Balkanlarda Bir Modernleşme Örneği: Rusçuk

Abstract

Ruse/Rustchuk developed rapidly after it fell under the domination of Turks in 1388 and as early as the 16th century became an active logistic, trade and military center of the region. The city rose especially during the governorate of Midhat Pasha and to prevent the idea of independent Bulgaria, a fair and prosperous administration was targeted. Therefore Ruse was the starting point of Ottoman modernization in the Balkans. Danube Vilayet was created from eyalets of Ruse, Vidin and Nis in 1864 and Ruse became the center of that vilayet. Mixed Turk-Bulgarian schools were introduced in the city, teaching materials for students and first official vilayet newspaper Tuna were published in both Turkish and Bulgarian with the opening of vilayet printing house. Civil Technical Schools called as 'Islahhanes' were opened and police stations were established to maintain the order and safety of the community. During that period when road and bridge construction advanced Ruse-Varna Railway line, construction of which was undertaken by an English company was inaugurated on 8th November, 1866. Wastelands were transformed into agricultural lands to gain more yields and farm machinery were brought into the city from Europe to develop agriculture