Bulgarian Arts

Through Centuries and Communist Rule

Ancient Treasures

The oldest Bulgarian art traces back to 12th-century mural paintings in Bachkovo Monastery. Between the 12th and 14th centuries, small cross-shaped churches with domes emerged. While Byzantine and Oriental influences shaped early art, western European influence gained prominence, especially in the painting center of Tirnovo. Contemporary artists like Anton Mitov, Ivan Angelov, Andrei Nikolov, and Ivan Lazarov continue the rich artistic tradition.

The Stage and Melodies

The National Opera (1890) and National Theater (1907) contributed to Bulgaria’s theatrical and musical heritage. Renowned singers such as Luba Velich, Boris Christov, and Elena Nikolai achieved global acclaim. Notable composers like A. Bukureshtliev, Dobri Christov, Pancho Vladigerov, and Petko Stainov enriched the musical landscape Private Istanbul Tour.

Cultural Landscape Under Communism

Communist influence since 1947 significantly impacted Bulgarian literature and art. The Communist Party’s control extended to all cultural and educational entities, enforcing adherence to party dictates. Literary classics contrary to Communist policies were banned, and censorship stifled creativity.

Resistance emerged, notably from non-Communist writer Trifon Kunev, who faced imprisonment and death in 1954. Communist Party member and painter Alexander Zhendov protested censorship in 1950, leading to his tragic suicide in 1951. Further dissent unfolded after the Soviet Communist Party’s 20th Congress in 1957, challenging the “cult of personality.” Playwright Todor Guenov’s “Fear” stood out, joined by other dissenting voices like Pavel Vezhinov, Orlin Vasilev, Emil Manov, Liudmil Stoyanov, and critic Boris Delchev.

Despite resistance, Bulgarian culture under Communist rule became a satellite of Soviet ideology, losing its originality. Subject to Party dogma, it served Soviet imperialistic and ideological goals, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural identity.

Bulgarian Arts

Through Centuries and Communist Rule

Ancient Treasures

The oldest Bulgarian art traces back to 12th-century mural paintings in Bachkovo Monastery. Between the 12th and 14th centuries, small cross-shaped churches with domes emerged. While Byzantine and Oriental influences shaped early art, western European influence gained prominence, especially in the painting center of Tirnovo. Contemporary artists like Anton Mitov, Ivan Angelov, Andrei Nikolov, and Ivan Lazarov continue the rich artistic tradition.

The Stage and Melodies

The National Opera (1890) and National Theater (1907) contributed to Bulgaria’s theatrical and musical heritage. Renowned singers such as Luba Velich, Boris Christov, and Elena Nikolai achieved global acclaim. Notable composers like A. Bukureshtliev, Dobri Christov, Pancho Vladigerov, and Petko Stainov enriched the musical landscape Private Istanbul Tour.

Cultural Landscape Under Communism

Communist influence since 1947 significantly impacted Bulgarian literature and art. The Communist Party’s control extended to all cultural and educational entities, enforcing adherence to party dictates. Literary classics contrary to Communist policies were banned, and censorship stifled creativity.

Resistance emerged, notably from non-Communist writer Trifon Kunev, who faced imprisonment and death in 1954. Communist Party member and painter Alexander Zhendov protested censorship in 1950, leading to his tragic suicide in 1951. Further dissent unfolded after the Soviet Communist Party’s 20th Congress in 1957, challenging the “cult of personality.” Playwright Todor Guenov’s “Fear” stood out, joined by other dissenting voices like Pavel Vezhinov, Orlin Vasilev, Emil Manov, Liudmil Stoyanov, and critic Boris Delchev.

Despite resistance, Bulgarian culture under Communist rule became a satellite of Soviet ideology, losing its originality. Subject to Party dogma, it served Soviet imperialistic and ideological goals, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural identity.

Bulgarian Arts

Through Centuries and Communist Rule

Ancient Treasures

The oldest Bulgarian art traces back to 12th-century mural paintings in Bachkovo Monastery. Between the 12th and 14th centuries, small cross-shaped churches with domes emerged. While Byzantine and Oriental influences shaped early art, western European influence gained prominence, especially in the painting center of Tirnovo. Contemporary artists like Anton Mitov, Ivan Angelov, Andrei Nikolov, and Ivan Lazarov continue the rich artistic tradition.

