We offer you a fascinating tour of Bulgaria
Bulgaria occupies the northern part of the Balkan Peninsula bordered by the Danube and the Black Sea, representing a border between Western and Eastern cultures. It has a surface area of 110,912 km², with an average altitude of 470 m. The Danube is the natural frontier with Romania in the North, Turkey is found in the South-East, Greece in the South and Macedonia and Serbia in the West. In the East, its access to the Black Sea is assured by a coastline of 378 km.
The climate is temperate continental, mild and suitable for travel in any season. Winter offers exceptional snow. January is the coldest month of the year with an average temperature of 0 °. The average annual temperature is 10.5 °. Summers are hot, with an average of 30 °. In the east, the influence of the Black Sea makes the climate warmer in summer and autumn long and mild. Farther west, the summers are hotter and winters are harsher , while fall and spring are short. Bulgaria is also the same latitude as Marseilles, Toulouse and Rome. To check the weather forecast - click HERE.
The Balkan Mountains (or also Stara Planina) are an extension of the Carpathians and cuts the country in two. They pass through the center of Bulgaria, from the Serbian border to the coast of the Black Sea. The culmination of this mountain, Botev Peak, dominates the Rose Valley at an altitude of 2376 m. The south is occupied by a mountain range composed of three mountain ranges, the Rila, dominated by the peak Moussala at 2925 m, Pirin with its peak Vihren at 2914 m. and Rhodope - larger and more hilly (the main summit - the Grand Perelik to 2191 m.) It forms the natural border between Bulgaria and Greece. The population and economic activities are concentrated in the plains. North of Stara Planina, the Danube Plain is the granary of Bulgaria, while in the South, the Plain of Thrace has other agricultural specialties ,not forgetting the famous Valley of Roses, which provides three quarters of the world's production of rose oil. The mountains hide one of the country's largest resources - the water. There are 1600 sources of drinking water, more than 500 rivers, 336 lakes shape the landscape of the country. Finally, it is worth mentioning the 4,300 caves, of which 2000 are still unexplored. The government wants to protect the nature, and has created a large number of parks which are listed as natural heritage sites by UNESCO. The country's flagship species, the brown bear, lives quietly in the mountains to the delight of nature lovers.
The capital of Bulgaria since 1879 is Sofia(or the city of wisdom), a city which bears the imprint of at least two thousand years of history: remains of Roman and medieval ruins stand alongside mosques, buildings of Austro-Hungarian style rise next to monumental buildings from the communist era. In 1879 the population of Sofia was 12,000 inhabitants, while today, it is over 1.2 million.
Plovdiv (339,000 inhabitants), Varna (313,000 inhabitants), Burgas (192,000 inhabitants), Rousse (161,000 inhabitants), Stara Zagora (143,000 inhabitants), Pleven (121,000 inhabitants), Sliven (100,000 inhabitants), Dobrich (100,000 inhabitants).
The country is composed of 9 provinces: Burgas, Grand Sofia, Haskovo, Lovetch, Montana, Plovdiv, Razgrad, the city of Sofia and Varna, which form 28 administrative regions, each managed by a governor and a regional administrator. It is further divided into 262 municipalities, run by a mayor and a municipal council, elected by the population and provided with a budget adopted by the municipal council.
The population of Bulgaria is 7.8 million inhabitants, in constant decline since 1992 linked to emigration and a negative growth rate (-5.5% in 2001). The average life expectancy is 71 years. The population density is 75 inhabitants / km2. The principally urban population (69%) is composed of 85.8% Bulgarians, 9.7% Turks, and 3.4% Gypsies. The active population represents 3,643,213 people, a 2% decrease from 1989.
The religion Orthodox Christian is considered the traditional religion in Bulgaria and the most represented, practiced by the quasi-totality of Bulgarians (86%). The 9.7% Turkish Muslims gather in the mosques. The third ethnic group of the population of Bulgaria is composed of Gypsies, whom we call Roma, which means ‘man’ or ‘person.’ Their population in the world is estimated at 10 million, the majority of which are found in the Balkans. In Bulgaria it is difficult to define their religious affiliation. Some are Orthodox Christians, others Muslims. Jews and the Catholics are a minority; there is only one synagogue in Bulgaria (in Sofia) and a single Catholic church (St. Paul in Roussé).
The official language is Bulgarian. The Cyrillic alphabet is used, named after its creator, a Bulgarian monk of the 9th century (Saint Cyril and his brother Saint Methodius). Russian continues to be the second language of the country, even if it lost its importance after the end of the Eastern Bloc. Turkish is still used in our days by the Muslim population in Bulgaria. English is slowly becoming the second or third language for young Bulgarians. Hotel, restaurant and tourist office personnel usually have a good mastery of English as well. German is probably the second language in the tourist zones. Bulgarians of a certain age speak French reasonably well, in particular the inhabitants of large cities where French high schools are present.
The national currency is the Lev, tied to the Euro at a fixed rate of 0.51€ per Lev. The Bulgarian bank cards are up to date, foreign cards are accepted by money distributors and certain hotels or stores. It is, however, the use of cash that remains the most common practice. Checks are inexistent in Bulgaria, only traveller’s checks can be cashed.
The time difference in Bulgaria is an hour more than continental Europe and two hours more than Great Britain (GMT+2). The time changes in summer and winter take place at the same time as in the rest of the European Union.
Bulgaria is a republic endowed with a unicameral parliament. The legislative power is in the hand of the National Assembly, which counts 240 seats into which the members are elected by direct suffrage by proportional representation for a period of 4 years. The assembly elects a counsellor of the ministers who is advised by the Prime Minister. This council helps the president, who in his role of Chief of State, exercises the executive supreme power and is equally elected by direct suffrage for a mandate of 5 years. The judiciary power is represented by the Supreme Court, of which the president is named for a mandate of 7 years by the President of the Republic and by the Constitutional Council composed of 12 judges named and elected for a term of 9 years.
2000 BC - Occupation of the Bulgarian territory by the Thracians, people with Indo-European origins. Hunters and animal breeders, the Thracians created a rich civilisation of which is testified by treasures and tumulus. They have an important influence on the Greek culture, to which they bring the cult of Dionysus and the myth of Orpheus. The Thracians are the most numerous people after the Indians during this era.
4th century BC - Establishment of Greek trading posts on the coast of the Black Sea at Messemvria (Nessebar), Heliopolis (Obzor), Odessos (Varna), Anhialo (Pomorié), Appolonia (Sozopol)…
45 BC - The region is subdued by the Romans after decades of struggle. Under the reign of Claudius, the Roman provinces of Thrace and Moesia are formed.
395 - Thrace and Moesia are reattached to the Oriental Roman Empire to which they produce two emperors: Marcian (450-457) and above all Justinian the Great (527-565).
5th century AD - the beginning of the century is marked by the Slavic invasion. During the second half the Bulgarians appear (named also Proto-Bulgarians to distinguish them from the actual population which is a mix of the Thracians, Slaves and of course Proto-Bulgarians). According to historians, the Proto-Bulgarians were a part of the Sarmates tribe, formidable riders governed by the Khans and an aristocracy of boyars.
632 – 651 – The Great Bulgaria, created by the Khan Kouber, is constituted by the association of all the tribes that lived between the Black Sea, the Azov Sea, and the Caspian Sea. The basis of the state is put in place with a strictly defined territory, a proper administration, uniform laws (probably based on the laws usually observed by the Bulgarian tribes) and its proper foreign politics. On the death of Khan Kouber, the unity of the Empire is not conserved; the populations disperse and the 4th migration starts which gives birth to the actual Bulgaria.
681 – Creation of the Bulgarian state by Khan Asparukh, son of Khan Koubrat which extends above the Danube.
700 - 720 – Reign of Khan Tervel. His great military strategy saves Byzantium from the Arab invasion which earns him the title of Caesar.
863 - Creation of the Glagolitic alphabet by Cyril and Methodius, which is adopted in Bulgaria and gives birth to the Cyrillic alphabet, named for its creator.
865 - The Bulgarian people convert to Christianity under the reign of Boris I who takes the title of Tsar which signifies emperor.
893 - 927 - Golden Age of the Bulgarian culture under the reign of Simeon I the Great. Simeon installs the capital in Veliki Preslav which becomes a prestigious artistic and intellectual centre. The “Grand Bulgaria” encompasses Serbia, Albania, Macedonia, a part of Romania, almost totality of Greece and the European territories of Turkey. Bulgaria is the largest kingdom in Europe and is rivals with Byzantium, which it besieges several times.
1018 - Bulgaria becomes a province of the Byzantine Empire after years of harsh combat.
