Deep in the Rhodope Mountains, along the picturesque valley of the Belishka River, the former state elite discovered an enchanting retreat hidden within the mountain’s embrace. Far from well-trodden tourist paths, the nature here is nearly untouched, preserving an abundance of flora and fauna. Just 10 kilometers from the mining town of Lucky, the former ruling class prior to 1989 concealed “Object Karamush.”
Soon after its establishment in 1974, the mythical hunting residence became a sanctuary where party leaders of socialist Bulgaria sought the tranquility of the mountains while making decisions on crucial matters of the day. The order to transform this wild Rhodope idyll into the ruling class’s hunting ground came from Pencho Kubadinski, known among his close circle as “Bai Pencho.”
Hristo Hristov – The Referent
Pencho Kubadinski, a nature enthusiast who knew all of Bulgaria, had traveled everywhere for his hunts. When he visited this area, passing over Hambar Dere, he gazed at these lands and exclaimed, “I never believed there were deserts in Bulgaria!” He gave the directive, and thus this hunting estate was created. At the time, Bulgaria’s bear population was significantly diminished, so they decided to import bears from Romania and even established a breeding area, a “bear enclosure.” The Carpathian bear, however, is a bit more temperamental. We had a bear cub that kept acting up… I named it “Ceausescu.” But Bai Pencho insisted, “Let’s be more diplomatic; call it Kolyo instead!”
Hristo Hristov, known as “The Referent,” was among the closest to the former ruling elite. Having worked in the forestry and Ministry of the Interior systems, he is a living history of the Kormisosh Hunting Estate, which he managed for over a decade.
Hristo Hristov – The Referent
There was some intrigue here. Someone told Zhivkov that Pencho Kubadinski was going ahead and taking down the big game, leaving none for him. Zhivkov wasn’t particularly vain, but still, the sergeant doesn’t like anyone “peeking into his bowl.” So they sent me here to regulate things.
Zhivkov and Kubadinski were two of the leading figures in Bulgaria’s governance before 1989. They were frequent visitors to the hunting estate. Bai Hristo sifts through hundreds of photos where the two stand proudly in front of their trophies. Every year, a bear was specially prepared for the head of state at Kormisosh. Bait was left out to attract the animal.
Hristo Hristov – The Referent
Every year, we “baited” a bear for Zhivkov. Man-eating bears were rare, but they existed. At one baiting spot, we had prepared a bear. We even installed a lamp because shooting in the dark was challenging.
In the residence halls, the Referent persuaded the former leader to approve the construction of the regional department store in the nearby town of Lucky, one of the first of its kind in Bulgaria, after the one in Zhivkov’s hometown of Pravets. It was also here that the construction of the main road to Lucky from Yugovski Han was negotiated.
Hristo Hristov – The Referent
I regret only one thing – and I’ll never forgive myself. I told Zhivkov one day, here in the living room: “Comrade Zhivkov, the greatest monument the people of Smolyan will build for you is if you give them a railway.” He replied, “Oh, the terrain is too difficult… Tunnels will be needed.” I said, “Difficult, but they are miners; they’ll dig through.” On his next visit here, Zhivkov said, “Okay, we’ll do the railway; we’ve assigned it for conceptual planning!” But then November 10, 1989, came, and everything stopped. If I had told him two years earlier, Smolyan would have a railway today.
Today, 50 years after its construction, the once-called “Object Karamush” remains the jewel of one of Bulgaria’s best-maintained hunting estates. The building and much of its interior have preserved the style of the late 20th century.
Eng. Zdravko Bakalov, Director of the South-Central State Forestry Enterprise – Smolyan
It’s accessible and open for year-round reservations – this is what’s known as alternative tourism. We strive to maintain its authentic appearance, both inside and on the facade. We carry out light renovations. It’s evident that construction back then was of high quality and has been well-preserved.
Since the Referent’s time, Kormisosh has truly flourished. The wealth of wildlife here is unparalleled and has been well-known worldwide for years.
Eng. Zdravko Bakalov, Director of the South-Central State Forestry Enterprise – Smolyan
The estate starts at relatively low altitudes and reaches high zones. This supports the development of many game species and a rich food base. Its most distinctive feature is that there are no settlements over a vast area.
Eng. Kostadin Radkov, Director of Kormisosh Hunting Estate
We have red deer, fallow deer, mouflon, roe deer, and our priority game – wild boar. Kormisosh is a symbol both domestically and internationally.
In the hunting grounds of the former elite, one can also encounter hunters of the perfect shot. Armed with cameras, individuals like Tsvetomir Tsolov seek to capture the mystery of the wild.
Eng. Tsvetomir Tsolov, Wildlife Researcher and Photographer – Tsolov Wild
You can feel the magic, the energy of the Rhodope Mountains here. It’s calming, and one quickly recharges their batteries.
Engineer Tsolov amazed Bulgaria with photos and videos of a rare white roe deer. Recently, at Kormisosh, he captured another unique animal.
Eng. Tsvetomir Tsolov, Wildlife Researcher and Photographer
This time, it was a white fallow deer. It’s extraordinary. Just like the white roe deer, the white fallow deer was found in a wild, natural environment.
Years ago, the natural wealth of this region was a privilege for a select few. Only chosen statesmen entered the residence. Today, however, Kormisosh Hunting Estate is open to any lover of the wild or historical researcher of the former party elite.
Source: https://vasilkovski.com/stories/kormisosh-lovnata-rezidencia-na-bivshia-partien-elit/