The Stage and Melodies

The National Opera (1890) and National Theater (1907) contributed to Bulgaria’s theatrical and musical heritage. Renowned singers such as Luba Velich, Boris Christov, and Elena Nikolai achieved global acclaim. Notable composers like A. Bukureshtliev, Dobri Christov, Pancho Vladigerov, and Petko Stainov enriched the musical landscape Private Istanbul Tour.

Cultural Landscape Under Communism

Communist influence since 1947 significantly impacted Bulgarian literature and art. The Communist Party’s control extended to all cultural and educational entities, enforcing adherence to party dictates. Literary classics contrary to Communist policies were banned, and censorship stifled creativity.

Resistance emerged, notably from non-Communist writer Trifon Kunev, who faced imprisonment and death in 1954. Communist Party member and painter Alexander Zhendov protested censorship in 1950, leading to his tragic suicide in 1951. Further dissent unfolded after the Soviet Communist Party’s 20th Congress in 1957, challenging the “cult of personality.” Playwright Todor Guenov’s “Fear” stood out, joined by other dissenting voices like Pavel Vezhinov, Orlin Vasilev, Emil Manov, Liudmil Stoyanov, and critic Boris Delchev.

Despite resistance, Bulgarian culture under Communist rule became a satellite of Soviet ideology, losing its originality. Subject to Party dogma, it served Soviet imperialistic and ideological goals, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural identity.

Bulgarian Arts

Through Centuries and Communist Rule

Ancient Treasures

The oldest Bulgarian art traces back to 12th-century mural paintings in Bachkovo Monastery. Between the 12th and 14th centuries, small cross-shaped churches with domes emerged. While Byzantine and Oriental influences shaped early art, western European influence gained prominence, especially in the painting center of Tirnovo. Contemporary artists like Anton Mitov, Ivan Angelov, Andrei Nikolov, and Ivan Lazarov continue the rich artistic tradition.

The Stage and Melodies

The National Opera (1890) and National Theater (1907) contributed to Bulgaria’s theatrical and musical heritage. Renowned singers such as Luba Velich, Boris Christov, and Elena Nikolai achieved global acclaim. Notable composers like A. Bukureshtliev, Dobri Christov, Pancho Vladigerov, and Petko Stainov enriched the musical landscape Private Istanbul Tour.

Cultural Landscape Under Communism

Communist influence since 1947 significantly impacted Bulgarian literature and art. The Communist Party’s control extended to all cultural and educational entities, enforcing adherence to party dictates. Literary classics contrary to Communist policies were banned, and censorship stifled creativity.

Resistance emerged, notably from non-Communist writer Trifon Kunev, who faced imprisonment and death in 1954. Communist Party member and painter Alexander Zhendov protested censorship in 1950, leading to his tragic suicide in 1951. Further dissent unfolded after the Soviet Communist Party’s 20th Congress in 1957, challenging the “cult of personality.” Playwright Todor Guenov’s “Fear” stood out, joined by other dissenting voices like Pavel Vezhinov, Orlin Vasilev, Emil Manov, Liudmil Stoyanov, and critic Boris Delchev.

Despite resistance, Bulgarian culture under Communist rule became a satellite of Soviet ideology, losing its originality. Subject to Party dogma, it served Soviet imperialistic and ideological goals, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural identity.

Bulgarian Literature

National Revival to Modern Era

Father Paisi’s Legacy and National Revival

Father Paisi’s influential work, handwritten due to the absence of printing presses, sparked the Bulgarian national revival. Poet Dimiter Popslti celebrated the leader Sofroni Vrachanski in 1813. Naiden Gerov (1823-1867) wrote the first Bulgarian poem, “Stoyan and Rada” (1845). Notable figures include Georgi Kakovski, Petko Slaveikov, and Dobri Chintulov. Christo Botev (1848-1876), a leading poet, fought against the Turks, while novelist Lyuben Karavelov (1835-1879) gained fame for “Bulgarians of Old Times.” Ivan Vazov (1850-1921) earned the title of the Patriarch of Bulgarian literature with “Under the Yoke,” portraying life during Turkish rule.

