Nadezhda Neynsky: The Bulgarian Exarchate is a symbol of our roots and culture
28 March 2026 News
The Bulgarian Exarchate is a symbol of our roots and culture. Minister of Foreign Affairs Nadezhda Neynsky said at a meeting today with representatives of the Bulgarian Exarchate in Istanbul. During the conversation, issues related to the preservation of the spirituality, culture and traditions of the Bulgarian Orthodox community in Turkey, as well as the efforts to preserve the Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage on the territory of Turkey were discussed.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation of the Orthodox Churches of the Bulgarian Exarchate in Istanbul and Edirne, headed by President Dimitri Yotef, as well as representatives of the Bulgarian diplomatic missions in Turkey.
Minister Neynsky stressed the importance of the Bulgarian Orthodox community in Istanbul and Edirne as a living bridge of friendship and good neighborliness between Bulgaria and Turkey. She expressed gratitude for the efforts of the church foundations to maintain the temples, preserve the cultural memory and maintain the spiritual life of the Bulgarians in the region.
During the conversation, the Bulgarian state expressed its support for the activities of the foundations and for the initiatives aimed at preserving the Bulgarian cultural and spiritual heritage, including the celebration of significant anniversaries and events related to the Bulgarian Orthodox churches in Istanbul.