Bulgarian Ambassador to Turkiye Cholakov: Bridge of Colours Exhibition Celebrates Children, Talent and Bulgaria

BTA correspondent Ayshe Sali, Kaloyan Kirilov

Participants in the Bridge of Colours exhibition, at the BTA National Press Club, Ankara, December 29, 2025 (BTA Photo/Ayshe Sali)

Ankara,

29.12.2025 21:24

(BTA)

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The exhibition Bridge of Colours: Gifted Children from Turkiye Paint Bulgaria is celebrating children, talent and Bulgaria, Bulgarian Ambassador to Turkiye Angel Cholakov said at its opening at the BTA National Press Club in Ankara on Monday.

It was organized in partnership with the Embassy of Bulgaria in Turkiye, the Nasrettin Hoca Science and Art Centre and the Balkan Immigrants Economic Research and Social Assistance Foundation (BISAV), and featured 29 paintings by young artists aged 8 to 15.

“The exhibition carries three very special messages: children, talent, Bulgaria. Children are the future of the planet. Talent drives the future of the planet. For us Bulgarians, Bulgaria is the dearest corner of the planet, and for you, our friends and guests, I hope it is also a very special place. That is why I think it is highly symbolic that we are ending the year all together in our spiritual, emotional and artistic club, the BTA National Press Club,” Cholakov said.

The young artists, aged 8 to 15, recreated Bulgaria’s beautiful nature, its landmarks, folklore and traditions in 29 paintings. The works included portraits of the founder of the Republic of Turkiye, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who, during his posting there as a military attache, was impressed by Bulgaria, much like the creators of the exhibition.

Cholakov thanked the partners and friends who support Bulgaria-Turkiye relations for their efforts and enthusiasm. He added that 2025 had been a very good year for bilateral relations.

“At the start of the year, Bulgaria took over from Turkiye the command of the NATO mine countermeasures group in the Black Sea, which includes Bulgaria, Turkiye and Romania, to make our sea safer and more attractive for shipping, trade and tourism. A few days later we showed Europe and the world that Bulgaria and Turkiye stand together everywhere, even in Antarctica," Cholakov said.

"This evening we are all together here in our BTA club, at the exhibition of talented children dedicated to Bulgaria. As you can see, friends, the whole spectrum is covered: security, business, scientific cooperation and culture. That is how it should be between friends, neighbours and allies like Bulgaria and Turkiye,” he added and wished everyone a healthy, cheerful and happy 2026.

BTA Director General Kiril Valchev opened the exhibition earlier on Monday. “With these works, the talented children of Turkiye show how the Bulgarian and Turkish peoples can build the present as good neighbours, by getting to know each other better and seeing the beauty in the neighbouring country and its people," Valchev said.

/VE/