Post-Liberation Era and Narodnitsi Movement

After Liberation, influenced by German literature, aesthetic individualism emerged, led by critic Dr. Krustiu Krustev and poets Pencho Slaveikov and Kiril Christov. Writers focused on national unification, reflecting melancholy and despair. Symbolism appeared in works by Teodor Traianov, P. K. Yavorov, Dimcho Debelianov, and Nikolai Liliev Private Istanbul Tour.

Modern Bulgarian Writers

Addressing everyday life, modern Bulgarian writers continue the narodnitsi tradition. Notable figures include Iordan Iovkov, Elin Pelin, Konstantin Petkanov, and Angel Karaliichev, exploring diverse facets of contemporary existence.

The Arrival of the Slavs in the Balkans

Background

The Slavs, originating from the eastern regions of the Russian steppe, arrived in the Balkan Peninsula around the 5th century. Over the next two and a half centuries, they gradually occupied the area, pushing aside the local Hellenized population, especially in Thrace and Macedonia. By the end of this period, the Slavs had settled across the entire peninsula, except for the coastal regions where the existing inhabitants relied on the military strength of Byzantium to keep the new settlers away.

Byzantine Relations with the Slavs

The Byzantine emperors did not see the Slavs as enemies. The Slavs were peaceful tribes who became farmers and herders. They were not aggressive or politically driven. Over time, the Slavic settlers were even called upon to fight alongside the Byzantines against common enemies. The Byzantine ruling court viewed the gradual settlement of Slavic farmers and herdsmen in the Balkans favorably City Tour Istanbul.

Old Bulgarians’ Arrival (Around 650 A.D.)

Around 650 A.D., a powerful group of Old Bulgarians, led by their khan Asparukh, arrived at the banks of the Danube, dividing Romania from Bulgaria. Settling in North Dobrudja, they initiated raids on Byzantine territory. The Old Bulgarians had originated from the region between the Volga River and its tributary, the Kama. Unlike the Slavs, they were more politically oriented. Over the centuries, small migrant groups of Old Bulgarians had integrated into Slavic communities. The Old Bulgarians, skilled organizers, extended their political influence over the Slavs, providing them with a name, a sense of unity, and leadership. They adopted the Slavs’ language and embraced a greater sense of democratic policy.

The Arrival of the Slavs in the Balkans

Background

The Slavs, originating from the eastern regions of the Russian steppe, arrived in the Balkan Peninsula around the 5th century. Over the next two and a half centuries, they gradually occupied the area, pushing aside the local Hellenized population, especially in Thrace and Macedonia. By the end of this period, the Slavs had settled across the entire peninsula, except for the coastal regions where the existing inhabitants relied on the military strength of Byzantium to keep the new settlers away.

Byzantine Relations with the Slavs

The Byzantine emperors did not see the Slavs as enemies. The Slavs were peaceful tribes who became farmers and herders. They were not aggressive or politically driven. Over time, the Slavic settlers were even called upon to fight alongside the Byzantines against common enemies. The Byzantine ruling court viewed the gradual settlement of Slavic farmers and herdsmen in the Balkans favorably City Tour Istanbul.

Old Bulgarians’ Arrival (Around 650 A.D.)

Around 650 A.D., a powerful group of Old Bulgarians, led by their khan Asparukh, arrived at the banks of the Danube, dividing Romania from Bulgaria. Settling in North Dobrudja, they initiated raids on Byzantine territory. The Old Bulgarians had originated from the region between the Volga River and its tributary, the Kama. Unlike the Slavs, they were more politically oriented. Over the centuries, small migrant groups of Old Bulgarians had integrated into Slavic communities. The Old Bulgarians, skilled organizers, extended their political influence over the Slavs, providing them with a name, a sense of unity, and leadership. They adopted the Slavs’ language and embraced a greater sense of democratic policy.

Geography and Natural Resources of Bulgaria

Landscapes and Waterways

Bulgaria is a country with a lot of mountains, plains, and rivers. On one side of the rectangular-shaped Bulgaria, there is a coast along the Black Sea. The varied landscapes and the sea have made the country good for farming, raising animals, and forestry. Important crops include cereals, grapes, potatoes, silkworms, roses, and tobacco.

