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Plein Air in Bulgaria.
Summer 2013.

Kazanlak.

Kazanlak is a city of roses and artists, a city with a rich history that preserved traditions
and the remains of ancient cultures: Thracians and Romans, Slavs and Proto-Bulgarians, and later Turks.
Kazanlak originated in the early fifteenth century. During the Ottoman rule, until the end of the nineteenth
century Kazanlak was known for the production of rose oil, copper products, woolen fabrics and galloons.
And now Kazanlak is a center for growing roses and producing rose oil with centuries-old traditions.


***	Lachezar Radov and Azat Galimov on the way to Kazanlak.
Lachezar Radov and Azat Galimov.	Azat Galimov and Lachezar Radov.





Roses in the city of Kazanlak.	Such beauty grows in almost every yard.

The Outskirts Of Kazanlak.	The Outskirts Of Kazanlak.
On the way to the lake Koprinka.	***
Lavender in the Valley of the Thracian kings.	In the Valley of Thracian kings.

Koprinka. Hotel Zlatna Kotva.

Roses at the Hotel Zlatna Kova (Golden Anchor).	Lake Koprinka is an artificial lake and is located in the Valley of Roses, 7 km from the town of Kazanlak.
The lake is surrounded on all sides by a forest.	The length of Lake Koprinka is 20 km. The name "Koprinka" in Bulgarian means silk.

Hotel Zlatna Kova (Golden Anchor).	Hotel Zlatna Kova (Golden Anchor).


The main purpose of the lake is industrial water supply and electricity generation.	In the distance, you can see a mountain peak - this is the highest point in Bulgaria - Mount Botev..
Lachezar Radov.	***
Azat Galimov.	Lvchezar Radov.
Lvchezar Radov.	Azat Galimov.
Azat Galimov and Lachezar Radov.	Azat Galimov and Lachezar Radov.

On Shipka.

Shipka is the peak in the mountain Balkan chain.	Defense Shipka - one of the key and most famous episodes in the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-78.
The Memorial Church of the Nativity of Christ is the first monument of the Bulgarian-Russian friendship, on the territory of Bulgaria. It is better known as the Shipka Memorial Church.	The temple is a Bulgarian Orthodox church. It was built in 1885-1902 on the project of Antonia Tomishko in the style of the Moscow churches of the XVII century by the architect Alexander Pomerantsev.

The church is part of the memorial complex dedicated to the memory of Russian and Bulgarian soldiers	who fell for the liberation of Bulgaria in the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-78.


Beginning of the ascent to the memorial in memory of the fallen for the liberation of Bulgaria during the defense of the Shipka Pass in the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-78.	The monument is located on the peak of Stoletov (the top is named after one of the leaders of Shipka defense, Major-General N. G. Stoletov) towering above the pass.
From the parking lot on the pass to the monument lead 890 steps.	Despite the rainy weather, we decided to visit this monument.


The ascent was not from the lungs, we had to sit down for a rest.	One of the views on the pass.

Azat Galimov.	The Freedom Monument is a stone tower in the form of a truncated pyramid with a height of 31.5 m. It was built by the architect Atanas Donkov and sculptor Alexander Andreev on the donations of the Bulgarian people.
Panorama to the Shipka Pass from the Freedom Monument.	Monument "Defense Shipka" Russian soldiers and the Russian emperor-liberator Alexander II.
Above the entrance to the tower is a giant bronze lion, 8 m long and 4 m high.	Lachezar Radov, Desislava Radova and Azat Galimov. Desislava, in her maiden name, had a family name - Opolchenova. Such a name was given to the participants of the liberation movement from the Ottoman rule.



Azat Galimov, Lachezar Radov and Desislava Radova.	Azat Galimov, Desislava Radova and Lachezar Radov.
Desislava Radova, Azat Galimov and Lachezar Radov.	Azat Galimov, Lachezar Radov and Desislava Radova.
***	Azat Galimov and Lachezar Radov.

Enino.

In the Valley of the Roses.	One of the fields where an industrial rose is grown.
The valley is located in the basin of the Stara Planina mountains.	Azat Galimov.


Azat Galimov.	Azat Galimov.

Very beautiful.	Azat Galimov.
Lachezar Radov.	Lachezar Radov.
Lachezar Radov.	Azat Galimov.

Azat Galimov.	Lvchezar Radov.

Azat Galimov.	Azat Galimov.
Lachezar Radov.	Lachezar and Desislava Radov.
Lachezar and Desislava Radov.	Bulgarian roses.
Azat Galimov.	Azat Galimov.
Azat Galimov.	***
Lachezar Radov.	Azat Galimov.
Desislava Radova.	Lachezar and Desislava Radov.
Etude of Azat Galimov.	Azat Galimov. The work is done.

Festival of the Roses. Rozober.

The Feast of Picking Rose Petals is held on the first weekend of June, when the damask rose is in full bloom. Numerous tourists come to Rosobor, who are greeted by the Slavic custom with bread and salt..	The local folk group shows traditional rites of picking pink petals. In the old days, such rituals were part of the process of collecting rose petals.





