What is the Bulgarian name for St. Anastasia Island, and what was one of its former names?

The Bulgarian name for St. Anastasia Island is "остров Света Анастасия" (ostrov Sv. Anastasiya). It was formerly known as "Bolshevik Island" (остров Болшевик).

What are the key physical characteristics of St. Anastasia Island in terms of elevation, area, and geology?

The island reaches a maximum elevation of 12 meters (approximately 39 feet) above sea level. It covers a territory of about one hectare (0.01 square kilometers or 0.0039 square miles) and is geologically composed of volcanic rocks.

What distinction does St. Anastasia Island hold among islands along the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast?

St. Anastasia Island is notable for being the sole inhabited island along the entire Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. This means it is the only island in that region with permanent or regular human presence.

What is the historical origin of the name St. Anastasia Island?

The island derives its name from a former convent dedicated to St. Anastasia that was situated on its grounds. This convent was a significant historical feature of the island.

Can you describe the history of the St. Anastasia convent and its eventual fate?

The St. Anastasia convent has a history dating back to the Middle Ages, with significant reconstruction occurring between the 18th and 19th centuries. However, the convent was abandoned in 1923 when the island was repurposed as a prison.

What significant event involving political prisoners took place on St. Anastasia Island in 1925?

In 1925, a revolt occurred involving 43 political prisoners, identified as communists and anti-fascists. Led by Teohar Bakardzhiev, they successfully escaped the island and later fled to the Soviet Union.

Following the 1925 prisoner revolt, what happened to the island's name?

In recognition of the escaped prisoners, the island was renamed Bolshevik Island in 1945, coinciding with the communist party's rise to power in Bulgaria. This renaming reflected the political changes in the country at the time.

What Bulgarian film was inspired by the 1925 prisoner escape from St. Anastasia Island?

The 1925 escape of political prisoners from St. Anastasia Island inspired Bulgarian film director Rangel Valchanov to create his 1958 film titled "On The Small Island" (Bulgarian: "На малкия остров").

What controversy regarding the island's ownership and potential privatization was reported in 2006?

In 2006, the Burgas-based newspaper *Factor* reported that Ahmed Dogan, leader of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, visited the island and expressed interest in its privatization. This proposal was met with objections from the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, which asserted its ownership of the island.

What modern amenities and facilities are available on St. Anastasia Island today?

St. Anastasia Island is equipped with electricity and drinking water. Visitors can find a monastery with a church, a lighthouse, a museum, a restaurant, a small quay, a conference hall, and two guesthouses offering a total of five rooms for tourists.

How is St. Anastasia Island accessible to tourists during the summer season?

During the summer months, tourists can reach St. Anastasia Island by taking boat services that operate frequently between the island and the city of Burgas. This makes it a accessible day-trip destination.

What is the native name of St. Anastasia Island, and what does it translate to?

The native name for St. Anastasia Island is "Света Анастасия" (Sveta Anastasiya), which translates to "Saint Anastasia."

Describe the scene depicted in the primary image of St. Anastasia Island.

The main image on the page shows the approach to St. Anastasia Island by boat, offering a view of the island as seen from the water. This visual emphasizes its maritime setting and accessibility.

What information does the map provide about St. Anastasia Island's location?

The accompanying map illustrates the geographical location of St. Anastasia Island within the country of Bulgaria, helping viewers understand its position relative to the mainland and the Black Sea coast.

What specific structure is highlighted in one of the gallery images, and when was it photographed?

One of the gallery images features the lighthouse located on St. Anastasia Island, with the photograph taken in the year 2014. Lighthouses are crucial navigational aids for maritime safety.

What does the other gallery image showcase, and what can be observed on the horizon?

Another gallery image displays the beach and pier area of St. Anastasia Island. Additionally, the city of Burgas is visible on the distant horizon in this photograph, indicating the island's proximity to the mainland city.

What are the precise geographical coordinates of St. Anastasia Island?