1186 - Ivan Assen and Peter, boyars of Turnovo, restore the independence of Bulgaria and found the Assen Dynasty followed by the second Bulgarian Empire.
1197 - 1207 - Reign of Tsar Kaloyan. His capital, installed in Turnovo, is nicknamed “the Second Constantinople.”
1218 - 1241 - Reign of Ivan Assen II. The Bulgarian territory includes Thrace, Macedonia, and Albania and extends from the Black Sea, the Aegean Sea and the Adriatic.
1280 - The end of the Assen Dynasty entail a new territorial dislocation: the country is split into two kingdoms which have for capitals Veliko Turnovo and Vidin. In spite of the Turkish menace, the Bulgarian Empire remains divided, while the Boyars prune away at important domains.
1396 - After Veliko Turnovo, Vidin falls into the hands of the Turks leading to the collapse of the Christian states of the East.
Bulgaria disappears as a state and becomes the Turkish province Rumelia. Though it conserves its language and religion, it is submitted by its new masters to a heavy taxation and its children are requisitioned and enrolled in the Ottoman military corps. The Bulgarian culture finds refuge in the monasteries to wait for better days.
1595 - Insurrection of Turnovo. Its failure opens a period of increased repression, accompanied by a politic of forced conversion: We see the origin of the Pomaks, the Islamist Bulgarians.
1688 - The Bulgarians rise up once again against the Ottomans. The failure of this new insurrection drives them to pass their hopes of liberation to the Russians.
1850 – 1870 - The national conscience wakes up, notably thanks to the writings of the monk Paissii and the monasteries which serve as a refuge for revolutionaries. Vassil Levski organises a network of clandestine committees to fight for liberation.
April 1876 - April Uprising broke out and was crushed with a blood bath (30,000 Bulgarians were massacred) attracts the indignation of Europe.
1877 - 1878 - The Tzar Alexander II of Russia declares war on the Turks. The Bulgarian volunteers join their Russian and Romanian friends. After harsh combat, the Russian victory leads to the liberation of the Bulgarians.
3 March 1878 - Treaty of San-Stefano: Bulgaria finds itself with the frontiers of the 14th century, covering the largest part of Macedonia. However, under the pressure of the large European powers during the Congress of Berlin of July 13, 1878, Bulgaria is divided into 3 parts (the Principality of Bulgaria; the Eastern Rumelia, and Macedonia and Thrace of Adrianople) to avoid the creation of a too powerful state in the Balkans.
1885 - Alexander I, the head of the Bulgarian Principality, annexes the Eastern Rumelia.
1908 - The prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg Gotha, grandson of Louis-Philippe, profits from the annexation of Bosnia by Austrio-Hungary to take the title of Tsar of the Bulgarians and the name of Ferdinand I. Bulgaria becomes an independent state.
October 1912 - Mai 1913 - First Balkan War. The Turks, crushed, sign the Treaty of London which takes from them all the territories situated to the west of the Enos-Midia Line, but leaves them the control of the straits.
June - July 1913 - Second Balkan War. The winners of the first war argue about the remains of the Turkish Empire. The Bulgarians attach the Greco-Serbian Coalition, but attacked by the Romanians and the Turks, they are defeated. Bulgaria looses a large part of its territories won during the 1st war: it yields southern Dobrudja to the Romanians, restores Adrianople (Edirne) to the Turks, whereas Macedonia is split between Serbia and Greece.
Autumn 1915 - Bulgaria takes the side of the central empires during the First World War which promise it the restitution of all its territories. The Bulgarian troops occupy Macedonia and Dobrudzha.
September - October 1918 - The Bulgarians are constrained by the Armistice of September 29. The Kniaz Ferdinand abdicates in favour of his son Boris III. The Neuilly Peace Treaty takes from Bulgaria the access to the Aegean Sea.
1941 - Bulgaria enters in the Second World War on the side of the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, and Japan. However, Sofia was the only ally of Hitler to refuse to send its Jewish citizens to concentration camps, and no confrontation took place on Bulgarian soil, at the time governed by Boris III. Equally, Bulgaria proclaims itself neutral in the German-Soviet conflict. It therefore recovered southern Dobrudja and the totality of the Greek and Serbian Macedonia.
1944 - After the conferences of Yalta and of Potsdam which marked the end of the war, Bulgaria is placed under the Soviet sphere of influence. The Red Army occupies Bulgaria.
1946 - Proclamation of a People’s Republic in Bulgaria. The country aligns totally with the USSR.
1953 - 1989 - For 36 years Bulgaria is placed under the domination of the Communist party and one man, Todor Zhivkov, at the time chief of state and of the party.
1991 – 1992 – Adoption of a new democratic constitution and the first free presidential elections.
1999 - At the summit of Helsinki, starts of the negotiations for the entry of Bulgaria into the European Union, planned for 2007. Bulgaria displays its will to adhere to the NATO.
26 March 2003 - Bulgaria officially becomes a part of NATO.
25 April 2005 - Bulgaria signs the adhesion treaty of the European Union.
1 January 2007 – Together with Romania, Bulgaria joins the 25 members of the EU
At the crossroads of the East and the West, Bulgaria is a country where for centuries the great civilizations have succeeded each other: Thracian, Roman, Greco-Byzantine, Slavic, Proto-Bulgarian, and Oriental. The popular customs and traditions remain profoundly anchored in the everyday life of the Bulgarians. The culture is present in the architecture of the churches, monasteries, museum villages and a large number of historical monuments, but equally through festivals, music, dance, and seasonal festivals and rites, which make up an essential part of Bulgaria today. The Bulgarian traditions are also perpetuated by painting and crafts – metal work, wood sculptures, pottery, and textile work.
Folklore, still present in the countryside, has gaurranteed of the safeguarding of these thousands-year old values.
Even though the majority of the medieval constructions were destroyed, the reconstruction of the walls of Pliska, the model of the round church at the museum of Preslav and the restorations of Tsarevets in Tarnovo give an idea of the splendour of the architecture in Bulgaria. The Renaissance was the golden age for religious (monasteries and churches) and civil constructions (museum villages). The Bulgarian Renaissance style is unique: houses of wood, wood and stone or with a wooden structure and a filling in painted daub often in colour, are constructed in a colour full of greens, closing off the high walls that surround the house and the communes. The upper levels, overhanging the street, give the impression that they are going to touch the houses across from them. The interior layout of the houses is richer than the exterior. The wood present everywhere is meticulously sculpted, particularly on the ceilings. The new constructions also take the traditional forms appreciated by the Bulgarian people who desire to feel at home in their lodging, in their neighbourhood and in their town.
The most representative architect of the era is the famous Kolio Fitcheto, who left numerous monuments across the country.
Bulgaria contains a very large number of monasteries (more than 160 counted). The first were constructed during the 9th and 10th centuries near the large cities. It’s equally during that era when the first hermitages, as well as the first churches and rock monasteries (such as that of Ivanovo) were built. During the domination of the Ottoman Empire, most of the monasteries were destroyed, deserted and pillaged. Around the 15th century, certain monasteries were restored and enlarged (such as those of Rila and Bachkovo), others were constructed. Little by little they became the cultural centres of Bulgaria. At the beginning of the 19th century, under the influence of the monk Païsii and his “A Slavonic-Bulgarian History”, the monasteries were the seat of the first revolutionary movements. Precious manuscripts of the national history, Bulgarian literary works as well as the Bulgarian writing schools were found there. They were in essence the guardians of the Bulgarian spirituality.
Behind their austere facades fortified in stone is hidden an almost “divine” artistic beauty. The interiors of the Bulgarian monasteries are richly decorated with icons and frescos as well as wooden sculptures. Goldsmith’s art is also present, providing a relief from the stony atmosphere.
Today, the Bulgarians are knowledgeable and extremely attached to their monasteries for the historical role that they played. They are also an exceptional source of cultural tourism,unique tresor in the world.
The paintings on Bulgarian territory started with the Thracian funerary art. Subsequently, it was influenced by the Byzantines and remained in the religious realm. The Eastern Baroque period of the 18th century brought its contribution to the third art. Modern painting is a mix of national historical elements and important international currents.
Iconic art merits special attention bearing in mind its place in history and Bulgarian everyday life since its arrival in the 9th century and continuing through our days. It reaches its height in the 12th-13th centuries during the Second Empire and was able to maintain itself during Ottoman occupation to lead to the Renaissance. We must equally add the frescos which complete the religious cultural heritage.
