site.btaMinister Bachev in Frankfurt: For Bulgaria, Literature Has Always Been More Than Just Art

Culture Minister Marian Bachev took part on Wednesday in the official opening of the Bulgarian stand at the Frankfurt International Book Fair. The Minister welcomed the guests, among whom were Bulgaria’s ambassador to Germany– Grigor Porozhanov, the Consul General in Frankfurt  Diana Popova, and the director of the Bulgarian Cultural Institute in Berlin  Borislav Petranov, his Ministry said.

"For Bulgaria, literature has always been more than just art – it is a way to preserve our memory, identity, and spirit. From medieval manuscripts that laid the foundations of our written culture, to the contemporary voices speaking to the global reader today – Bulgarian literature continues to build bridges between generations, languages, and worlds," Bachev said in his address.

He underscored that this year, Bulgaria has strengthened its international presence by participating in three major, globally recognized book fairs: “Bulgarian publishing is broadening its horizons, and our authors are rightly gaining recognition abroad. Behind every book presented here stands a community of talented writers, translators, editors, and publishers – people who have dedicated their lives to the power of the written word.”

The Minister thanked organizers from the Bulgarian Book Association, the Bulgarian Cultural Institute in Berlin, the Consulate General in Frankfurt, and the Foreign Ministry for their joint efforts and shared vision, thanks to which this participation became possible.

"Let this stand be not just a showcase for Bulgarian books, but also a meeting place where ideas travel freely, stories cross borders, and culture becomes a universal language of understanding and peace," said Minister Bachev. On behalf of the Culture Ministry, which financially supported Bulgaria's participation in the fair, he wished all participants a successful exhibition, inspiring meetings, and many new readers and friends.

Greetings were also delivered by Grigor Porozhanov, Ingo-Endrick Lankau – Honorary Consul of Bulgaria in the state of Hesse, and Diana Popova, who read a congratulatory address on behalf of Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev.

During the forum, Minister Bachev was greeted by his Romanian counterpart, Andras Demeter, with whom he discussed new opportunities for joint cultural initiatives and translations of contemporary literature.

In an informal conversation with Nikos Bakounakis, President of the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture, and Anne Bergman-Tahon, Director of the Federation of European Publishers, Minister Bachev shared his ministry's ambition to promote translations and the international presence of Bulgarian authors.

Earlier in the day, Minister Bachev held a working meeting with Grigor Porozhanov, Diana Popova, and Borislav Petranov. During the conversation, opportunities were discussed to strengthen cooperation in the field of culture and to provide broader representation of Bulgarian cultural heritage in Germany. The focus was placed on preparing upcoming initiatives and events aimed at promoting Bulgarian art, literature, and traditions among the Bulgarian community and the German public. The participants expressed their shared readiness to work toward expanding cultural exchange and enhancing the positive image of Bulgaria abroad, according to the Culture Ministry.