The geographical coordinates for St. Anastasia Island are 42°28′05″ North latitude and 27°33′11″ East longitude. These coordinates allow for precise location identification on maps.

What is the highest elevation point on St. Anastasia Island?

The highest point on St. Anastasia Island is 12 meters (approximately 39 feet) above sea level. This indicates the island is relatively low-lying.

To which administrative province in Bulgaria does St. Anastasia Island belong?

St. Anastasia Island is administratively part of Burgas Province in Bulgaria. This places it within a specific regional governance structure.

What is the geological composition of St. Anastasia Island?

St. Anastasia Island is geologically composed of volcanic rocks. This suggests its formation is linked to past volcanic activity.

What is the significance of the St. Anastasia convent's historical presence on the island?

The convent dedicated to St. Anastasia is historically significant because it is the origin of the island's name. This religious structure dated back to the Middle Ages and underwent reconstruction in the 18th and 19th centuries, representing a long period of religious activity.

How did the island's function change dramatically in the early 20th century?

The island's function underwent a significant transformation in 1923 when it was converted from its previous use (associated with the convent) into a prison island. This marked a shift from religious sanctuary to penal facility.

What was the political motivation behind the 1925 prisoner revolt on St. Anastasia Island?

The revolt in 1925 was carried out by political prisoners who identified as communists and anti-fascists, indicating a motivation rooted in political opposition and likely a desire for freedom from perceived political oppression.

What is the approximate area of St. Anastasia Island in square miles?

St. Anastasia Island covers an area of approximately 0.0039 square miles. This is equivalent to about one hectare or 0.01 square kilometers.

What modern facilities support tourism on the island, beyond basic utilities?

Modern tourism facilities on the island include a lighthouse, a museum, a restaurant, a small quay for docking boats, a conference hall, and two guesthouses providing accommodation for visitors. These amenities cater to various visitor needs.

How many rooms are available for tourists in the guesthouses on St. Anastasia Island?

There are two guesthouses on St. Anastasia Island that collectively offer a total of five rooms for tourists. This provides limited but available lodging options.

What is the role of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church concerning St. Anastasia Island?

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church claims ownership of St. Anastasia Island and has formally objected to proposals for its privatization. This indicates a historical and potentially ongoing connection between the church and the island.

What is the significance of the island being mentioned in the "See also" section alongside other Bulgarian islands?

The inclusion in the "See also" section alongside St. Ivan Island and St. Cyricus Island suggests that St. Anastasia Island is part of a broader geographical context of islands located off the Bulgarian coast, potentially sharing similar characteristics or historical connections.

What does the reference to the "Wayback Machine" in the external links suggest?

The reference to the Wayback Machine indicates that the linked official tourism website was archived on a specific date (December 25, 2019). This means the content might have changed or the original site may no longer be active, but a historical record exists for reference.

What does the presence of a "conference hall" suggest about the island's current use?

The inclusion of a conference hall suggests that St. Anastasia Island is not solely a tourist attraction but also caters to business or group events, offering facilities for meetings and conferences, potentially attracting corporate retreats or educational groups.

What does the caption "Approaching St. Anastasia Island by boat" imply about the island's accessibility and visual appeal?

This caption implies that boat travel is a primary means of reaching the island and suggests that the island presents a notable visual aspect when approached from the sea, likely making for an attractive scenic journey for visitors.

What does the term "native name" refer to in the context of St. Anastasia Island's infobox?

The "native name" refers to the name of the island in its local language, Bulgarian, which is "Света Анастасия" (Sveta Anastasiya). It represents the authentic name used by the local population.

What does the mention of "Middle Ages" in relation to the convent suggest about the island's long-term history?

The mention of the Middle Ages indicates that the island has a history stretching back many centuries, predating modern times and encompassing periods of religious significance. This highlights its deep historical roots.

What does the term "reconstructed" imply about the St. Anastasia convent?

