Ivo Gyurovski’s, “Bulgaria: The Hidden Rose of Europe”
By Brettney DāSean Smith, ‘07

Ivo Gyuroyski ’09 presented a powerpoint entitled, “Bulgaria: The Hidden Rose of Europe” October 9, 2006 in Parents and Friends at 7:30 pm. Ivo gave his audience a very detailed account of the origins, the progression, and the current state of Bulgaria.

Ivo began his powerpoint presentation by giving an overview of the origins of Bulgaria. Ivo informed the audience that prior to Bulgaria’s establishment, in 679, the Bulgars (Proto-Bulgarians), under the leadership of Khan Asparoukh, prevented Roman emperor Constantine IV’s army from invading Bulgaria. After their resistance in 681, the Bulgars merged with the local Slavic population and the remnants of the Thracian population to form Bulgaria.

Along with Ivo explaining the origins of Bulgaria, he gave an overview of the progression of Bulgaria’s economic, social, and political state throughout the 20th century. He stated that after the post-World War II, agreements were made between Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt, Bulgaria fell under the Iron Curtain of communist ruler Stalin in which the country experienced serious oppression and economic disparity. But, as a result of several countries’ desire for democracy and freedom in Bulgaria, November 10, 1989 marked the beginning of these democratic changes because—thanks to its centralized resources—Bulgaria was able to solve, with relative ease, the problems that were associated with its industrialization, education, and with its social welfare. In 1991, a democratic Bulgarian constitution was adopted in which the political parties were restored, and the property that was expropriated in 1947 became once again appropriated. Ivo ’09 then informed the audience that Bulgaria is currently an active NATO member, that they have a military whose troops are stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Ivo informed the audience that Bulgaria is undergoing plans to become apart of the European Union; they plan on officially becoming members January 1, 2007.

While giving the audience historical information about Bulgaria, Ivo also gave them rather interesting facts about Bulgaria—facts that are often overlooked when people think about Bulgaria. Ivo informed the audience that Bulgaria produces rose oil and Bulgaria’s rose oil is known as the finest rose oil, “rose otto,” in the world. This Bulgarian Rose Oil has been distilled and exported to other countries for over 300 years. Not only is this rose oil is a symbol of love and beauty, but also this rose oil is a vital component of world class colognes and perfumes. During his presentation, Ivo gave out vials of rose oil to some audience members. Ivo also informed the audience that Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria, that their currency—until they become apart of the European Union—is the Lev, that Bulgaria has over 8 million inhabitants, and Ivo informed the audience that Bulgarian is the official language of the country.

October 2006