Modern painting appears with Zahari Zograf (1810-1853) who decorated the most beautiful Bulgarian monasteries with exceptional frescos. He laid the foundations for laic painting. With the largest number of the modern Bulgarian paintings, Vladimir Dimitrov (1882-1960) is incontestably the master, with his works known throughout the world.
Art galleries exist in practically all the important cities of the country. Nevertheless, the most prestigious collections are exposed in the art galleries of Sofia.
Craftwork contributed as well to the safeguarding of the Bulgarian traditions and culture. Thus wood sculpting, metalwork, textile making and pottery are still practiced.
p> Wood sculpting – In the beginning it was used in the ornamentation of iconostases and the interior of churches and monasteries. Subsequently, the rich merchants of the Renaissance used it to decorate the interior of their houses particularly the ceilings. Three important schools can be distinguished: those of Triavna, Samokov and Debar each use different elements.
Metalwork – It’s during the 18th century that this art reached its maturity principally with brass work, as much for decoration as for everyday objects. Although industrialisation undermined the profession, certain artists specialised in the ancestral Thracian methods, notably in embossing and filigree techniques.
Textile – Bulgarian cloth-makers have passed down their knowledge through the centuries. It has become a regional tradition with different methods and patterns. In Kotel, the patterns used are typically geometric. In Tchiprovtsi and Samokov, the patterns are floral. The guberi (tufted rugs) come from the Rhodopes while the yamboli (tied stitches on a white background) are typical of Yambol…As for the embroidery, it is present everywhere. The women take pleasure in decorating the interior of their houses with the fruits of their labour.
Pottery – It’s certainly the most ancient job as throughout the world. We find it in important quantities in Thracian tombs. Ceramics with floral motifs and bright colours are still created since the Bulgarians are traditional pottery lovers.
The first literary works of art were seen at the end of the IX century. Religious thought dominated the writings of this period. It was Simeon the Great, the extremely knowledgable former monk, who gave preference to literary creation and made his reign the golden age of literature.
Sure enough, Bulgarian can be considered as the first popular written language in Europe. Thanks to the Cyrillic alphabet the population was no longer obliged to know the three referential languages: Hebrew, Greek and Latin. This allowed Bulgaria to keep its distance vis-à-vis the Byzantine religious authorities.
The most brilliant medieval literary period took place during the XIV century in Tarnovo in the surroundings of the Evtimy patriarchy. His disciples, refugees in Russia, contributed to the development of literature as well as the development of the Cyrillic alphabet in these lands while the culture was dying in their homeland.
During the Ottoman occupation all cultural life was extinguished, except for in the monasteries. People needed to wait for “Hilendar History of Slavs and Bulgarians” by the monk Paissii in 1762, to awake the national conscience. The literature of this era was a major patriotic inspiration. We can cite the names of the Bulgarian Renaissance writers such as Petko Slaveikov, Luben Karavelov and Hristo Botev.
After the liberation, the same is seen in the work of Ivan Vazov of which his novel “Under the Yolk” is a remarkable emotional force. The inspiration changes with Aleko Konstantinov. The time between the two wars is marked by two storytellers, Elin Pelin and Jordan Jovkov.
Under the communist regime, the impact on the literary world was difficult. The socialist realism became a dogma. Certain liberalisation was needed for the classic writers to be rehabilitated. Dimitar Talev, Dimitar Dimov and Emilian Stanev are some famous authors whose historical novels made them successful. Other “modern” trends followed, notably the philosophical and allegorical novel knew a great success.
The democratization after 1989 awarded writers a large liberty of expression. Post-modernism was then in vogue. The new currents appeared under the effect of the changes, but some time was needed for them to become structured.
The Bulgarian cinema, dominated by a lack of resources, rests an act of passion. The nationalism in 1948 undoubtedly limited the freedom of the authors, but not their creativity. They are actually going through a period of crisis and are looking for themselves. Since the summer of 2000, a Bulgarian cinema festival was created (the Rose of Gold), hinting at the 7th century renaissance of art.
The more the Bulgarian cinema knows difficulties, the more the Bulgarian theatre is in full expansion. In 1872, “Ivanko, the Assassin of Asen I,” a tragedy by Vassil Droumev, marked the birth of Bulgarian theatre which expanded at the beginning of the XX century. During the communist era, the theatre became a platform where several things restricted elsewhere were more or less tolerated by the censures. Today, private troupes have seen their day; they fill the halls and are internationally known.
Traditional Bulgarian music knows a certain popularity in the world, thanks to the “mystery of the Bulgarian voices.” In the past it was said that the Bulgarians sing from birth until death, whether they are working, laughing or crying. Bulgarian music was strongly influenced by the different periods of history that marked the country. It differs from one region to another. Under the Ottoman yolk, the Bulgarian people only had song as a means of expression. It was during that period that numerous popular songs were created. It resulted in folklore of rare riches, unique for the complexity of its rhythms.
The Liberation permitted the birth of a more intellectual music. The composer Pantcho Vladiguerov was inspired by popular songs to realise his music and build his reputation. Singers such as Nikola Guzelev, Raïna Kabaivanska and Guena Dimitrova are acclaimed at an international level. The remarkable international performances of the Sofia Opera can also be added. This last is equally often solicited to perform music for films. We must also mention the Bulgarian choirs, who regularly reap great honours during their participation in international festivals.
The principal typical instruments on sale are: the gaïda (bagpipes), the kaval (wooden shepherd’s flute) and the doudouk (pipe). The string instruments include: the tamboura (a type of mandolin) and the gadoulka (a kind of violin). Percussion instruments include: the tapan (bass drum) and the tarambouka (drum).
The heritage of Orpheus seems to always have been present in Bulgarian voices. In fact, the rocket “Voyager” launched in the 1970s to explore and communicate with other planets took onboard a laser disc of 10 songs representing our human civilization. One of the songs is a chorus of Bulgarian voices from the Rhodope region.
The Bulgarians accord a great importance to festivals. The dominating ones are the folklore gatherings (dance, music, and singing). This permits people to meet, to create and develop social contacts. This community spirit remains today and these festivals assemble Bulgarians from all the regions of the country and attract groups from all over the world.
The most important festival of the country is that of Koprivshtitsa, which takes place every 5 years. It’s an occasion for traditional musicians and singers to freely and spontaneously express themselves. Thousands of people give themselves up to their passion and create a unique festive atmosphere and an ambiance of shared pleasures. It’s about a mix between a pop-folk festival and a medieval fair. The festival takes place on the hills of Koprivshtitsa which gives it even more authenticity.
The International Folklore Festival of Burgas takes place annually during the month of August and attracts a plethora of Bulgarian and international artists, as well as lucky vacationers that come to enjoy the occasion.
The Festival of Roses of Kazanlak takes place every year in the month of June. Originally purely local, it was quickly transformed into an international event. Not only are the roses, the principal industry of Kazanlak, flowering, but the city itself blossoms. The participants have the occasion to entertain themselves at the “Picnic of the Rose” and above all appreciate the traditional costumes, chants and dances.
Aside from these examples, there exist a multitude of cultural events and festivals throughout the country which merit the detour.
In order to understand Bulgaria, one must discover the daily life, the way of living based on fundamental values of the society: the importance of the family, strong friendships, warm hospitality, the major role of customs and traditional holidays. From another side, other elements come complement the way of living and its functioning. In fact, the festive social life, the big events breaking out of the everyday living, permits the country to construct the relational and community character of its personality. Finally, the importance of food illustrates the Bulgarian proverb: “A hungry bear doesn’t dance.” Though it may seem simple, cuisine is a true gastronomy of the land marrying profusion, quality and taste, accompanied by the ‘divine’ drink – wine.
The Bulgarian cuisine reflects the geography and history of the country. Situated between the East and West, it’s a mix of Thracian, Slavic, Greek, Oriental and traditional local tastes. It respects the seasonality and the agricultural riches of the country: lots of vegetables, soups and all kinds of salads. For meat, extremely present in the Bulgarian diet, pork is the most consumed followed by chicken and lamb. In terms of beef, it is very rarely used in the specialties. Freshwater fish is also used to embellish certain meals. An important place is given to spices and aromatic herbs such as the famous tchoubritsa. Two families of cheeses can also be distinguished (sirene– a type of Bulgarian feta and kachkaval – a yellow cheese, a type of emmental) which are important parts of the composition of a large number of salads. Finally, you can taste the famous kiselo mliako (Bulgarian yogurt). It’s unduplicated taste and freshness, its uniqueness is due to the bacteria Lactobacillius bulgaricus which is only found in Bulgaria. Don’t be surprised to find pots of 500g since that is the classic format. Finally, for breakfast the unbeatable banitsa (puff pastry with sirene) is essential. Accompany it with inimitable boza (type of cereal) or simply a glass of aïrian (yogurt diluted with lightly salted water).
