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After a lengthy absence from the international scene legendary Bulgarian clarinet player Ivo Papasov has returned in 2004. Papasov is of Bulgarian Roma (Gypsy) and Turk origin and comes from Kardzali, a city close to Bulgaria's Turkish and Greek borders. He grew up in a musical family and followed the Balkan Gypsy tradition of leaving school at a young age to focus on playing music for a living. Initially he played in local bands that worked restaurants, festivities and the lucrative wedding scene yet Papasov was so gifted a musician that soon he was leading his own band.

Communist Bulgaria was not accommodating to Gypsy culture and it's unfortunate that the young Papasov was not often recorded as legend paints him as the leader of one of the Balkans' hottest bands. Those who heard Papasov largely did so at weddings where he and his band quickly established themselves as the Number 1 wedding band in Bulgaria. Weddings remain a major factor in Balkan life and competition amongst wedding bands is fierce so to be acknowledged as Number 1 means you can out play everyone else. And Papasov achieved this to the point where whenever word got out about him playing a wedding hundreds of uninvited guests would turn up just to hear the great man blow.

Fame as a wedding musician certainly bought benefits yet under communism Bulgaria's ruling party employed a policy of spurious nationalism that tired to crush all of the nation's many cultures into a uniform Soviet approved Bulgarian culture. Papasov's wild clarinet playing and popularity with Bulgarian Turks meant he was an obvious target and in 1982 he was arrested, beaten and taken to prison. There he was sentenced to a labour camp – the kind of place dissidents were locked up in for however long the communists felt they should be kept from the public – yet a friendly prosecutor managed to get the judgement reversed and Papasov became something of a celebrity with Bulgarian students and intellectuals who found in his music a freedom lacking in official Bulgarian culture.

So famous did Papasov got that he managed to secure a recording contract with the UK's Hannibal Records in the late 1980s. He released two albums of Thracian jazz-fusion on Hannibal and played at many world and jazz festivals before concentrating on the Scandinavian jazz market. Now, with "Fairground/Panair" (Kuker) he's made a triumphant return, mixing his Thracian Gypsy roots with ambient flavoured jazz so creating his best album yet.

Garth Cartwright (courtesy of fRoots)

Ivo Papasov at Kuker Music

Read other people's comments then Tell us what you think:


Papazov's music is a misterious journey to the roots of human emotions. He does deserve the BBC award...for sure.
Pierre Le Loarer, Geneva-CH

I've just got back from this Papazov track to work and I wish I never got the job I am into...;-) Papazov makes me work better, and the work makes me a Bulgarian music fan better than anything else (with one single exception - the Rhodopi Mountains music). Ivo is the best really. Simeon Kavlakov, Bulgaria
Simeon Kavlakov, Bulgaria

I'm a Bulgarian and know the musik of Ivo Papasov /a.k.a. "Ibriama"/ since 1982. It's a treasure for the world musik and culture. Papasov gives his huge contribution for he jazz ant ethno- musik and marks new dimention for it.One of the reasons for me for being proud to be Bulgarian is "Ibriama".
Svetlin Kamenov

Vote Ivo! He is the best for sure!
Peter, Auckland, New Zealand

Ivo, God bless you!!! Thank you for the wonderful concert here in Pittsburgh last year.
Guenko Guechev from Pittsburgh

Ivo Papazov is from other planet.I've seen him live in concert in 1986.People were following him from town to town.He brought us to delirium.Thank you,Ivo.You are the best.
Ianaki Ianakiev/Toronto/Canada

I have jsut heard this man's performance and I was stunned by his ability to make your body just crave for the dance. His virtuosity and the simplicity of the tune makes me proud of our Bulgarian folklore and our country.
Petya Anguelova - London

He is the BEST!!!I love his music more than my family!I'm 16 year old and for me he is the Godfather of Bulgarien Wedding Music!Thank you Ivo and God bless you!
Kosta Karakinov, Sofia, Bulgaria

'Ivo's wedding music, played first thing in the morning, provides thorough and long-lasting attitude adjustment for the busy executive.'
FRANK ZAPPA

