DOCSLIB.ORG

Youth Sexual Aggression and Victimization in Bulgaria

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Youth Sexual Aggression and Victimization in Bulgaria h YOUTH SEXUAL AGGRESSION AND VICTIMIZATION IN BULGARIA STAKEHOLDERS’ PERSPECTIVES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR POLICY AND PRACTICE Principal Author: Dr. L. Murauskiene Vilnius, Lithuania December 1, 2012 Recommendations Bulgaria, 2012 This report is based on information acquired through personal interaction with representatives of various organisations (state bodies and NGOs) and individuals in Bulgaria. Consultations were conducted in July 2012 with: Gender Alternatives and Red Cross, Crisis Centre (in Plovdiv), Amalipe (in Veliko Tarnovo), Centre Dinamika (in Ruse), Ministry of Health, National Centre of Public Health and Analyses (PETRI project), ANIMUS ASSOCIATION, Centre for Rehabilitation, Counselling and Psychotherapy, and Gender Education Research & Technologies (in Sofia). Recommendations Bulgaria, 2012 1. Violence is an emerging topic on the political agenda in Bulgaria Bulgaria has witnessed an increase in attention to child abuse and domestic violence, which are both issues related to Youth Sexual Aggression and Victimization (YSAV). While the adoption of the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act in 2005 enabled prosecution for marital rape, no such case has actually been tried in the interim. Traditional stereotypes of the roles of women in the family and society have created a culture in which many women are hesitant or even too ashamed to discuss the matter of domestic aggression; furthermore, even the educated population does not actually perceive anything other than physical violence as an act of violence. Moreover, prevailing adverse and sceptical attitudes imply that the victim currently bears the onus of proof in cases of violence. The law itself ‘does not recognise that domestic violence affects women in Bulgaria disproportionately and lessens and nullifies women’s enjoyment of their human rights’ while ‘some of the procedures and norms contribute in practice to the perpetuation of this phenomenon’.1 This might go some way towards explaining the reluctance of both the police and the courts to take cases of domestic violence into consideration. ‘Victims of psychological and sexual violence also encounter difficulty in obtaining protection orders in the absence of physical injuries. Furthermore, the fact that judges are inclined to underestimate the seriousness of these forms of violence and there is widespread confusion as to which acts constitute psychological and sexual violence, only compounds the issue for such victims’. 2 While it is theoretically possible to refer perpetrators to specific programmes developed by certain NGOs, juries rarely even consider the option’. Moreover, staff of public institutions including social workers often fail to comprehend that issues of material deprivation in families may in themselves constitute an act of violence. In contrast to many other countries, the Church has no significant input in policy in Bulgaria, as it is considered a relatively low status social institution. Child abuse is the only issue addressed in debate, while documents focused on youth policy fail to tackle any sexuality-related issue whatsoever. As both awareness and recognition of violence in society are low, the collection and dissemination of information on prevalence, consequences and other aspects of violence in society are prerequisites for the recognition and specification of YSAV. One particularly difficult challenge encountered is the lack of terminology and proper wording in the vernacular. For instance, many people consider the word ‘sexual’ synonymous with ‘pornographic’, as language does not comprise neutral terms such as ‘gender’. 2. The case of the Roma and the particular vulnerability of its young girls to victimization and sexual violence There are various ethnic minorities living in Bulgaria. The Roma people officially comprise over 4% of the total population (according to some experts’ estimates they exceed 9%), and are therefore the country’s second largest ethnic minority group, following the Turks who represent 8% of the total population. There is substantial evidence of the vulnerability of Roma children, an extremely small portion of whom actually graduate from school. This can be largely attributed to a combination of poverty (families with numerous children generally cannot afford to give them an education, as the state provides free textbooks only for pupils in grades 1 to 3) and their poor command of the Bulgarian language. Such low levels of literacy make matters particularly difficult for NGOs working with the Roma population and trying clarify ethical and human rights concepts and issues. 