Appetisers – In general the appetisers are made up of salads, cold meats and soups. The most consumed salads are shopska (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and shredded sirene; with ham, hard-boiled eggs and peppers it is turned into ovtcharska – shepherd’s salad), meshena (tomatoes and cucumbers), petcheni tchoushki (grilled peppers), snejanka (cucumbers, garlic, drained yogurt and dill), kiopohou (puree of aubergines and peppers), rouska (Russian salad composed of mayonnaise, potatoes, ham, peas and carrots). The salads are generally accompanied by Rakia (eau de vie) and more rarely mastika (anis-flavoured liquor).
Soups make up an integral part of the Bulgarian appetisers. They are generally served in decorated clay dishes. You will especially appreciate the tarator (cold soup with a diluted yogurt base, cucumbers, garlic and dill), Pileshka (chicken soup), bob tchorba (Bean soup) or more surprising shkembe tchorba (tripe soup).
Like the salads, it is best to season the soups to your taste with the spices available (pimento, oil, vinegar, pepper or salt).
Bulgarians are fond of cold meats, with a large choice of flavoured sausages (normal and dried). Some examples are loukanka and pastarma.
Main courses – Two main categories can be distinguished: grilled meats and simmered casseroles. “Grandmother’s specialities” make up the charm of the Bulgarian cuisine. Slowly simmered in terra cotta pots, these dishes vary according to the region. We find kavarma (oven-cooked meat and vegetables), guvetch (a type of goulash), moussaka (with potatoes and not aubergines like in Greece), sarmi (a type of dolma, composed of meat and rice and wrapped in grape or cabbage leaves).
The desserts – The desserts, not very numerous, have an Oriental influence like baklava (puff pastry sheets with walnuts and honey), kadaïf (a type of vermicelli cake with syrup and walnuts) or of course halva (semolina flour cake and pistachios). Otherwise numerous cakes are proposed, cremes caramel, ice cream is very popular (sladoled), crepes, fruits and of course Bulgarian yogurt.
Drinks – Bulgarians appreciate coffee, especially in the mornings, as well as home-made infusions. You will find a large variety of mineral water, sparkling or not, coming from the numerous natural sources of the country. The most consumed are those of Devin, Hissaria and Gorna Bania. Oenology is a science that dates back thousands of years in Bulgaria. The grape growing and wine producing traditions have a strong base. Aside from the French grape varieties which form a major part of the exports (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay…), the local varieties give character to the Bulgarian wine (Mavrud, Pamid, Gamza, Misket …). The wines are of good quality but you must make up mind about your preferences by testing the wines from different regions. Bulgaria equally produces beer of high quality and at a good price. The most popular marks are the blond beers Kamenitza and Zagorka. Mastika is an anis flavoured aperitif which can be drunk diluted with water. Finally, the favourite alcohol of the Bulgarians remains rakia (eau de vie). It is surprising to see that it is often drunk with appetizers, most notably the famous shopska salad. There exist two principal types of rakia, one with a plum base (slivova), which is more flavourful, and that obtained from grapes (grozdova), which is drier. In the first category, the most reputable is the “Slivenska Perla” of Sliven and for the second the “Alambik” of the town of Pomorié. Raise your glass with your Bulgarian friends while looking them in the eyes and with them Nazdrave (cheers).
Festivals are very important in the eyes of the Bulgarians. They are not only a part of their cultural heritage, but equally determine their way of living which is modelled on a calendar rich in events. Certain rituals are inspired by popular belief; others are defined by the Orthodox religion. In that order, you must know that the Bulgarians attach a strong importance to the patrimonial festivals and thus all the days are an occasion to get together. A source of joy and an occasion to meet, the Bulgarian festivals have survived the turbulence of time. They are fully inscribed in the framework of traditional life, and constitute the reflection of a unique and seductive art of living. To give you an idea of the busy daily life of the Bulgarians, consult the calendar of Bulgarian festivities.
Bulgaria, although small in size, produces a number of sports players of a high level; a heritage of the communist period during which sports were strongly developed. Today Bulgarians still consecrate a lot of time to them. In them, the people see a means of sharpening their spirit of competition and to create social links. These are illustrated in certain team sports (such as football and volleyball) and in certain individual domains (such as weightlifting, wrestling, the high jump…). After the effort, the consolation. People find themselves among friends everyday. Whether it is at the neighbour’s house or in town, at a restaurant or in a club, at the museum or the cinema, the conviviality is always on the program. Friendship is, consequently, the corner stone of Bulgarian society.
Finally, next to the tangible aspects, don’t forget the immaterial. It’s the art of living the Bulgarian way which gives consistence and authenticity to your voyage. Let yourself be surprised, take time to discover the spirit of the people, in order to forge your own opinions of the country.
Bulgaria has been a parliamentary republic since 1991. It is organized like most other democracies on a model of the separation of the legislative, executive and judiciary powers. It started its transition towards a market economy with a certain delay compared to other countries and in unfavourable conditions following an economic crisis due to the rapid “divorce” from the ex Soviet Union and the absence of coordination among the political parties.
The country touched the fund in 1996. The government, aided by the IMF and the World Bank, put in place drastic reforms to resituate the country on the correct path. The return of growth, however, did not appear until 1999. Its performances were favourably viewed by the European Union, which started official negotiations for the admission of the country into the EU.
The reforms were pursued by the government of Simon of Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha, the ex-tsar of Bulgaria in exile since 1946 in Spain, who won the legislative elections in 2001 upon his triumphant return to the country. During these last four years he shown proof and marked the return of Bulgaria on the international scene. The major part of the government priorities posed at the beginning of its mandate seemed to have been attained, notably the closure of negotiations with the EU in view of the admission of the country the 1st of January, 2007 and admission to NATO. The economic indicators of the country are remarkable, with one of the best growth rates in Europe, cleaned up finance budget, flexible and effective monetary policies, an important decline in unemployment and a net augmentation of the purchasing power of the population. The cabinet has equally won the confidence of foreign investors and to thus attract the FDI, which came to aide the economic growth.
The economic balance sheet of the country at the end of 2005 can be considered as very encouraging and is supported by a major political stability which permits the country to attain all of the objectives fixed by the European and international organisations. Following are the key figures of the Bulgarian economy at the end of 2005.
During 2005 the country recorded a 5.5% economic growth. 5.7% in 2004.
The inflation at the end of 2005 was 6,5% slightly increased in comparison with 2004 when it was 4%.
The unemployment level is at 12% a drop of 1.99 point in comparison to the same period the year before. The number of unemployed is 334 200.
The trade deficit stood at € 4.4 billion against € 3 billion in 2004. Imports are up 26.4% (13.8 billion €), including capital goods.
Imports are on the rise at 18.4% (9,5 billion €).
The FDI rose to 1,8 million € , on the rise of 900 m compared to the previous year.
The ratio of public debt / GNP at the end of 2005 is at 32,4%, significantly less than the 60% imposed by the criteria of the Maastricht Treaty. The number was around 40.9% in 2004.
Despite the deterioration of certain figures, especially the trade balance due to a heavy energy bill and a significant increase in capital goods (+31.2%), the World Bank and the IMF placed Bulgaria among the most attractive European countries these last few years. Its good financial and economic results have once again driven stock exchange agencies (Standard & Poor's, Moody's, Fitch and JCRA) to improve their notation of long-term credit. Likewise, the COFACE and NATO which, in 2003, both estimated the risk that Bulgaria represents and classed the immediate risk less than average.
This prosperity, accompanied by a very favourable climate, quality services, a diversity of tourist offers and a secure environment, have played in favour of tourism which has become the key sector of the Bulgarian economy. It has known a strong growth for the last several years and today represents more than 10% of the GDP.
| Year | Number of Tourists | Growth (n/n-1) |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 5.158.117 | +6,64% |
| 2005 | 4.815.618 | +20% |
| 2004 | 4.010.326 | +13,56% |
| 2003 | 3.531.567 | +18,01% |
| 2002 | 2.992.590 | +8,60% |
| 2001 | 2.755.717 | +17,06% |
| 2000 | 2.354.052 | +12,92% |
Source: Bulgarian Economic Minister
Although this sector has grown steadily in recent years, following the entry of Bulgaria into the EU, according to all industry professionals this trend will continue to rise. British increasingly have decided to choose Bulgaria as a tourist destination, but it still remains a country little known, so this is the moment to you to explore its beauty.