Ivo Papasov is a great dazzling jazz musician touch on people souls. All his performance shows us music in different way, more sensual; take possessions of listeners into fairy-tale World of sound and melodies. He is greater recognition worldwide, because he is not only virtuoso, but also he has unique capacity to evoke a whole scale of feelings, emotions and imagination, which have great influence and impact on the listeners. He is the best and deserves it!!!
VIK, Bulgaria

Ivo Papasov is one of the greatest bulgarian musicians,he is may be the greatest clarinet player in the music world.I must admit,that I have never been in a better mood during a concert,then during his one last spring in Vienna.It was very hot in the hall,crowded.I was glad that many Austrians came too,because they are mostly fond of their own musical traditions,so it was really a very nice surprise for me,that such an audience came to listen to Ivo Papasov.
Vasilena G.,Vienna,Austria

We are so used to the fact that musical geniuses are only from the domain of classical music motzart bethoven etc,Ivo Papasov is a rare artist who allows all who listen to him play to absorb and enjoy his music according to their own level of understanding the language of music and its poetic emotional provocation.If music was a religion Ivo Papasov is one of its great prophets.
Bozidar Milovanovic Australia

He is one of the most recognizible musicians in Bulgaria with the sense for a cosmopolitan sound. He collects sounds, thoughts and feelins and expresses them in a typical way. The "Maestro" as he is called everywhere he goes is the best representer of the new wave in the world music with combining etno and jazz sound to play the most beautiful modern poetry. I admire him as a person too because he is always ready to give and to surprise all the people around. One of the best musicians in the world he truly deserves award for the magnifficent atmosphere and the seconds of happiness and love he creates and gives to all of us.
albena rasheva, bulgaria

As a well-known gypsy story goes, when allotting musicians to each country, God forgot all about Bulgaria. An angel asked: "What about dropping one down there?", to which God replied: "Shut up, you silly! We're takin'em from down there!"
Matevz Cene, Motnik, Slovenia

Hi,guys! I've seen the MAN... live in Sozopol,bg. some years ago... yes...
Charlie,London

The clarinet is sadly rare in contemporary jazz, and here is a virtuoso with a refreshing and challenging approach to the instrument. Rhythmically, this music needs to be experienced by Western musicians. Latin Jazz has had the monopoly on infectious rhythms for too long!
Tim Huskisson

all of the beauthy of bulgaria can be feld in the music of Papazov. He is a masterly performer of Bulgarian folk music and i think he ist the best!
Ralitsa, Germany

He is unique clarinet player. His music brings joy and happiness.He is also one of the most dazzling jazz musicians of the late 20th Century and he deserves much greater recognition for his daring unification of Eastern and Western European styles and techniques.
Georg germany

Ivo Papazov is one of the greatest Bulgarian musicians. In his music you can feel the spirit of Bulgarian folk and traditions. He is incredibly artistic performer. I`m proud that the music of The Bulgarian Ivo Papazov is so popular all over the world.
Magi Boneva,Sofia, Bulgaria

Ivo Papasov is simply the best klarinet player in the world! He has to win the award!!! I voted for him. This is the least I could do for such a performer. I hope his talent will be appreciated! Good Luck Ivo!!!
Danail Dimitrov- Miami, Florida

Give the Man what he deserves - a universal recognition at last. For to simply acknowledge Ivo's talent and energy is not simply enough. At least he should take this award for being dedicated to music despite all the obstacles and hardships he went through, and for difusing the region's unique treasures to the outside world. Winning this award would be more than just a recognition of Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage, it'd be a sort of redemption for this country that so often nurtures and at the very same time suffocates its gifted children.
Yordan Milev, Sofia, Bulgaria

Ivo is a great musician and I'm a lucky guy who could find an opportunity to listen to him in a live concert.
Taner Aytis / Istanbul Turkey

Ivo Papazov(Ibriam)- is the best Bulgarian clarinet player, virtuozo and musician at all.He is a musician without borders.I wish him good luck and to continue make happy all the people around the world who feel and love the magic of his misic!!!
Angel Dobrev - Chicago,IL

Was a gray day here untill I heard Ivo's track. He made my day. Best thing i've heard in these parts in a long time.
Alex A.Karaczun, Whiting Me. USA

