International Photography Exhibition "National Dress: Source Of Pride And Heritage" at the Etar Open-Air Ethnographic Museum
The State Institute for Culture at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria presents the international photography exhibition "National Dress: Source of Pride and Heritage" at the Etar Open-Air Ethnographic Museum. The exhibition is located in the exhibition halls above the Charlangi Workshop and will be on view from October 2025 to March 2026.
This remarkable exposition organized by the Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPDNet) highlights the beauty and cultural significance of traditional costumes from 17 member countries of the intermational organisation, in which the State Institute for Culture is a member since 2021.
First inaugurated at the 9th General Assembly of GPDNet in Doha, Qatar in May 2004, the exhibition is going on an international tour, with its first destination being Bulgaria. In Bulgaria, the exhibition has so far been presented at the Central Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of the accompanying program of the International Conference "Cultural Diplomacy and the Balkans - Achievements and Challenges in the Contemporary Era," organized by the Institute of Balkan Studies with the Centre for Thracology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in collaboration with the State Institute for Culture to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, held on October 23, 2024, at the National Art Gallery "Square 500". In September 2025, the exhibition was also opened at the Regional History Museum - Burgas.
The exhibition features authentic photographs that capture the essence of traditional dress, a key element of cultural heritage. Among the exhibits are four professional photographs of Bulgarian folk costumes, selected from the collection of Svetoslav Petrov and captured by photographer Petya Dobreva, made possible through the assistance of Ani Yoveva and in collaboration with the State Institute for Culture.
National dress represents a nation’s unique identity and rich history. By showcasing these traditional garments, the exhibition aims to celebrate and preserve the deep-rooted heritage of each participating country. At a time of global division, this exhibition fosters greater understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity by highlighting what makes each nation distinct.
Established in 2014 in Seoul, GPDNet is a global platform for cultural, academic, and civic exchange, bringing together 29 member countries to promote international cooperation through public diplomacy. Since 2019, the Katara Foundation in Doha has held the rotating chair of the organization, leading efforts to enhance cross-cultural dialogue. Bulgaria became a full member of GPDNet in 2021, with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Doha.
The exhibition at the at the Etar Open-Air Ethnographic Museum offers an opportunity for all visitors to appreciate the cultural richness embodied in the traditional dress of GPDNet member states. It is a celebration of the enduring beauty and significance of national dress as a source of pride and heritage.