Bulgaria occupies the northern part of the Balkan Peninsula bordered by the Danube and the Black Sea, representing a border between Western and Eastern cultures. It has a surface area of 110,912 km², with an average altitude of 470 m. The Danube is the natural frontier with Romania in the North, Turkey is found in the South-East, Greece in the South and Macedonia and Serbia in the West. In the East, its access to the Black Sea is assured by a coastline of 378 km.
The climate is temperate continental, mild and suitable for travel in any season. Winter offers exceptional snow. January is the coldest month of the year with an average temperature of 0 °. The average annual temperature is 10.5 °. Summers are hot, with an average of 30 °. In the east, the influence of the Black Sea makes the climate warmer in summer and autumn long and mild. Farther west, the summers are hotter and winters are harsher , while fall and spring are short. Bulgaria is also the same latitude as Marseilles, Toulouse and Rome. To check the weather forecast - click HERE.
The Balkan Mountains (or also Stara Planina) are an extension of the Carpathians and cuts the country in two. They pass through the center of Bulgaria, from the Serbian border to the coast of the Black Sea. The culmination of this mountain, Botev Peak, dominates the Rose Valley at an altitude of 2376 m. The south is occupied by a mountain range composed of three mountain ranges, the Rila, dominated by the peak Moussala at 2925 m, Pirin with its peak Vihren at 2914 m. and Rhodope - larger and more hilly (the main summit - the Grand Perelik to 2191 m.) It forms the natural border between Bulgaria and Greece. The population and economic activities are concentrated in the plains. North of Stara Planina, the Danube Plain is the granary of Bulgaria, while in the South, the Plain of Thrace has other agricultural specialties ,not forgetting the famous Valley of Roses, which provides three quarters of the world's production of rose oil. The mountains hide one of the country's largest resources - the water. There are 1600 sources of drinking water, more than 500 rivers, 336 lakes shape the landscape of the country. Finally, it is worth mentioning the 4,300 caves, of which 2000 are still unexplored. The government wants to protect the nature, and has created a large number of parks which are listed as natural heritage sites by UNESCO. The country's flagship species, the brown bear, lives quietly in the mountains to the delight of nature lovers.
The capital of Bulgaria since 1879 is Sofia(or the city of wisdom), a city which bears the imprint of at least two thousand years of history: remains of Roman and medieval ruins stand alongside mosques, buildings of Austro-Hungarian style rise next to monumental buildings from the communist era. In 1879 the population of Sofia was 12,000 inhabitants, while today, it is over 1.2 million.
Plovdiv (339,000 inhabitants), Varna (313,000 inhabitants), Burgas (192,000 inhabitants), Rousse (161,000 inhabitants), Stara Zagora (143,000 inhabitants), Pleven (121,000 inhabitants), Sliven (100,000 inhabitants), Dobrich (100,000 inhabitants).
The country is composed of 9 provinces: Burgas, Grand Sofia, Haskovo, Lovetch, Montana, Plovdiv, Razgrad, the city of Sofia and Varna, which form 28 administrative regions, each managed by a governor and a regional administrator. It is further divided into 262 municipalities, run by a mayor and a municipal council, elected by the population and provided with a budget adopted by the municipal council.
The population of Bulgaria is 7.8 million inhabitants, in constant decline since 1992 linked to emigration and a negative growth rate (-5.5% in 2001). The average life expectancy is 71 years. The population density is 75 inhabitants / km2. The principally urban population (69%) is composed of 85.8% Bulgarians, 9.7% Turks, and 3.4% Gypsies. The active population represents 3,643,213 people, a 2% decrease from 1989.
The religion Orthodox Christian is considered the traditional religion in Bulgaria and the most represented, practiced by the quasi-totality of Bulgarians (86%). The 9.7% Turkish Muslims gather in the mosques. The third ethnic group of the population of Bulgaria is composed of Gypsies, whom we call Roma, which means ‘man’ or ‘person.’ Their population in the world is estimated at 10 million, the majority of which are found in the Balkans. In Bulgaria it is difficult to define their religious affiliation. Some are Orthodox Christians, others Muslims. Jews and the Catholics are a minority; there is only one synagogue in Bulgaria (in Sofia) and a single Catholic church (St. Paul in Roussé).
The official language is Bulgarian. The Cyrillic alphabet is used, named after its creator, a Bulgarian monk of the 9th century (Saint Cyril and his brother Saint Methodius). Russian continues to be the second language of the country, even if it lost its importance after the end of the Eastern Bloc. Turkish is still used in our days by the Muslim population in Bulgaria. English is slowly becoming the second or third language for young Bulgarians. Hotel, restaurant and tourist office personnel usually have a good mastery of English as well. German is probably the second language in the tourist zones. Bulgarians of a certain age speak French reasonably well, in particular the inhabitants of large cities where French high schools are present.
The national currency is the Lev, tied to the Euro at a fixed rate of 0.51€ per Lev. The Bulgarian bank cards are up to date, foreign cards are accepted by money distributors and certain hotels or stores. It is, however, the use of cash that remains the most common practice. Checks are inexistent in Bulgaria, only traveller’s checks can be cashed.
The time difference in Bulgaria is an hour more than continental Europe and two hours more than Great Britain (GMT+2). The time changes in summer and winter take place at the same time as in the rest of the European Union.
Bulgaria is a republic endowed with a unicameral parliament. The legislative power is in the hand of the National Assembly, which counts 240 seats into which the members are elected by direct suffrage by proportional representation for a period of 4 years. The assembly elects a counsellor of the ministers who is advised by the Prime Minister. This council helps the president, who in his role of Chief of State, exercises the executive supreme power and is equally elected by direct suffrage for a mandate of 5 years. The judiciary power is represented by the Supreme Court, of which the president is named for a mandate of 7 years by the President of the Republic and by the Constitutional Council composed of 12 judges named and elected for a term of 9 years.
2000 BC - Occupation of the Bulgarian territory by the Thracians, people with Indo-European origins. Hunters and animal breeders, the Thracians created a rich civilisation of which is testified by treasures and tumulus. They have an important influence on the Greek culture, to which they bring the cult of Dionysus and the myth of Orpheus. The Thracians are the most numerous people after the Indians during this era.
4th century BC - Establishment of Greek trading posts on the coast of the Black Sea at Messemvria (Nessebar), Heliopolis (Obzor), Odessos (Varna), Anhialo (Pomorié), Appolonia (Sozopol)…
45 BC - The region is subdued by the Romans after decades of struggle. Under the reign of Claudius, the Roman provinces of Thrace and Moesia are formed.
395 - Thrace and Moesia are reattached to the Oriental Roman Empire to which they produce two emperors: Marcian (450-457) and above all Justinian the Great (527-565).
5th century AD - the beginning of the century is marked by the Slavic invasion. During the second half the Bulgarians appear (named also Proto-Bulgarians to distinguish them from the actual population which is a mix of the Thracians, Slaves and of course Proto-Bulgarians). According to historians, the Proto-Bulgarians were a part of the Sarmates tribe, formidable riders governed by the Khans and an aristocracy of boyars.
632 – 651 – The Great Bulgaria, created by the Khan Kouber, is constituted by the association of all the tribes that lived between the Black Sea, the Azov Sea, and the Caspian Sea. The basis of the state is put in place with a strictly defined territory, a proper administration, uniform laws (probably based on the laws usually observed by the Bulgarian tribes) and its proper foreign politics. On the death of Khan Kouber, the unity of the Empire is not conserved; the populations disperse and the 4th migration starts which gives birth to the actual Bulgaria.
681 – Creation of the Bulgarian state by Khan Asparukh, son of Khan Koubrat which extends above the Danube.
700 - 720 – Reign of Khan Tervel. His great military strategy saves Byzantium from the Arab invasion which earns him the title of Caesar.
863 - Creation of the Glagolitic alphabet by Cyril and Methodius, which is adopted in Bulgaria and gives birth to the Cyrillic alphabet, named for its creator.
865 - The Bulgarian people convert to Christianity under the reign of Boris I who takes the title of Tsar which signifies emperor.
893 - 927 - Golden Age of the Bulgarian culture under the reign of Simeon I the Great. Simeon installs the capital in Veliki Preslav which becomes a prestigious artistic and intellectual centre. The “Grand Bulgaria” encompasses Serbia, Albania, Macedonia, a part of Romania, almost totality of Greece and the European territories of Turkey. Bulgaria is the largest kingdom in Europe and is rivals with Byzantium, which it besieges several times.
1018 - Bulgaria becomes a province of the Byzantine Empire after years of harsh combat.