Ivo Papazov is great Bulgarian musicianvery popular among the people in Bulgaria. We all love him and he loves our national music.His performence is so fascinating and unoque like the Rhodopes mountin, the mountin of Orpheus and his music. He is very proud to be Bulgarian and to and his goal is to popularize our national music and make this in the best way. We all in Bulgaria love him and adore the sound of his clarinet. He deserve to be the best.
Ivanna Stoyanova Sofia Bulgaria

i think it's a very impresive music from the roots of the bulgarian country. Let the man win because there is something mystikal in the balcanic soul that many of the people can not understand try to understand the sorrow and the pain of the balcanic HEART
Alexander Valov

He is the one of the most popular musicians from the time I was a small kid. His name and music are part of my routine. He is not only a jazz but a traditional folk and ethnic musician who had done one of the most popular tunes that are played in BG. I wish that musician much more popularity and success in future all over the world. Best to u all :))
Ognyana Bulgaria

I like to make presents to all my friends in Bulgaria and Germany with the marvellous music of Ivo Papazov and after they make the same to their friends...
Svetla Ivanova, Sofia

I'v used to learn from hes improvising in early '70s.That time I study clasical piano,but always was amazed of the virtuozo Papazov,known as IBRJAM at the time.I have great respect for his talent,and prowdly can mention:even hagh graduated musisian have much to learn from this Great clarinet player.Papazov's name is equal to Beny Goodman's and Budy de Franco.I'm proud to be Bulgarin.
Dimitri Jelev/ Pianist- Norway

That’s incredibly alive music performed by a very talented musician. The cultural spirit implements such an élan in the music, hence its idiosyncrasy and consonance. The scope of positive energy comprised in it is very difficult to find elsewhere.
N Stam BC, Canada

As an ethnomusicologyst and journalist, who swims in the field of World Music since a very long time ago, I am much delighted at the nomination of Ivo Papazov(Ibriam). He is one of the best masters of hybrid music, a leading musician in the Balkan adventure of music without boundaries... That's what a big part of the audience of my radio programme thinks (the first of its sort in BG radio air - Studio Ethno at Darik Radio, since 1997). I vote for the 'Aga'-Papazov!
Ventsy Dimov/Bulgaria

The temperament of the music of Ivo Papazov,which lives in passion and emotions,is like a magik for my ears. He show us the face of the bulgarian folk musik in her full beauty and grace
Rumen Vachev,Germany

This is not only some of the most incredible clarinet mastery that I've ever heard (I'm a clarinetsist) it is also some of the most imaginative and original music I've had the pleasure of hearing! I can't believe that I've never heard of Ivo Papasov before reading this article! Fantastic!
Kevin in Zimbabwe

Ibryam Apaz (Ivo Papazov is his Bulgarian name given from the Bulgarian government during the communist era) is a great musician. His talent is a gift from God. He is simply the best clarinet player in the world. I am proud to be born in the same city as him. Live long Ibryam, the world needs you.
Kassab . Canada

One of the best musicions all over the world! He plays different kinds of music, styles and techniques in an amazing harmony! He improvises in his own incredible way jazz, classical and Balkan music (Bulgarian folk, Turkish music, Gipsy rythmes, jazz, etc) He is the GENIUS on the Balkans!!! His magic music has a world wide dimension and contributes to the world art and culture...
Mimi Yotova & Todor Draganov, Sofia

A very talented and devoted musician! The magic of Bulgarian music and his performance always charm the audience!
Evelina Spassova

The spark,kindling the artist in him, has conquered the hearts of his audeince over and over again, turning his concerts into real gala days.Ivo Papasov is the best and magnificent clarinet player!
Nelly Petrova, Russe Bulgaria

I HOPE THAT THIS COMMENT WILL EVENTUALLY REACH MR. Garth Cartwright. I WOULD ASK HIM TO CHECK HIS SOURCE OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE NATIONALITY OF IVO PAPAZOV. HE IS NOT A BULGARIAN GYPSY, BUT A BULGARIAN TURK. THE DIFFERENCE IS ABOUT THE SAME AS BETWEEN AN ENGLISHMAN AND AN INDIAN. BTW THERE ARE NO BLUE EYED BLOND GYPSIES. I HAVE NO COMMENT ON IVO PAPAZOV’S PERFORMANCE OTHER THAN THAT HIS IS A CLARINET VIRTUOSO AND A GREAT MUSICIAN.
Velizar Vladovski/Bulgaria

