BNT, BTA and BNR Lauch Joint Initative "14 Centuries of Bulgaria in Europe"

Bulgarian historians, archaeologists, and public figures today, December 3, presented an appeal for a celebration of the 1,400th anniversary of the founding of the Bulgarian state, a milestone that will fall in 2032. The event was attended by the directors-general of Bulgaria’s public service media outlets, as well as representatives of the academic community.

In 632, Khan Kubrat established Old Great Bulgaria, north of the Black Sea. In 681, one of his sons, Asparuh, founded Danube Bulgaria with Pliska as its capital.

Emil Koshlukov, Director General of BNT: "This initiative only makes sense if it enters the cultural memory of the Bulgarian people. Note the principle of cultural memory: 'We remember only what is significant,' and, unfortunately, the reverse also applies: 'Only what we remember is significant.' If we do not remember Kubrat, if we do not remember Asparuh, they have no meaning. When we say that Levski lives among us, we do not literally mean he has risen from the grave; we keep him alive in our memory every day, every February, every year. In the same way, we should honour and remember Kubrat and Asparuh."

The initiative, titled “14 Centuries of Bulgaria in Europe”, led by BNT, Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), and the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), aims to mark major anniversaries of key events in the country’s history.

Milen Mitev, Director General of BNR: "As public service broadcasters, we recognise that our responsibility goes far beyond reporting daily events or analysing the current situation. We are also tasked with preserving the cultural and historical memory of our country and our people."

This year, Bulgaria marked 140 years since the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia. Kiril Valchev, Director-General of BTA, outlined some of the key anniversaries to be commemorated next year:

Kiril Valchev, Director General of BTA: "Next year, there are at least two notable anniversaries. One is the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising of 1876. The other is the 1,080th anniversary of the death of Saint John of Rila, the heavenly protector of the Bulgarian people."

photos by BTA

Looking further ahead, 2032 will also mark 270 years since the writing of Slavonic-Bulgarian History by Paisius of Hilendar.