1186 - Ivan Assen and Peter, boyars of Turnovo, restore the independence of Bulgaria and found the Assen Dynasty followed by the second Bulgarian Empire.
1197 - 1207 - Reign of Tsar Kaloyan. His capital, installed in Turnovo, is nicknamed “the Second Constantinople.”
1218 - 1241 - Reign of Ivan Assen II. The Bulgarian territory includes Thrace, Macedonia, and Albania and extends from the Black Sea, the Aegean Sea and the Adriatic.
1280 - The end of the Assen Dynasty entail a new territorial dislocation: the country is split into two kingdoms which have for capitals Veliko Turnovo and Vidin. In spite of the Turkish menace, the Bulgarian Empire remains divided, while the Boyars prune away at important domains.
1396 - After Veliko Turnovo, Vidin falls into the hands of the Turks leading to the collapse of the Christian states of the East.
Bulgaria disappears as a state and becomes the Turkish province Rumelia. Though it conserves its language and religion, it is submitted by its new masters to a heavy taxation and its children are requisitioned and enrolled in the Ottoman military corps. The Bulgarian culture finds refuge in the monasteries to wait for better days.
1595 - Insurrection of Turnovo. Its failure opens a period of increased repression, accompanied by a politic of forced conversion: We see the origin of the Pomaks, the Islamist Bulgarians.
1688 - The Bulgarians rise up once again against the Ottomans. The failure of this new insurrection drives them to pass their hopes of liberation to the Russians.
1850 – 1870 - The national conscience wakes up, notably thanks to the writings of the monk Paissii and the monasteries which serve as a refuge for revolutionaries. Vassil Levski organises a network of clandestine committees to fight for liberation.
April 1876 - April Uprising broke out and was crushed with a blood bath (30,000 Bulgarians were massacred) attracts the indignation of Europe.
1877 - 1878 - The Tzar Alexander II of Russia declares war on the Turks. The Bulgarian volunteers join their Russian and Romanian friends. After harsh combat, the Russian victory leads to the liberation of the Bulgarians.
3 March 1878 - Treaty of San-Stefano: Bulgaria finds itself with the frontiers of the 14th century, covering the largest part of Macedonia. However, under the pressure of the large European powers during the Congress of Berlin of July 13, 1878, Bulgaria is divided into 3 parts (the Principality of Bulgaria; the Eastern Rumelia, and Macedonia and Thrace of Adrianople) to avoid the creation of a too powerful state in the Balkans.
1885 - Alexander I, the head of the Bulgarian Principality, annexes the Eastern Rumelia.
1908 - The prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg Gotha, grandson of Louis-Philippe, profits from the annexation of Bosnia by Austrio-Hungary to take the title of Tsar of the Bulgarians and the name of Ferdinand I. Bulgaria becomes an independent state.
October 1912 - Mai 1913 - First Balkan War. The Turks, crushed, sign the Treaty of London which takes from them all the territories situated to the west of the Enos-Midia Line, but leaves them the control of the straits.
June - July 1913 - Second Balkan War. The winners of the first war argue about the remains of the Turkish Empire. The Bulgarians attach the Greco-Serbian Coalition, but attacked by the Romanians and the Turks, they are defeated. Bulgaria looses a large part of its territories won during the 1st war: it yields southern Dobrudja to the Romanians, restores Adrianople (Edirne) to the Turks, whereas Macedonia is split between Serbia and Greece.
Autumn 1915 - Bulgaria takes the side of the central empires during the First World War which promise it the restitution of all its territories. The Bulgarian troops occupy Macedonia and Dobrudzha.
September - October 1918 - The Bulgarians are constrained by the Armistice of September 29. The Kniaz Ferdinand abdicates in favour of his son Boris III. The Neuilly Peace Treaty takes from Bulgaria the access to the Aegean Sea.
1941 - Bulgaria enters in the Second World War on the side of the Axis powers, Germany, Italy, and Japan. However, Sofia was the only ally of Hitler to refuse to send its Jewish citizens to concentration camps, and no confrontation took place on Bulgarian soil, at the time governed by Boris III. Equally, Bulgaria proclaims itself neutral in the German-Soviet conflict. It therefore recovered southern Dobrudja and the totality of the Greek and Serbian Macedonia.
1944 - After the conferences of Yalta and of Potsdam which marked the end of the war, Bulgaria is placed under the Soviet sphere of influence. The Red Army occupies Bulgaria.
1946 - Proclamation of a People’s Republic in Bulgaria. The country aligns totally with the USSR.
1953 - 1989 - For 36 years Bulgaria is placed under the domination of the Communist party and one man, Todor Zhivkov, at the time chief of state and of the party.
1991 – 1992 – Adoption of a new democratic constitution and the first free presidential elections.
1999 - At the summit of Helsinki, starts of the negotiations for the entry of Bulgaria into the European Union, planned for 2007. Bulgaria displays its will to adhere to the NATO.
26 March 2003 - Bulgaria officially becomes a part of NATO.
25 April 2005 - Bulgaria signs the adhesion treaty of the European Union.
1 January 2007 – Together with Romania, Bulgaria joins the 25 members of the EU
At the crossroads of the East and the West, Bulgaria is a country where for centuries the great civilizations have succeeded each other: Thracian, Roman, Greco-Byzantine, Slavic, Proto-Bulgarian, and Oriental. The popular customs and traditions remain profoundly anchored in the everyday life of the Bulgarians. The culture is present in the architecture of the churches, monasteries, museum villages and a large number of historical monuments, but equally through festivals, music, dance, and seasonal festivals and rites, which make up an essential part of Bulgaria today. The Bulgarian traditions are also perpetuated by painting and crafts – metal work, wood sculptures, pottery, and textile work.
Folklore, still present in the countryside, has gaurranteed of the safeguarding of these thousands-year old values.
Even though the majority of the medieval constructions were destroyed, the reconstruction of the walls of Pliska, the model of the round church at the museum of Preslav and the restorations of Tsarevets in Tarnovo give an idea of the splendour of the architecture in Bulgaria. The Renaissance was the golden age for religious (monasteries and churches) and civil constructions (museum villages). The Bulgarian Renaissance style is unique: houses of wood, wood and stone or with a wooden structure and a filling in painted daub often in colour, are constructed in a colour full of greens, closing off the high walls that surround the house and the communes. The upper levels, overhanging the street, give the impression that they are going to touch the houses across from them. The interior layout of the houses is richer than the exterior. The wood present everywhere is meticulously sculpted, particularly on the ceilings. The new constructions also take the traditional forms appreciated by the Bulgarian people who desire to feel at home in their lodging, in their neighbourhood and in their town.
The most representative architect of the era is the famous Kolio Fitcheto, who left numerous monuments across the country.
Bulgaria contains a very large number of monasteries (more than 160 counted). The first were constructed during the 9th and 10th centuries near the large cities. It’s equally during that era when the first hermitages, as well as the first churches and rock monasteries (such as that of Ivanovo) were built. During the domination of the Ottoman Empire, most of the monasteries were destroyed, deserted and pillaged. Around the 15th century, certain monasteries were restored and enlarged (such as those of Rila and Bachkovo), others were constructed. Little by little they became the cultural centres of Bulgaria. At the beginning of the 19th century, under the influence of the monk Païsii and his “A Slavonic-Bulgarian History”, the monasteries were the seat of the first revolutionary movements. Precious manuscripts of the national history, Bulgarian literary works as well as the Bulgarian writing schools were found there. They were in essence the guardians of the Bulgarian spirituality.
Behind their austere facades fortified in stone is hidden an almost “divine” artistic beauty. The interiors of the Bulgarian monasteries are richly decorated with icons and frescos as well as wooden sculptures. Goldsmith’s art is also present, providing a relief from the stony atmosphere.
Today, the Bulgarians are knowledgeable and extremely attached to their monasteries for the historical role that they played. They are also an exceptional source of cultural tourism,unique tresor in the world.
The paintings on Bulgarian territory started with the Thracian funerary art. Subsequently, it was influenced by the Byzantines and remained in the religious realm. The Eastern Baroque period of the 18th century brought its contribution to the third art. Modern painting is a mix of national historical elements and important international currents.
Iconic art merits special attention bearing in mind its place in history and Bulgarian everyday life since its arrival in the 9th century and continuing through our days. It reaches its height in the 12th-13th centuries during the Second Empire and was able to maintain itself during Ottoman occupation to lead to the Renaissance. We must equally add the frescos which complete the religious cultural heritage.
