site.btaBulgarian Embassy in Ankara Has Prepared 2023 Calendar Themed "Bulgaria Through Ataturk's Eyes 1913-1915"

The Bulgarian Embassy in Ankara has prepared a 2023 calendar themed "Bulgaria Through Ataturk's Eyes 1913-1915", the Anadolu Agency reported.

The calendar offers information in both Bulgarian and Turkish. It features photos taken in Bulgaria at the time, and information and stories about the period of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's residence in that country.

The first page says Ataturk was appointed Military Attache at the Ottoman Embassy in Bulgaria on October 27, 1913, and arrived in Sofia less than a month later.

Bulgarian Ambassador Angel Cholakov said in a message to the Anadolu Agency that the Republic of Turkiye marks the 100th anniversary of its establishment in 2023 and that this idea was implemented by Ataturk.

Ambassador Cholakov said: "On the occasion of the anniversary, as a special greeting to our Turkish colleagues, friends and partners, we decided to look back to those days and show how Ataturk saw Bulgaria, the places he visited, the cultural life he could sample."

The Ambassador also said the Bulgarian Embassy in Ankara and the Consulates General in Istanbul and Edirne had prepared an extensive programme to promote Bulgaria as a business, tourist and cultural destination.

Ambassador Cholakov said the Anadolu Agency's partner, the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), would open a representation in Ankara "in a few days this year". He added that this is a symbol of the cooperation between the two news agencies.

In his message, the diplomat quoted Ataturk as saying: "My advice to you is to go to Bulgaria, you will love the Bulgarians."

Meanwhile, the Turkish Ambassador in Sofia, Aylin Sekizkok, tweeted: "The Embassy of Bulgaria in Ankara has prepared the 2023 calendar as 'Ataturk and Bulgaria' in the 100th anniversary of the Republic. A different dimension of Ataturk's Sofia days is explained on each leaf of the calendar. Sincere thanks to Ambassador Cholakov for this meaningful gift!"

The calendar notes that the building used by the Ottoman government for the embassy in Sofia still houses the Turkish Ambassador's residence. Ataturk stayed there until January 20, 1915.

The calendar says Ataturk was a welcome guest in the homes of the Bulgarian social and political elite, and that King Ferdinand invited Ataturk to various public events.

The calendar quotes Ataturk as saying: "The memories of my short stay in Bulgaria have remained vivid and are very precious to me. (…) We take every opportunity to expand our friendly and trusting relationship with Bulgaria."