site.btaBuilding Bridges Through Theatre: Bulgarian Drama Celebrated in Ankara

A poster exhibition celebrating Bulgarian plays staged in Turkiye was unveiled at the BTA National Press Club in Ankara on Monday evening. The exhibition showcases productions translated by renowned Bulgarian literature and arts promoter Prof. Huseyin Mevsim, who was present at the event. Also introduced was BTA’s new correspondent in the Turkish capital, Ayse Sali.

Turkish actress Hulya Yildiz attended the event and spoke with admiration about her role in The Murder of Gonzago by Bulgarian playwright Nedyalko Yordanov. “It’s one of my favourite performances at the Ankara State Theatres. We played to full houses all season,” she said, adding that the exhibition is “very original” and an excellent way to spotlight both Bulgarian playwrights and Turkish directors.

Yildiz credited Prof. Mevsim's translation work as a key reason for the success of the production, directed by Farid Bikchantaev. “Thanks to his dedication, Bulgarian plays are being staged more and more in Turkish theatres – a wonderful trend,” she said, also congratulating BTA for organizing the event.

Anadolu Agency’s Deputy Director General and Editor-in-Chief Yusuf Ozhan called the exhibition “a powerful example of how art and culture strengthen ties and build new bridges between Bulgaria and Turkiye,” praising BTA’s role in fostering this connection.

Representatives of the Foundation for Economic Research and Social Assistance for Balkan Emigrants (BISAV) were also present. Chair Yuksel Ozkale noted that the foundation aims to serve as a cultural bridge between the two countries and lauded the exhibition for offering new insights, made possible through Prof. Mevsim’s work.

Prof. Mevsim emphasized that Bulgarian plays have also been staged in Turkiye by directors from Bulgaria, Georgia, and Russia. “Translation is a powerful act,” he said, “and without these efforts – including the work of the late director Ismail Bekir – Turkish awareness of Bulgarian drama would be far more limited”.

The evening concluded with well-wishes for Ayse Sali in her new role as BTA’s correspondent in Ankara.