Bulgaria

Ancient History, Thriving Culture and Naturally Gifted.

Bulgaria is a nation dug in the Balkans that can be characterized by a deep cultural heritage, beautiful natural scenery and rich traditions. With Thracian ruins dating back to the ancient world, to the ancient cities of Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria is another country that can transports people through history. The Bulgaria is the hidden treasure of Europe and has something to offer to all kinds of travelers: the Black Sea coast with the beautiful nature, high mountains, and lovely villages.

The Geography and Location Geography and location are often interpreted as referring to the geographical location of the property. However, this has been subject to changes and it is now regarded to encompass areas that deal with the location of the property as well as the geography. Geography and location have been shown to be an essential aspect of the property. Its area of jurisdiction entails its location and the geography.

To obtain all information about Bulgaria, look at its Wikipedia site to see its detailed history as well as general information. To get the official resource and news visit the official site of Bulgaria

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Geographical Location

Bulgaria is positioned in the Southeast of Europe nestled between Romania in the North, Serbia in the West, North Macedonia and Greece at the South and the Black Sea in the East. With a size of approximately 110,994 square kilometers, the country is the 14 th largest country in Europe. It is a diverse landscape with mountains, plains, rivers, the beautiful seashore line looking into the Black Sea with numerous opportunities to enjoy the outdoor activities to attract people who love the outdoors.

Topography and Natural Landmarks

Bulgaria is overwhelmed by numerous geographical features such as the Balkan Mountains that extends across the country mid-way touching the west and east. Another big range is the

Rhodope Mountains in the south, which are characterized with panoramic valleys and rural villages. The Rila Mountains, where there is the highest mountain in Balkan, Mount Musala, have ideal sceneries and outdoor related activities like hiking and skiing.

Bulgaria is also a country of the Black Sea and the country is rich with luxurious beaches, resorts and ancient capitals on the Black sea such as Varna or Burgas. The country is bound on the north by the Danube River, which is a good source of trade and beautiful sceneries.

Climate

Bulgaria enjoys one continental climate characterized by dry and hot summers and cold and snowy winters. On the Black Sea coast the climatic conditions are a little milder and winters cooler. Depending on the season, the climate of the country is found to be favorable to different outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing and beach tourism, among others.

The History: Ancient Civilization to Modern Bulgaria

The history of Bulgaria starts back in ancient times as there were early settlements by the Thracians who were a people with distinctive culture and accomplishments. The history of Thracian civilization can be seen in such UNESCO world heritage site as Thracian tombs that include the tomb near Kazanlak. Later the Thracians culture under the influence of the Greek and Roman cultures left the ruins and other artifacts in the country.

The First Bulgarian Empire was formed in the years 7th century and it can be argued that this is when the history of Bulgaria plays an important part in European history. Bulgarian with Khan Asparuh waged a successful struggle against the Byzantine world and achieved one of the most powerful states in Eastern Europe.

Freedom and Ottoman Rule

Bulgaria came under Ottoman rule in 14th century, becoming a part of the Ottoman Empire where it would spend almost 500 years. In these years, Bulgaria wanted to change considerably in the aspect of cultures and religion. Bulgarian Orthodox church was critical in protecting and maintaining the national identity of the country.

Earlier, in 1908, Bulgaria got its independence in accordance with Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878; in accordance with this war, Bulgaria came to the end of the Ottoman rule in the area. The Second Bulgarian Kingdom was successful to some extent, however, the country had the participation in the two World Wars which influenced the modern history of a country greatly.

The 20 th century and the Years of Modern Bulgaria

During the 20 th century, Bulgaria was under communist rule and after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989, the People Republic of Bulgaria transformed to a democratic republic. Since then Bulgaria has moved on and took big steps towards the modernization of its economy and political administration and also entered the European Union in the year 2007.

Respect of Cultural Diversity and Heritage

Bulgaria is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nation and the most part of the population is composed of Bulgarian ethnicity. There are also large folklore of Turkish and Roma, and minor Armenians, Greeks and Jews populations. Festivals, music, dance and food portray the cultural diversity of the country.

Bulgaria is mainly an Eastern Orthodox Christian nation with the Bulgarian Orthodox religion being also a part of the culture and identity of Bulgaria. But, the country also boasts of a substantial number of Muslims population especially in the south-eastern part of the country as a result of many centuries under the Ottoman rule.

Traditions and Cultural Practice

The country of Bulgaria possesses very rich cultural history going back to Slavic, Byzantine, and Ottoman. The Bulgarian folklore is characterized by bright attires, lively music and customs, one of which is the horo (a circle dance promoted at festivities and other events). Music differs in Bulgaria also and their music uses traditional instruments such as the kaval (flute) and gaida (bagpipe).

The Nestinarstvo ritual is one of the most distinct phenomena of the Bulgarian cultureAn ancient rite, a fire-dancing ritual done in the honor of the saints continues in some regions of the country.

Language

Bulgaria Bulgarian is the official language of Bulgaria, a South Slavic language with Cyrillic script. The native language of the majority of citizens is Bulgarian and the linguistic background of this land is closely connected with the Slavic origin. Bulgarians also speak English, Russian and German, especially in the towns and in tourist resorts.

Major festivals and celebrations

The most significant religious holiday in Bulgaria is Easter that is celebrated through church services, special dishes and egg-painting traditions. There is also Christmas widely celebrated, when families meet up and spend the time in Christmas holiday eating and exchanging presents.

