Bulgarians in Istanbul are historically and culturally linked to the development of modern Bulgaria
21 November 2014 News
The Bulgarian State sets great store by the Bulgarian community in what was once Constantinople. They are historically and culturally linked to the development of modern Bulgaria, said Minister Daniel Mitov at today’s meeting with Vassil Lyaze, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bulgarian Exarchate Foundation in Istanbul, as well as with other representatives of the Bulgarian community in the city.
Minister Mitov welcomed the efforts of the trustees to preserve the Bulgarian intellectual and spiritual presence, and unite the Bulgarian community in Istanbul and Edirne, including church services in Bulgarian. Minister Mitov and Vassil Lyaze also discussed the assistance provided by the Bulgarian State for the restoration and maintenance of the foundation's properties.
The properties of the Exarchate are monuments of Bulgaria's National Revival and the struggle of the people for church and political independence, the Foreign Minister said. According to him, the recent reconstruction of the iron church, St Stephen, the metochion and the exarchate building will allow them to function as important centres of cultural and spiritual life. Turkey's financial assistance for the repairs is appreciated, added Minister Mitov.
The Bulgarian Foreign Minister assured the local Bulgarians that Bulgaria will continue to support the Bulgarian community in Istanbul in its efforts to restore the foundation’s ownership of the properties of the Bulgarian Exarchate. Minister Mitov underscored the good relations between Bulgaria and Turkey and expressed hope that the Turkish side will soon establish the conditions for the correct application of the laws so as the foundation’s ownership of the properties and of the other Bishopric estate will be recognized.
Other topics on the agenda included the restoration of the Bulgarian school in Istanbul, scholarships for education in Bulgaria and the opportunity to support a small group of elderly Bulgarians with no access to the social systems of Bulgaria or Turkey.
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