Cultural Background Of Bulgaria: An Overview

Bulgaria’s culture derives from many different sources- Thracian, Christian, and even, to some extent, Turkish (a result of the five-hundred year Ottoman rule in the country). Religion- or more specifically Christianity- has been one of the main influences on Bulgaria’s culture- the magnificent cathedrals and shrines, the icons and religious murals, and the Orthodox religious chants of the country- are all very much a part of Bulgaria’s cultural heritage.

Another important part of Bulgaria’s cultural life is the folk tradition of the country. Folk dances, music, and rural lifestyles, many of them derived from Turkish traditions, have managed to survive the onslaught of generations of external influences, from Turkish rule to rock-and-roll and heavy metal. Even today, periodic folk festivals showcase the folk arts of the country and help keep these traditions alive.

Bulgaria’s culture has been influenced by many different sources, both Western and Eastern, and the result is something so very rich and heady that it’s quite exotic. The same is true of the handicrafts produced by the country’s artisans- each of them has a richness, a beauty and a vibrancy which is quite unique. Among the best and most beautiful crafts of Bulgaria are its textiles, plain, with patterned weaves, or embroidered; jewellery (particularly silver), ceramic, glass, rugs and carpets, and fretwork. In all, you’ll find the traces of Bulgaria’s past- the influences exercised by the Europeans, the Ottoman Turks, and by the native people’s own exuberance and zest for life- reflected in the bright colours, the bold geometric patterns and the intricate designs in handicrafts.

Bulgaria has in fact, done quite a bit to preserve its handicrafts- not only are they encouraged, there’s also a Permanent National Exhibition of Folk Art near Troyan, where traditional folk arts are on display.