1 Gender Alternatives Foundation. (2012). Substantive equality and non-discrimination in Bulgaria. Shadow report submitted to the CEDAW Committee for the 52 nd session in July 2012 . 2 Implementation of Bulgarian Law on Protection Against Domestic Violence. (2008). Report of the Advocate for Human Rights and the Bulgarian Gender Research Foundation . 1 Recommendations Bulgaria, 2012 Given the context, external funding for NGOs working with the Roma population is relatively high. Among the numerous projects already implemented, are those designed to address the issue of early marriage in Roma communities. The ethnic Roma staff involved in running such projects insist that the matter of domestic violence is simply not discussed in rural areas. If YSAV is to be effectively prevented therefore, then the parents need to be approached and convinced that it is both feasible to work in gender homogeneous groups and that peer-to-peer education has the most favourable effect when working with teenagers. It should be noted, however, that prioritisation of the problems in ethnic minorities sometimes leads to underestimation of the scale of aggression and violence taking place in Bulgarian society in general. 3. The destructive role of the media The media have a particularly negative effect on young people forming their own values and attitudes. The messages that they impart to girls are that the money is the most important measure of success and love, while aggressive sexuality and skills in selling oneself are primary requirements in life. These sentiments are constantly emphasised in advertising as well as in popular music. In this context, many females - including sex workers – fail to realise that they are victims at all. 4. NGOs’ potential to work on YSAV should be explored There are already numerous municipal institutions/units involved in addressing the prevention of antisocial behaviour, child development, child probation issues, etc., which could also probably touch upon YSAV issues. However, they clearly either lack the capacity and skills required, or are too busy with routine or even bureaucratic processes. Psychological care is most readily available in the private sector, and is therefore unaffordable to many people in need. Well-informed, motivated NGOs consequently intervene in providing support for victims of various types of violence. Together with a considerable group of NGOs which advocate human rights and provide legal aid to victims of gender-based violence and sex abuse, they therefore provide great support to vulnerable groups and society as a whole. More generally, ‘it is NGOs, working on the conceptual basis of ‘civil society’, who can help create ‘society’ out of a mass of group identities and agendas jostling for space and recognition’.3 Numerous NGOs have gained substantial experience through working on trafficking issues (as prioritised in funding). A national mechanism for referral and support of trafficked persons as a cooperative framework of the state actors and civil society is currently being established in the country. 4 Another priority in allocating funding to NGOs is through the Programmes of the Ministry of Health, supported by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculoses and Malaria (the GFATM) addressing the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS and Tuberculoses. The inclusion of YSAV issues in NGOs’ activities could be further promoted by stressing its links to accepted priorities in their existing activities and funding. NGOs providing services to risk groups could compete for state and municipal funds to implement projects. The allocation of funding for service provision is scheduled to take place (May 2012) as part of the National Program for Domestic Violence Prevention. 5 However, the sustainability of NGOs cannot be assured due to various reasons, such as political changes, different priorities in and approaches to shaping the care in municipalities, the need to meet stringent requirements for the provision of so-called rehabilitation services as a single item for procurement, etc. On the other hand, however, NGOs generally operate according to their own individual guidelines. A certain measure of unification of the rules and requirements applicable to NGOs’ performance might 3 Dainov, E. (2004). Transition, Violence and the Role of NGOs: the Case of Bulgaria. A paper prepared for ‘Cultures of Violence’ – Mansfield College, Oxford . 