Today’s stream of consciousness:
Unicorn =>
National animal of Scotland =>
Country personifications (Uncle Sam, etc) =>
Mother figures/national personifications (Lady Liberty, etc) =>
Mother Bulgaria =>
Mother Bulgaria Pantheon Memorial =>
Gurgulyat, Bulgaria =>
Sofia, Bulgaria =>
Rage against the Soviet Union
Many countries have personifications to symbolize aspects of their national character. An interesting Wikipedia article can be found here.
The female figures are especially interesting, often symbolizing strength, courage, nurturing and protection, maternal love, or mythological roots.
This is a very rich topic, and we became fascinated with Mother Bulgaria.
Mother Bulgaria
The icons of Mother Bulgaria take many forms.
Pantheon Mother Bulgaria
There is a small Bulgarian town called Gurgulyat, about 41km northwest of the capital of Sofia, with a population of about 40.
The village is famous for its role in the Serbo-Bulgarian War (1885–1886), when the Bulgarian Army, aided by local residents, prevented the Serbs from reaching Slivnitsa. Most of the village’s historical landmarks are dedicated to this event, such as the imposing 20 m-high red-concrete Pantheon-Monument in the Tsarkvishte (Църквище) locality, which features a sculpture of Mother Bulgaria – Wikipedia
This monument was built on the location where the crucial battle in the Serbian-Bulgarian war of 1885 took place. The battle was a turning point in the war. [Communists…. it fell into decay]
For the 100th anniversary of the war, a new monument was built. It has the shape of a truncated square pyramid, 20 meters high and each side 30 meters in its widest. The monument is not a closed space although from afar it looks like it is. In the centre of the monument is a bronze statue of a woman – Bulgaria, grieving for all lost children.
https://nonument.org/nonuments/pantheon-mother-bulgaria/
Semi-Sequitur: The Gurgulyat/Antarctic Connection
A peak in Antarctica is named in honor of a Bulgarian village of 40 people!
Pantheon Mother Bulgaria: Street View
We appreciate the Google photographer’s efforts, especially when he was dealing with a semi-transparent head.
Bulgaria – a little background
A 007 connection? Or maybe an Arnie connection: The Disturbinator?
Sofia – Ever Growing, Never Aging
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria, and its largest city. It has an urban population of about 1.5 million people.
Sofia is the second highest capital of the European Union (after Madrid) and the third highest capital of Europe (after Andorra la Vella and Madrid). Unlike most European capitals, Sofia does not straddle any large river, but is surrounded by comparatively high mountains on all sides.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sofia
Toxic Soviet Influence
Dang. We’d hoped it would be raining Dimitrov for a couple of days. But I guess technically Dimitrov’s grave is a communist plot.
More toxicity: many of the Soviet-era memorials have been defaced. This statue of Mother Bulgaria, built during the Soviet Era, arrogantly includes the Soviet takeover date (1944).
(Photos from a review of communist monuments in Bulgaria)
A consultation with our Political Analyst: ChatGPT [ed. note: edited for brevity… Chat is a great guy, but he can go on and on]
WLBOTT: What would Bulgaria be like if Bulgaria wasn’t occupied by the Soviet Union? (you could cut-n-paste this for any country the Soviet Union touched)
Speculating about alternative historical scenarios is always challenging … and the actual outcome would have been influenced by a multitude of factors:
1. **Political System**: Without Soviet influence, … could have maintained a multi-party democratic system or, like many other Eastern European countries, transitioned to a parliamentary democracy.
2. **Economic Development**: …Bulgaria could have developed a more market-oriented economy earlier, possibly similar to other countries in the region that transitioned to capitalism in the late 20th century.
3. **Cultural and Social Development**: Bulgaria might have had a more open cultural atmosphere and greater freedom of expression.
4. **International Relations**: Bulgaria might have pursued a more independent foreign policy, possibly seeking closer ties with Western Europe and NATO.
5. **Security and Defense**: Without this influence, Bulgaria might have had a different approach to its defense policies and military alliances.
6. **Economic Prosperity**: The country might have experienced a potentially higher standard of living.
7. **Regional and Global Relations**: Bulgaria’s geopolitical position could have resulted in different regional and global alliances, trade partnerships, and diplomatic relationships.
Beautiful Music from Bulgaria
Will there be a Buffet?
Bulgarian cuisine looks absolutely delicious.
Google AI: Bulgarian cuisine is known for its fresh, hearty food. It features quality vegetables and dairy products, a variety of mild spices, and a mix of meat and seafood.
