and little funny face
Показват се публикациите с етикет Bulgaria. Показване на всички публикации
Показват се публикациите с етикет Bulgaria. Показване на всички публикации
сряда, 30 май 2012 г.
събота, 26 май 2012 г.
St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral; Sofia; Photography
The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Bulgarian: Храм-паметник
„Свети Александър Невски“, Hram-pametnik „Sveti Aleksandar Nevski“) is a
Bulgarian Orthodox cathedral in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Built in
Neo-Byzantine style, it serves as the cathedral church of the Patriarch of
Bulgaria and is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world, as
well as one of Sofia's symbols and primary tourist attractions] The St.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia occupies an area of 3,170 square metres
(34,100 sq ft) and can hold 10,000 people inside It is the second biggest cathedral
located on the Balkan Peninsula after the Cathedral of Saint Sava in Belgrade.
Architecture
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a cross-domed basilica
featuring an emphasized central dome. The cathedral's gold-plated dome is 45 m
high (148 ft), with the bell tower reaching 53 metres (174 ft). The temple has
12 bells with total weight of 23 tons, the heaviest weighing 12 tons and the lightest
10 kilograms (22 lb). The interior is decorated with Italian marble in various
colours, Brazilian onyx, alabaster, and other luxurious materials. The central
dome has the Lord's Prayer inscribed around it, with thin gold letters.
Design and construction
The construction of the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral started
in 1882] (having been planned since 19 February, 1879), when the foundation
stone was laid, but most of it was built between 1904 and 1912. Saint Alexander
Nevsky was a Russian prince. The cathedral was created in honour to the Russian
soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878, as a result of
which Bulgaria was liberated from Ottoman rule.
The cathedral was designed by Alexander Pomerantsev, aided
by Alexander Smirnov and Alexander Yakovlev, as the initial 1884-1885 project
of Ivan Bogomolov was radically changed by Pomerantsev. The final design was
finished in 1898, and the construction and decoration were done by a team of
Bulgarian, Russian, Austro-Hungarian and other European artists, architects and
workers, including the aforementioned architects, as well as Petko Momchilov,
Yordan Milanov, Haralampi Tachev, Ivan Mrkvička, Vasily D. Bolotnov, Nikolay A.
Bruni, A.A. Kiselyov, Anton Mitov and many others.
The marble parts and the lighting fixtures were created in
Munich, the metal elements for the gates in Berlin, while the gates themselves
were manufactured in Karl Bamberg's factory in Vienna, and the mosaics were
shipped from Venice.
Name changes
The name of the cathedral was briefly changed to the Sts.
Cyril and Methodius Cathedral between 1916 and 1920 (since Bulgaria and Russia
belonged to opposing alliances in WWI), but then the initial name was restored.
The St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was proclaimed a monument of culture on 12
September 1924.
Relics
To the left of the altar is a case displaying relics of
Alexander Nevsky, given by the Russian Orthodox Church. Although the
accompanying Bulgarian-language plaque refers simply to "relics"
(мощи), the item on display appears to be a piece of a rib.
from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Nevsky_Cathedral,_Sofia
photography: Yo Alexander
сряда, 1 февруари 2012 г.
Kukeri Festival "Surva" 2012
BOOM BAM ...Now is the time to banish evil spirits and pray for good, health and fruitful year.
I am telling you about bulgarian Kukeri masquerade festival in Pernik sity called "Surva" . This is one of the most colorful and interesting events in my country.
Bear Ritual Dance
The Masks
In Bulgarian folklore, the mask is believed to protect its wearer against powers of impure nature. This is the most probable explanation why the masks look like fearful creatures with huge jaws and awesome teeth, with horns and tails, with snapping beaks and grisly bodies.
The sound of the bells hanging from the belts of the participants enhances their effect.
Sometimes the mask is not that complicated. Participants from some regions use charcoal to paint their faces black and sheep’s wool to make moustaches and beards.
Bulgarian ceremonial masks are a valuable source of information for the various folklore regions in the country. It is typical for the masks worn in the region of Pernik that they are made of sheep and goat furs, wings and feathers, horns, corn leaves and hemp. Masks from other regions are usually made of cloth, wool, and parched plants. They are often decorated with beads and paper flowers.