4 National mechanism for referral and support of trafficked persons in Bulgaria. (2010). Project ‘Creation of a National Referral Mechanism for victims of trafficking in Bulgaria’ Working group report. 5 2012 National Program on Prevention and Protection Against Domestic Violence. (2012). 1 Supplement. 2 Recommendations Bulgaria, 2012 therefore be appreciated. There is both a need and scope for the integration of YSAV issues in practice, while also improving the quality of response through the dissemination of lessons,
Load more

Recommended publications
  • District Heating in Bulgaria
    STATE ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION - BULGARIA DistrictDistrict heatingheating inin BulgariaBulgaria TOMA GIORTCHEV commissioner May 18-24, 2002 Newark, New Jersey – Washington, DC, U.S.A. STATE ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION - BULGARIA DistrictDistrict heatingheating inin BulgariaBulgaria ¾ 21 District heating companies ¾ 9 companies with combined heat and power production ¾ More than 40 years experience ¾ 570 000 dwellings ¾ 1.650 mill. People – 20% of population ¾ Public buildings with a heating volume equal to 240 000 normal dwellings May 18-24, 2002 Newark, New Jersey – Washington, DC, U.S.A. STATE ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION - BULGARIA DistrictDistrict heatingheating companiescompanies inin BulgariaBulgaria ROMANIA RUSE Pleven A I Shumen Varna Veliko Tarnovo SERB Sofia Sliven Pernik Burgas BLACK SEA Stara Zagora Pazardjik Plovdiv Blagoevgrad Legend TURKEY RS DHC @A INDUSTRIAL PP @A Nuclear PP - @A THERMAL PP GREECE STATE ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION - BULGARIA HeatHeat andand powerpower productionproduction fromfrom CHPCHP ¾ 1900 GWh/year power production ¾ 12 000 GWh/year heat production ¾ 1,4 billion m3 natural gas ¾ 1 million tones of coals ¾ 160 000 tones of heavy fuel oil ¾ 18 % transmission losses May 18-24, 2002 Newark, New Jersey – Washington, DC, U.S.A. STATE ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION - BULGARIA CompaniesCompanies withwith combinedcombined heatheat andand powerpower productionproduction 25 21 20 15 11 10 9 5 0 DHC-total DHC-with Industrial May 18-24, 2002 CHP PP Newark, New Jersey – Washington, DC, U.S.A. STATE ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION - BULGARIA SharesShares ofof CHPCHP companiescompanies inin powerpower productionproduction ((installedinstalled capacitiescapacities)) 5% 8% DHC with CHP 29% Industrial PP 36% Thermal PP 22% HPS over 5 MW Nuclear Power plant May 18-24, 2002 Newark, New Jersey – Washington, DC, U.S.A.
    [Show full text]
  • THE NEW EUROPE Locally Escorted Tour Ove Disc R Mo Re
    13 day / 12 night SPECIAL JOURNEY: THE NEW EUROPE Locally Escorted Tour iscover m d or e. BUCHAREST – SIBIU – SIGHISOARA – BRASOV – VELIKO TARNOVO – PLOVDIV – RILA – SOFIA .. ... e $ r d o i 400 s m c r per o e cou v BENEFITS HIGHLIGHTS INCLUSIONS v TR ple e AVEL r o c m s C i R • Maximum 15 participants • Romania’s stunning Transylvania region • Fully Escorted by English speaking EDIT o d Deta r e ils . pa . g Tour Leaders . e 3 • Medieval cities of Sighisoara, Brasov and Sibiu . • Guaranteed departures e r d o i s m c o r v • Dracula’s Castle in Bran and Peles Castle in Sinaia • First / tourist class hotel accommodation e • Comprehensive tour • Meals: B = breakfast (12), ve • Magical, world- renowned Carpathian Mountains disco r mo conducted in English only re L = lunch (3), D = dinner (9) ... • Historic cities of Veliko Tarnovo and Plovdiv . SPECIAL J .. • Centrally located hotels e r OURN d • Sightseeing as per itinerary o E • The Valley of the Roses Y i s m c SOLO o • Gratuities included • Transportation by air-conditioned r • Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s largest and most e v e v TRAV r o coach or minivan m • Marketed exclusively in important spiritual centre c ELLER s i o d r Australia & New Zealand • Gratuities and porterage during tour e • Bulgarian and Romanian traditional dinners and CLUB . e r entertainment • Arrival and departure transfers d o i s c m o r v e DAY 4 MON SIBIU / SIBIEL ROMANIA SMALL GROUP TOUR •Sighisoara Sibiu was built by German settlers in the 12th century.