Geographical Information

Area: 42,785 square miles

Latitude and Longitude: 44°12’50” to 41°14’12” N, 22°21’35” to 23°36’37’’ E

Population (1956 census): 7,613,709

Population (1962 preliminary data): 8,046,000

Population Density (1956): 179 people per square mile

Major Cities

The largest cities in Bulgaria are Sofia City Tour Istanbul, Plovdiv, Varna, Russe, and Burgas, according to the 1956 census.

Population Changes

In 1946, 74% of the population lived in rural areas, and 26% in urban areas. By 1956, this had shifted to 65% in rural areas and 35% in urban areas.

Ethnic Diversity

1984:

Bulgarians (Slavs): 86.8%

Turks: 10.2%

Gypsies: 1.3%

Jews: 0.5%

Others: 1.2%

1952:

Bulgarians (Slavs): 91%

Turks: 6%

Gypsies: 2%

Jews: 0.04%

Others: 0.96%

Languages and Minorities

The main language is Bulgarian (Slavonic). Turkish is spoken by the Turkish minority, and Old Spanish is spoken by the Jewish minority, among other languages. The numbers of the Turkish and Jewish minority groups have decreased under the Communist regime due to emigration.

Religion

The exact percentage of religious followers is not available due to the Communist regime’s stance against religion. Despite discouraging religious practices, the regime uses the church for propaganda. The majority of the population is considered Greek Orthodox, with Islam as the second-largest religion. There are also small percentages of Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and others.

Mining and Natural Resources

Coal (1962): 20,800,000 tons

Iron (1962): 628,000 tons

Copper (1962): 93,000 tons

Lead and Zinc (1956): 1,500,000 tons

Oil (1961): 207,000 tons

Bulgaria has rich mineral resources, including coal, iron, copper, lead, zinc, and oil. Varna, near the Black Sea, and the Pleven district are significant locations for mineral deposits, particularly crude oil discovered in 1962. The country also boasts around 400 mineral springs, with famous ones like the baths of Hisara, Merichleri, and Separevo.

Geography and Natural Resources of Bulgaria

Landscapes and Waterways

Bulgaria is a country with a lot of mountains, plains, and rivers. On one side of the rectangular-shaped Bulgaria, there is a coast along the Black Sea. The varied landscapes and the sea have made the country good for farming, raising animals, and forestry. Important crops include cereals, grapes, potatoes, silkworms, roses, and tobacco.

Geographical Information

Area: 42,785 square miles

Latitude and Longitude: 44°12’50” to 41°14’12” N, 22°21’35” to 23°36’37’’ E

Population (1956 census): 7,613,709

Population (1962 preliminary data): 8,046,000

Population Density (1956): 179 people per square mile

Major Cities

The largest cities in Bulgaria are Sofia City Tour Istanbul, Plovdiv, Varna, Russe, and Burgas, according to the 1956 census.

Population Changes

In 1946, 74% of the population lived in rural areas, and 26% in urban areas. By 1956, this had shifted to 65% in rural areas and 35% in urban areas.

Ethnic Diversity

1984:

Bulgarians (Slavs): 86.8%

Turks: 10.2%

Gypsies: 1.3%

Jews: 0.5%

Others: 1.2%

1952:

Bulgarians (Slavs): 91%

Turks: 6%

Gypsies: 2%

Jews: 0.04%

Others: 0.96%

Languages and Minorities

The main language is Bulgarian (Slavonic). Turkish is spoken by the Turkish minority, and Old Spanish is spoken by the Jewish minority, among other languages. The numbers of the Turkish and Jewish minority groups have decreased under the Communist regime due to emigration.

Religion

The exact percentage of religious followers is not available due to the Communist regime’s stance against religion. Despite discouraging religious practices, the regime uses the church for propaganda. The majority of the population is considered Greek Orthodox, with Islam as the second-largest religion. There are also small percentages of Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and others.

