Bulgaria history
This former eastern bloc country was a slave to Russian communism for nearly half of the 20th century, and before that a significant part of its history involved being dominated by Turkish rule. Even ancient cultures such as the Greeks and Romans vied for control of this small nation.
A crossroads between Europe and Asia, Bulgaria has always been a popular country for invaders and conquerors. Nevertheless, despite centuries of mishandling by more powerful nations, the Bulgarian spirit has remained intact and its unique culture has been preserved. How this occurred, especially during 500 years of the brutal Turkish feudal system, is a tale of courage and survival.
Quick fact!
Dating back more than 6,000 years, the world’s oldest gold treasure was discovered in Bulgaria.
1300s – 1800s
During the rule of the Ottoman Turks from the 14th century to the 19th century many Bulgarians were either killed or turned into slaves. A few monastaries faithfully preserved the history and traditions which were in danger of being lost when most of the population was effectively wiped out or decided to emigrate.
One passionate supporter was a monk by the name of Paisii Hilendarski. He created the Bulgarian National Revival by travelling around reading the history of the country to his fellow patriots. A spark of nationalism was ignited and music, literature and art started to re-emerge. Political discussions also played a major part in forging the way for independence as did Turkey’s recognition of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church as autonomous.
By the 19th century Ottoman rule was weakening and foreign trade was taking off between Bulgaria and Western Europe. In 1876 a Bulgarian rebellion called the April Uprising startled the Turks into action and they responded with much brutality and force. Such were the atrocities that Russia stepped in and declared war on the Ottomans.
What followed was victory in a sense. For the first time in its history Bulgaria gained independence but it wasn’t allowed to last. The larger powers decided an independent Bulgaria was a dangerous Bulgaria and it was divided up again.
Quick fact!
Bulgaria is the oldest country in Europe that hasn’t changed its name since it was first established.
1914 – present
World War I did nothing to help the cause and significantly weakened the country economically because of its siding with Germany. During World War II Bulgaria wisely stayed neutral but Germany invaded anyway. The consolation of neutrality was that the jewish population was not handed over to the concentration camps. Russia again came to Bulgaria’s aid and it was liberated from the Nazis in 1944.
In the years following, Russian communism was the major force in Bulgaria politically, economically and culturally. For forty years the Bulgarian people were forced into conditions likened to slavery under its hardline communist leaders.
The 1990s saw the emergence of many political parties with more moderate ideas and plans for reform but nothing much changed in terms of living conditions. Bulgaria’s official joining of the EU in 2007 has been an important step forward in reconnecting with the rest of Europe and throwing off its communist identity. Today Bulgaria offers a fascinating glimpse into a country determined to triumph over oppression.
Bulgarian language and culture
Culture of Bulgaria
The definitive culture of Bulgaria is influenced by many centuries of transformation. With ancestries from ancient Greece, ancient Rome, the Thracians, the Slavs, and the Bulgars, Bulgaria’s cultural history is every changing. The country is filled with art, architecture, music, and individuals that represent a deep, abundant cultural history.
Religion
The country of Bulgaria consists of several religious majorities. The government’s constitution is based on the idea that there should be a freedom of religion, however there are portions of the constitution that state it is illegal to practice an “unregistered” religion in public.
Islam is a popular religion after the Ottoman Empire controlled parts of Bulgaria, with roughly 8% of the population being Muslim. Roman Catholicism and Protestantism are minority religious beliefs with about 1% of the population practicing both sects of Christianity. The primary religion of Bulgaria is Orthodoxy, with nearly 60% of the population registering as Orthodox Christians. The government has declared that Orthodoxy is the “traditional”, read official, religion of the country.
Cuisine
Bulgarian cuisine is a scrumptious combination of hearty meats and natural ingredients. The abundant rainfall and rich soil create an excellent source of vegetables, fruits and herbs for Bulgarian foods. Many dishes involve a sort of stew, or soup, including lyutenitsa, a type of seasoned tomato soup. Pastries, or banitsa, are also extremely popular.
