ARCHITECTURE

Bulgaria has architectural monuments from the Thracian period (settlement, tombs, fortress walls), from the Ancient Greece (a settlement along the Black Sea coast — Messemvria — present day Nessebur), from the Odessa (Varna), from Ap- polonia (Sozopol); from the Roman Empire — Escus (now the village of Tigel), Nikopolis ad Istrum (village ofNukyup), Ab- ritus (Razgrad), Trimontium (Plovdiv). The greatest medieval structures are in Pliska, Veliki Preslav, Tumovgrad, and Boya- na. National Revival buildings of some note are in Rila, Bach- kovo, Troyan, Plovdiv, Kotel, Tryavna, Koprivshtitsa, Zheravna. Of special interest are the buildings by the master builder Kolyu Ficheto (bridge near the village of By ala, Trinity Church in Svishtov, Nikoli Inn at Veliko Turnovo). More recent architecture can be seen in the buildings of the National Assembly, Ivan Vazov National Theatre, the mineral baths building, market hall and the National Museum in Sofia, theatres in Rousse and Varna, etc. Many public buildings, theatres and stadiums have been built in recent years, all pointing to a very high standard of imagination and inspired functionalism.

MUSIC

From earliest times songs recounting actual events have been handed down from generation to generation. Yoan fcoukouzel, the Angel-voiced, was an important composer in the 14th century. From modem Bulgarian composers as Manolov, Dobri Hristov, Petko Stainov, Pancho Vladigerov should be mentioned. Bulgarian choral works, operas and instrumental music have gained popularity on a world scale daily tours istanbul. Many Bulgarian opera singers perform in the greatest opera houses of the world.

THEATRE

The first theatres in Bulgaria were founded during the Ottoman domination (mid 19th century) and starred as amateur ensembles. Professional theatre dates from 1892 when the Suiza i Smyah Drama Company was established, it became the National Theatre in 1904.

AMATEUR ART

A wealth of folk songs and dances is kept alive in every town and village in Bulgaria. Folk art is an essential ingredient of life in Bulgaria.

CINEMA

Although films were produced in Bulgaria prior to 1944, Bulgarian film has developed greatly only post 1945.

They are the original Bulgarian teaching institutions which played a prominent part in preserving national traditions and the identity of the Bulgarian people during the Ottoman domination. The first theatrical performances, the first public libraries, the first choirs and orchestras originated in these dubs. Many of them have valuable collections, art galleries, radio and film clubs, photography, literature and drama circles and schools for foreign languages, music and ballet.

Physical Education and Sport. In recent years, sport has gained popularity in all walks of life and among the young in particular. The National Spartakiades are very popular and enlist the participation of thousands. Bulgarian sportsmen and women have been particularly successful In rhythmic gymnastics, wrestling, weightlifting, track and field events (women), basketball and volleyball.