Several years ago
I interviewed the Bulgarian environmentalist Toma Belev for one of my projects. During our conversation, and we found out that we are both interested by our people's traditions. But what a surprise: Toma said, that he has a collection of wonderful women's aprons from all around the country.
Come on, man, is it true, I said (unbelieving).
Yes, this is true, he replied.
So, this is true! Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the sensational aprons collection of Toma Bevev!
On the left: Apron from Haskovo region, with a stylized two-headed eagle. Southern Bulgaria was under strong Byzantine and Greek influence, and as we know, this eagle was the sign of the Eastern Roman Empire.
On the right: A holiday apron with floral motifs, also from Haskovo region.
On the left: Apron from Harmanli region, Southern Bulgaria.
On the right: Apron from Elhovo region, Southern Bulgaria.
On the left: Apron from Elhovo, Southern Bulgaria.
On the right: Apron from Elhovo, Southern Bulgaria.
On the left: apron from Breze village, Rhodope mountains, Southern Bulgaria.
On the right: apron from Chech region, Southwest Rhodope mountains, Southern Bulgaria.
On the left: apron from Draka village, Southeast Bulgaria.
On the right: apron from Gotze Delchev region, Southwest Bulgaria.
On the left: apron from Razlog region, Pirin mountain, Southwest Bulgaria.
On the right: apron from Laki region, Middle Rhodope mountains, Southern Bulgaria.
On the left: apron from Shiroka laka village, Rhodope mountains, Southern Bulgaria.
On the right: apron from Sliven region, Southeast Bulgaria.
On the left: apron from Sliven region, Southeast Bulgaria.
On the right: apron from Sliven region, Southeast Bulgaria.
On the left: apron from Chiprovtsi region, Northwestern Bulgaria.
On the right: apron from Alfatar region, Northeastern Bulgaria.
On the left: apron from Alfatar region, Northeastern Bulgaria.
On the right: apron from Apriltsi region, Central North Bulgaria.
On the left: apron from Apriltsi region, Central North Bulgaria.
On the right: apron from Apriltsi region, Central North Bulgaria.
On the left: apron from Belogradchik region, Northest Bulgaria.
On the right: apron from Central North Bulgaria.
On the left: apron from Gabrovo region, Central North Bulgaria.
On the right: apron from Lovech area, Central North Bulgaria.
On the left: apron from Lovech area, Central North Bulgaria.
On the right: apron from Opaka area, Northeast Bulgaria.
On the left: apron from Pleven or Troyan area, Central North Bulgaria.
On the right: apron from Pleven area, Central North Bulgaria.
On the left: apron from Pleven or Troyan area, Central North Bulgaria.
On the right: apron from Pleven area, Central North Bulgaria.
On the left: apron from Ruse region area, Northeastern Bulgaria.
On the right: apron from Troyan area, Central North Bulgaria.
On the right: apron from Vidin area, Northwestern Bulgaria.
On the right: apron from Vidin area, Northwestern Bulgaria.
On the left: apron from Vidin area, Northwestern Bulgaria.
On the right: apron from Vidin area, Northwestern Bulgaria.
On the left: apron from Vidin area, Northwestern Bulgaria.
On the right: apron from Vratsa area, Northwestern Bulgaria.
On the left: apron from Vratsa area, Northwestern Bulgaria.
On the right: apron from Vratsa area, Northwestern Bulgaria.
On the left: apron from Vratsa area, Northwestern Bulgaria.
On the right: apron from Vratsa area, Northwestern Bulgaria.
On the left: apron from Vratsa area, Northwestern Bulgaria.
On the right: apron from Vratsa area, Northwestern Bulgaria.
And finally: several aprons which location of origin was not identified:
