| | Bulgaria
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| Population |
7.32 million (July 2007 est.)
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Religion
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Bulgarian Orthodox 82.6%, Muslim 12.2%, other Christian 1.2%, other 4% (2001 census)
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Languages
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Bulgarian 84.5%, Turkish 9.6%, Roma 4.1%, other and unspecified 1.8% (2001 census)
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Culture
The Bulgarian lands have been inhabited by various tribes that have developed a rich and diverse culture. Excellent art, music and literature have made Bulgarians very proud. It has given the world men of great achievements, mysterious Thracian treasures and burial tombs, magnificent frescos and many brilliant examples of ancient applied arts.
Bulgarian festivals and customs date back to ancient times when men tried to appease the natural elements and trembled before their power. Full of beauty, gaiety, mystical voices, fiery dances and brightly colored costumes - Bulgarian folklore has to be seen, felt and experienced! Fire dancing is the most ancient mysterious ritual. Barefooted dancers perform on burning embers to expel illness, or for health and fruitfulness. The Festival of Roses is a lovely festival celebrated in the Rose Valley near the town of Kazanluk on the first weekend of June every year.
Art & Architecture
Monuments in Bulgaria like the Tomb of Sveshtari, and the Tomb of Kazanlak date back to the Thracian era. The Bulgarian town of Nessebar began as a Thracian settlement. Evidence of Greek colonisation can be seen in the Acropolis and the Temple of Apollo.
The Bulgarian architecture was also influenced by the Ottoman rule for a long period of time. The Ottoman rule has left a great impact on the Bulgarian medieval architecture. Presently, the housing styles in Bulgaria bear the resemblance of the Ottoman houses in Northern Turkey.
Bulgarian religious buildings on the World Heritage List are Rila Monastery, Boyana Church, Sofia, and the Christian churches of Ivanovo. |
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