site.btaSvetlozar Nikolov, Veteran BTA Reporter, Correspondent, Translator and Editor, Dies Aged 83

BTA announces with deep sorrow the passing of its veteran staffer Svetlozar Nikolov. During his decades-long tenure at the Agency, he worked as reporter, translator, editor, correspondent in Havana, Cuba (between 1976 and 1981), and also head of the BTA External News Service Department. He passed away on December 31, 2025, his family announced. 

He was born in Sofia on October 21, 1942 to a Protestant Congregationalist family. On his mother's side, his roots are from Bansko (Southwestern Bulgaria) - the cradle of Bulgarian Protestantism.

Before joining BTA, Nikolov graduated in English Philology from the University of Sofia. 

He was also a translator of fiction and non-fiction from English, including Shimon Peres's biography by Prof. Michael Bar-Zohar.

On March 22, 2012, Svetlozar Nikolov received the Union of Bulgarian Journalists' Annual Award for News Agencies.

"Zaro", as he was known to his co-workers and friends, will be remembered for his vast erudition and linguistic competence, impeccable professionalism, subtle sense of humour, and above all kind and affectionate personality. He will be dearly missed.