What happened with the Buzludzha monument during the years? How many communists gatherings were held there? What happened after the communists party fall? What is now?
The Buzludzha history is connected with the founding of the Bulgarian Socialist Movement. The initial name of the peak, Buzludzha, was later replaced by Hadzhi Dimitar. After a decision to erect a monument and at the same time gathering place for solemn events, the raising of the funds for the Buzludzha construction started. It was meant to be the symbol of communist Bulgaria.
People from all corners of Bulgaria participated in the raising of funds, which was achieved by selling stamps. Then, in 1981, the monument was opened to the public. It was an imposing complex consisting of a circular hall and a tall pylon on top of which red stars shone with their rubies. Inside artists worked on mosaics and pictures which took over a year and a half to complete. The center of the ceiling was adorned by a symbol of communism, a sickle and a hammer in a crossed position.
Following the fall of communism in Bulgaria in 1989, the monument’s fate became deplorable. Abandoned and no longer actively used, the Buzludzha tower, as it was commonly called, became the site where vandals often acted, destroying mosaics, smashing windows, destroying pieces of the interior.
Fortunately there is a project to turn the Buzludzha Communist Party monument in Bulgaria into an active cultural sight. A foundation has specially been established, named “Project Buzludzha”. There are included a team of young enthusiasts who have estimated that around 2.5 million Bulgarian Leva will be necessary to transform the derelict monument into a site that shows off the entire history of the Bulgarian state.
The author of the idea is architect Dora Ivanova. She is eager to see the monument, which was constructed with funds raised by numerous volunteers, active again and showing the string of important historical events for Bulgaria. Ms Ivanova thinks that keeping the present state of the building is great, because this state is part of its history. Inside the hall, 400 seats will be mounted, so that events can be held in the sphere of history and art. In the circles around the hall, the different historical periods will be depicted. The original mosaics is in a relatively good state, so it can show socialism. As for the corridor, Ms Ivanova thinks that, as a long and dark one, it can symbolize Ottoman domination. In the spaces of the building there will be space dedicated to the presentation of Bulgarian rulers.
On the ground floor, the spaces will be appropriate for showing the ancient history of Bulgarian lands. All these depictions, plus the building, and the pylon rising over it, will blend with the natural setting. Installing a panoramic elevator will enable visitors to travel to the top of the pylon. As the elevator rises, the passengers inside will see the names of Bulgarian rulers. Another exciting possibility envisaged as part of the Project Buzludzha is the possibility to enter the space between the two ruby stars (by the way, they are the largest in the world), so that those who are eager to see their inside can easily do so.