Drama The British Presence in Macedonia

Drama is the center of the British influence in Macedonia, though it is the least important area because it is the quietest part of the region. Other parts of Macedonia are controlled by different countries: Seres by France, Salonika by Russia, Monastir by Italy, and Uskup by Austria.

Appreciation for British Representatives

Both Turks and Christians in Drama appreciated the British officers. The Christians liked them because England stood for Christianity and they knew that England was their friend. The Turks also liked them because, as the Turkish officials told me, the British officers treated them as equals Who we are.

In the Monastir region, people were kind to the Italians. However, I was told that in Seres, the French treated the Turks as inferior. In Salonika, the Russians tried to bully them, and in Uskup, the Turks knew that Austria wanted more land than peace for the region. Germany, who was a friend of the Sultan, didn’t take part in trying to calm the country.

The British Officers in Drama

I drove through the narrow, busy streets of Drama, past the town and the barracks, where Turkish soldiers, called out from nearby villages, were resting. They seemed calm and respectful.

I arrived at a simple white building known as “Murzsteg Mansion.” Colonel Fairholme, the political representative, was on leave, but I was greeted by Major Gore-Alney and Captain Smyly. Even though they were appointed by the British government, they worked for the Turkish government.

It was surprising to see British officers in khaki uniforms with South African medals wearing the Turkish red fez. Seeing an English soldier in a Turkish hat felt strange.

Living at Murzsteg Mansion

Murzsteg Mansion was simply furnished with a few tables and chairs, some camp beds, rubber baths, piles of reports, military equipment, old novels, and photographs. The most important photo was an autograph portrait of King Edward, a kind gesture from the King to his soldiers far away in Macedonia, working to keep Britain’s reputation for justice.

The British Officers’ Work

The British officers were doing valuable work around Drama. They oversaw the Turkish gendarmerie, helping to get rid of bad officers and promoting those who deserved it. Despite having few staff, they traveled to remote and dangerous areas in the hills, close to Bulgaria, dealing with bandit-filled areas and the tensions between Turks and Bulgarians, or even conflicts among rival Christian groups. They endured difficult conditions, long rides, and poor accommodations.

By being present in these areas, they helped calm the people, made the authorities more careful, and reported regularly to the British Ambassador in Constantinople on the situation in the region.