Who are the Dragomans?

In the past, dragomans were interpreters and intermediaries; their job flourished mainly in the Ottoman Empire.

They were highly educated people, spoke Turkish, Arabic and Persian, and other, mostly Western European languages. Applying their knowledge, they helped in conducting diplomatic negotiations, settling bargains, etc.

Interpreters were mostly Christians, as the Ottoman Turks usually refused to learn a foreign language. In spite of being Christians, however, they were much honored and had the right to wear colorful clothes, to ride a horse, etc.

Although considered a controversial figure, Prince Stefan Bogoridi has left his name in history as an interpreter in the Bulgarian-Ottoman fleet in the second quarter of XIX century.