site.btaCraftsmen, Organic Farmers Keep Up Traditions in Western Balkan Range

Craftsmen, Organic Farmers Keep Up Traditions in Western Balkan Range


Sofia, September 25 (BTA) - Craftsmen and organic farmers in the
western section of the Balkan Range are keeping up the
traditions in this little known, poor and underpopulated part of
Bulgaria. This is the only place where tourists can try dairy
and meat products from a rare sheep breed called the Replyanska
Sheep, enjoy local fragrant plums and learn how to weave a
carpet of the famous Chiprovtsi brand.

Besides tradition, the area also abounds in wild animals and
plants, some of which are endangered. Non-governmental
organizations conduct various projects for the protection of
these species.

One of them is the eastern imperial eagle. To ensure that the
bird has enough food, consisting mostly of ground squirrels, it
is necessary to maintain available pastureland, which is easily
done by grazing animals. Therefore, organizations such as the
Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) assist
local animal farmers and facilitate their market sales.

One project supporting the local economy is called "For the
Balkan Mountains and the People." It is being implemented by a
group of NGOs which have come to realize that the conscious
choice of consumers, rather than consumerist behaviour, can
boost local production.

Clean food is a hallmark of the Western Balkan Range, says
Miroslava Dikova, who represents BSPB in the management of the
project "For the Balkan Mountains and the People." BSPB assists
local farmers in registering as direct sellers of farm products,
helps them in their relations with public institutions and
provides them with funding.

"There have been no mass deaths of bees in this part of the
country, probably because it is very remote," says Teodor
Ivanov, a 26-year-old bee-keeper in the village of Melyane who
uses scientific methods to produce honey. Ivanov notes that mass
bee deaths are a problem in the lowlands, where many chemicals
are used to treat rapeseed, sunflower and maize.

A proud owner of more than 120 beehives, Ivanov will register as
an organic farmer next year. The status is awarded to producers
operating away from highways, train stations, industrial plants
and intensive farming areas. The hives must be painted with
water-based colours.

At 30 kg per hive, the honey yield in Ivanov's farm this year is
a little below his expectations.

The famous Chiprovtsi carpet is a staple item found in every
home in the area, says Antoaneta Kostova, a teacher. Local
carpet weavers employ a natural dyeing technique to make yarn
colours durable. It is an established tradition in Bulgaria to
present every outgoing foreign diplomat with a Chiprovtsi
carpet. Such carpets are currently being made on commission for
the offices of major public institutions in Sofia, Kostova says.

It takes a lot of time and effort to make a Chiprovtsi carpet.
You cannot work without rest, because you will get pain in the
waist and the back and your fingers will become sore, master
weaver Zorinka Dimitrova says as she demonstrates her skill. The
carpet is made of cotton thread, but the patterns depend on
individual tastes. One of them, called kanatitsa, has been
preserved through the centuries. The kanatitsa pattern is used
not only on carpets but also on fences and porches. VI/VE