The term "reconstructed" implies that the original structure of the St. Anastasia convent, which existed since the Middle Ages, was significantly repaired, rebuilt, or expanded during the 18th and 19th centuries, indicating efforts to maintain or enhance the monastic buildings over time.

What does the phrase "fleeing to the Soviet Union" suggest about the political climate for the escaped prisoners?

The phrase suggests that the escaped prisoners sought refuge in the Soviet Union because they likely faced political persecution or danger in Bulgaria, viewing the Soviet Union as a sanctuary for individuals with their political affiliations during that era.

What does the reference to "communists came into power in 1945" signify in Bulgarian history?

This reference signifies a major political shift in Bulgaria, marking the period when the communist party gained control of the government. This event influenced national policies and symbols, such as the renaming of the island to Bolshevik Island.

What does the mention of "political prisoners" imply about the island's use as a prison?

The term "political prisoners" implies that the individuals incarcerated on the island were held due to their political beliefs or activities, rather than common criminal offenses. This suggests the island served as a state-run facility for dissidents.

What does the inclusion of coordinates and area data in the infobox signify for understanding the island?

The inclusion of coordinates and area data provides precise geographical and spatial information, allowing for accurate mapping and a clear understanding of the island's physical dimensions and exact location on Earth.

What is the purpose of the "See also" section in this article?

The "See also" section serves to direct readers to related articles that might be of interest, such as other islands in Bulgaria or geographically similar locations, encouraging further exploration of related topics.

What does the reference to a "small quay" imply about the island's infrastructure?

The presence of a "small quay" indicates that the island has a dedicated structure for boats to dock, facilitating the arrival and departure of vessels. This is essential for its accessibility as a tourist destination and for any regular supply or transport needs.

What does the island's geological composition of volcanic rocks suggest about its origin?

The island's geological composition of volcanic rocks suggests that it was formed through volcanic processes, likely from eruptions that created landmasses rising from the seabed in the Black Sea.

What is the significance of the island being listed alongside St. Ivan Island and St. Cyricus Island?

Listing St. Anastasia Island with St. Ivan Island and St. Cyricus Island in the "See also" section highlights that these are likely other notable islands within the Bulgarian Black Sea region, potentially offering comparative information or shared historical contexts.

How frequently do boat services operate to St. Anastasia Island in the summer?

Boat services to St. Anastasia Island operate multiple times a day during the summer season. This frequent service facilitates easy access for tourists wishing to visit.

What does the presence of a museum on the island indicate about its current function?

The presence of a museum on St. Anastasia Island indicates that it serves not only as a tourist destination but also as a place to preserve and exhibit historical or cultural artifacts related to the island's past, such as its monastic history or its time as a prison.

What does the reference to the island being built of "volcanic rocks" imply about its formation?

The reference to volcanic rocks implies that St. Anastasia Island was formed through geological processes involving volcanic activity, likely an eruption that created igneous rock formations rising above the sea.

What does the mention of a "lighthouse" suggest about the island's historical role?

The mention of a lighthouse suggests that the island has historically played a role in maritime navigation, serving to guide ships safely along the coast or through the waters of the Gulf of Burgas.

What does the fact that the island was "transformed into a prison" in 1923 signify?

The transformation of the island into a prison in 1923 signifies a major shift in its use, moving from a site of religious significance (the convent) to a penal institution. This change reflects historical developments and potentially changing governmental priorities.

What does the description "only inhabited island off the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast" imply about its status?

This description implies that St. Anastasia Island is unique in its status as a permanently or regularly occupied island along the Bulgarian coastline, distinguishing it from other uninhabited islets or coastal landmasses.

What does the reference to the "Middle Ages" in relation to the convent suggest about the island's historical depth?

The reference to the Middle Ages suggests that the island has a very long history, with human activity and religious presence dating back many centuries, indicating its significance through different historical epochs.

What does the mention of "reconstruction during the 18th-19th century" imply about the convent?

