Burgas is one of the biggest cities in Bulgaria located on the shores of the Burgas Bay of the Black Sea. It is surrounded by three lakes. As early as the beginning of the 19th century Burgas was a small settlement hardly numbering 5 thousand inhabitants, mainly ethnic Greeks. The starting point for the rapid development of the city's economy was the opening of a seaport in 1903. From that moment a new era began - a period of rapid growth not only in industry but also in the sociocultural sphere. Today's Burgas is the holder of the title of the most comfortable city for life in Bulgaria. Over 230,000 people live there.
History of the city
In the Middle Ages modern Burgas was called Pyrgos and was a small fishing village as well as a place for metal mining and processing, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds in the vicinity. By the 16th century the name Pyrgos was gradually supplanted by the synonymous Burgas: both words are translated into Russian as “tower”. It is believed that the city was named after the ancient Roman lighthouse tower located on the shore of the bay and serving not only as a defensive outpost but also as a guide for sailors. A French company built a port on the territory of the city in 1903. This event played a key role in the further development of Burgas. About twenty foreign enterprises were opened in the city later.
During the civil war in Russia in 1918-1920 Burgas along with Varna was one of the main points through which Russian emigrants arrived in Bulgaria. The presence of the vast Russian diaspora served as an occasion for close friendly connections between our people and the Bulgarians and also became the impetus for the active development of the city's infrastructure, adapted for the Russian-speaking population. Russian kindergarten, elementary school and a boarding school for children over five years old appeared there. Burgas Cossack village and Cossack cultural and educational charitable society named after Yermak were founded later.
Burgas today
Economics
Burgas is the main transport hub of the country today. There is an extensive network of highways and railways, a seaport and an international airport.
The basis of the region’s economy are food, textile, engineering and oil refining industries. An important place is occupied by fishing in the coastal waters of the Black Sea. Iron ore is mined in local mines and transported from a deep-water port, where Bulgaria’s ocean fishing fleet is based. Large salt mines are located in Burgas.
Built in the 1960s the LUKOIL Neftochim Refinery is the largest industrial complex in Southeast Europe.
In 1989 the Special Economic Zone was created in the city.
In recent years the tourism business has been actively developing in Burgas. It is facilitated by geography and climate.
Nature and ecology
Burgas is famous for its unique natural landscapes. Lake Atanasovsko is located near the city – a lagoon mineral lake, which is under the protection of the state and is known for its curative mud. The territory of Poda Protected Site was also taken under state protection in 1989 and is listed in the Red Book of Bulgaria as a place of natural habitat and nesting of a large number of water birds. The territory of Vaya, spreading in the vicinity of Burgas, is included into the list of important ornithological reserves of Europe.
Burgas is a part of the Union of European Cities for Sustainable Development. The environmental protection program developed in Burgas ensures the implementation of many projects of local, national and international importance, including the areas of desert land management, air monitoring, environmental management, environmental education, protection of various biological species, management of protected territories, etc.
Education and culture
There are two universities in the city: the private one - founded in 1991, Burgas Free University and the only state university in Southeast Bulgaria - University “Prof. D-r Asen Zlatarov”. The largest Yavorov Library in the region is also situated there, which received the status of a scientific library.
There are several theatres in the city: Adriana Budevska Drama Theatre, State Puppet Theatre, State Opera House, Philharmonic Hall, and Art-Atelier Theatre. Cultural events are also organized at the Sea Casino located on the territory of the Seaside Park.
Sightseeing
The city centre is of great architectural interest. A rather large number of houses in the modern art style and constructivism have been preserved there. There are temples of various religious denominations in Burgas. One of the symbols of the city can be considered the neoclassical St. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral, built according to the plan of the Italian architect Ricardo Toscani. The temple is decorated with beautiful frescoes and a wooden altar. It is declared an architectural and construction monument of culture of national importance.
The history of the city from archaeological finds of antiquity and the Middle Ages to the recent history of Burgas is collected in the expositions of the Regional Historical Museum. Today this museum is a complex of four autonomously functioning expositions: historical, archaeological, ethnographic and natural sciences. All of them occupy separate buildings located in close proximity to each other.
One of the most famous sights of the city is Seaside Park which stretches along the coastline on the area of 60 hectares. It is considered one of the most beautiful parks of Bulgaria, where plants from all the continents grow. The old part of Seaside Park is declared a heritage of garden art. Different festivals are held there.
Festivals and cultural events
Burgas is also famous for its numerous festivals. Festival of Sand Sculptures, which is held from July till September, can be surely called one of the most remarkable events. Traditionally the best masters all over Europe take part in it. The most significant musical event in the city can rightly be considered the Spirit of Burgas festival organized by MTV.
One more music festival takes place in late August. It is a folklore festival. During the event visitors are presented with the traditions of various cultures, as it is international in nature.
An entertainment song contest called “Burgas and Moreto” is also organized there. It is one of the largest festivals of this kind in all of Bulgaria and it is held at the Summer Theatre. It is attended by eminent and talented performers of the Bulgarian scene as participants, it attracts thousands of people from all over Europe.
One more event is held in mid-June - a festival called “Turn on the City” within the framework of the project of the Burgas Municipality “Return to Burgas: Past, Present and Future”. The project aims to strengthen the role of culture as a driving force in the development of the city, enrich the cultural life of Burgas and increase its attractiveness for life and tourism.
The end of July is marked by the holding such an event as the Burgas International Film Festival - the International Film Festival, in the framework of which a competition for the best full-length, short, documentary films is held, as well as an Audience Choice Award. The films are presented by directors from such countries as Romania, the Russian Federation, Turkey, Moldova, Ukraine, Greece and Bulgaria.