Ivo Papazov is one of the greatest klarinet players that i have ever heard. I study in Thailand, ISR school and his music helps me to overcome the sadness and loneliness, which i feel sometimes. May God bless you Ivo.you deserve this award
Tchavdar Guigov

With such mucisians like Ivo Papazov I'm proud to call myself Bulgarian.Descendant of an ancient tradition that began centuries ago with Orpheus today he's one of the greatest mucisians in the world!
Hristina Lebanova,Bulgaria

Mr. Papazov is playing bulgarian folk music, but his genios mind can't stay only in folk. He is making jazz from bulgarian folk. Unfortunately he is not introduced with the best of his music performance here.
Peter Bojinov / Chicago

I'm a great fan of his!I'm deeply impressed by his music!He's a GENIOUS!I truly admire his divine talent and the skills he shows in the developing of our folk music.Because of him ,I have a reason to be proud of my origin....Yes-because of Ivo Papazov I'm proud to be Bulgarian!
Stojanka Ivanova,Bulgaria

The best musical interpreter of Bulgarian folklore.
Vasil Milyanov - Bulagria

He is the best my gradmother told me that at one concert of Ivo Papazov he played only with the wistle of his instrument without the other things i don`t know their names.He will be one of the best and he always be at the Stars
Nikolay Uzunov

Not for nothing was he born in the Rhodopes - the mountain of Orpheus. Whenever I've enjoyed his brilliant, orphean music, I've had the feeling my soul becomes one with the entire universe. Isn't it the vocation of music: to ennoble us, human race?!? Thank you, and God bless you, Ivo!
Venera Dachkova, Sofia/Bulgaria

An amazing musician and virtuozo, he absolutely deserves the award and much better recogntion worldwide.
Lisa Thallauer, Austria

There are lots of clarinet players in the Balkan region. Some are good, some are better, some are great. They are musicians, stars, superstars and then.. comes Ivo Papazov! Be blessed!
Nickolai Deltchinov UK

Ivo is an incredible musician, whos unique creative talant lets him to embrace not only the jazz, but also the national folk music. His nomination is quite deserved and I'll be glad if he wins.
Dimitar Mihailov, Sofia, Bulgaria

SIMLPY THE BEST CLARINETIST I'VE EVER HEARD! improvisation is his second name ;-] ONLY THOSE WHO HAVEN'T HEARD HIM PLAYNIG LIVE WON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT A DIVINE GIFT HE HAS! COMPILING BULGARIAN, TURKISH AND GIPSY FOLKLORE IS REALLY A GREAT AMALGAMATION ON STYLES OF ENORMOUS MUSICAL HERITAGE WICH IS FOUND IN BULGARIA. AT LAST, HE COMES FROM THE AREA WHERE ORPHEUS LIVED ;-)
Milen Hristov, Sofia, BG

I've just got back from this Papazov track to work and I wish I never got the job I am into...;-) Papazov makes me work better, and the work makes me a Bulgarian music fan better than anything else (with one single exception - the Rhodopi Mountains music).
Petar Stankov, Sofia, Bulgaria

Ivo Papasov is a great Bulgarian musician. I've always known him as the best clarinet player and honestly, i've never been aware he had problems with the communist government. Anyway, I hope this is already forgotten and he is fully satisfied with what he does and with his popularity among people.
Hristina Todorova /Bulgaria

Dear Sir, Ivo Papasov, Slavi Triffonov and Teodosii Spasov are great Bulgarian artists! They successfully connected the medieval folclore Bulgarian music with the modern sound.They are fully devoted to the Bulgarian song, music and traditions. Among the living abroad we can add Raina Kabaivanska,Anna Tomowa-Sintow,Ghena Gimitrova and Silvy Vartan.It is high-time a Bulgarian record company to offer to Boris Rubashkin /living in Austria/ to sing BULGARIAN songs and balads, too... Ivo Papasov deserves the greates BBC awards. No college, no special education - his gifts are coming from mother-nature...
Boris /from Stara Zagora/,living in Atlanta

Hello, I m the BUlgarian volksinger Ivanka Ivanova. Live in Cologne, Germany and sing with the Germany worldmusikband from Cologne the Schäl Sick Brass Band I find the musik from Ivo very nice and authentisch originel. Sory, that my english is very bad. With Best Wishes Ivanka Ivanova
Ivanka Ivanova Pietrek, Cologne, Germany -