A special Bulgarian custom, Baba Marta (March 1 st ) is celebrated at the onset of spring. Exchanging martenitsi, red-and-white woven bracelets, people can greet each other hoping good health and happiness.

National Day/Special Days

The national holiday of Bulgaria (March 3rd) is dedicated to the liberation of this state of the Ottoman yoke in 1878. The day of saints Cyril and Methodius (May 24th), also celebrates the authors of Cyrillic alphabet, used in Bulgarian language and in the greater part of Slavic languages.

The Economy: Farming, Industry and Tourism

The economy of Bulgaria is developed and the key sectors are the manufacturing, agriculture, and services. The nation is an important manufacturer of wine, sunflower oil and tobacco. The country also gets its economy boosted with food processing and textile production.

Over the past years, Bulgaria has put efforts in prioritizing its infrastructure, attracting foreign investments, and development of the tourist industry, especially its Black Sea resorts, and in UNESCO World Heritage.

Tourism

Tourism plays a central role in the Bulgarian economy, as foreigners are attracted by the uniqueness of Bulgarian history, nature and the cultural overall aspect. The capital, Sofia, provides an ancient Roman ruins, Byzantine churches and modern attractions. Plovdiv Old Town, the Rila Monastery and Veliko Tarnovo are some of the most important historical sites whereas the coast of the Black Sea holds some rejuvenating beach resorts, as well as a night life.

Agriculture and industry

Bulgaria is a huge cultivator of farm products, like grapes, wheat and vegetables. The nation is also renowned due to its rose oil (that is utilized during manufacture of perfumes) and in addition its wine, especially those produced in areas such as Melnik and Thracian Valley.

Wonderful Sights in Bulgaria

1. Rila Monastery

Rila Monastery is one of the most significant Bulgarian places of worship and culture; it is striking in its architecture and the frescoes, as well as mountainous nature. It is a World Heritage site by UNESCO and it is considered as a piece of Bulgarian spirituality.

2. Old Town of Plovdiv

Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe with well preserved Roman theater, Old Town and the rich cultural life in the city. In 2019, the city is a European Capital of Culture.

3. Veliko Tarnovo

The Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo, a medieval town overlooking the River Yantra is famous. The fortress was a very important part of the Bulgarian history during the Medieval times and has beautiful sceneries of hills.

4. Coast of the Black Sea

The coast of the Bulgarian Black Sea is renowned due to the sandy beaches and resorts, whose most well known ones are Sunny Beach, Varna, and Burgas. These spots are ideal to spend your time sunbathing, swimming and getting busy with dynamic nightlife.

5. The Thracian tomb of Kazanlak

The Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak is one of the UNESCO World Heritage objects which is composed of amazing frescoes that show the life and the death of the ancient Thracian governors. It is an extremely well-maintained Thracian tomb in Bulgaria.

6. Pirinsko National Park

Pirinsko National Park is the World Heritage site in the UNESCO framework, which gives the visitor an opportunity to visit the amazing mountainous scenery, view a few glacial lakes, and a rich biodiversity in the country.

Healthcare System

Bulgaria has a universal healthcare program, which covers the healthcare of its citizens, but healthcare might be different in the urban and rural areas. In big cities there are modern medical institutions, where there is specialized medical care in Sofia and Plovdiv.

Education System

The education system in Bulgaria is very good to an extent that it offers free primary and secondary education to Bulgarian citizens. Different academic programs are provided in the country with multiple prestigious universities existing in the country like the Sofia university and the Plovdiv University.

Transport Infrastructure and Transportation

Bulgaria possesses the developed transport system with the international airports in Sofia, Varna, and Burgas, having the developed rail and roadways network. Sofia Metro offers a brilliant form of transport in the capital.

Urban Development

The urban area of Bulgaria and, in particular, Sofia and Plovdiv became the locations of considerable investment in infrastructure development and the tourism and business-related domain recently.

Ideal Seasons

Bulgaria is best to visit during spring (April to June), or autumn (September to October) as the weather with its mild and full bloom countryside.

Special Events and Festivals

Some of the significant events to be experienced in Bulgaria include Rose Festival in Kazanlak, Plovdiv in the European Capital of Culture and Sofia Music Weeks.

Conclusion: Future of Bulgaria

Bulgaria remains a culturally rich country with a beautiful land littered with amazing landscapes and a modernization economy. Filled with beautiful shorelines and the roads dotted with the ruins of an ancient nation, Bulgaria is a place that features adventure, history and natural beauty, no matter what you are doing in Bulgaria.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is it excellent to go to Bulgaria?

Always go in spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October) there will be good weather and fewer people.

Which are the most popular sights of Bulgaria?

The major attractions are Rila Monastery, Plovdiv Old Town, Veliko Tarnovo, Black Sea Coast and Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak.

Which are the languages of Bulgaria?

Bulgarian is the official language and most of the people speak English with Russian and German being also spoken in tourist regions.

Is Bulgaria touristic safe?

Yes, Bulgaria is a safe country and safe to tourists with minimal crime rate and welcoming people.

Which Bulgarian cultural festivals must I attend?

Among the major cultural events which are worth attending include the Rose Festival which is also the European Capital of Culture in the city of Plovdiv, the Sofia Music Weeks among others.