All masks are made by the persons who wear them or with the help of craftsmen known throughout the village for their skill. It is a long and complicated process. Shrouded in mystery, it is almost a ritual in its own right.
The group consists of various different characters. Traditionally all parts are played by men dressed in carnival costumes. More often than not, they carry symbolic objects with which they perform their rituals.
Old people characters - grandmother and grandfather
Scary old woman
Since the days of the Bulgarian Cultural Revival characters from the neo folklore culture have started to appear in the rituals. Significant political changes and social issues still produce parodies of representatives of different social classes. Nowadays the minimum requirement for participation is having the willingness to take part, therefore it is not uncommon to see toddlers walking side by side with 70-year carnival veterans and women and young girls who feel part of the tradition put on masks and costumes and go out with the rest of the bunch.
The Dance
The dance of the masked men is a mystic unity of rhythm, sound, and color. They move in a special step. Wearing impressive masks and unique costumes they fill the air of the villages with the sounds of hundreds of bells and whispered blessings wishes for prosperity.
...other characters...
...more masks...
I am telling you about bulgarian Kukeri masquerade festival in Pernik sity called "Surva" . This is one of the most colorful and interesting events in my country.
Masquerade rituals come from old pagan times and are still alive in the Bulgarian folklore tradition.
Bulgarian masquerade games are mainly interwoven in the contexts of the holidays between Christmas and Easter. In different regions of Bulgaria men put on masks around New Year, during the twelve days of Christmas (Christmas till Epiphany), on Sirni Zagovezni (the Sunday before Lent), and on Todorova Nedelia (the Sunday before the start of the Easter Fast).
In Western Bulgaria, the people who perform these rituals around New Year are known as Survakari while those who participate in the pre-spring masquerade games are referred to as Kukeri.
The symbolic meaning of the winter and pre-spring rituals performed by single men is related to the end of the old year and the advent of the new and to the upcoming awakening of nature for new life. These rituals represent the wish for a rich harvest, health and fertility for humans and farm animals. They are intended to chase away the evil spirits and prepare people for a new beginning.
Bulgarian masquerade games are mainly interwoven in the contexts of the holidays between Christmas and Easter. In different regions of Bulgaria men put on masks around New Year, during the twelve days of Christmas (Christmas till Epiphany), on Sirni Zagovezni (the Sunday before Lent), and on Todorova Nedelia (the Sunday before the start of the Easter Fast).
In Western Bulgaria, the people who perform these rituals around New Year are known as Survakari while those who participate in the pre-spring masquerade games are referred to as Kukeri.
The symbolic meaning of the winter and pre-spring rituals performed by single men is related to the end of the old year and the advent of the new and to the upcoming awakening of nature for new life. These rituals represent the wish for a rich harvest, health and fertility for humans and farm animals. They are intended to chase away the evil spirits and prepare people for a new beginning.
Kukeri Ritual Games
In ancient times the old Thracians held the Kukeri Ritual Games in honour of god Dionysus - the especially known as a god of wine and ecstasy. Even today these games are also known as the Dionysus’ games. Among the Kukeri dancers’ are many characters, including Dionysus and his satyrs as well as others from deep history such as the tsar, harachari, plyuvkachi, startzi, and pesyatzi.
The masked participants are called kukeri, kukove, survakari, startsi, babugeri, dzhamailari, kamilari, dividjii...
The Masks
In Bulgarian folklore, the mask is believed to protect its wearer against powers of impure nature. This is the most probable explanation why the masks look like fearful creatures with huge jaws and awesome teeth, with horns and tails, with snapping beaks and grisly bodies.
The sound of the bells hanging from the belts of the participants enhances their effect.
Sometimes the mask is not that complicated. Participants from some regions use charcoal to paint their faces black and sheep’s wool to make moustaches and beards.
Bulgarian ceremonial masks are a valuable source of information for the various folklore regions in the country. It is typical for the masks worn in the region of Pernik that they are made of sheep and goat furs, wings and feathers, horns, corn leaves and hemp. Masks from other regions are usually made of cloth, wool, and parched plants. They are often decorated with beads and paper flowers.
The group consists of various different characters. Traditionally all parts are played by men dressed in carnival costumes. More often than not, they carry symbolic objects with which they perform their rituals.
