Wilmington Memorial Library

Bulgaria, Kirilka Stavreva, Lynette Quek, and Joanne Mattern

eng

Includes bibliographical references (page 142) and index

illustrationsmaps

index present

non fiction

Bulgaria

bibliography

964624663

Kirilka Stavreva, Lynette Quek, and Joanne Mattern

Cultures of the world

Bulgaria is a unique country with a varied history and an exciting modern persona. This book examines Bulgaria's past as well as how it functions in today's political and global climate. It gives an in-depth overview of the various aspects that make up the country, including its geography, economy, traditions, customs, and celebrations

Bulgaria today -- Geography. Bulgaria's three regions -- A land of caves and beaches -- A variety of seasons -- A land of rivers, lakes, and springs -- Plants and animals -- Cities and towns -- History. First Bulgarian kingdom -- Boris I's rule -- The rise of Bulgarian culture -- Byzantine conquest -- A new Constantinople -- Conquest and persecution -- The rise of nationalism -- A violent change -- Issues over Macedonia -- Dark days of war -- The Soviets take control -- A difficult road to democracy -- Government. Journey toward democracy -- A new constitution -- Regional and local government -- Many political parties -- Elections bring change -- Economy. Shocking reforms -- Soviet industry -- Industry today -- Changes to the fishing industry -- Agricultural strengths and weaknesses -- The service industry -- Modern transportation -- Environment. Progress and danger -- Damage from the skies -- Where to put the waste -- Water supply woes -- The dirtiest river in Europe -- A land of biodiversity -- Saving endangered plants and animals -- Bulgarians. Creating the Bulgarian people -- Preserving culture -- Turks in Bulgaria -- The plight of the Roma -- Many minorities -- Changing populations -- Leaving for the West -- Struggles for equality -- A well-dressed people -- Lifestyle. Changing marriage trends -- Extended families -- Marriage and living arrangements -- Equality for men and women -- Children: the center of the family -- Living at home -- Stranger or friend? -- Life in cities and towns -- Enjoying the country life -- Education is key -- Religion. Politics at war with religion -- Eastern and Western controversy -- The historical role of the church -- Other key religious groups -- Language. A language to be proud of -- Alphabet, grammar, and dialects -- Speaking with the whole body -- The language of names -- Public conversations -- Arts. Traditional folk music and dance -- Treasures of the medieval church -- Early Bulgarian literature -- Art meets politics -- Artists break free -- Digging into the past -- Leisure. Working for the weekend -- A nation of coffee drinkers -- Vacations at the beach or in the mountains -- Skiing and other sports -- A love of reading -- Sly Peter and Bai Ganyu -- Festivals. Changing Independence Day -- Baba Marta and the coming of spring -- Honoring education -- Ancient festival traditions -- Early spring holidays -- Celebrating life and death -- Food. Meals big and small -- Mealtime manners -- Changing seasons, changing meals -- Local variations -- Map of Bulgaria -- About the economy -- About the culture -- Timeline -- Glossary

juvenile