The history of the National Endowment Fund 13 Centuries Bulgaria over the past 45 years has been marked by drama, achievements and setbacks. Despite the challenges, however, the institution continues to exist and fulfil its mission, said Fund’s Director, Bisera Yosifova, during a ceremony marking the 45th anniversary of its establishment, held on Monday at The Palace, a branch of the National Gallery in Sofia.
In her words, 45 years is a relatively short period from a historical perspective, but the changes the institution has undergone call for an objective assessment of its development and recognition of the people who contributed to its creation and preservation.
Yosifova recalled the role of the late Minister of Culture Georgi Yordanov, whom she described as one of the Fund’s principal initiators and chroniclers. She explained that the idea first emerged in the late 1970s to establish an organization that would revive Bulgarian traditions of donations and philanthropy, rooted in the practice of church patronage, the Bulgarian National Revival and the period following Bulgaria’s Liberation.
Over the years, the Fund has implemented numerous initiatives in the fields of culture, education and science, Yosifova noted.
Among these, she highlighted the National Literary Award for Bulgarian Novel of the Year, which has recognized authors such as Georgi Gospodinov, Zahari Karabashliev, Teodora Dimova and Milen Ruskov.
Yosifova also pointed to the Fund’s significant contribution to supporting the Centre for Slavo-Byzantine Studies Prof. Ivan Dujcev, including the acquisition of valuable library collections and research archives, among them those of Professors Veselin Beshevliev and Ivan Dujcev.
She recalled that this year also marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the National Museum of Earth and Man. According to her, the museum’s construction, reconstruction, restoration and interior design were financed by the National Endowment Fund 13 Centuries Bulgaria. Among its principal exhibits are giant crystals donated by Iliya Delev.
The Fund’s Director also spoke about donations of artworks that have entered Bulgarian museums and galleries through the institution’s mediation.
The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), the National Gallery, Professor Aksinia Dzhurova, Professor Valeri Stefanov, and the foundation established by journalist Zelma Almaleh were awarded the honorary distinction of the National Endowment Fund 13 Centuries Bulgaria.
The honorary distinction, comprising a plaque and a certificate, is awarded to individuals and institutions that have contributed to the Fund’s activities and the development of philanthropy.
Presenting the award to BTA, Bisera Yosifova described the agency as a long-standing partner of the institution. She recalled their joint work on the award for Bulgarian-language journalism, which will be presented in Budapest this year.
Yosifova stressed BTA’s role in providing impartial, verified and accurate information about events in Bulgaria and around the world.
BTA Deputy Director General Evgenia Drumeva accepted the award and thanked the organizers for the recognition on behalf of her colleagues.
To mark the anniversary, a congratulatory address from the Minister of Culture, Evtim Miloshev, was read out by Deputy MinisterPlamen Slavov. A congratulatory address was also sent by President Iliana Yotova. It highlighted the Fund’s role in preserving cultural heritage and national memory, as well as the importance of every individual act of giving in shaping a shared future.
National Endowment Fund Marks 45th Anniversary, Recognizes BTA for Contribution to Fund’s Activities THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2026-10-12 17:59:00
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