Edrine Opens the Restored Ekmekcioglu Ahmet Pasha Caravansary as a Regional Cultural Centre
On November 20, 2008 in Edrine was opened the restored Ekmekcioglu Ahmet Pasha caravansary, which will be functioning as a multifunctional cultural and community centre. The restoration of this extraordinary example of Ottoman architecture, designed by Sedefhar Mehmet Aga, the architect of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, was made possible by the EU Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Bulgaria - Turkey.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Governor of the Edrine District, European Commission representatives in Turkey, representatives of the Turkish parliament and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Turkish Republic, diplomats, journalists and community leaders. Bulgarian guests invited to the event included representatives of the Consulate General in Edrine, the district authorities of the towns of Yambol, Haskovo and Bourgas, and the State Institute of Culture under the Minister of Foreign Affairs. A congratulatory speech was delivered by the consul general of the Republic of Bulgaria in Edrine, Mr. Angel Angelov.
Performances by children’s music and dance ensembles from Edrine and Yambol contributed to the festive atmosphere of the opening ceremony.