Mining and Natural Resources

Coal (1962): 20,800,000 tons

Iron (1962): 628,000 tons

Copper (1962): 93,000 tons

Lead and Zinc (1956): 1,500,000 tons

Oil (1961): 207,000 tons

Bulgaria has rich mineral resources, including coal, iron, copper, lead, zinc, and oil. Varna, near the Black Sea, and the Pleven district are significant locations for mineral deposits, particularly crude oil discovered in 1962. The country also boasts around 400 mineral springs, with famous ones like the baths of Hisara, Merichleri, and Separevo.

Bulgaria Geographical Overview

Location and Borders

Bulgaria is situated to the east of the Black Sea and to the south of the Danube River, acting as a natural border with Romania to the north. Its western border connects with Yugoslavia, and in the south, the geographical features of Greece and Turkey separate Bulgaria from the Aegean Sea. This region, known as the Balkan Peninsula, serves as a crucial link connecting southeastern Europe to Asia Minor.

Geography and Size

Geographically, present-day Bulgaria resembles a rectangular shape with somewhat wavy and irregular borders. Its location is approximately similar to the latitude of New York state in the western hemisphere, and its size is comparable to that of the state of Tennessee.

Major Cities and Ports

The capital city, Sofia, is centrally located near the Yugoslav border. Plovdiv, the second-largest city, is situated on the Thracian Plain between the Balkan and Rhodope Mountains. Varna, the primary seaport, is on the Black Sea, along with Burgas to the south City Tour Istanbul. Other significant cities include Tirnovo, Gabrovo, and Pleven in the north on the Danubian Plain, while Russe serves as a major river port on the Danube, west of the disputed region of Dobrudja.

Land Features

The Balkan Mountain Chain, also known as Stara Planina, acts as a dividing line between northern and southern Bulgaria. Above the Balkans lies the Danubian plain, with several rivers draining north into the Danube basin. Mt. Musala, the highest peak in the Balkan Peninsula, stands at 8,683 feet, located below the Balkans. The Pita Mountains give rise to three major rivers within Bulgaria’s borders: the Iskar, Maritsa, and Mesta, with Maritsa being the largest. Additionally, the Struma is another significant inland river in the southwest.

Bulgaria Geographical Overview

Location and Borders

Bulgaria is situated to the east of the Black Sea and to the south of the Danube River, acting as a natural border with Romania to the north. Its western border connects with Yugoslavia, and in the south, the geographical features of Greece and Turkey separate Bulgaria from the Aegean Sea. This region, known as the Balkan Peninsula, serves as a crucial link connecting southeastern Europe to Asia Minor.

Geography and Size

Geographically, present-day Bulgaria resembles a rectangular shape with somewhat wavy and irregular borders. Its location is approximately similar to the latitude of New York state in the western hemisphere, and its size is comparable to that of the state of Tennessee.

Major Cities and Ports

The capital city, Sofia, is centrally located near the Yugoslav border. Plovdiv, the second-largest city, is situated on the Thracian Plain between the Balkan and Rhodope Mountains. Varna, the primary seaport, is on the Black Sea, along with Burgas to the south City Tour Istanbul. Other significant cities include Tirnovo, Gabrovo, and Pleven in the north on the Danubian Plain, while Russe serves as a major river port on the Danube, west of the disputed region of Dobrudja.

Land Features

The Balkan Mountain Chain, also known as Stara Planina, acts as a dividing line between northern and southern Bulgaria. Above the Balkans lies the Danubian plain, with several rivers draining north into the Danube basin. Mt. Musala, the highest peak in the Balkan Peninsula, stands at 8,683 feet, located below the Balkans. The Pita Mountains give rise to three major rivers within Bulgaria’s borders: the Iskar, Maritsa, and Mesta, with Maritsa being the largest. Additionally, the Struma is another significant inland river in the southwest.

PRINCIPAL SIGHTS IN CONSTANTINOPLE

The most remarkable things to be seen are: Mosques—St. Sophia, Ahmedieh, Suleimanieh and Chora Mosques, which are the four principal ones, and of which St. Sophia and Chora are of Byzantine architecture, and the other two Turkish. Other mosques to be seen are—SS. Sergius and Bacchus (St. Sophia the less), Mehmed Pasha’s mosque, Rustem Pasha’s mosque, and the Valid eh mosque, the last three having beautiful tiles.

