Bulgarian folklore ensemble "Rozova Dolina" wins first prize in Turkey

International triumph for Bulgarian folklore

The folklore ensemble "Rozova Dolina" won first prize at the 39th International Festival of Arts and Culture in the Turkish city of Inegöl. The success was achieved within the prestigious "Zlatna Mebel" folk dance competition, where the Bulgarian group competed against performers from Georgia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Malaysia, Egypt, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and other countries.

Strict criteria and expert jury

According to the ensemble's artistic manager Yanka Docheva, the competition is highly significant due to its specific requirements. After a preliminary selection, only one group from each country is admitted to the competition, and participants must present traditional dances and costumes in two different competition programs.

The decision for the winner was made by an international expert jury, including authorities in the field of folklore: Prof. Arda Eravdzh (Giresun University, Turkey), Andrea Vincze (Balkan folklore specialist, Hungary), Japanese researcher and choreographer Yoshinari Murakami, as well as other international specialists.

Tradition and heritage

The ensemble is the second Bulgarian group to win the grand prize at "Zlatna Mebel". Previously, in 2019, the distinction was awarded to the ensemble of the "Philip Kutev" National School of Folklore Arts. Yanka Docheva emphasized that the high level of preparation of both Bulgarian groups is a result of the work of choreographer Miroslav Vasilev.

The festival in Inegöl, organized by the local municipality since 1988, is one of the largest cultural events in the Bursa region. It combines the preservation of folklore heritage with the promotion of the city, known as the "furniture capital" of Turkey.

The "Rozova Dolina" ensemble will celebrate its 55th anniversary in 2027.