Modern painting appears with Zahari Zograf (1810-1853) who decorated the most beautiful Bulgarian monasteries with exceptional frescos. He laid the foundations for laic painting. With the largest number of the modern Bulgarian paintings, Vladimir Dimitrov (1882-1960) is incontestably the master, with his works known throughout the world.
Art galleries exist in practically all the important cities of the country. Nevertheless, the most prestigious collections are exposed in the art galleries of Sofia.
Craftwork contributed as well to the safeguarding of the Bulgarian traditions and culture. Thus wood sculpting, metalwork, textile making and pottery are still practiced.
p> Wood sculpting – In the beginning it was used in the ornamentation of iconostases and the interior of churches and monasteries. Subsequently, the rich merchants of the Renaissance used it to decorate the interior of their houses particularly the ceilings. Three important schools can be distinguished: those of Triavna, Samokov and Debar each use different elements.
Metalwork – It’s during the 18th century that this art reached its maturity principally with brass work, as much for decoration as for everyday objects. Although industrialisation undermined the profession, certain artists specialised in the ancestral Thracian methods, notably in embossing and filigree techniques.
Textile – Bulgarian cloth-makers have passed down their knowledge through the centuries. It has become a regional tradition with different methods and patterns. In Kotel, the patterns used are typically geometric. In Tchiprovtsi and Samokov, the patterns are floral. The guberi (tufted rugs) come from the Rhodopes while the yamboli (tied stitches on a white background) are typical of Yambol…As for the embroidery, it is present everywhere. The women take pleasure in decorating the interior of their houses with the fruits of their labour.
Pottery – It’s certainly the most ancient job as throughout the world. We find it in important quantities in Thracian tombs. Ceramics with floral motifs and bright colours are still created since the Bulgarians are traditional pottery lovers.
The first literary works of art were seen at the end of the IX century. Religious thought dominated the writings of this period. It was Simeon the Great, the extremely knowledgable former monk, who gave preference to literary creation and made his reign the golden age of literature.
Sure enough, Bulgarian can be considered as the first popular written language in Europe. Thanks to the Cyrillic alphabet the population was no longer obliged to know the three referential languages: Hebrew, Greek and Latin. This allowed Bulgaria to keep its distance vis-à-vis the Byzantine religious authorities.
The most brilliant medieval literary period took place during the XIV century in Tarnovo in the surroundings of the Evtimy patriarchy. His disciples, refugees in Russia, contributed to the development of literature as well as the development of the Cyrillic alphabet in these lands while the culture was dying in their homeland.
During the Ottoman occupation all cultural life was extinguished, except for in the monasteries. People needed to wait for “Hilendar History of Slavs and Bulgarians” by the monk Paissii in 1762, to awake the national conscience. The literature of this era was a major patriotic inspiration. We can cite the names of the Bulgarian Renaissance writers such as Petko Slaveikov, Luben Karavelov and Hristo Botev.
After the liberation, the same is seen in the work of Ivan Vazov of which his novel “Under the Yolk” is a remarkable emotional force. The inspiration changes with Aleko Konstantinov. The time between the two wars is marked by two storytellers, Elin Pelin and Jordan Jovkov.
Under the communist regime, the impact on the literary world was difficult. The socialist realism became a dogma. Certain liberalisation was needed for the classic writers to be rehabilitated. Dimitar Talev, Dimitar Dimov and Emilian Stanev are some famous authors whose historical novels made them successful. Other “modern” trends followed, notably the philosophical and allegorical novel knew a great success.
The democratization after 1989 awarded writers a large liberty of expression. Post-modernism was then in vogue. The new currents appeared under the effect of the changes, but some time was needed for them to become structured.
The Bulgarian cinema, dominated by a lack of resources, rests an act of passion. The nationalism in 1948 undoubtedly limited the freedom of the authors, but not their creativity. They are actually going through a period of crisis and are looking for themselves. Since the summer of 2000, a Bulgarian cinema festival was created (the Rose of Gold), hinting at the 7th century renaissance of art.
The more the Bulgarian cinema knows difficulties, the more the Bulgarian theatre is in full expansion. In 1872, “Ivanko, the Assassin of Asen I,” a tragedy by Vassil Droumev, marked the birth of Bulgarian theatre which expanded at the beginning of the XX century. During the communist era, the theatre became a platform where several things restricted elsewhere were more or less tolerated by the censures. Today, private troupes have seen their day; they fill the halls and are internationally known.
Traditional Bulgarian music knows a certain popularity in the world, thanks to the “mystery of the Bulgarian voices.” In the past it was said that the Bulgarians sing from birth until death, whether they are working, laughing or crying. Bulgarian music was strongly influenced by the different periods of history that marked the country. It differs from one region to another. Under the Ottoman yolk, the Bulgarian people only had song as a means of expression. It was during that period that numerous popular songs were created. It resulted in folklore of rare riches, unique for the complexity of its rhythms.
The Liberation permitted the birth of a more intellectual music. The composer Pantcho Vladiguerov was inspired by popular songs to realise his music and build his reputation. Singers such as Nikola Guzelev, Raïna Kabaivanska and Guena Dimitrova are acclaimed at an international level. The remarkable international performances of the Sofia Opera can also be added. This last is equally often solicited to perform music for films. We must also mention the Bulgarian choirs, who regularly reap great honours during their participation in international festivals.
The principal typical instruments on sale are: the gaïda (bagpipes), the kaval (wooden shepherd’s flute) and the doudouk (pipe). The string instruments include: the tamboura (a type of mandolin) and the gadoulka (a kind of violin). Percussion instruments include: the tapan (bass drum) and the tarambouka (drum).
The heritage of Orpheus seems to always have been present in Bulgarian voices. In fact, the rocket “Voyager” launched in the 1970s to explore and communicate with other planets took onboard a laser disc of 10 songs representing our human civilization. One of the songs is a chorus of Bulgarian voices from the Rhodope region.
The Bulgarians accord a great importance to festivals. The dominating ones are the folklore gatherings (dance, music, and singing). This permits people to meet, to create and develop social contacts. This community spirit remains today and these festivals assemble Bulgarians from all the regions of the country and attract groups from all over the world.
The most important festival of the country is that of Koprivshtitsa, which takes place every 5 years. It’s an occasion for traditional musicians and singers to freely and spontaneously express themselves. Thousands of people give themselves up to their passion and create a unique festive atmosphere and an ambiance of shared pleasures. It’s about a mix between a pop-folk festival and a medieval fair. The festival takes place on the hills of Koprivshtitsa which gives it even more authenticity.
The International Folklore Festival of Burgas takes place annually during the month of August and attracts a plethora of Bulgarian and international artists, as well as lucky vacationers that come to enjoy the occasion.
The Festival of Roses of Kazanlak takes place every year in the month of June. Originally purely local, it was quickly transformed into an international event. Not only are the roses, the principal industry of Kazanlak, flowering, but the city itself blossoms. The participants have the occasion to entertain themselves at the “Picnic of the Rose” and above all appreciate the traditional costumes, chants and dances.
Aside from these examples, there exist a multitude of cultural events and festivals throughout the country which merit the detour.
In order to understand Bulgaria, one must discover the daily life, the way of living based on fundamental values of the society: the importance of the family, strong friendships, warm hospitality, the major role of customs and traditional holidays. From another side, other elements come complement the way of living and its functioning. In fact, the festive social life, the big events breaking out of the everyday living, permits the country to construct the relational and community character of its personality. Finally, the importance of food illustrates the Bulgarian proverb: “A hungry bear doesn’t dance.” Though it may seem simple, cuisine is a true gastronomy of the land marrying profusion, quality and taste, accompanied by the ‘divine’ drink – wine.
The Bulgarian cuisine reflects the geography and history of the country. Situated between the East and West, it’s a mix of Thracian, Slavic, Greek, Oriental and traditional local tastes. It respects the seasonality and the agricultural riches of the country: lots of vegetables, soups and all kinds of salads. For meat, extremely present in the Bulgarian diet, pork is the most consumed followed by chicken and lamb. In terms of beef, it is very rarely used in the specialties. Freshwater fish is also used to embellish certain meals. An important place is given to spices and aromatic herbs such as the famous tchoubritsa. Two families of cheeses can also be distinguished (sirene– a type of Bulgarian feta and kachkaval – a yellow cheese, a type of emmental) which are important parts of the composition of a large number of salads. Finally, you can taste the famous kiselo mliako (Bulgarian yogurt). It’s unduplicated taste and freshness, its uniqueness is due to the bacteria Lactobacillius bulgaricus which is only found in Bulgaria. Don’t be surprised to find pots of 500g since that is the classic format. Finally, for breakfast the unbeatable banitsa (puff pastry with sirene) is essential. Accompany it with inimitable boza (type of cereal) or simply a glass of aïrian (yogurt diluted with lightly salted water).
