site.btaBTA, Targovishte Sign Partnership Agreement to Promote Local Culture and History

The Director General of the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), Kiril Valchev, and the Mayor of Targovishte Municipality, Darin Dimitrov, signed a partnership agreement Wednesday to facilitate the coverage and promotion of the municipality’s cultural calendar. The agreement was signed during the opening of a local conference in Targovishte as part of BTA’s EU-backed project Europe on the Balkans: Cohesion Skills.

Valchev explained that the partnership includes receiving copyright-cleared materials from the municipality, particularly photos and videos, and ensuring systematic media coverage of cultural events such as the Traditional Spring Fair, where BTA is a media partner. The news agency also plans to cover folklore festivals, art exhibitions, and concerts.

Valchev noted that cooperation with Romania’s national news agency could generate international interest in Targovishte.

He gifted Mayor Dimitrov the latest issue of BTA's LIK magazine, dedicated to Bulgaria and world expos, describing it as fitting for a city that hosts both an exhibition and a fair. The edition will be officially presented on Sunday, May 18, during Bulgaria Day at EXPO 2025 in Osaka. The special edition of the magazine is available in both Japanese and English.

Valchev also presented the mayor with a commemorative medal on the 125th anniversary of BTA, and a special edition postage stamp.

He shared historical insights, noting that the first BTA report of the Targovishte Fair dates back to 1970, describing the event as the 190th edition and citing local legends that trace its origins to equestrian races and wrestling matches. The fair eventually grew into the largest annual economic event in Northeastern Bulgaria, with over 1,000 market stalls.

The oldest photo of Targovishte in the BTA archive is from 1953, showing a panoramic view of the local hospital. A selection of historical photographs - including images of the changing streets and central bus station — was specially prepared for the mayor. Valchev noted that the agency is currently digitizing its archive to improve accessibility.

Mayor Dimitrov expressed gratitude on behalf of the municipality and its citizens, emphasizing the value of the partnership for preserving and promoting Targovishte’s cultural heritage. He praised BTA for serving as a reliable local media outlet that provides citizens with accurate, verified information, and for helping highlight key municipal initiatives.

Targovishte is the eleventh city to formalize such a partnership with BTA.