BORDER. ON THE EDGE OF EUROPE

Embark on a fascinating journey at the intersection of three cultures – Bulgarian, Turkish, and Greek. "Border. On the Edge of Europe" is a story about one of the wildest and most mysterious corners of our continent. Immerse yourself in the monumental nature, where the cards of history are constantly reshuffled, and the echoes of ancient eras still resonate in the air. This book will take you on a journey through time and space, revealing the richness and complexity of this unique region.

• Discover the forgotten stories and fates of people from the borderlands.
• Explore the wild nature and monumental landscapes.
• Travel back in time, following the traces of ancient civilizations.
• Experience mysticism and traditions that have survived for centuries.
• Immerse yourself in a culture where East meets West.
• Uncover beauty in unexpected places.
• Understand the challenges and hopes of the contemporary inhabitants of the borderlands.

The Bulgarian-Turkish-Greek border region is a place where the past intertwines with the present, and nature plays the role of the main actor. A hundred years ago, during the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, thousands of Muslims migrated south, being resettled to Turkey, and thousands of Christians were forced to leave their homes and head north. During the Cold War, residents of the Eastern Bloc fled from communism through Bulgarian barbed wire, seeking freedom and a better life. Today, refugees scurry through the forests of the Strandzha Mountains, desperately fighting for a chance at a dignified life. It is a land full of contrasts and paradoxes, where dramatic historical events have left their mark on the landscape and the people.

With extraordinary sensitivity and empathy, the author gives a voice to the inhabitants of the borderlands – former and present border guards, smugglers, treasure hunters, forest guards, residents of dying villages, and refugees. They are the guides to this fascinating and ambiguous world, sharing their stories, experiences, and thoughts. Kassabova poetically restores the memory of the tragic fates of the European borderlands, and her encounters with its inhabitants give enormous power to this moving story.

"Border. On the Edge of Europe" is not only a reportage but also a deep reflection on the human condition, memory, and identity. It is a book that makes you think and remains in your memory long after you finish reading it. The paperback edition, comprising 512 pages, with a format of 12.5x19.5 cm, was published in 2019 by Czarne Publishing House. Immerse yourself in the reading and discover the secrets hidden on the edge of Europe.