    [Show full text]
  • Bulgaria ‐ Balkan Legends Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, Kazanlak, Koprivshtitsa 8 Days / 7 Nights
    Bulgaria ‐ Balkan Legends Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, Kazanlak, Koprivshtitsa 8 days / 7 Nights Rental Car The program includes 7 nights BB basis in 3‐star hotel – 3 nights in Sofia, 2 nights in Veliko Tarnovo or Arbanasi, 1 night in Kazanlak or surroundings, 1 night in Koprivshtitsa; rental car for the whole period. PROGRAM DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT THE SOFIA AIRPORT. Meeting at Sofia airport by a representative who will supply the clients with a map of Bulgaria, a map of Sofia and some documentation about the trip. Pick up the rental car. Overnight stay in Sofia. DAY 2: BREAKFAST. DEPARTURE FOR VELIKO TARNOVO. On the way a visit to the Troyan Monastery ‐ the third biggest monastery in Bulgaria, founded in the 17th century. In 1847 the monks requested that the famous Bulgarian artist Zahari Zograf work on the decoration of the monastery. Late afternoon – arrival in Veliko Tarnovo – the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire (1187‐1396). Overnight stay in Veliko Tarnovo or Arbanasi. DAY 3: BREAKFAST. SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF VELIKO TARNOVO. A visit to the historical village of Arbanasi ‐ the Konstantsaliev’s House – one of the biggest and most lavishly decorated houses of the Bulgarian National Revival and at the Church of the Nativity of Christ, the oldest church in Arbanasi, unique with its frescoes. Return to Veliko Tarnovo. Overnight stay in Veliko Tarnovo or Arbanasi. • 7 Mezher Street, Antelias • 60‐233 Beirut, Lebanon • +961 4 712037 www.ventnouveau.com • [email protected] DAY 4: BREAKFAST. DEPARTURE FOR KAZANLAK. A visit to Dryanovo Monastery, established in the 13th century and situated in the picturesque gorge of Dryanovo River.
    [Show full text]
  • A Case Study on Community in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
    ViabilityNet 3.0 Program 2017/2018 A Case Study on Community in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria Lenka Dušková ViabilityNet 3.0 Program 2017/2018: A Case Study on Community in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria Lenka Dušková1 08/2019 1 Lenka Dušková is trained mediator, evaluator, and participatory qualitative researcher of development processes, transforming societies, and post-conflict. She is currently affiliated with the Department of Development and Environmental Studies at Palacký Illustration: Milena Simeonova University in Olomouc, Czech Republic. 01 17 COMMUNITY LEADERS´ LEARNING PATH | 1 Dear Readers, This publication is a case study of TAM, a community bar/café in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. The case study examines TAM both as a physical space as well as a community of active people in the context of Veliko Tarnovo. An active member of the community, the facilitator, took part in the ViabilityNet 3.0 program, which supported development of local community leaders from Central and Eastern Europe. The program offered development guidance to local community leaders as a way of supporting local communities to become more resilient, thriving places where people engage as neighbors, both in the present and with an eye to the future . The envisaged impact of the ViabilityNet 3.0 program is two-fold, as both the local community leaders and their communities were the focus of our attention. Accordingly we deemed it important to gain an understanding of the changes the program brings to both. A complementary study entitled ViabilityNet 3.0 program 2017/2018 evaluation: Community leaders´ learning path (“impact measurement”) exam- ined the community leaders and their development.
    [Show full text]
  • Veliko Tarnovo Furniture Cluster Bulgaria Production Sites with Furniture Clusters
    Veliko Tarnovo Furniture Cluster Bulgaria Production Sites with Furniture Clusters 1 SZCZECINEK FURNITURE CLUSTER 5 - TVILUM - STOL-TAP - GRZEŚKOWIAK - BHK - GREEN ANGEL - WOOD TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE - POZNAŃ - ABO 2 SMORGON FURNITURE CLUSTER USA 3 LAPOVO FURNITURE CLUSTER 4 SZOMBATHELY FURNITURE CLUSTER 6 5 OXFORD FURNITURE CLUSTER 2 1 6 ELEKTROGORSK FURNITURE CLUSTER 7 VELIKO TARNOVO FURNITURE CLUSTER 4 8 8 SEBES FURNITURE CLUSTER 3 7 2 3 Support for businesses • We would like to share our location and extend our premises in order to provide our partners with a built area to install furniture production facilities. • The required infrastructure is already in place: Our location is equipped with high voltage power supply, gas supply, adequate water supply and waste water treatment facilities. Separate meters will be provided for the furniture factory. • Property tax and local fees are administrated by Kronospan. • Close proximity between the two manufacturing sites results in near zero transportation costs. • Just in time delivery of raw and melamine-faced particleboard will result in no stock – which eliminates the burden on cash flow. • Kronospan will keep the agreed minimum stock levels. • We would provide you with access to our extensive product portfolio. • You could benefit from technical support in material processing on-site. Our engineers are experienced in both furniture production technology and equipment – whether that’s mechanical, electrical, automation software or robotics. • Kronospan will support you with administrative issues, including registration of a legal entity, the local register and banks. • We could also provide support with accounting, tax and payroll regulations as well as reconciliation of local accounting with internal reporting.
