With the Name of a Flower (Book)

This publication by multi-disciplinary artist Vera Hadzhiyska presents the historical and political context, informing the project "With the Name of a Flower", which investigates the forced name changes of the Muslim population in Bulgaria (from Arabic names to state-approved Slavic ones) in the period 1912 – 1989 and the effects they continue to have on people's identity and sense of belonging.

The publication includes several articles which provide a wider historical and political context to the work. An article by Bulgarian historian Evgenia Ivanova presents a brief history of the name changing campaigns in Bulgaria in the period between 1912-1989. This is followed by a translation of a pamphlet from the State Archive written in 1970s, which reveals the political attitudes of the past. Last but not least, an essay by Vera Hadzhiyska offers an insight into the artist’s personal experience and inspiration behind the work.

More about the project at www.verahadzhiyska.com