The Bulgarian Ambassador to Turkey, H.E. Angel Cholakov, defined the exhibition organized in the BTA press club in Ankara, “The Bridge of Colors: Children with special talents from Turkey paint Bulgaria”, organized in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Turkey, the Center for Science and Art “Nastradin Hodja” and the Foundation of Emigrants from the Balkans in Ankara (BISAV), as a bearer of three main messages – children, talent and Bulgaria.
"The exhibition carries three very special messages – children, talent, Bulgaria. Children are the future of the planet. Talent is the engine for the future of the planet. Bulgaria for us, Bulgarians, is the dearest corner of the planet, and for you – our friends and guests as well, I hope, is a very special place. That is why I think that there is great symbolism in the fact that we are ending the year all together in our spiritual, emotional and artistic club – the BTA press club”, Cholakov said in his speech at the opening of the exhibition today.
The authors - aged 8 to 15 years old, recreate the beautiful nature of Bulgaria, its landmarks, folklore and traditions in twenty-nine drawings. Among them there are also portraits of the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who, after his stay in our country as a military attaché, was also impressed by Bulgaria, like the creators of the exhibition.
Angel Cholakov thanked the partners and friends who support Bulgarian-Turkish relations for their efforts and enthusiasm. He emphasized that the past year 2025 was very good for bilateral relations.
"At the beginning of the year, Bulgaria took over from Turkey the command of the anti-mine group in the Black Sea within the framework of NATO, in which Bulgaria, Turkey and Romania participate, in order to make our sea safer and more attractive for shipping, trade and tourism. A few days later, we showed Europe and the world that Bulgaria and Turkey are together everywhere, even in Antarctica. At the end of the year, our compatriots in Bursa – businessmen who are emigrants from Bulgaria, formed their business society "Kardzhali – Seat" – another bridge of Bulgarian-Turkish business relations. And tonight we are all together here, in our BTA club, at the exhibition of talented children, dedicated to Bulgaria. As you see, friends, the whole spectrum is covered – security, business, scientific cooperation and culture. This is how it should be between friends, neighbors and allies like Bulgaria and Turkey”, Angel Cholakov said.
The Bulgarian Ambassador to Turkey wished everyone a healthy, smiling and happy year 2026. He received a painting for Bulgaria from the children.