On special holidays, Bulgarians bake treasures or good luck charms into their puffy banitsas! Another product of such fertile soil is the ability to create fine wines and spirits. Bulgaria has winemaking traditions that date back to the Thracians (circa 1000 B.C.)! Food and spirits create a lively and tasty experience throughout all of Bulgaria for any tourist or traveler.
Music
Bulgarian musical culture is extremely diverse and interesting. The traditional folk music of Bulgaria is considered to be powerful and resonant. Singing is said to be a more guttural, or throat singing, but that is not the case. Folk singers are able to bend and enhance their voices to sound more heavy and vivid. Instruments such as the gaida, a goatskin bagpipe, and the gadulka, a string instrument played with a bow, are traditionally used in Bulgarian folk music. Other musical influences, such as pop music, electronic music and rock music are all very popular in modern day Bulgaria. However, a thriving tradition for folk music still exists in modern society.
Art and Architecture
Architecture and artistic expression in Bulgaria has an intense and historical cultural background. Buildings dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, as well as the Ottoman Empire, can still be visited in many places throughout the country. Ruins of these ancient dwellings are popular tourist sites. During the Ottoman rule, architecture took a more Mediterranean style, with dark brick buildings with ornate roofs and ornaments.The late 18th century into the 19th century saw more European style buildings created throughout the country. During communist rule of Bulgaria, more modern, simplistic designs became the norm.
Art throughout Bulgaria has always been focused primarily on religion and rural life. Realism and romanticism are two movements that Bulgarian artists are most known for throughout the world. Frescos and mural paintings in churches and cathedrals dating back centuries are also popular in Bulgarian art.
Languages of Bulgaria
Bulgarian is the official language in Bulgaria; almost 85% of the population are native Bulgarians. The minority languages are Turkish spoken by almost 10% and Romani spoken by less than 5%.
The common foreign languages are Russian, English, German and French in that order of popularity
Basic Bulgarian words and phrases
Hello – Zdravejte
Goodbye – Doviždane
Please – Molya
Thank-you – Blagodarya
My name is… – Kazvam se…
Where is…? - kade e…?
I would like – Az iskam
I don’t speak Bulgarian - Az ne govorya balgarski
Bulgaria weather
Bulgaria is located between two very different climatic zones – continental and Mediterranean – which explains the country’s shifty and unpredictable climate. With an annual average temperature of 8°C in northern areas and 11°C in the south, Bulgaria is characterized by a temperate-continental climate with moderate features. While it can get very cold during winter, the long, hot summers and its proximity to the Black Sea make Bulgaria an ideal destination for a beach holiday.
Spring in Bulgaria
Spring temperatures range from 5 to 17°C, but sunny weather isn’t the only reason to visit Bulgaria during this time of the year. Cultural venues are open and host a variety of events during March and April, with low-season rates still being applied. Spring showers are quite frequent, so remember to bring your umbrella and a rain jacket.
Summer in Bulgaria
Summer is the best season for hiking and beach holidays, with temperatures regularly hitting 25-30 degrees in July and August. Sofia gets a lot of sun during summer, so be sure to pack a bottle of sun cream and wear a hat to protect yourself from heatstroke. However, this isn’t an excuse to forget your umbrella, especially since June is the wettest month of the year.
Autumn in Bulgaria
Although warm temperatures still allow bathing in the Black Sea until mid-September, ski resorts will have opened by the end of October, when average temperatures begin to drop below 10°C in the warmer parts of the country. Pack a few warm clothes for chilly weather, e.g. jeans, long-sleeve shirts and a coat.
Winter in Bulgaria
With an average low temperature of 5 degrees in the mountains of Bulgaria, skiing has become a popular pastime. In contrary the eastern part of the country is relatively warm, averaging temperatures in the higher single-digits. The capital isn’t very sunny during winter, and it is advisable to wear thick overcoats and warm jumpers to protect you from low temperatures or cold winds.
Average temperatures in Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna
Average rainfall in Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna
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