This implies that the original structure of the convent was significantly altered or rebuilt during that period, suggesting ongoing use and maintenance, or perhaps restoration efforts to preserve the monastic site.

St. Anastasia Island Wiki: St. Anastasia Island: A Black Sea Sanctuary of History and Nature

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Geographical Profile

Location & Coordinates

St. Anastasia Island is situated within the Black Sea, specifically in the Gulf of Burgas. It lies approximately 1.5 kilometers off the coast near the town of Chernomorets. The island's precise geographical coordinates are 42°28′05″N 27°33′11″E / 42.46806°N 27.55306°E.

Physical Characteristics

This small Bulgarian island covers a territory of roughly one hectare (0.01 square kilometers). Geologically, it is composed of volcanic rocks. The highest point on the island reaches an elevation of 12 meters above sea level.

A Tapestry of Time

Medieval Origins & Transformation

The island derives its name from a former St. Anastasia convent, believed to have existed since the Middle Ages. This religious structure underwent reconstruction during the 18th and 19th centuries. However, the convent was abandoned in 1923 when the island was repurposed and transformed into a prison facility.

The Bolshevik Era and Escape

A significant historical event occurred in 1925 when a group of 43 political prisoners, identified as communists and anti-fascists and led by Teohar Bakardzhiev, staged a revolt and escaped from the island. They subsequently fled to the Soviet Union. In recognition of this event, the island was renamed Bolshevik Island in 1945 following the communist party's rise to power. This dramatic escape later inspired Bulgarian film director Rangel Valchanov's 1958 film, "On The Small Island" (Bulgarian: "На малкия остров").

Modern Claims and Disputes

In more recent times, reports emerged in 2006 suggesting interest in privatizing the island, notably from Ahmed Dogan, a leader of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms. However, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church asserted its ownership claim over the island, leading to objections.

Modern Amenities

Island Infrastructure

Today, St. Anastasia Island is equipped with essential utilities, including electricity and a supply of drinking water. The island features a functioning lighthouse, a museum dedicated to its history, a restaurant, a small quay for docking, and a conference hall. Accommodation is available in two guesthouses offering a total of five rooms for visitors.

The Monastery

The island proudly preserves the St. Anastasia convent, which includes its original church. This structure stands as a significant historical and spiritual landmark, offering a tangible connection to the island's past.

Reaching the Island

Seasonal Travel

During the summer months, St. Anastasia Island is accessible to the public. Regular boat services operate from the city of Burgas, providing transportation to and from the island multiple times daily.

Official Resources

For the most current information regarding visits and services, the island's official tourism website is available. Please note that the primary website may be archived.

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Visual Glimpses

The Lighthouse

A prominent feature on the island is its lighthouse, which serves as a navigational aid and a picturesque landmark. Visual records from 2014 showcase its presence.

Coastal Views

The island's coastline features a beach and a pier. From these vantage points, visitors can observe the mainland city of Burgas on the horizon, offering a scenic perspective of the bay.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the St. Anastasia Island Wikipedia page

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St. Anastasia Island

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Geographical Profile 📍

🗺️ Location & Coordinates

🪨 Physical Characteristics

A Tapestry of Time 📜

🏛️ Medieval Origins & Transformation

✊ The Bolshevik Era and Escape

⚖️ Modern Claims and Disputes

Modern Amenities 🏛️

💡 Island Infrastructure

⛪ The Monastery

Reaching the Island 🚤

☀️ Seasonal Travel

🔗 Official Resources

Visual Glimpses 📸

💡 The Lighthouse

🏖️ Coastal Views

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Geographical Profile

Location & Coordinates

Physical Characteristics

A Tapestry of Time

Medieval Origins & Transformation

The Bolshevik Era and Escape

Modern Claims and Disputes

Modern Amenities

Island Infrastructure

The Monastery

Reaching the Island

Seasonal Travel

Official Resources

Visual Glimpses

The Lighthouse

Coastal Views

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice