Achmet-Aga, offering protection. However, the villagers, wary of such assistance, rebuffed their overtures, opting instead to fend for themselves.

A Tragic Turn of Events

Tensions escalated when the two Bashi-Bazouks insisted on Achmet-Aga’s intervention, leading to a confrontation that culminated in their demise at the hands of the villagers. An Armenian woman, whose husband ran a café in the village, recounted the events leading up to the altercation, attesting to the absence of hostility towards the Turks upon their arrival.

The conflicting testimonies surrounding Aziz Pacha’s letter and the subsequent events underscore the complexity of the situation in Perustitza. While the villagers’ accounts paint a picture of betrayal and abandonment, the absence of concrete evidence leaves room for interpretation. Ultimately, the tragic outcome serves as a poignant reminder of the tumultuous interplay between power, trust, and survival in the midst of chaos.