Since the days of the Bulgarian Cultural Revival characters from the neo folklore culture have started to appear in the rituals. Significant political changes and social issues still produce parodies of representatives of different social classes. Nowadays the minimum requirement for participation is having the willingness to take part, therefore it is not uncommon to see toddlers walking side by side with 70-year carnival veterans and women and young girls who feel part of the tradition put on masks and costumes and go out with the rest of the bunch.
This little baby was very seriosly all the time...probably because it was very cold.
The Dance
The dance of the masked men is a mystic unity of rhythm, sound, and color. They move in a special step. Wearing impressive masks and unique costumes they fill the air of the villages with the sounds of hundreds of bells and whispered blessings wishes for prosperity.
...other characters...
...more masks...
четвъртък, 15 декември 2011 г.
Alexander Sahatchiev presents: "Old Pleven", Bulgaria
Here are some old photos collected.
Reconstruction
сряда, 14 декември 2011 г.
Alexander Sahatchiev presents: "Old Plovdiv", Bulgaria
Plovdiv is one of the oldest centers of European civilization - older than Rome and Athens and a contemporary of Troy and Mycenae.
"...This is the biggest and loveliest of all towns. Its beauty shines from faraway…" - Lucian /2nd century/
The first settlement appeared in the sixth millennium BC on the northern hilltop /known as Nebet Tepe / of the Three hills.
Plovdiv emerged as a real town in the 12th c. BC. The ancient Greek writers ascribe the fame of being its first founder to the mythical Thracian king Eumolp, the son of Hemus and Europe. The town was built on the three hills /i.e.tepe/ that were grouped together - Nebet Tepe, Taksim Tepe and Djambaz Tepe.
· In the Thracian times the city was know as Evmolpia.
· In 342 BC, Philip of Macedonia conquered Thrace and Evmolpia was renamed Philippopolis in his honor.
· After Roman invasion Thrace became a Roman province with Philippopolis (Called Trimontium - i. e. The City of the Three Hills), as its most important city.
· After the Ottoman invasion of the Balkan Peninsula in mid-14th century, it was almost destroyed and renamed Filibe.
Many of important ancient monuments have been preserved on the territory of the Old Three Hills.
· In 342 BC, Philip of Macedonia conquered Thrace and Evmolpia was renamed Philippopolis in his honor.
· After Roman invasion Thrace became a Roman province with Philippopolis (Called Trimontium - i. e. The City of the Three Hills), as its most important city.
· After the Ottoman invasion of the Balkan Peninsula in mid-14th century, it was almost destroyed and renamed Filibe.
Many of important ancient monuments have been preserved on the territory of the Old Three Hills.
- Fortress Complex on Nebet Tepe
On the very top of Nebet Tepe, the remnants of the first prehistoric settlement on the Three Hills wa discovered. This settlement evolved into a town around the 12th c. BC. It has been established that this is the ancient Thracian town of Eumolpia that emerged as one of the first urban centers in South - Eastern Europe. Here one can see the fortress equipment from all ancient periods.
On the very top of Nebet Tepe, the remnants of the first prehistoric settlement on the Three Hills wa discovered. This settlement evolved into a town around the 12th c. BC. It has been established that this is the ancient Thracian town of Eumolpia that emerged as one of the first urban centers in South - Eastern Europe. Here one can see the fortress equipment from all ancient periods.
- The Ancient Stadium at Djoumaya Square /II c./
On the square west of Djoumaya mosque the imposing relics of Philippopolis`s Ancient Stadium were discovered. Parts of them ware situated below street level. The dimensions of this great sports facility are length 1000 Roman steps, width - 250 Roman steps. The Ancient Stadium accommodated about 30 000 spectators and was one of the most significant architectural works in Philippopolis.
On the square west of Djoumaya mosque the imposing relics of Philippopolis`s Ancient Stadium were discovered. Parts of them ware situated below street level. The dimensions of this great sports facility are length 1000 Roman steps, width - 250 Roman steps. The Ancient Stadium accommodated about 30 000 spectators and was one of the most significant architectural works in Philippopolis.
- Ancient Philippopolis's Forum /II c. /
The Forum (agora) of ancient Philippopolis is situate at the southern foothills of the Three Hills and is a remarkable architectural complex. It consists of a vast square space (area) with dimensions approximately 100 by 112 meters, covered with well-polished marble plates and surrounded by an arcade with Corinthian pilasters. The columns are set at regular intervals of six meters and support a broad awning that covers a traffic alley (ambulatio), next to which trade premises ware arranged. Thus, the whole space closes into a square by a single imposing construction.
