site.btaObservances: November 15-16

November 15

The world:

National Day of Palestine. Anniversary of Palestinian Declaration of Independence (1988);

Dynasty Day in Belgium (1866).

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1897: Diplomatic relations with Iran established at diplomatic agency level. Severed on September 17, 1941, restored on December 16, 1961 at legation level, upgraded to embassy level on August 18, 1964.

1910: First aircraft flights in Bulgaria are performed. Russia's Boris Maslennikov and Bulgaria's Vassil Zlatarov overfly Sofia by Farman aircraft. Bulgarian King Ferdinand takes part in one flight.

1942: Higher School of Physical Education established (since July 14, 1999: Vassil Levski National Sports Academy).

1990: 7th Grand National Assembly amends Constitution, changing country's name from People's Republic of Bulgaria to Republic of Bulgaria.

2001: Lower Danube Euro-Region is set up, comprising Bulgarian regions of Silistra and Dobrich and Romanian counties of Calarasi, Ialomita and Constanta.

2014: Bulgaria's entrants in Junior Eurovision song contest in Malta, singer Krissiya and piano playing twins Hassan and Ibrahim, place second.

November 16

The world:

International Day for Tolerance (established by UN General Assembly resolution in 1996 to mark anniversary of November 16, 1995 adoption of UNESCO Declaration of Principles on Tolerance).

Bulgaria:

Day of National Revenue Agency Employees.

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1885: Austro-Hungarian Empire, Russia and Germany issue ultimatum for end of Serbo-Bulgarian War. Bulgaria accepts ultimatum.

1973: Diplomatic relations established with Philippines.

1979: Diplomatic relations established with Nicaragua.

1995: Bulgarian Charities Aid Foundation is established. Joins Charities Aid Foundation, headquartered in Britain, in 1996.