Bulgaria is a small country somewhere in Europe. Perhaps everybody knows that. When a foreigner thinks of Bulgaria, Stoichkov probably comes to mind (a famous football player who used to play for Barcelona). Then yogurt comes to mind (the live culture of Lactobacillus bulgaricus that is needed for its production originates from Bulgaria).
But, there are some astonishing facts about Bulgaria that very few people know about. Here’s a list that will surprise you!
History:
- Bulgaria is the oldest European country that hasn’t changed its name since it was first established.
- Plovdiv is Europe’s oldest inhabited city.
- Bulgaria (together with Denmark) was one of the only two countries that saved their Jews from the Nazi concentration camps during the holocaust.
- The Bulgarian army has never (NEVER) lost a single flag in battle, even though it actively participated in European wars since the 19th century.
- In 716 AD it was Bulgaria that saved Europe from islamization. In a key battle in 718 AD the Bulgarian cavalry overpowered the Arabs with a courageous victory that put an end to the Muslim Arabs’ penetration into Europe.
- It was the Bulgarian Air Forces that formed the basis of modern combat aviation. They were the first to use a plane in combat, dropping bombs.
- The oldest golden treasure in the world is found in Bulgaria (Varna Necropolis).
- When it comes to archeological sites, Bulgaria comes third (after Rome and Greece).
Culture:
- Bulgaria is among the very few countries in which nodding means NO (the other ones being Greece, Macedonia, and Albania)
- “Name Days” are celebrated in Bulgaria – they are sometimes considered more important than birthdays.
- The bagpipe is a traditional instrument that is played in Scotland, Ireland and Bulgaria.
- A recording of the Bulgarian folk song “Izlel e Delio Haydutin” has been played in open space together with Bach’s and Mozart’s greatest works.
- One of the most used writing systems in the world, the Cyrillic alphabet, used by about 250 million people, was developed in the First Bulgarian Empire.
- You will find 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bulgaria (7 of which are cultural sites).
