Life In BULGARIA: Story Of The Beautiful European Country Everyone Is Running Away From@TourTribes

Bulgaria is a beautiful country in southeastern Europe known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. It sits at a crossroads between Europe and Asia, bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east. This unique location gives Bulgaria a fascinating blend of cultures, traditions, and influences from both the Balkans and beyond. Covering an area of about 111,000 square kilm, Bulgaria is one of the poorest countries in Europe. However, it’s a place that draws millions of tourists every year with its beautiful nature and vibrant culture. Over the centuries, many civilizations have ruled over these lands that sit between east and west. The Thrians, Slavs, the Bzantine Empire, and the Ottomans, each leaving their mark on Bulgaria. Speaking of the Ottomans, their conquest of the Balkans in the 14th century was a gamecher. The Ottomans took control of Bulgaria and the surrounding regions. To strengthen their power, they encourage thousands of Turks to settle in Bulgaria. This is why even today there’s a population known as Bulgarian Turks. But long before the Ottomans, the Thrians roamed these lands. They were one of Europe’s most mysterious ancient peoples, fierce warriors, skilled goldsmiths, and spiritual believers who worshiped Orpheus, the mythical musician said to charm even the gods. They stayed until Alexander the Great came through around 400 BC. The ancient historian Heroditus once said that the Thrians were the second largest nation in the world, right after the Indians. But after Alexander’s conquests, they were absorbed into the Roman Empire and eventually disappeared. But traces of it still remain in Bulgaria’s countless burial mounds, ancient treasures, and archaeological sites. By the late 1800s, the Ottoman Empire was weakening, and the Balkan countries, including Bulgaria, saw an opportunity. With support from Tsarist Russia, Bulgaria fought for its independence and finally became a fully sovereign nation in 1908. The 20th century, however, brought its own turmoil and devastation. Bulgaria sided with the losing powers Ottoman Empire in World War I and Germany in World War II, which left deep scars on the nation. Then came the communist era. In the 1980s, Bulgaria went through one of the most controversial chapters in its modern history. The government launched a campaign known as the Revival Process, aimed at forcefully integrating the country’s Turkish minority, one of the largest ethnic groups in Bulgaria. Turkish names were replaced with Slavic ones. Islamic customs and language were restricted and thousands of ethnic Turks were pressured to abandon their cultural identity. The policy sparked international condemnation and led to widespread protests and unrest within Bulgaria. Eventually, in 1989, more than 300,000 ethnic Turks were forced to flee to neighboring Turkey in what became known as the Big Excursion. The event remains a painful reminder of the dangers of cultural suppression and the importance of protecting diversity and human rights. After this mass migration, Bulgaria plunged into a severe economic crisis. The economy nearly collapsed as the Turkish minority had long been the backbone of many key industries. Thousands of skilled workers, farmers, and professionals left the country, leaving entire regions short of labor and deeply affecting production. The political backlash from this event, combined with growing internal discontent, helped accelerate the collapse of Bulgaria’s communist regime. Later that same year, when communism fell in November 1989, the new democratic leadership began reversing many of the previous government’s oppressive policies. However, the transition to democracy was far from smooth. It was long and difficult. Through the 1990s, Bulgaria faced deep poverty, corruption, social challenges, and unemployment as it struggled to rebuild its institutions and economy. It wasn’t until 2007 when Bulgaria joined the European Union that the nation began to experience a steady recovery and a renewed sense of stability and progress. Today, Bulgaria is a blend of old and new, where ancient monasteries sit beneath ski resorts and medieval towns coexist with modern tech hubs. The capital Sophia is one of Europe’s oldest cities founded over 2,000 years ago. Here, Roman ruins lie beneath busy streets. Orthodox cathedrals rise beside Soviet era monuments. If you ever visit about 117 km south of Sophia, you’ll find the Ria Monastery, the largest Orthodox monastery in the Balkans and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Speaking of religion, around 90% of Bulgarians are Christians, most of them in the Eastern Orthodox Church, which is similar to Russia, Serbia, North Macedonia, Ukraine, and Greece. Islam is the second largest religion and most Muslims in Bulgaria are Pomax, an ethnic group of Bulgarian origin who converted to Islam centuries ago. The official language is Bulgarian written in the Cerrillic alphabet which can be tricky to learn. Interestingly, cerillic was invented by two monks, St. Sirill and St. Methodius, whose mission began right here in the region. Even though Bulgaria is a member of EU, the country uses its own currency, the Bulgarian levy. Sophia has a population of about 1.5 million people. While Bulgaria’s total population is around 7 million, so most people live in the