ISLAMABAD : Monitoring Desk – The Embassy of Bulgaria in Islamabad hosted a vibrant reception titled “The Ancient Treasures of Bulgaria” to mark the Day of the Bulgarian Alphabet and Culture, as well as the 60th anniversary of Bulgaria-Pakistan diplomatic relations. The exhibition marked two significant milestones – Day of Bulgarian Alphabet and Culture and the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Pakistan.
Curated by the Institute of Balkan Studies and Centre of Thracology under the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the exhibition was formally introduced by Ambassador Irena Gancheva. Special guest Dr Alexander Milanova, assistant professor at the institute, had flown in from Sofia to personally set up and present the showcase.
The event brought together diplomats, officials, scholars and cultural enthusiasts for an evening of celebration and cultural exchange.
Ambassador of Bulgaria Irena Gancheva welcomed the guests and highlighted the strong and friendly ties between Bulgaria and Pakistan, forged over six decades of cooperation and mutual respect. She emphasised the importance of cultural diplomacy in deepening people-to-people connections and enhancing bilateral relations.
The chief guest, Additional Foreign Secretary for Europe, Mohammad Ayub, congratulated Bulgaria on its national cultural day and appreciated the embassy’s efforts to promote cultural understanding.
He noted the historical depth of both nations and expressed hope for continued collaboration in education, culture and trade. A key highlight of the evening was a special exhibition, “The Ancient Treasures of Bulgaria,” showcasing Bulgaria’s rich archaeological and cultural heritage.
Ambassador introduced Assist Prof Alexandra Milanova, scientific coordinator at the Institute of Balkan Studies and Centre of Thracology (study of the ancient Thracians and their civilization) at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, who came all the way from Sofia for the inauguration of the exhibition and for a series of lectures in Islamabad and Lahore on the historical and cultural heritage of Bulgaria.
Dr Milanova shared the exhibit as a window into the ancient Thracian civilisation, which once flourished in the region now known as Bulgaria.
The photographs featured artistically crafted gold and silver objects such as vessels, jewelry, weapons, and ceremonial artifacts, many of which had been housed in premier institutions like the Louvre and the British Museum.
Among the highlights was a striking image of over 5,000 gold objects unearthed near the Black Sea coast, believed to be the oldest processed gold in the world, dating back 6,500 years. “It is not only the weight or material that makes these treasures special,” Dr Milanova noted, “But their testament to humanity’s timeless desire to create beauty and meaning.”
The guests were served with delicious Bulgarian and the continental food. The embassy of Bulgaria, according to a guest, always hosts very thought-provoking and well-organized receptions and the credit for this evening’s overwhelming attendance too, goes to Ambassador Irena.
