Three monuments, one fate. Research on the cultural heritage of socialism in Bulgaria

The socialist regime in Bulgaria left behind many monuments whose fate is a problematic issue for any government to resolve after the democratic changes. This study examines three of the most representative monuments of this legacy in Sofia – the Mausoleum of Georgi Dimitrov, the monument of “1300 Years of Bulgaria” and the Monument of the Soviet Army. Their fate is similar in many respects. All three monuments have been removed from the urban environment, but this does not solve the issue of the empty spaces left behind, which continue to be associated by Bulgarian society with places of historical memory. They have failed to transform into sites of other significance, and their historical, cultural and touristic potential remains untapped. To address the issues presented in the study, it is crucial to refine the legal framework and state strategies related to preserving cultural heritage. In the study, a comparative analysis of documents on the three monuments is made, using sources from state archives, the official website of the Sofia Municipality, the monographs of N. Paskalev, G. Gergov, etc. The study continues the author's monographic work on the significance and perspectives of the Mausoleum of Georgi Dimitrov in the contemporary urban environment.