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.

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.

This book explores the origins and development of museums and heritage sites in Bulgaria (1856-2006) in relation to societal change and major historic events. It seeks to determine the key factors that promoted museum building, and pinpoint the key individuals who were involved. Original and archival sources, interviews, observations and field visits have provided a rich dataset which has been analysed to reveal how systems of power, politics and social control affected how museums were created and subsequently managed. Furthermore the Bulgarian case is situated within a broader European context and comparisons are made with the museum institutions in different countries in order to determine any specifics and particularities of Bulgarian museum building and operation. The book demonstrates how different administrations have used museums to promote their own political views of the nation's cultural identity, and in particular how the strategies employed by the Communist regime continue to influence the museum sector today. The major contribution of this book lies in its use of archival documents. This has resulted in a different account of the formation of Bulgarian museums, on some occasions contradicting accepted histories. It also introduces the little known Bulgarian museology to a wider audience, which is seen to be important at a point in time when Bulgaria has become part of the European Union.

The book traces the history of communist Bulgaria from 1944 to 1989. A chronological overview of the building of the socialist state from the ground up, its peaceful entrenchment into the routine of everyday life, its inner crises, and its gradual running out of steam and self-destruction are charted. The book is the definitive guide to Bulgaria under communism and how the communist system operates on a day-to-day level.

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.