Having heard masters of many musical genres: eastern and western, classical, folk, jazz, and other, Ivo is by far the greatest musical virtuoso I have ever heard. However, even though he is known outside of Bulgaria primarily for his fusion of Bulgarian folk, Rom, and jazz - and as great as he playing this kind of music - he is at his best playing music from his roots: traditional Bulgarian Rom music - something people outside of Bulgaria rarely get to hear.
John Kuo, Chicago

I am from Russe, famous with classical music and jazz traditions.I have seen Ivo (Ibriam)live playing on different Jazz festivals in Bulgaria - Sopot,Russe, Sofia.His big supporters back to that difficult times were Petar Petrov (Parcheto) ot Russe i Ognian Videv from Plovdiv (guitar player of Beli, Zeleni, Cherveni).Ivo is unigue, not possible to clasify his music, it is free, comes from the heart, it is MUSIC (no definition).Ivo is welknown in between jazz public in Brighton.We wish to see him again in England!!!
dimitrina, brighton, UK

ivo papazov is awesome. i have the feeling that he was born with his klatinet!
NIck mihov austri

Ivo Papasov live performance is absolutely fascinating. He surely deserves wourldwide recognizion and it's time to give him this award.
Valentina Kazanska, Sofia

I think that Ivo's music has a trully unique sound and emotion. I like it each time I hear it as it is for the first time. I love this feeling and that is why love his music!
Ivana Stoichkova/Bulgaria

He has no equals in life performance. Incredibly professional, vivid and natural.
Assen Dyulgerov/Sofia/Bulgaria

IVO,THE LATCHKEY TO OTHER BULGARIAN JAZZ MUSICIANS IN AN ERA WHEN COMMUNISM WAS THE ORDER OF THE DAY.TODAY, HE STILL KEEPS THE BULGARIAN FLAG FLYING HIGH THROUGH HIS CREATIVE MUSIC ON THE WORLD STAGE. WITHOUT MINCING WORDS, THIS DAZZLING,MESMERIZING,MIGHTY THUNDER OF JAZZ DESERVES THE AWARD MORE THAN ANY OTHER MUSICIAN OUT THERE. HIS VOCALS ARE TO SAY THE LEAST, PERSUASIVE, MELODIOUS AND ADDICTIVE EVEN. HIS JAZZ FLOW IS COMPELLING AND VIVIDLY EUPHONIC WITH LYRICS THAT ARE A TESTAMENT TO CLARINET IN ITS PUREST FORM. THIS MIGHTY MAESTRO MOST CHARISMATIC CLARINET PLAYER IN BULGARIA AND WORLDWIDE IS SIMPLY THE WINNER. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT.! IVO, SEE U IN STARA-ZAGORA WHEN U RETURN HOME WITH THE AWARD,THEN WE DRINK DOMASHNO-RAKIA TO CELEBRATE YOUR GOLDEN AWARD! PEACE AND LOVE IVO!
Teejay/Bulgaria

I have heard Ivo Papasov perform on many occasions. He is simply magical! I think he is bulgaria's best ambassador of music in the world!
Micky, Sofia, Bulgaria

Wonderful song !
Arif, Stocholm

The track presented here is simply enchanting. Thank you BBC for acknowledging the great talent of Ivo Papazov.
Alex Mihov, Boston, USA

his is the best!!!!!!!!! super clarinetist!!
pantulas

Ivo Papazov is the best performer of Balkan world music, unique improvisor,but also an excellent Human beeng! You must feel it! Good luck Ivo!
Todor Todorov BG

A Fantastic Musician and performer!!! Bulgaria has always produced the finest musicians in the world. Papazov is just another proof.
John Benson, USA

Hi is the best. I think hi deserve the PRIZE.
Plamen Boyadjiev

Wonderful music, brilliant performance, makes you feel alive! When are you coming to the UK, Mr Papazov??? I think people here should be given the chance to hear and see your wedding music live, too! And just to mention, my father, also a musician at wedding bands, had great respect for you, too.
Atanaska, Oxford, UK

great performance!
Irena/Boston, UAS

He is big! He is great!
Steliana Nikolova, Bulgaria

He is unique clarinet player. His music brings joy and happiness.
Silvia,Boston,USA

