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Bulgaria's best kept secret
Somewhere in the sea of dark-green Rhodopi mountains is hiding the best kept secret of Bulgaria: The Pomaks. This small minority of ethnic Bulgarians had converted to Islam in the 14th century when conquered by Ottomans. They adopted many religious practices, although they were not very familiar with the official Islam, which combined them with pagan elements of pre-Christian period. Area's geography forced them to an obligatory isolation that made them good preservers of folk culture and tradition and the various influences created unique customs. After Bulgaria entered the communist regime all ceremonies that had to do with religion were banned and studies on minorities groups, especially customs that had to do with religion were never encouraged by the regime. In 1989 after regime's collapse the persecutions of the past were replaced by colourful festivities. © VALENTINA PETROVA / INVISION IMAGES ***TEXT AVAILABLE***
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