In July 1967 Bulgaria became one of the pioneers in underwater research with the project "Hebros 67"— the first Bulgarian underwater house. This ambitious experiment was made possible by two Plovdiv natives: Dr. Garabed Tomasyan and physical education teacher Ivan Petrov. Their contribution not only put Bulgaria on the map of underwater research but also demonstrated the scientific potential of Plovdiv.
The idea for an underwater house arose in the context of global interest in exploring underwater life during the 1960s. Inspired by the achievements of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who in 1962 created the first underwater home "Diogenes" near Marseille, Dr. Tomasyan decided to realize a similar project in Bulgaria. With the support of the local community and scientific circles he began work on "Hebros 67".
The construction of the underwater house was unique for its time. A modified railway tank was used, which was converted into a cozy underwater dwelling. The facility was equipped with an antechamber and a main room, fitted with essential amenities such as a toilet, a desk, and scientific instruments, including a spirometer and a microscope. The temperature inside was maintained at a constant 22 degrees Celsius, and the walls were insulated with foam covered with artificial leather. On July 13 1967 "Hebros 67" was submerged to a depth of 10 meters in Varna Lake.
On July 16 1967 Dr. Tomasyan and Ivan Petrov began their seven-day stay in the underwater house. The experiment aimed to study the physiological and psychological changes that occur during prolonged stays underwater. Their achievement drew the attention of the international scientific community and proved that Bulgaria could make significant contributions to underwater research.
Plovdiv played a key role in this project. The city not only provided the two main participants but was also the place where the construction of "Hebros 67" began in 1966. This highlights the importance of Plovdiv as a center of scientific innovation and experimentation during the 1960s.
In 2017 on the 50th anniversary of the experiment, an exhibition dedicated to "Hebros 67" was organized in Plovdiv. The exhibition showcased moments from the expedition and honored the people who made this remarkable project a reality. This event once again reminded everyone of Plovdiv's significant contribution to the history of underwater research.
The "Hebros 67" project remains a vivid example of scientific courage and innovation, demonstrating how two Plovdiv natives managed to realize the dream of living underwater and place Bulgaria among the leading nations in this field.
Photos: БАЙ ИВАН КАРАЧОМАКА
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