The Buzludzha Memorial House and the Precarious Fate of Communist Monuments in Post-Communist Space

Abstract

Communist governments of European nations throughout the 20th century constructed numerous and often grandiose politically ideological monuments. Today, in bygone postcommunist landscapes, many of these monuments have become spaces of neglect, as well as places for contemporary touristic experiences. Consequently, these ideational monuments remain as semiotic markers within broader visitor economies that symbolise a conflicted past. The purpose of this thesis, therefore, is to critically evaluate communist-era political monuments in general and, specifically, examine the Buzludzha Memorial House in Bulgaria within the context of difficult heritage and dark tourism. Located on Buzludzha Peak, the Bulgarian Communist Party created ‘Buzludzha’ – a lavish ‘temple of communism’ – chronicling the Bulgarian socialist movement. In 1989, after Bulgarian communism collapsed,the monument was abandoned and, subsequently, suffered decay from looting, politically motivated vandalism, and an austere alpine climate. Nonetheless, in the 2010s, Buzludzha became an object of international allure, attracting increasing numbers of global visitors. Consequently, this study focusses on the visitor experience and ascertains the perceived value of visiting this ruined monument and implications thereof. Moreover, the study critically examines the site’s potential for (dark) tourism and, importantly, appraises the value a conserved communist monument could provide for post-communist Bulgaria. Adopting a phenomenological research approach through a case study design, and using mixed research methods of netnography, semi-structured interviews (n=8), and surveys (n=300), the study explores international dynamics through the philosophical lens of Orientalism and Balkanism. Indeed, underpinned by a conceptual framework of dark tourism and political heritage, the study scrutinizes motives and perspectives of those visiting the monument today. The study also highlights ‘academic activism’ and the inherent process of campaigning for the site’s
conservation. In so doing, this study addresses a critical gap in political science and heritage studies. Particularly, this research argues that the Buzludzha Memorial House has
touristification potential through its innate political qualities, but it faces an uncertain future for those who are keen to forget Bulgaria’s communist past. Importantly, although
conservation work at the site has commenced, partly because of this study, any future ‘museumified’ version of Buzludzha is unlikely to regain the significance it once had, either
as a ‘temple of communism,’ or as a poignant and authentic symbol of communism in ruins.