For the Ninth Consecutive Time the UNWE Is the Home of the Book for a Week

The IX edition of the University Book Week was officially opened - an event that has confirmed itself as an important part of the university's academic and cultural life.

"We started this initiative with the idea that the education that students receive at our university should be upgraded with the development of a general culture, love for the book, with the idea that the book adds value to the human growth. Today we mark the beginning of an inspiring week dedicated to the speech, meetings with authors and the exchange of ideas", outlined the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov.

Official guests at the opening were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dragomir Stefanov, Deputy Mayor of Students District, Martin Hristov, owner of ERGO Publishing House, Petya Gospodinova, Chairperson of the Management Board of the Bulgarian Book Association, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kalina Ivanova, Director of Sts. Cyril and Methodius National Library, the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov, Kaloyan Stefanov, Chairman of the Student Council, Nicole Fox, Public Communications Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hristiyan Atanasov, curator of the exhibition Benjamin Franklin and the Bulgarian Revival, Chief Archivist at the Oriental Collections Division of the National Library and lecturer at the UNWE Political Economy Department /in the picture above from the left to the right/.

Within the frameworks of the opening Prof. Dimitrov also focused on the exhibition Benjamin Franklin and the Bulgarian Revival, organized by Sts. Cyril and Methodius National Library jointly with the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria. "The exhibition reveals a lesser-known, but significant aspect of the activities of Prof. Stefan Bobchev – the founder of our university, who was the first to popularize the ideas of Benjamin Franklin in Bulgaria."

In her speech Mrs. Nicole Fox, Public Communications Counsellor at the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria, noted that the UNWE is an institution that has found its place in the world and that forms the next generation of leaders by working for the development of knowledge in Bulgaria. She expressed thankfulness to the Rector Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov about the opportunity for the exhibition Benjamin Franklin and the Bulgarian Revival to be shown at the University, as well as to the organizers of the exhibition - Sts. Cyril and Methodius National Library and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hristiyan Atanasov. "This exhibition illustrates how Benjamin Franklin was quoted, translated, perceived and discussed during the Bulgarian National Revival, as well as how the Bulgarian intellectuals worked for the nation-building through education even before the national independence was achieved", emphasized Ms. Fox and pointed out some of Benjamin Franklin's ideas that were very widespread at that time, namely, that knowledge must be shared, that progress must serve the public good and that education is the path to freedom.

"Benjamin Franklin probably never heard of Bulgaria and the Bulgarians, at his time we were part of the Ottoman Empire. What is more interesting, however, is that the Bulgarians find in him an example to follow", said the curator of the exhibition Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hristiyan Atanasov. "The exhibition shows that the ideas have no borders, and the spiritual influence turns out to be stronger than the geographical and political divisions. The Bulgarian Revivalists recognized Benjamin Franklin as their spiritual partner – a scientist, librarian, printer, diplomat and public figure, who had turned from a loyal British citizen into an irreconcilable revolutionary and one of the fathers of the American nation. In his image, they see the example of an active citizen taking responsibility for both himself and the community. It is no coincidence that his biography, as well as Poor Richard's Almanac, find a wide response in the Bulgarian literary environment."

Assoc. Prof. Atanasov outlined that Stefan Bobchev was only 21 years old when he translated from French the book The Life of Franklin published in Constantinople in 1874. “This exhibition also has a contemporary essence. In a time of rapid change and uncertainty, Franklin's ideas about the honest work, education and social responsibility sound surprisingly relevant. They remind us that the path to progress invariably passes through knowledge and culture", added the curator.

"The UNWE invests in the knowledge and culture of young people. It gives me confidence that the future is in safe hands", said Petya Gospodinova, Chairperson of the Board of the Bulgarian Book Association. "Every year, traditionally, many of our colleagues - publishers participate and they are extremely happy to be part of this event. Be sure to visit all the initiatives prepared by the organizers, because there is a lot to learn from them."

"It`s my pleasure to greet you on behalf of the Mayor of the Students District Mr. Petko Goranov, on the occasion of this wonderful event, one of the best that take place at our university", said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dragomir Stefanov, Deputy Mayor of Students District. "Reading books increases the culture of young people, which is extremely important. We live in the 21st century, when the technology often shifts our focus. One of the main challenges for modern people is to be able to concentrate and hold their attention – a skill that is developed precisely through reading. Therefore, I express my deep respect for the Rector and the University Management for they started this initiative, turned it into a tradition and continue to develop it."

"I am extremely pleased that once again we participate in the Book Week at the UNWE and we have the opportunity to exchange reading experience", said the owner of ERGO Publishing House Martin Hristov who is among the first exhibitors in the University Book Week. "We often hear that a book is a window to the world, a phrase that, although clichéd, is completely true. But there is something even more important, the reading develops the ability to think independently and critically, as well as the ability to make informed decisions. Whether it's fiction, textbooks, documentaries or reference books, the books enrich. Their role in the community center, at home or at the university is irreplaceable. Read and develop!"

"No matter how much the technologies advance the books are and will remain an integral part of our lives. I would like to thank to the University Management for the efforts and support they provide to the student community for its development", said Kaloyan Stefanov, Chairman of the Student Council.

11 publishers participate in the University Book Week and present a wide variety of new titles in different genres - from fiction and journalism to specialized scientific publications and books for personal development. Visitors will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the latest book proposals, discover new authors and meet confirmed names from the literary scene.

Among the participants in the rich programme of the University Book Week there are our lecturers - Prof. D.Sc. Pencho Penchev, Department of Political Economy, Chief Assist. Dr. Victor Ivanov, Law Faculty, Chief Assist. Dr. Iliya Valkov, Media and Public Communications Department, Chief Assist. Dr. Iva Raycheva, Statistics and Econometrics Department, as well as the PhD student Ilian Boychev with his book Mission Startup. From an Idea to a Successful Business. The Generation Z Handbook.

Among the special guests will be the journalist Yuliyana Doncheva who will present her novel The Road which served as the basis for the BNT series Kom-Emine, as well as Zahary Karabashliev with his latest novel The Last Dolphin Hunter. The program will include Aleona de Cama - author of the bestseller I Choose You, LOVE, Chef Ivan Manchev, the psychotherapist Ivo Velichkov with his book Wolf Wine.

The Rector outlined the efforts of Dr. Gergana Kirilova, Director of the Rector's Office Directorate and Desislava Paunska, Head of the Public Relations and Marketing Division for the organization of the event, for the rich programme of book premieres by both university lecturers and confirmed authors of different genres.