Geographical Renaming in Bulgaria 1878-2014. Facts and Problems

Authors:

Pages: 140-154
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54664/UTTF4667

Abstract:

The dictionary Geographical Renaming in Bulgaria 1878-2014, published by the Bulgarian Encyclopaedia Scientific Information Centre of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, TRUD Publishing House, 2015, is a first attempt to collect all renamed places in Bulgaria in one volume. The dictionary contains 415 6 toponyms along with comparisons, explanations and comments. The geographical naming conventions, renaming and name restoration in Bulgaria remain problematic. The selection oftoponyms, the renaming criteria that the commissions of the municipal councils use, as well as the composition of said commissions, all warrant criticism. In addition, the process of communicating the new toponyms to the administrations and the general public, of adopting the toponyms and controlling their usage is less than perfect. Furthermore, this article raises the issue of the lack of a consistent policy on the part of authorities, namely, the Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Agency of the Ministry ofRegional Development and Public Works.

Keywords:

toponymy, naming convention, renaming, public policy

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