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The Karakachani people used to migrate with their herds from Aegeian to Black sea following the mountain ridges. An ancient transhumance practice which continued until 1970s when the communist regeme in Bulgaria blocked the mountain passes and confiscated all their herds. Than took them down to the cities and put them in houses and flats. It was hard time for people who only knew freedom and open space so far. Some old people say that in In the begining they slept on the balcones of the flats as they couldnt get used to the walls. Whoever refused to obey was arrested and sent to preason. With the time the former nomads adapted to the new way of life but kept their pride and language. Every summer the Karakachany people from Bulgaria and Greece gethter up on a big meadow in the Balkan mountains to celabrate their traditions. Shot on my first assignmet for National Geographic Bulgaria magazine 10 years ago. #bulgaria #balkan #shepherd #dog #nomad #sarakatchan #portraitphotography #sheep #transhumance #nature #outdoors #canonlover #5dmk4 #eosphotography @evodanchev @canonbulgaria

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