Archaeological research up to now has shown that this is biggest complex of its kind discovered on the territory of ancient Thrase.
The Forum (agora) of ancient Philippopolis is situate at the southern foothills of the Three Hills and is a remarkable architectural complex. It consists of a vast square space (area) with dimensions approximately 100 by 112 meters, covered with well-polished marble plates and surrounded by an arcade with Corinthian pilasters. The columns are set at regular intervals of six meters and support a broad awning that covers a traffic alley (ambulatio), next to which trade premises ware arranged. Thus, the whole space closes into a square by a single imposing construction.
Archaeological research up to now has shown that this is biggest complex of its kind discovered on the territory of ancient Thrase.
- Roman Mosaics
The most outstanding buildings in Philippopolis from the Roman period had richly decorated floors, usually with big mosaic compositions. Many mosaic floors of this kind have been found on the territory of the ancient town. The earliest mosaics date back to the 2nd c. but the findings of the 4th and 5th c. are the most numerous. Especially noteworthy is the floor decoration of a rich Philippopolis home that existed from the end of the 3rd till the end of the 5th c. Nearly 700 square meters of this remarkable building have been studied.
The most outstanding buildings in Philippopolis from the Roman period had richly decorated floors, usually with big mosaic compositions. Many mosaic floors of this kind have been found on the territory of the ancient town. The earliest mosaics date back to the 2nd c. but the findings of the 4th and 5th c. are the most numerous. Especially noteworthy is the floor decoration of a rich Philippopolis home that existed from the end of the 3rd till the end of the 5th c. Nearly 700 square meters of this remarkable building have been studied.
Text from: http://www.ideabg.com/clients/oldtown/en/
вторник, 13 декември 2011 г.
Alexander Sahatchiev presents Old Stefanovo, Bulgaria
Summer in Old Stefanovo
"The Nativity Virgin Mary" Church
Църквата "Рождество Пресвета Богородица"
Old Stefanovo is beautiful architectural reserve .
Църквата "Рождество Пресвета Богородица"
Old Stefanovo is beautiful architectural reserve .
понеделник, 12 декември 2011 г.
Alexander Sahatchiev presents Balchik, Bulgaria
"The Palace"
The greatest landmark of Balchik – the Palace – has remained from the period of the Romanian occupation. The Palace was the former summer residence of the Romanian Queen Maria Alexandrina Victoria De Edinburgh (1875 – 1938).
Queen Maria was love of first sight. The century old trees, the wild flowers, the rivulets and birds, even the quiet ancient water mills and dried stone fountain basins cast their spell on the First lady of Romania. Maria decided to build a palace. Architects and builders Augustino and Amerigo came all the way from Italy together with the florist Jules Jany of Switzerland.
The Quiet Nest palace and its park and estate near Balchik is situated in the lowland and it huddles amidst three steep shores, which makes it inaccessible for winds. To the south it borders on the sea. This heavenly Bulgarian corner is lavishly endowed with age old trees, writing shrubs, delicate flowers, an abundance of water, cool and heat.
Text from "Dvoreca.com"
The greatest landmark of Balchik – the Palace – has remained from the period of the Romanian occupation. The Palace was the former summer residence of the Romanian Queen Maria Alexandrina Victoria De Edinburgh (1875 – 1938).
The Quiet Nest palace and its park and estate near Balchik is situated in the lowland and it huddles amidst three steep shores, which makes it inaccessible for winds. To the south it borders on the sea. This heavenly Bulgarian corner is lavishly endowed with age old trees, writing shrubs, delicate flowers, an abundance of water, cool and heat.
Text from "Dvoreca.com"
"Kovachevica" by Alexander Sahatchiev / Александър Сахатчиев
Aleksandur Sahatchiev presents beautiful places in Bulgaria. Kovachevica.
Kovatchevitsa village is situated in the basin of the Kanina /Blood/ River. It is surrounded by a string of high ridges in the south-west part of the Rodopa mountain massive called Dabrash .
