gamavor Posted August 1, 2001 Report Share Posted August 1, 2001 This is a small episode of the Russo-Turkish war in the Balkans that led to the Liberation of the occupied by the Turks Bulgarian lands.In the spring of 1877 the Russian forces, after successfully crossing the Balkan Mountains were advancing toward Philipopol (Plovdiv) and Tatar Pazardjik (Pazardjik).Turks were organizing their retreat since they were not able to stop the march of the Russian army. It was common Turkish tactic, whenever they were forced to abandon previously occupied positions they committed unspeakable atrocities against peaceful civilians. At that time, the person who was in charge with telegraphs in the Turkish army was a mobilized Armenian by name Hovhaness Sovajian. On the day when turkish asker was supposed to leave the city of Tatar Pazardjik a short telegram was received from the High Port ordering burning of the city and extermination of the civilians.Hovhaness Sovajian cleverly changed the content of the telegram saying : “DO NOT burn the city and DO NOT kill the civilians”. Turks had retreated without causing major damages to the city. Today if you go to Pazardjik, close to the railway station you will see a humble sculpture of a humble person who saved the town from destruction. “ IN MEMORIAM OF HOVHANESS SOVAJIAN, THE MAN WHO SAVED OUR TOWN FROM DESTRUCTION” Hai yes, inch lav e! [ August 01, 2001: Message edited by: gamavor ] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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