    [Show full text]
  • Download Tour Description
    Balkan Trails S.R.L. 29 Mihail Sebastian St. 050784 Bucharest, Romania Tour operator license #757 Bulgaria at a glance (4 nights) Tour Description: In this beautifully curated, compact tour, discover the essentials of old Bulgaria: historic architecture, vibrant traditional arts and crafts, sweeping panoramic vistas, medieval monasteries and fortresses, and traces of Roman and Thracian culture. Begin your tour in the vibrant Bulgarian capital of Sofia, where you’ll stroll along the famed yellow-paved streets to explore major landmarks such as the Aleksandar Nevski Cathedral and the covered food market. At the 11th-century Boyana Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site), explore the priceless treasures at your leisure. Drive into the mountains to the Bulgarian Orthodox Rila Monastery, built a full 1147 meters above sea level. In the picturesque, artistic Plovdiv, tour the Old Town, Antique Theater, and Roman Stadium. In Kazanlak, home of Bulgarian rose oil more valuable than gold, visit the celebrated UNESCO World Heritage, 4th- century B.C. Thracian Tomb. On the way to Veliko Tarnovo, drive through the breathtaking Shipka Pass, site of the final Bulgarian victory over the Ottoman Turks. Visit the soaring Tsarevets Fortress, and take in the spectacular view of the Old Town. Explore Samovodene Street, a mecca for folkloric Bulgarian arts and crafts. Next, visit the architecturally significant village of Arbanassi. Tour Konstantsalieva House, where you’ll explore the daily realities of a well-to-do 17th-century family. You will also explore the Nativity Church, built at a time when Christian architecture in Bulgaria was subject to restrictions imposed by the Ottoman Turks.
    [Show full text]
  • Bulgarianproperties.Com/73564
    Offer: Development land near Yovkovtsi Dam in Elena Ref. No.: VT 73564 URL address of the offer: https://www.bulgarianproperties.com/73564 Development land near Yovkovtsi Dam Price € 85 000 Location: Elena For sale Type of property: Land, Development land, Agricultural land, Investment land Area features : In the countryside. , In rural countryside Area: 20000.00 m2 Garden: no Condition: read text Authorised agency Responsible agent Simeon Karapenchev Veliko Tarnovo Mobile: +359 882 817 441 Phone: +359 62 520 289 Address: 17A, Vasil Levski Blvd, Veliko Tarnovo Skype: bulgarianproperties.com Development land located 14 km. from the town of Elena and 28 km. from Veliko Tarnovo Property with a yard of 20,000 square meters, located 300 meters from Yovkovtsi Dam, 14 km. from the town of Elena and 28 km. from Veliko Tarnovo. The property includes nine plots with common borders / former farm yard /. There is an asphalt road, electricity and water next to the property. There is a panoramic view of the Elena Balkan and the Yovkovtsi Dam. The settlement and the area provide good conditions for recreation and tourism with its location and proximity to the Yovkovtsi Dam and the built family complexes and holiday houses. The region is a year-round favorite and visited by many Bulgarian foreign tourists who spend their free time amidst the beauty and freshness of the Elena Balkan, hunting and fishing. Viewings Page 1 Offer: Development land near Yovkovtsi Dam in Elena Ref. No.: VT 73564 URL address of the offer: https://www.bulgarianproperties.com/73564 We are ready to organize a viewing of this property at a time convenient for you.
