site.bta Giannis Liolios Calls Stefan Gechev "Bridge of Friendship Between Greece and Bulgaria"

Interviewed by BTA, Giannis Liolios, Chairman of the Aristotle - Cultural Bridge Association, said writer, poet, translator, literary critic and diplomat Stefan Gechev (1911-2000) is a bridge of friendship between Greece and Bulgaria and has become a symbol of both countries.

"There have been dark moments in history between Bulgaria and Greece, but there have also been bright ones. Let us build on the bright moments. Before judging one another, let us first get to know the other side. Once we do so, the path to peace and development is already open and built," he said.

Liolios took part in the presentation of the Greek edition of Stefan Gechev's "Know Thyself" during the Thessaloniki International Book Fair, which ended on May 10 and at which Bulgaria was the guest of honour.

"Stefan Gechev could not, in one way or another, be absent from the Book Fair - he was the person who, in the mid-20th century, introduced Bulgarian audiences to Greek poetry and culture during those difficult times," Liolios stressed.

He highlighted the contribution of former Greek ambassador to Bulgaria Michael Christidis, as well as of Bulgaria's Deputy Culture Minister Viktor Stoyanov, who, according to Liolios, initiated the book presentation as part of Bulgaria's participation in the fair.

Liolios also recalled that the Greek Embassy in Sofia has a hall named after Stefan Gechev, where events bringing the two peoples closer together are held.

"Stefan Gechev's work as a translator is immense. Greek culture was introduced in Bulgaria thanks to him. His literary work is vast and deeply philosophical. His value system should become a benchmark for Europeans. Stefan Gechev outgrew his national identity and was already a Balkan European even before the European Community emerged," Liolios said. He also recalled that Gechev had served at the Bulgarian legation in Athens in the 1930s.

"Know Thyself", translated by Dionysia Nerologou, was published by To Kentri publishing house with the support of Bulgaria's Ministry of Culture and has already been presented in Athens. Biographical notes about Gechev are available on the website of the Greek-Bulgarian Association Aristotle - Cultural Bridge.