capital. Many tourists start their visit here as many attractions are within walking distance in the city center. Despite being the capital, Sophia isn’t exactly dazzling. It has a nice historic feel, but compared to other European capitals, it feels modest and underdeveloped. One word of caution, be careful with taxes in Sophia, there are plenty of illegal drivers pretending to be official, and their meters run unusually fast. You could end up overcharged. Real taxis will clearly display the fair rates on their windows while fake ones won’t. So, always keep an eye on that. Beyond Sophia, other important cities include Plavd, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. On the Black Sea coast, Vanna and Burgus offer sunny beaches, lively nightife, and affordable seaside escapes. Further inland lies the Valley of the Roses near Kazanlac, the world’s top producer of rose oil, often called liquid gold. Each June, the valley bursts into color for the rose festival, celebrating Bulgaria’s centuries old perfume trade. If you’re a wine lover, Bulgaria’s vineyards will surprise you. The country produces excellent reds like Maverud and Melnik, ancient grape varieties unique to this land. Getting to Bulgaria is easy. From Istanbul, you can fly directly to Sophia in just 1.5 hours. You can equally connect your flight from Frankfurt, Vienna, London, Lisbon, Madrid, Doha, and Paris. The summer season runs from June to October, perfect for beaches, hiking, and festivals. In winter, Bulgaria’s ski resorts like Bansco and Borovets attract visitors from across the world, offering worldclass slopes at a fraction of the price of the Alps. Beyond its stunning landscapes, Bulgaria stands out as one of the most affordable vacation spots in Europe. Locals are friendly and welcoming with many speaking English fluently, making it easy for travelers to connect and explore. Bulgarian women in particular are renowned not only for their natural beauty, but also for their strength and independence. Whether you’re strolling through the bustling streets of Sophia or wandering through quiet rural villages, you’ll find that the women here embody a unique blend of grace, intelligence, and resilience. A reflection of Bulgaria’s rich and enduring history. No visit to Bulgaria is complete without indulging in its delicious cuisine. Bulgarians are passionate about their food and every meal is an expression of culture and heritage. Don’t miss the iconic Shopska salad. A refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and feta cheese. A true national symbol. For breakfast, enjoy a warm slice of bonita, a flaky pastry filled with cheese and eggs. And if you’re a fan of hearty, comforting dishes, kava, a slowcooked meat stew, and si stuffed cabbage rolls will make your taste buds dance with delight. For those who enjoy something sweeter, try baklava, a pastry that will leave you craving more. As for drinks, Rakia, a strong fruit brandy, is the drink of choice in Bulgaria. If you’re after something non-alcoholic, try Boza, a fermented drink that has been enjoyed in the Balkans for centuries. From its flavorful dishes to its breathtaking mountains, from ancient ruins to modern cities, everything about Bulgaria tells a story. A story of endurance, beauty, and transformation. It is a country where east meets west, where tradition dances with progress, and where every visitor finds a piece of home in its warmth and simplicity. And so, as the sun sets over the Balkan peaks and the aroma of rose fields drifts through the air, one thing becomes clear. Bulgaria is not just a destination. It’s an experience, a journey through time, and a land that welcomes you with open arms and an open heart. And that is it for today, guys. If you found today’s video interesting, don’t hesitate to hit the like button and subscribe to Tour Tribes for more insightful contents. Thanks for watching and see you on the next adventure.

🇧🇬 **Bulgaria — Europe’s Hidden Gem You Need to See Before Everyone Else!**

Nestled between Europe and Asia, Bulgaria is a land of breathtaking landscapes, ancient civilizations, and warm-hearted people. From the majestic Rila Monastery to the golden beaches of the Black Sea, Bulgaria offers everything — history, culture, affordability, and adventure.

In this video, we explore the fascinating story of Bulgaria — from the Thracians and the Ottomans to the struggles of communism and the country’s modern rebirth as one of Europe’s most underrated travel destinations.

You’ll discover:
✨ The beauty of Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna & the Valley of Roses
🏰 Ancient Thracian mysteries & Ottoman legacies
🏖️ Stunning Black Sea resorts & ski towns like Bansko
🍷 Delicious Bulgarian food, wine, and the world-famous Rakia
💐 Why Bulgaria is one of the most affordable and welcoming countries in Europe

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE 👍, COMMENT 💬, and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 to **Tour Tribes** for more incredible stories and travel inspirations from around the world!

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9 Comments

  1. Really intriguing video! I’m wondering — what are the main reasons so many people are leaving Bulgaria? Is it mostly about jobs and economy, or are there other factors like healthcare or safety? Also, how is daily life for those who stay behind?

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