Folks groups from nearby villages come to Rozober to show the production process of their products.	Everything is decorated very colorful, there is an opportunity to purchase products of folk art and cosmetic products.














Local winemakers brought rakia to the Festival.	Well, how can I not taste it ?! :)
Azat Galimov and Desislava Radova.	Desislava and Lvchezar Radov.
***	Lvchezar Radov.









The holiday is traditionally closed by the popular Bulgarian dance horo.	Children's dance ensembles from Lovech and Kazanlak perform well.









A small picker of rose petals.	Azat Galimov.






Azat Galimov in a wreath of rosebuds.	Artists Azat Galimov and Lachezar Radov at Rozober.
Azat Galimov.	Azat Galimov and Lachezar Radov.
Azat Galimov.	***

Koprivshtitsa.

On the way to Koprivshtitsa.	In the mountains is Sredna Gora.
The clouds are very close.	So beautiful!
Azat Galimov and Lachezar Radov.	To smoke and breathe the mountain air.
Small towns along the way.	Houses and roofs are very picturesque.

That's such a beautiful horse they met.	Young leader of a small herd.

Azat Galimov and Lachezar Radov.	Horses, mountains, clouds.




At the entrance to the city is a monument to Khan Asparukh.	Well, that's Koprivshtitsa.
Koprivshtitsa is a city-museum.	In the city narrow cobblestone streets, drinking springs, stone bridges over mountain streams, flowers and greens.
Koprivshtitsa was a city - the center of national revolutionary activity. Here Vasil Levski founded a revolutionary committee.	Lachezar and Desislava Radov at the restaurant, where there is a room of the Bulgarian revolutionary Georgi Benkovski.
Azat Galimov, Desislava and Lachezar Radov.	Georgi Benkovski's room.


There are a lot of historical monuments and houses in the city.	The city retained its atmosphere, appearance and monuments from the period of the Bulgarian National Revival.












No luck with the weather.	But we still walked, got acquainted with the city.

Troyan.

Troyan is a town 180 km from Sofia, at the northern foot of the Balkans.	The city stretches along both banks along the Beli Osam River.
10 km from the town of Troyan is the Monastery of the Most-Holy Theotokos.	Azat Galimov near the Troyan Monastery "The Blessed Virgin."


The Troyan Monastery is the third largest and most important in Bulgaria.	The monastery, created in the XVII century, strikes with remarkable architecture and carvings. It is built in the style of the Bulgarian Renaissance.
The monastic church was erected by the master Constantine from the town of Peshtera in 1835 and painted in 1847-1849 by the famous Bulgarian artist Zachary Zograf.	The monastery is famous for the miraculous icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary Three Hands.
Restoration work is carried out on the territory of the Monastery.	Also new premises are being built.
According to the legends in these places lived a monk hermit with his disciples. Local residents came to him for advice. One hieromonk visited this place and left a copy of the miraculous icon of the Mother of God. Soon the church "Assumption of the Virgin Mary" was built here.	At the end of the 19th century the Troyan Monastery was the center of writing and enlightenment in Bulgaria, and today it has a rich and valuable library. During the struggle for national liberation, the Troyan Monastery was one of the revolutionary centers, which included about 80 monks.
Today, the monastery complex offers accommodation in a large hotel with modern amenities.	And near the monastery there are shops, national restaurants, cafes.


On the way from the Troyan Monastery.	Beautiful places.



Balkan landscape.	Balkan landscape.
Gifts of nature.
Desislava Radova and Lachezar Radov.	Anfisa and Azat Galimov.

Beli Osam.

The village of Beli Osam, with a population of only 669 people, is part of the Troyan community. "Family Hotel Bile".	Located in the mountains of Stara Planina, on the banks of the right tributary of the Danube, the Beli Osam River.
Very nice, cozy hotel, with good rooms and an outdoor pool.	Azat Galimov.
In the courtyard of the hotel "Family Hotel Bile".	In the courtyard of the hotel "Family Hotel Bile".
In the courtyard of the hotel "Family Hotel Bile".	In the courtyard of the hotel "Family Hotel Bile".
In the courtyard of the hotel "Family Hotel Bile".	In the courtyard of the hotel "Family Hotel Bile".
Azat Galimov In the courtyard of the hotel "Family Hotel Bile".	In the courtyard of the hotel "Family Hotel Bile".
Azat Galimov.	Lachezar Radov.





In the center of the village.	Church of Saint Demeter. It is abandoned, as it seemed to us.

The Beli Osam River.	Stormy and cold, like all the mountain rivers.
Guest house "Sly Peter".	It is located on the outskirts of the village.
Very comfortable place to relax.	And very beautiful.


Azat Galimov chose a place for etudes.	Azat Galimov. Difficult task.
Azat Galimov. Beginning of work.	Clean, delicious spring water.
Mountain air, clean water attract tourists.	Azat Galimov.
Azat Galimov.	Lachezar and Desislava Radov.
Lachezar Radov and Azat Galimov at work.	Lachezar Radov and Azat Galimov.
Lachezar Radov and Azat Galimov.	Azat Galimov.