    [Show full text]
  • Bulgarian Properties for Sale and Rent
    Offer: Four-storey solid building in a large plot of land near Veliko Tarnovo in Veliko Tarnovo Ref. No.: VT 2523 URL address of the offer: https://www.bulgarianproperties.com/30224 Four-storey solid building in a large plot of land near Veliko Tarnovo Price € 198 000 Location: Veliko Tarnovo For sale Type of property: Hotel, Factory & Industrial, Other property, Leisure centre, Business, Storehouse, Logistic centre, Industrial building Area features : In the countryside. , Near mountain, In vacation place, In historic place, In fishing area, In hunting area, Near town, Near highway Area: 1431.00 m2 Garden: 2423.00 m2 Bedrooms: 24 Floor: 4 Heating system: Electrical heating Furnishing: Unfurnished Type of building: Brick-built Condition: good Authorised agency Responsible agent Nikolay Nikolov Veliko Tarnovo Mobile: +359 882 817 481 Phone: +359 62 520 289 Address: 17A, Vasil Levski Blvd, Veliko Tarnovo Skype: bulgarianproperties.com Property with potential in a small town not far from Veliko Tanovo BULGARIAN PROPERTIES offers to your attention this solid building located close to the town Veliko Tarnovo. The property borders highway which connects northern and southern Bulgaria. The property is a four-storey solid built Page 1 Offer: Four-storey solid building in a large plot of land near Veliko Tarnovo in Veliko Tarnovo Ref. No.: VT 2523 URL address of the offer: https://www.bulgarianproperties.com/30224 industrial building which was used as a canteen before. The total built up area of the building is 1,431 sq. m. and it is located on a plot of land with a size of 2423 sq.
    [Show full text]
  • Seroepidemiology of Leishmania Among Healthy Dogs in Bulgaria
    Turk.J.Vet.Anim.Sci. 2007;31(1):73-74 ©TÜB‹TAK ShortCommunication SeroepidemiologyofLeishmaniaamongHealthyDogsinBulgaria IliaTSACHEV1,EmmanouilI.PAPADOGIANNAKIS2,*,VasilisKONTOS2,AndreiIVANOV1,BorislavaCHAKAROVA3, KrasimirSTOJANCHEV1,RaikoPESHEV4 1VeterinaryFaculty,TrakiaUniversity,StaraZagora-BULGARIA 2DepartmentofVeterinaryPublicHealth,NationalSchoolofPublicHealth,Athens-GREECE 3MedicalFaculty,TrakiaUniversity,StaraZagora-BULGARIA 4NationalVeterinaryDiagnosticandResearchInstitute,Sofia-BULGARIA Received:24.11.2005 Abstract: Aseroepidemiologicalstudyofcanineleishmaniasiswascarriedoutin220healthypetdogsfrom11differentregionsin Bulgariaallocatedin5regionsinsouthernBulgaria:Plovdiv(n=20),StaraZagora(n=20),Yambol(n=20),Burgas(n=20) , andBlagoevgrad(n=20),and6regionsinnorthernBulgaria:Varna(n=20),Silistra(n=20),Rousse(n=20),VelikoTarnov o (n=20),Pleven(n=20),andMontana(n=20).Theindirectfluorescentantibodytestwasused. Allbloodseraexaminedyieldednegativeresultsforleishmaniasis,thussuggestingthathealthyhouseholddogsinBulgariaare not infectedbyLeishmania. KeyWords: Dog,Leishmania,Bulgaria,IFAtest Canineleishmaniasis(CL)isaninfectiousdisease StaraZagora(n=20),Yambol(n=20),Burgas(n= causedbyprotozoabelongingtothegenus Leishmania 20),andBlagoevgrad(n=20).Forty-nineofthese and transmittedbybitesoffemalesandflies sampleswereobtainedfromfemaledogsand51were (Phlebotomus intheoldWorld).Dogsusuallypresent frommaledogs,allofvariousbreedsandages(mean withcutaneouslesionsalongwiththevisceralformofthe 3.8,SD0.39years).Theareasselectedincludedall disease(1,2).Theprevalencerateofcanineleishmaniasis
    [Show full text]
  • The Role of the Bulgarian Church in Education – Traditions and Modernity
    The Role of the Bulgarian Church in Education – Traditions and Modernity Prof. Maria Nikolova PhD 1, Prof. Sofia Vasileva PhD 2, Prof. D.Sc. Ivanka Iankova 3, Prof. D.Sc. Stoyan Denchev 4 University of Library Studies and Information Technologies, Bulgaria 1 University of Library Studies and Information Technologies, Bulgaria 2 University of Library Studies and Information Technologies, Bulgaria 3 4 University of Library Studies and Information Technologies, Bulgaria Abstract In the complex historical periods from the development of Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Church has always played a crucial role for the preservation of the Bulgarian language, religious belief and self - consciousness. The paper traces and analyses the role of the Bulgarian church in the development of Education in Bulgaria historically and in contemporary times. In connection with the implementation of the activities under project ДН15/4 “Creation of a Model for the Safeguarding, Promotion and Socialization of Churches in Bulgaria” a number of field studies were conducted in different regions of the country. It was found that in almost all the temples there were schools, which, having emerged as the so-called “cell-schools”, gradually became classrooms with a secular character of education. It is noteworthy that the inhabitants of the small settlements far from the center of the country showed a desire for education and enlightenment and with their own means and forces opened schools next to their churches. Nowadays, the role of the church in education is more educational.