He is the BEST!!!I love his music more than my family!I'm 16 year old and for me he is the Godfather of Bulgarien Wedding Music!Thank you Ivo and God bless you!
Polina Hristova,Bulgaria

He is just the best. I have grown up with Ivo Papazov.
Galina Gueorguieva

He is a great musician and definitely deserves this award!
Maria Stefanova, New York

He is the one of the best Fulgarian musicians from Roma ethnisity
Biser Svetlinov, Bulgaria

He is the BEST !!!!!
Teodor Georgiev, Sofia, Bulgaria

A great song
Borislav Sabchev Boston

I was fortunate to see him play in the summer of '03 in San Antonio, TX, and he's truly a virtuoso.
Isibor Iyinbor

Ivo Papazov is the greatest clarinetist I have ever listened to. He is a masterly performer of Bulgarian folk music, an unique improvisor. I am convinced that he deserves the high recognition of receiving the BBC musical reward.
Maria Rountova, Sofia, Bulgaria

I love him ,he is my idol.I have seen him in bulgarian weding and he make the people screem and go creasy.All the musiceans dreem to play like him.He is the lider of everybody.He is the godfather of the clarinet.Love.Teddy-Manchester
Teddy-Manchester

Hi.I think Ivo Papasov is the best clarinet player in the hole world.When i listen to him my hair go up.My hart is beeting faster and i go creasy about his music.I have all his albums,and i want him to make more.He is my god.Regards
Marian Yankov-Manchester.UK

I hag the chance to listen to the music of Maestro Ivo Papasov and his orchestra in 2003 when they have been invited to take part in the Intarnational Accordeon Festival in San Antonio, Texas. I will remember for ever the hundreds of San Antonians glue in front of the scene trying to see and feel the Maestro playing. Later one when the Bulgarian Colonie met with maestro Papasov and his orcehestra (Uri Unakov, Neiko Neikov, Sasho and the others) we felt not only the big musician but also an excellent Human beeng. Thanks Ivo, thanks Uri and Neiko and Sasho to play Music enjoyable for all the planete. Yanko
Yanko A. Yankov, MD, San Antonio

Ivo Papasov is a great Bulgarian musician. I've always known him as the best clarinet player and honestly, i've never been aware he had problems with the communist government. Anyway, I hope this is already forgotten and he is fully satisfied with what he does and with his popularity among people.
Petya/Austin, TX

Ivo's live performance is a lot of fun to enjoy. I think his strength is when he is improvising during live performance. I also enjoy his records.
Vesco, Morristown NJ USA

Ivo is a great musician, who makes me feel proud to be a Bulgarian! He definitely desrves a greater recognition, and it is about time to give it to him. Amazing!
Evgenia Manolov/Dallas, USA

Ivo Papazov's music, especially his musical improvisation, sounds like a presentation of the optimistic spirit of the Bulgarian nation and its efforts for better life. Without any doubts, Ivo Papazov is on the top place as a musician-improvisator performing highly rated temperament Bulgarian folk music requiring outstanding musical professionalism.
Ned Troshanov, San Antonio, TX, USA

One of the most talanted musicians in his field. Unique and highly regarded. Sad that his recognition comes mostly from his fans who live abroad. Good luck, Ivo. Hope to see you perform in UK soon.
Stefan Benev, Leeds UK

Mr. Papasov is very versatile musician, he become very popular in San Antonio, Texas after his concert in 2003!!!
Velizar Iliev

He is the BEST!!!
Ivan Genov UK

Papasov, I feel, is not only a towering musician on the Stambolovo scene. He is also one of the most dazzling jazz musicians of the late 20th Century and he deserves much greater recognition for his daring unification of Eastern and Western European styles and techniques. When's he going to come and play in England though?!?! Ivo, we want you!!!
Ben, Leeds

Have seen Mr. Papasov and his band in Italy and I have been more than impresssed with their performance!! I think it is about time that he and his group get greater recognition worldwide, they surely more than deserve it ...they are not only technically exeptional but have an amazing capacity to evoke a whole range of feelings and emotions which is rarely seen these days. Azniv Tcherkezian
Azniv Tcherkezian, Rome Italy

Ivo is the best.
Peter Peshev/Bulgaria