site.btaPreserving Historical Memory Key to Bulgarian Exarchate's Future

President Iliana Iotova called for joint efforts to preserve Bulgaria's historical memory on Wednesday. She spoke during a meeting with the Board of Trustees of the Foundation of the Orthodox Churches of the Bulgarian Exarchate in the Republic of Turkiye.

Iotova said the Bulgarian Exarchate, which is closely linked to the development of Bulgarian statehood, has endured for more than 155 years and has a future. She stressed the importance of passing on the Bulgarian language, history and culture to younger generations and helping them understand their roots.

Iotova and the foundation’s representatives discussed the maintenance of churches, cultural monuments, and properties under its management.

Board Chair Dimitri Yotef briefed Iotova on church renovation projects and community initiatives and thanked the Presidential institution for its support for the Bulgarian Exarchate in Istanbul and the Bulgarian community.

Iotova also noted the community's growing interest in learning Bulgarian and said young people could be encouraged to study at Bulgarian universities, especially in high-tech fields.