The virtual space where you can find information about Bulgarian restaurants in Berlin, the services offered by Bulgarian craftsmen, as well as addresses and phone numbers of doctors working in the country, is the work of two Bulgarians who settled in Germany about ten years ago. "Bulgarian Berlin" is not only an information site, but also a place where you can learn about literary readings and competitions, professional courses that are organized in Bulgaria and are of help to Bulgarians who have decided to settle abroad.

The initiative belongs to Veneta Terzieva and Valentin Grigorov, who initially decided to create "a warmer Bulgarian environment, in which everyone can express themselves and show their creativity," but in the meantime they also help newcomers legalize their documents and assist them in finding housing and work. "Without knowing the language it is impossible to start anything here, but many come without knowing German and someone needs to guide them," Veneta says and Valentin adds:

"We can help them with a few things. We guide them on how to register their address because that is the most important thing here in order to start work."

Veneta Terzieva adds that housing and work are extremely necessary because without them it is impossible for a foreigner in Germany to open their own bank account and the path to professional realization becomes completely unthinkable. Valentin Grigorov told us more about the idea behind the site:

"We want to present Bulgarians who work in various fields in Berlin – doctors, dentists, restaurateurs, Bulgarian shops, because a newly arrived Bulgarian, after reading and understanding where there are other Bulgarians who can help him or her, will go to them and will also feel much more comfortable and relaxed with a doctor who speaks Bulgarian. This is our goal. We have not fully achieved it yet, but we continue to fill the site."

Veneta says that they have conceived the virtual space as a directory of services, ideas and creativity and the information about addresses and contacts will remain free, so that anyone who needs it can use it. However, Bulgarians who already live in Germany but want to return to their homeland can also receive help from the site.

As you go through the pages of "Bulgarian Berlin", you will certainly be impressed by the stories of successful Bulgarians far from home. As you immerse yourself in the stories describing the life path of each of them, it is very likely that you will get inspired and decide to follow your dreams. However, gathering the necessary information is a difficult process.

"Currently, we are the only information site. We constantly monitor what people are reading and what interests them and more and more Bulgarians are finding out about the site. Naturally, we will need additional help. We recently contacted the student organization ‘Hushove’ in Berlin - young people who, in addition to studying, work with great enthusiasm in various fields. They expressed interest in getting in touch and some of them helping us."

While the site continues to increase its volume of information, it gradually started receiving support of the Bulgarian Cultural Institute in Berlin, BTA started to publish all articles on its platform, while this year the Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad became a patron of the Sofia-Berlin Literary Forum organized by Valentin and Veneta. The virtual space has also been recently included in the list of Bulgarian cultural associations abroad.

Author: Desislava Shapkarova

Publication in English: Alexander Markov

Photos: bulgar.berlin, Facebook /Valentin Grigorov, Facebook /Bulgar.Berlin – The Bulgarian Berlin, Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad