Going on vacation to a particular country, sometimes we do not even suspect how many interesting and fascinating things are hidden in it. In this article we will tell interesting facts about Bulgaria. The resorts of this state were popular with our compatriots in Soviet times. Today, many vacationers are planning to relax in the homeland of their father, Alexander the Great and the revolting gladiator Spartacus. In addition to the warm and welcoming sea, you will find many ancient cities and unique cultural monuments, some of which are under the protection of UNESCO.
"Yes Yes"
Perhaps the most famous interesting fact about Bulgaria is connected with the manner of communication in this country. Going to this country, you should know that when denied, the locals nod their heads, and in agreement, they turn to the sides. This is a very funny fact about Bulgaria, which often leads to confusion during the communication of travelers with local residents. Of course, recently, at popular resorts, staff has been trying to adapt to the habits of visitors, using gestures that are correct in their understanding. As a result, this is only more confusing.
There are several versions of how such gestures appeared. One of the most plausible claims that in the years when the country was under the influence of the Ottoman Empire, the Bulgarians intentionally swapped the gestures of denial and consent in order to deceive the Turks when they demanded that they accept Islam. Since denial led to certain death from the sword, the Bulgarians decided on a trick, swapping gestures.
City Perperikon
Another interesting fact about Bulgaria is that on its territory are the ruins of the ancient Thracian city of Perperikon. It is an impressive megalithic ensemble, which is officially recognized as the largest in the Balkan Peninsula.
He was on a rocky hill, his appearance will surely amaze fans of antiquities. There is a curious fact about Bulgaria, a kind of legend. If you believe her, then in this place is the tomb of the legendary singer Orpheus. Every year at the end of June, the Bulgarians organize an art festival in the area of ββancient Perperikon, which is dedicated to Dionysus, the god of fun and wine.
Rakia
An amazing and interesting fact about Bulgaria for many will be that the main alcoholic drink in this country is raki. In the factory version, its strength reaches 40 degrees, and with home cooking it reaches 50-60. It is considered a national Bulgarian drink, which has many variations. Brandy is pear, apricot, grape, plum.
In fact, it is moonshine, but tastier. Locals cook it before winter. Make brandy immediately from several or only one type of fruit, adding anise, honey or nuts. In winter, they drink it hot with caramel, adding orange zest or cinnamon. For this, from the 19th century, they began to make special copper vessels with long handles, in which the drink was heated over an open fire.
Here is an interesting fact about Bulgaria: it is believed that the level of prosperity of local residents is determined by the amount of brandy of different years of production, which is stored in their own cellars.
Rose oil
Almost all the rose oil that is consumed in the world comes from here. This is an interesting fact about the country of Bulgaria, since few people know that rose oil is especially appreciated in the market, and it is mainly used in cosmetics and perfumes. The largest center for its production is the so-called Valley of Roses, located in the city of Kazanlak.
In local shops there are many products based on rose oil. These are face and hand creams, tonics, perfumes, essential oils. Also, pink water is used in the treatment of rashes, it helps to effectively remove puffiness from the face, and is used as a cleansing and tonic. One of the popular souvenirs that must be brought from Bulgaria after a holiday is considered to be perfumes and cosmetics based on pink oil.
Rozhen Monastery
There are many interesting historical facts about Bulgaria. For example, it is here that the Rozhen Monastery is located, one of the few that have preserved their original appearance since the Middle Ages. There are very few such monasteries in the world.
It is located in the southern part of the Pirin Mountains, many are sure that it is one of the most beautiful and majestic in the country. Local historians claim that the construction of the monastery was completed in 890. This is an amazing fortress built in the medieval style in the form of an irregular hexagon.
Some areas here are now planted with vineyards. Fans of ancient art may be interested in the local iconostasis, which is considered the main one in the monastery.
Nessebar
A truly amazing fact about the country Bulgaria - here is one of the oldest European cities. It is called Nessebar. For many centuries, Nessebar's tourists have been attracted by its narrow and quiet streets, as well as an amazing romantic atmosphere.
The city is located on the Black Sea. An interesting fact about Bulgaria for children will be that for them there will be many fascinating things. Nessebar is considered an ideal resort for families with a warm sea and a comfortable temperature throughout the summer.
There will be something for schoolchildren and teenagers to do. It will take a lot of time to go around all the playgrounds, parks, bowling and children's billiards, to go to one of the largest water park in the country.
Cold soup tarator
This dish is considered very popular among the local population, especially in the summer. It is customary to serve before the second or even with the second dish.
The tarator is made from unsweetened yogurt or sour milk, adding dill, nuts, cucumbers, garlic and olive oil. In some cases, green salad may be used instead of cucumbers. It is believed that this is a very healthy, low-calorie and palatable food.
Here is a classic recipe for this soup. To prepare it, we need the following ingredients:
- half a long cucumber;
- 1 cup kefir;
- 1 cup sparkling mineral water;
- 1 tbsp. l vegetable oil;
- half a bunch of dill;
- 2 cloves of garlic;
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts;
- salt to taste.
Grate the cucumber and let the garlic pass through the garlic press. Add pepper, salt, vegetable oil. Once again, we rub everything thoroughly.
Beat kefir with mineral water, add squeezed cucumbers, finely chopped dill and garlic dressing. After stirring, put in the refrigerator. Soup should be infused for at least 2 hours.
During this time, fry pine nuts in a pan. When serving, we decorate the tarator with them, you can also add greens.
"I dont know..."
In this country you will not hear from anyone "I do not know." Therefore, experienced tourists and travelers are advised to be especially careful about the tips that local residents give you when they answer your questions.
If you are interested in them, where is some kind of attraction or object, how to get to it, then with a high degree of probability you can hear a very inaccurate answer or one that will not correspond to reality at all.
The fact is that in Bulgarian traditions it is not customary to answer categorically. So the Bulgarians will be ready to make some kind of inaccuracy in their answer, albeit very significant, and sometimes even deceive the traveler, just not to offend him with a refusal in a categorical form. You should always remember these unusual traditions for us when setting off on a trip to this country. Therefore, it is better to ask any question from local residents if you have already decided to be interested in information from them, to find out at least several times.
Amazing Bulgaria
In addition to such significant and surprising facts about this country, there are a large number of very small, but no less interesting, which should definitely be remembered. For example, this state is considered one of the oldest in all of Europe. It was founded at the end of the 7th century. So there are enough historical sights here, you can find out a lot of interesting things about Bulgaria. The country is small, but with a very rich history.
Therefore, it is understandable that it currently ranks third in Europe in the number of archaeological excavations conducted annually. Only behind Italy and Greece. You will definitely be interested to know that on the territory of this state there are many untold treasures, the history of some of them exceeds 6,000 years.
Many of the travelers who come to Bulgaria today may not believe it, but even before the middle of the last century, 80% of the population lived in villages. Only then did mass resettlements begin in the capital Sofia and other cities. It is noteworthy that this did not lead to a decline in agriculture. On the contrary, a systematic modernization has begun, as well as the introduction of modern technologies and techniques.
Today, the largest city in the country is the capital Sofia. More than 1 million people live in it. It is the second oldest city in Europe, so there is a lot of remarkable and surprising. Everyone will find here something interesting for themselves. An informative and fascinating journey to the country is provided.