Strandzha Commune

The Strandzha Commune or Strandzha Republic was a short-lived anarchist society in the Ottoman Empire in what is now Bulgaria in 1903 during The St Elijah's Day or Ilinden-Preobrazhenie Uprising.

Decision-Making

According to one historian righting on the subject:

"The question of state power was never raised, and no decrees were issued. The population of the liberated villages nominated and elected not mayors and presidents, but commissioners from among their own number. The commissions were to administer, not to rule. Never was there any talk of establishing any authorities, albeit new ones. It was only emphasized that the "commissions" would function under the control of the rebel forces. This was quite natural and also a matter of necessity, because decisive power was now in the hands of the people in arms, and its fate was in its own hands.

Economy

The economy of the Strandzha Commune was based almost entirely on agriculture. Land, livestock, salt and grain were made common to all people based on anarcho-communist principles. Most of the labor force was composed of women, who worked in the farms as men became guerilla fighters. This period saw a significant boost in the health of people as they were able to eat more.

Culture

The now free villagers held numerous feasts, dances and festivals to celebrate the commune.

Collapse

The commune was destroyed as it was stormed by thousands of Ottoman soldiers.