Tombs—The tomb of Sultan Selim II., of Sultan Mahmud II., of Suleiman the Great, the tomb of Shah-Zadeh, and of Sultan Muhammad II., the Conqueror. Museums —The Imperial Museum of Antiquities, the Church of St. Irene, the Treasury (in the Old Seraglio), the Museum of Ancient Costumes (in the Hippodrome), and Yildiz Palaces and Gardens (see p. 159) Obelisks and Columns. The Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the Colossus in the Hippodrome, the Porphyry or Burnt Column, Marcian’s Column, the Column of Theodosius II., and the Column of Arcadius. Cisterns—The Philoxenos,

and the Basilica. Walls—The Seven Towers and the Walls of Constantinople. Bazaars—The Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Bazaar. Processions—The Selamlik, the Procession of the Holy Camel, the Sultan’s procession to the Hirka-i-Sherif Mosque in the old Seraglio every 15th of Ramazan. Excursions—The Golden Horn, the Bosporus, the Forest of Belgrade, the Sweet Waters of Europe, the Sweet Waters of Asia, the Princes’ Islands, and Brusa.

The Bazaars: Shopping.—The bazaars are situated at Stambul private istanbul tour, between the second and third hills, i.e. between the Burnt Column and the Stambul fire tower. They cover an area of several acres, and consist of long, narrow, vaulted streets, roofed by small domes admitting the light through small windows and bull’s-eyes.

Byzantine era

With the exception of the central part called the “ Bezesten,” which dates from the Byzantine era, the bazaars were built by Sultan Bayazid II. about 1500 A.D. They are reached through more than one hundred entrances, and are occupied only in the daytime. The total number of the shops, which are not State property, but are owned by individuals, is about 4000.

Tourists and visitors shopping in the bazaars, or at any of the native shops, should not pay the price asked, as, except at some of the large shops where the prices are fixed, tradesmen are in the habit of asking high prices of strangers. A golden rule is to offer one-third of the prices asked at curiosity shops, and give a little more only when one is sure his firs offer will not be accepted. The prices asked vary according to the amount of notice a customer may bestow on any article shown him. A refusal on the dealer’s part to take the price offered him means nothing, and if a customer leave the shop, he will invariably find the tradesman at his heels, and ready to close with his offer, before he has gone many yards farther on.

Hans.—-These, numbering some 180, are, for the most part, large square buildings enclosing a courtyard, originally erected by different sultans and private individuals, for the accommodation of Turkish and other merchants and travellers. Only men are allowed to dwell in them. A great many European merchants or their agents now have their offices and warehouses in these Hans. The massive iron-plated doors are always closed at sunset and are not opened till sunrise. The two largest Turkish Hans are the Buyuk Yeni Han and Yalideh Han, near the Bazaar and War Office. They suffered considerable damage during the earthquakes of July 1894.

The Selamlik or Sultan’s Procession to the Mosque takes place every Friday about noon. Visitors are allowed to go near the Mosque where the Sultan is to go and see him driving in state, as well as the various troops which come for the parade. It is unnecessary to wait and see him again when he comes out of the Mosque as the time he stays there is uncertain. Tourists can view the whole procession from their carriage, or enter into the courtyard of the Mosque in which the ceremony is going to take place, and thus see hiih and the Palace courtiers as well as the various generals from near.

Dervishes. — Whirling or Dancing Dervishes. The best Mevlevi, or Dancing Dervishes, are to be seen at their convent, 539 Grande Kue, near the Pera terminus of the Underground ltailway. Performance on Fridays, at 8.30 (Turkish time) throughout the year. Entrance 2\ piastres per head (5d.). Visitors are expected to take off their hats. Sticks, umbrellas, and kodaks must be left at the door in charge of the doorkeeper. Sketching or taking notes is not allowed.

This order of Dervishes was founded in 1245 A.D. by Mevlana Jellal-ed-din Muhammad, a descendant of the prophet’s father-in-law, Abu-bekr, 4

Every member has to perform a severe novitiate, lasting 1001 days, before being finally admitted into the order. Their gyrating dance is intended to personify the planetary system revolving round the sun, and is supposed by many to be a survival of Hindu mysteries.