Envelope Instagram

MIHAELA AROYO

KlinKlin, 2023

“I feel I am putting roots here”: How Varna welcomed and accepted the Ukrainian refugees.Joint project with photojournalist Denislav Stoychev, Time Heroes Foundation and Points of Light Organization.Photos: Mihaela Aroyo and Denislav StoychevText: Denislav Stoychev View more

Die Zeit, 2023

Digital nomads in Bansko, BulgariaPhotos: Mihaela AroyoText: Matthias Kalle View more

The New Yorker, 2021

The extravagant exuberance of Ivo DimchevPhotos: Mihaela AroyoText: Dimiter Kenarov View more

Mihaela Aroyo

(b. 1993 in Varna, Bulgaria) is a freelance documentary photographer. In her work she explores themes such as cultural identity, history, folklore, environment and personal stories. Aroyo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Photography from New Bulgarian University and is currently enrolled in a Master’s program in History. She is a scholarship recipient for the VII Masterclass in Arles 2022/2023. Has her work published in The New Yorker, National Geographic and Die Zeit.

Envelope Instagram

Dreaming in Bulgarian

2019 – ongoing

Tens of thousands of Bulgarians migrated from the Bulgarian territories to Bessarabia after the Russo-Turkish wars of 1806–1812 and 1828–1829 to escape Ottoman raids. Another reason for this resettlement was a policy of the Russian Empire to settle Bessarabia with a population that would improve the border region of the empire. The Bessarabian Bulgarians have since established roots in the region and absorbed elements of other cultures. But to this day, they have preserved their native language and traditions.

The turmoil of historical events turned Bessarabia into a bargaining chip for peace treaties following all the major European wars in the 19th and 20th centuries. In some families, three subsequent generations were born in the very same house, but in three different countries. After World War II, the entire region fell under Soviet rule. The collapse of the Soviet Union created a new border and divided Bessarabia between Moldova and Ukraine.

Belonging to a particular ethnicity, family and home became a shelter from the turbulent passage of historical events.

Today, between 250,000 and 300,000 people identify as Bulgarians in Moldova and Ukraine, but the population rapidly decreases due to economic challenges and the war in Ukraine. The post-Soviet shock is still being felt in this economically neglected region, and people are again migrating in search of a livelihood in larger cities or abroad. Those who remain take pride in their ability to preserve the traditions of their ancestors and feel a special connection to their homeland.