7 Interesting facts about Bulgaria, that you need to know
You are an Erasmus + or European Solidarity Corps participant and you are about to move to Bulgaria for a few months? Or you are planning to visit the country for a short period to explore new places? No matter the reason you are reading this article, get ready, because you will be amazed when you learn more about the oldest country in Europe!
Bulgaria is a country that is worth visiting and exploring! If you have ever wondered what it is famous for, then below you will find great answers. I am going to share with you 7 of the most interesting facts about the country so that you have basic knowledge when you arrive!
Not a lot of countries in the world have such a rich history, beautiful nature, and interesting traditions as Bulgaria. Here’s what I mean:
1. Bulgaria is the oldest country in Europe
As I have already mentioned, it is generally accepted that Bulgaria is the oldest country in Europe. It is also the only country that has never changed its name since its creation back in 681.2. The oldest gold treasure in the world is close to Varna
The oldest technologically processed gold in the world was discovered in the third-largest city, Varna. In 1972, almost 300 graves were discovered in a necropolis in the industrial zone of Bulgaria's Black Sea capital. The artifacts date from 4600 - 4200 BC. The treasure found consists of a total of 3000 objects and weighs six kilograms.
Photo: Редакция "Нова Варна"
3. The Bulgarian flag has never been captured
Another fact about Bulgaria is that the Bulgarian flag was never captured in any battle. Sewn for the first time by Styliana Paraskevova, the Bulgarian flag has never been captured in a battle or become a trophy of a foreign country, which is a source of national pride for Bulgarians.
4.The Cyrillic alphabet
The Cyrillic alphabet is the alphabet that made Bulgaria a pioneer and the Bulgarian language the basis of all Slavic languages. The Cyrillic alphabet replaced the Glagolitic alphabet, which was created earlier by the brothers Cyril and Methodius. Clement Ohridski, who was a disciple of Cyril, simplified the Glagolitic alphabet.
The Cyrillic alphabet is the third official alphabet of the EU since Bulgaria joined the Union in 2007. The Cyrillic alphabet is incorrectly known around the world as the 'Russian alphabet' – most probably due to the reason that the Russian people are the most numerous to use it.
5. One of the most tolerant squares in the world is located … in the heart of the capital
Different eras have gradually left their marks on the capital of Bulgaria. Thus, the heart of Sofia has formed the so-called "Square of Tolerance", where you can see located next to each other temples of different religions - Staint Sunday temple, the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Joseph, the Sofia Synagogue, and the Banya Bashi Mosque.
It is said that the distance between the different temples is calculated so that if you throw a stone from one temple, it will not hit the neighboring one.
6. Bulgaria ranks second in Europe in mineral water resources
Bulgaria ranks second in Europe after Iceland in terms of natural mineral and spring water resources with natural origin, unique composition, and drinking qualities. Besides its beautiful nature, delicious food, and wine, this country has been known for centuries for the high quality of its waters, which are suitable for the prevention of various diseases, healing, and spa procedures, as well as for daily consumption.
7.Yogurt actually comes from Bulgaria.
In Bulgaria yogurt is called kiselo mljako (кисело мляко), which also means sour milk.
Yogurt, or at least the type branded as such, contains two main good bacteria, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Streptococcus thermophilus. Lactobacillus bulgaricus was first identified by the Bulgarian scientist Stamen Grigorov in 1905. He named it after his country, as he claimed that this bacterium was contributing to the long lifespan of the people in his region. The bacterium occurs freely in the nature of Bulgaria. When present in milk and under certain conditions, the bacterium causes a natural lactic acid fermentation leading to what we call yogurt (kiselo mlqko).
Did your curiosity about Bulgaria increase? Why don’t you continue exploring by getting acquainted with the Bulgarian language? Check our Bulgaria Learning Community and Resources here and dive deeper!
Let’s go!