Issue 241

From impressive residential, office and infrastructure projects, and one of Bulgaria's largest solar parks with battery storage facilities, to the restoration of historic buildings and architectural monuments in Sofia, lawyer Stanislava Lazarova-Tochevska's work as a consultant is discreet and often behind the scenes, yet its results speak for themselves. For over 20 years, she has helped investors in real estate, urban planning and construction turn their plans into reality.

In the summer of 2026, as severe droughts across Europe depleted the Danube, the continent's second largest river, hidden finds began to emerge along its muddy shores. Nazi warships. Second World War British naval bombs. Sunken cargo ships. Woolly mammoth bones. And the foundations of an entire, long-lost ancient Roman bridge.

In early October, the people in Sofia were treated to a grand and unexpected ceremony. A Bulgarian military plane took off from Greece with three medieval skeletons on board. When it landed, the remains were interred, with all pomp and circumstance, in the St Sofia church. The president, members of the government and prominent public figures were present among thick crowds of onlookers.

Rumen Radev has already overpowered the oligarchy, so he is now going after the rakiya.

Kornelia Ninova, former chairwoman of the BSP

Bulgarian police officers should be exceptionally well equipped, well armed and aesthetically pleasing. They should also speak English, especially in the big cities.

Prime Minister Rumen Radev

Putin has brought the war to Bulgaria, on Europe's doorstep. I expect Rumen Radev and Iliyana Yotova to keep calling for peace.

The ancient Thracian tombs across Bulgaria are some of this nation's most stunning historical heritage sites. Some have frescoes, others – sculptures or strange architecture. All of them come with their own set of mysteries and questions that still await definitive answers.

Yet, none of them is as mysterious as a tomb that lies deep in the Strandzha mountains, just a few yards away from the border with Turkey.

1. What is the Bulgarian for pumpkin pie?
A. Tikvenik
B. Kapama
C. Trahana

2. Which mountain boasts a cluster of seven alpine lakes?
A. The Pirin
B. The Rila
C. The Strandzha

3. Which historical personality is buried in a mausoleum in Central Sofia?
A. Georgi Dimitrov
B. King Boris III
C. Prince Alexander of Battenberg

"Kick my angels out" is an ancient Bulgarian idiom dating back to the Proto-Bulgarians. While they were not Christian, they did believe little winged creatures lived in the sky. They called them "angls". The "e" was added later for reasons of harmony.

Being in Burgas between 11 and 15 May 2027 will not be for the faint-hearted, or for people with active dislike of current Europop. Following the historic win of DARA in 2026, the seaside city will host next year's competition – and will be packed with tens of thousands of revellers who have come to bask in the best and worst of today's music producers and performers. The crowds will be thick, and the prices of accommodations in and around the city – a major summer tourism hub – are already exorbitant.

What's in a word? A poet, especially a grand 19th century man of letters, should know best; but he would be turning in his grave if he knew he had been hailed as a political activist for what, during his whole life, he considered his arch-enemy.

They are bound to impress the intrepid traveller and history buff, and exploring them will likely turn into one of the highlights of your sojourn here. The one pictured here sits right at the border with Turkey, overlooking a major Turkish town. It is one of the few that have been left almost untouched by over-restoration.