Appetisers – In general the appetisers are made up of salads, cold meats and soups. The most consumed salads are shopska (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and shredded sirene; with ham, hard-boiled eggs and peppers it is turned into ovtcharska – shepherd’s salad), meshena (tomatoes and cucumbers), petcheni tchoushki (grilled peppers), snejanka (cucumbers, garlic, drained yogurt and dill), kiopohou (puree of aubergines and peppers), rouska (Russian salad composed of mayonnaise, potatoes, ham, peas and carrots). The salads are generally accompanied by Rakia (eau de vie) and more rarely mastika (anis-flavoured liquor).
Soups make up an integral part of the Bulgarian appetisers. They are generally served in decorated clay dishes. You will especially appreciate the tarator (cold soup with a diluted yogurt base, cucumbers, garlic and dill), Pileshka (chicken soup), bob tchorba (Bean soup) or more surprising shkembe tchorba (tripe soup).
Like the salads, it is best to season the soups to your taste with the spices available (pimento, oil, vinegar, pepper or salt).
Bulgarians are fond of cold meats, with a large choice of flavoured sausages (normal and dried). Some examples are loukanka and pastarma.
Main courses – Two main categories can be distinguished: grilled meats and simmered casseroles. “Grandmother’s specialities” make up the charm of the Bulgarian cuisine. Slowly simmered in terra cotta pots, these dishes vary according to the region. We find kavarma (oven-cooked meat and vegetables), guvetch (a type of goulash), moussaka (with potatoes and not aubergines like in Greece), sarmi (a type of dolma, composed of meat and rice and wrapped in grape or cabbage leaves).
The desserts – The desserts, not very numerous, have an Oriental influence like baklava (puff pastry sheets with walnuts and honey), kadaïf (a type of vermicelli cake with syrup and walnuts) or of course halva (semolina flour cake and pistachios). Otherwise numerous cakes are proposed, cremes caramel, ice cream is very popular (sladoled), crepes, fruits and of course Bulgarian yogurt.
Drinks – Bulgarians appreciate coffee, especially in the mornings, as well as home-made infusions. You will find a large variety of mineral water, sparkling or not, coming from the numerous natural sources of the country. The most consumed are those of Devin, Hissaria and Gorna Bania. Oenology is a science that dates back thousands of years in Bulgaria. The grape growing and wine producing traditions have a strong base. Aside from the French grape varieties which form a major part of the exports (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay…), the local varieties give character to the Bulgarian wine (Mavrud, Pamid, Gamza, Misket …). The wines are of good quality but you must make up mind about your preferences by testing the wines from different regions. Bulgaria equally produces beer of high quality and at a good price. The most popular marks are the blond beers Kamenitza and Zagorka. Mastika is an anis flavoured aperitif which can be drunk diluted with water. Finally, the favourite alcohol of the Bulgarians remains rakia (eau de vie). It is surprising to see that it is often drunk with appetizers, most notably the famous shopska salad. There exist two principal types of rakia, one with a plum base (slivova), which is more flavourful, and that obtained from grapes (grozdova), which is drier. In the first category, the most reputable is the “Slivenska Perla” of Sliven and for the second the “Alambik” of the town of Pomorié. Raise your glass with your Bulgarian friends while looking them in the eyes and with them Nazdrave (cheers).
Festivals are very important in the eyes of the Bulgarians. They are not only a part of their cultural heritage, but equally determine their way of living which is modelled on a calendar rich in events. Certain rituals are inspired by popular belief; others are defined by the Orthodox religion. In that order, you must know that the Bulgarians attach a strong importance to the patrimonial festivals and thus all the days are an occasion to get together. A source of joy and an occasion to meet, the Bulgarian festivals have survived the turbulence of time. They are fully inscribed in the framework of traditional life, and constitute the reflection of a unique and seductive art of living. To give you an idea of the busy daily life of the Bulgarians, consult the calendar of Bulgarian festivities.
Bulgaria, although small in size, produces a number of sports players of a high level; a heritage of the communist period during which sports were strongly developed. Today Bulgarians still consecrate a lot of time to them. In them, the people see a means of sharpening their spirit of competition and to create social links. These are illustrated in certain team sports (such as football and volleyball) and in certain individual domains (such as weightlifting, wrestling, the high jump…). After the effort, the consolation. People find themselves among friends everyday. Whether it is at the neighbour’s house or in town, at a restaurant or in a club, at the museum or the cinema, the conviviality is always on the program. Friendship is, consequently, the corner stone of Bulgarian society.
Finally, next to the tangible aspects, don’t forget the immaterial. It’s the art of living the Bulgarian way which gives consistence and authenticity to your voyage. Let yourself be surprised, take time to discover the spirit of the people, in order to forge your own opinions of the country.
Bulgaria has been a parliamentary republic since 1991. It is organized like most other democracies on a model of the separation of the legislative, executive and judiciary powers. It started its transition towards a market economy with a certain delay compared to other countries and in unfavourable conditions following an economic crisis due to the rapid “divorce” from the ex Soviet Union and the absence of coordination among the political parties.
The country touched the fund in 1996. The government, aided by the IMF and the World Bank, put in place drastic reforms to resituate the country on the correct path. The return of growth, however, did not appear until 1999. Its performances were favourably viewed by the European Union, which started official negotiations for the admission of the country into the EU.
The reforms were pursued by the government of Simon of Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha, the ex-tsar of Bulgaria in exile since 1946 in Spain, who won the legislative elections in 2001 upon his triumphant return to the country. During these last four years he shown proof and marked the return of Bulgaria on the international scene. The major part of the government priorities posed at the beginning of its mandate seemed to have been attained, notably the closure of negotiations with the EU in view of the admission of the country the 1st of January, 2007 and admission to NATO. The economic indicators of the country are remarkable, with one of the best growth rates in Europe, cleaned up finance budget, flexible and effective monetary policies, an important decline in unemployment and a net augmentation of the purchasing power of the population. The cabinet has equally won the confidence of foreign investors and to thus attract the FDI, which came to aide the economic growth.
The economic balance sheet of the country at the end of 2005 can be considered as very encouraging and is supported by a major political stability which permits the country to attain all of the objectives fixed by the European and international organisations. Following are the key figures of the Bulgarian economy at the end of 2005.
During 2005 the country recorded a 5.5% economic growth. 5.7% in 2004.
The inflation at the end of 2005 was 6,5% slightly increased in comparison with 2004 when it was 4%.
The unemployment level is at 12% a drop of 1.99 point in comparison to the same period the year before. The number of unemployed is 334 200.
The trade deficit stood at € 4.4 billion against € 3 billion in 2004. Imports are up 26.4% (13.8 billion €), including capital goods.
Imports are on the rise at 18.4% (9,5 billion €).
The FDI rose to 1,8 million € , on the rise of 900 m compared to the previous year.
The ratio of public debt / GNP at the end of 2005 is at 32,4%, significantly less than the 60% imposed by the criteria of the Maastricht Treaty. The number was around 40.9% in 2004.
Despite the deterioration of certain figures, especially the trade balance due to a heavy energy bill and a significant increase in capital goods (+31.2%), the World Bank and the IMF placed Bulgaria among the most attractive European countries these last few years. Its good financial and economic results have once again driven stock exchange agencies (Standard & Poor's, Moody's, Fitch and JCRA) to improve their notation of long-term credit. Likewise, the COFACE and NATO which, in 2003, both estimated the risk that Bulgaria represents and classed the immediate risk less than average.
This prosperity, accompanied by a very favourable climate, quality services, a diversity of tourist offers and a secure environment, have played in favour of tourism which has become the key sector of the Bulgarian economy. It has known a strong growth for the last several years and today represents more than 10% of the GDP.
| Year | Number of Tourists | Growth (n/n-1) |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 5.158.117 | +6,64% |
| 2005 | 4.815.618 | +20% |
| 2004 | 4.010.326 | +13,56% |
| 2003 | 3.531.567 | +18,01% |
| 2002 | 2.992.590 | +8,60% |
| 2001 | 2.755.717 | +17,06% |
| 2000 | 2.354.052 | +12,92% |
Source: Bulgarian Economic Minister
Although this sector has grown steadily in recent years, following the entry of Bulgaria into the EU, according to all industry professionals this trend will continue to rise. British increasingly have decided to choose Bulgaria as a tourist destination, but it still remains a country little known, so this is the moment to you to explore its beauty.
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