4/5
The origin of the Kovatchevitsa village is connected to the violence the Bulgarian population in that area had been put under during the forcible conversion to Mohammedanism in the period 1623 - 1625 and later on in 1656. In that time, the Bulgarians that didn't want to accept the Islam left their homes, abandoned their properties and their relatives and looked for salvation and shelter in the higher, inaccessible parts of the mountain. The abundance of drinking water in the land of the village, the spacious pastures, the mild climate and the safety from Turkish raids made it favourable for the refugees to settle there.
A legend about the name of the Kovatchevitsa village exists: "After the skilled smith and farrier Marko had died, his wife Gina took the fate of the orphaned family in her hands. When relatives and customers from the near hamlets visited her, they used to say: 'We are going to the "Kovatchevitsa"' meaning, to the wife of the smith /smith in Bulgarian is 'kovatch'/. So the name of the settlement won recognition and later on all the surrounding hamlets grouped around it in order to defend themselves from the frequent brigands' attacks. That was the foundation of the present Kovatchevitsa village.
5/10
The architecture of Kovatchevitsa is distinctive and original. It can't be described verbatim. It should be seen obligatory. On the basis of the pre-revival houses, in the second half of the 18th c. started being built two-, three-storey houses with oriels of the second and the third floors above narrow cobblestone streets. In that same period they started differentiate the rooms of the Kovatchevitsa houses by their functions.
The ground level, together with several semi-levels kept the cattle and other agricultural functions and stores, and the residential rooms were occupying the upper one or two floors. Two different groups of rooms existed in the Kovatchevitsa houses - open parts, the so called "poton" (tcherdak), obligatory oriented to the south or to the west, that provided a visual connection with the surrounding open space and the closed rooms - rooms with hearths, closets, rooms with ovens and others.
5/10
The establishment of that determinate type of houses with its constructional, functional and artistic particularities was a sign for the development of a highly sophisticated, original architectural school in the region of the south-western Rodopes with a center the village of Kovatchevitsa.
The genius of the Bulgarian builders created in the village during the period of the Bulgarian Revival the stone "fairy tail" called "Kovatchevitsa".
Text from "Kovachevica.com"
Kovatchevitsa village is situated in the basin of the Kanina /Blood/ River. It is surrounded by a string of high ridges in the south-west part of the Rodopa mountain massive called Dabrash .
The origin of the Kovatchevitsa village is connected to the violence the Bulgarian population in that area had been put under during the forcible conversion to Mohammedanism in the period 1623 - 1625 and later on in 1656. In that time, the Bulgarians that didn't want to accept the Islam left their homes, abandoned their properties and their relatives and looked for salvation and shelter in the higher, inaccessible parts of the mountain. The abundance of drinking water in the land of the village, the spacious pastures, the mild climate and the safety from Turkish raids made it favourable for the refugees to settle there.
A legend about the name of the Kovatchevitsa village exists: "After the skilled smith and farrier Marko had died, his wife Gina took the fate of the orphaned family in her hands. When relatives and customers from the near hamlets visited her, they used to say: 'We are going to the "Kovatchevitsa"' meaning, to the wife of the smith /smith in Bulgarian is 'kovatch'/. So the name of the settlement won recognition and later on all the surrounding hamlets grouped around it in order to defend themselves from the frequent brigands' attacks. That was the foundation of the present Kovatchevitsa village.
The architecture of Kovatchevitsa is distinctive and original. It can't be described verbatim. It should be seen obligatory. On the basis of the pre-revival houses, in the second half of the 18th c. started being built two-, three-storey houses with oriels of the second and the third floors above narrow cobblestone streets. In that same period they started differentiate the rooms of the Kovatchevitsa houses by their functions.
The ground level, together with several semi-levels kept the cattle and other agricultural functions and stores, and the residential rooms were occupying the upper one or two floors. Two different groups of rooms existed in the Kovatchevitsa houses - open parts, the so called "poton" (tcherdak), obligatory oriented to the south or to the west, that provided a visual connection with the surrounding open space and the closed rooms - rooms with hearths, closets, rooms with ovens and others.
The establishment of that determinate type of houses with its constructional, functional and artistic particularities was a sign for the development of a highly sophisticated, original architectural school in the region of the south-western Rodopes with a center the village of Kovatchevitsa.
The genius of the Bulgarian builders created in the village during the period of the Bulgarian Revival the stone "fairy tail" called "Kovatchevitsa".
Text from "Kovachevica.com"
Абонамент за:
Публикации (Atom)