Azat Galimov. The first etude is ready.	***



The restaurant of the guest house has traditional Bulgarian cuisine.	In the river there is a trout.
Pets and birds are walking freely.	Azat Galimov.





An apiary is located not far from the guest house "Khitir Petar".	Lachezar Radov chose this place for a second etude.
Azat Galimov and Lachezar Radov.	Lachezar Radov.
Lachezar Radov.	Lachezar Radov.
***	Azat Galimov decided to write a view on "Sly Peter".
Azat Galimov.	Azat Galimov.
Azat Galimov.	Lachezar Radov.
Etude of Azat Galimov.	Etude of Lachezar Radov.
Evening sketch Lachezar Radov.	Harmony of flora and fauna.
Church of Saint Demeter.	So beautiful at sunset.







Azat Galimov. Lovech.	Anfisa Galimova. Lovech.
***	Azat Galimov and Lachezar Radov at the mineral spring.




Lachezar Radov and Azat Galimov. An evening walk.	Sources with drinking water are everywhere.
Lachezar Radov. Retro.	***

Lachezar Radov and Azat Galimov are looking for motives for work the next day.	They decided to go down to the river. It is so turbulent that the noise from it is heard all the time.



A footpath along the Church of Saint Demiter.	Evening flowers.
Azat Galimov and Luchezar Radov on the river Beli Osam.	Today they decided to work here.



Lachezar Radov. Beginning of work.	Azat Galimov.
Azat Galimov.	Lachezar Radov.
Desislava Radova.	Mermaid.



Azat Galimov. The work is almost ready.	Lachezar Radov.
Lachezar Radov.	Lachezar Radov.
Azat Galimov.	Lachezar Radov.
At noon near the church of St. Demetrius.	Azat Galimov. From the sun to hide nowhere.
Azat Galimov. Burnt by the sun. :)	Azat Galimov. And can you do it for the sake of a beautiful view?
Etudes of Azat Galimov.	Etudes of Azat Galimov.
Azat Galimov "Mountain stream. Beli Osam. Bulgaria."	Azat Galimov "Mountainous Bulgaria. Church of Saint Dimitar"
Etude of Lachezar Radov.	Etude of Lachezar Radov.


***	Azat Galimov.

Varna.

Monument to Tsar Kaloyan was installed near the Independence Square. Tsar Kaloyan is one of the most significant rulers of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. In 1201 he reconquered Varna from the Byzantines and annexed it to Bulgaria.	The roofs of Varna.
End of May, Varna district Asparuhovo.	Flowering is everywhere.
Azat Galimov and the Radov family.	This year I came to Bulgaria early to catch the flowering of poppies.
Lachezar Radov.	Lachezar Radov and Azat Galimov.
Azat Galimov.	Lachezar Radov.
Lachezar Radov.	Azat Galimov "Wildflowers" 60x50 2013.
In the fishing village "Zvezditsa".	Azat Galimov in the fishing village "Zvezditsa".
Azat Galimov in the fishing village "Zvezditsa".	The fishing village "Zvezditsa".
Azat Galimov.	Azat Galimov " Dessert" 30x40 2013.
Azat Galimov, Lachezar Radov and Roman Popov.	Still life for work.
Lachezar Radov and Roman Popov.	Lachezar Radov.
Roman Popov, Lachezar Radov and Azat Galimov.	Azat Galimov " It's time to cherries" 30x40 2013 .
The yard in Dragoman Street, which for many years has been a workshop for Lachezar Radov and Azat Galimov.	Lachezar Radov
Lachezar Radov	ArtWork by Lachezar Radov.
Lachezar Radov in the gallery "Salon of Radov".	Lachezar Radov in the gallery "Salon of Radov".



ArtWork by Roman Popov.	Bulgarian artist Roman Popov.
Anatoly Panagonov and Azat Galimov.	Anatoly Panagonov and Azat Galimov.
Anatoly Panagonov and Azat Galimov.	Azat Galimov "Poppies" 60x50 2013

ArtWorks by Azat Galimov.	Azat Galimov.
Azat Galimov.	Azat Galimov. Sketches for the painting "Trading day in Gallipoli, 1920."
Azat Galimov "Trading day in Gallipoli, 1920" 95х75 2013 The artwork is not finished.	Lachezar Radov.
Azat Galimov.	Lachezar Radov.
Azat Galimov.	Azat Galimov "Trading day in Assos" 105x135 2013 The artwork is not finished.
Azat Galimov with Bulgarian artists: Darina Stoyanova, Vasily Pakhomov and Dian Dimitrov.	Bulgarian artist and owner of the gallery "Blue gallery", Darina Stoyanova.
Azat Galimov.	Relax.

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Bulgaria September 2009.
Bulgaria October 2010.
Bulgaria Summer 2011-2012.

Plein Air in Bulgaria. Summer 2013.

Kazanlak.

Varna.

Plein Air in Bulgaria.
Summer 2013.