Five Essays On Bulgarian Museums And Communism

JF Lyotard argued that what makes history is less the complex of events occurred in time and in space then the new 'reality' reinstated by those who narrate the facts. Following the fall of the communist regime in Bulgaria this book explores a three-way relationship: between Bulgarian museums, communism in its Bulgarian variation and Bulgarian society. The link between the past, the present and the future of both museums and society is established by examining visitors' approach towards museums and the way history was and is represented in them by those who narrated the facts.

The fall of the communist regimes in Eastern Europe marked the beginning of the so-called transition period, which was smoother for some countries and troubled for others. In all cases, however, it was a period of revision and establishment of new social, political and environmental values, challenging and difficult to accept for the generation that lived for 45 years under those regimes. A period of complete denial of 45 years of existence was followed by nostalgia and finally by the acceptance that, whether we like it or not, communism forms part of our history and part of us all and cannot be just wiped without traces. This book explores a three-way relationship : between Bulgarian museums, communism in its Bulgarian variation and Bulgarian society. It looks at how the regime influenced the development of the museum system but most importantly it looks at how communist museums influenced the audiences. The development and changes in the perception of museum visitors, their understanding and reactions are explored through their relationship with museums. The link between the past, the present and the future of both museums and society is established by examining visitors' approach towards museums and the way history was and is represented in them.

This volume offers fresh perspectives on the representation of the recent past in museums of the Second World War and of communism in post-communist Eastern Europe. It does so against the background of recent European-wide debates on history, memory and politics. The contributors from across Europe focus comparatively on a wide variety of case studies, pointing out similarities and differences, and accounting for transnational patterns of remembrance at regional and European level. Occupation and Communism in Eastern European Museums argues that museums have a huge influence on the image of the communist past in Eastern Europe. It shows how they use a vast array of media tools, visual tactics and commercial strategies in order to substantiate ideological approaches to the past and to shape the attitude of public opinion.

Vols. for 1980- issued in three parts: Series, Authors, and Titles.

Bulgaria is a small, landlocked country located in Southeast Europe. It borders a number of other countries including Greece, Serbia, Romania, and Turkey. The country has a rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years, with influences from ancient Thracian, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations. Bulgaria has also been influenced by Slavic, Turkish, and other neighboring cultures throughout history. Today, the country is known for its beautiful landscape, including the scenic Black Sea coast, vast mountain ranges, and picturesque valleys. Bulgaria is also home to several world-renowned landmarks, such as the stunning Rila Monastery and the ancient Roman theatre in Plovdiv. Bulgaria has a diverse population of approximately 7 million people. Although Bulgarian is the official language, the country has a large number of ethnic minorities, including Turks, Roma, and Macedonians. The country has a tumultuous past, including periods of Ottoman and Soviet domination, but has made significant economic and democratic reforms since the fall of communism in 1989. Today, Bulgaria is a member of the European Union and NATO and has a rapidly growing economy, making it an attractive destination for business and tourism. With its rich historical and cultural heritage, natural beauty, and increasingly modern and diverse population, Bulgaria has much to offer visitors and residents alike.