    [Show full text]
  • Day Trip to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi.Pages
    Licensed under Velvet Tours 1 Spiridon Matei St. 032087 Bucharest, Romania Tour operator license #6617 Day trip to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi (full day) Tour Description: This morning, depart Sofia and set out in the direction of Veliko Tarnovo, the renowned “City of the Tsars” that served as the capital of Bulgaria during medieval times. The town is situated on the three hills of Tsaravets, Trapezitsa, and Sveta Gora, along the Yantra River. Medieval kings built the imposing Tsarevets Fortress, which remained the Bulgarian seat of power until the 1400s. After your guided tour of Tsaravets, enjoy the intriguing shops as you walk along Samovodene Street, where you’ll find talented local craftsmen demonstrating their many colorful, traditional art forms. In the afternoon, visit the lovely village of Arbanassi. The town was granted trade privileges by the Ottoman sultan, and consequently became the home of Bulgaria’s wealthiest and most prosperous merchants. The fortress-like architecture of the private homes here evolved from the need to ward off thieves attracted by the concentration of abundance. Visit the remarkable Konstantsalieva House, the home of an 18th-century merchant, and see exactly how he lived with his family centuries ago. Next, move on to the Nativity Church, built according to the strict architectural rules proscribed by the Ottomans: all churches were to be of a height no taller than a man on a horse. The townspeople brought great creativity to the task: the church was built half-underground, with no visible domes at street level. The Nativity Church showcases some of the loveliest, best–preserved frescoes in Bulgaria.
    [Show full text]
  • Yantra Homes
    tel: +359 (0)62 539 980 email: [email protected] Yantra Homes www.yantrahomes.com PLOT OF LAND 2616 sqm PLOT OF LAND Large regulated plot in the town of Debelets, just 5 km FEATURES away from Veliko Tarnovo Close to Veliko Tarnovo Small and peaceful town Debelets is in close proximity to Veliko Tarnovo; it has good transport links and regular bus transport. It is a small, but well-developed town, with good Well-developed health care and social services. It also offers a nursery school, two public infrastructure schools, digital TV, supermarkets and shops. Close to all amenities The plot we present to you is 2616 sqm; it is regulated. The land is level with rectangular shape and is located by an asphalt road so it is easily Business opportunity accessible throughout the year. The property holds a lot of business Suitable for a car potential – the place is suitable for a warehouse, industrial production activities or car dealership. There are water and electricity mains nearby. dealership Water and electricity The plot is located by a main arterial road which guarantees easy year round access and plenty of customers if you choose to develop your own Regulated business. This property offers multiple options for its new owners. Take advantage of our offer and start your successful enterprise now. Asphalt road Close to a main arterial REF: 5030/020 Euro 28,500 road Easy year round access Yantra Homes Ltd, 7 ‘Slaveikov’ St. Veliko Tarnovo 5000 These particulars are set out as a general outline only for guidance to intending purchaser(s), specification and condition of property and any appliances cannot be guaranteed.
    [Show full text]