Bulgaria through the lens of Strahil Dobrev

Bulgaria through the lens of Strahil Dobrev

This book contains over 70 selected color photos of Strahil Dobrev, taken in the 70s and 80s years of XX century and presented by topics: landscapes, churches and monasteries, icons, traditional costumes and Bulgarian architecture.

The year was 2001. In Brussels was opening an anniversary exhibition on the occasion of 10 years from the acceptance of Bulgaria in the Council of Europe. The event had been organized by some enthusiasts and the exhibition showed 40 splendid photos of Bulgarian monasteries taken by Strahil Dobrev. Fascinated by the beauty of the landscapes, the riches of the historical heritage and the poesy of the captured moment, tens of ambassadors, public persons and connoisseurs asked: “Where is the photographer?... Can we buy his book?... Is there an album of the exhibition?”. Instead, the ashamed sponsors offered a glass of Bulgarian wine. The exhibition had such a success that it made a tour of many other European institutions: from the Senate in Paris to the Parliament in Strasburg, and everywhere it was given an enthusiastic welcome… Only today, with this first monograph, we give his due to one of the most talented pioneers of Bulgarian color photography.