Burgas turns into a stage for the Black Sea International Literature Festival

From June 5 to 8, Burgas will host the third edition of the Black Sea International Literature Festival – one of the most significant literary events in the region, which brings together writers, translators, publishers, literary agents, and readers from Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, Ukraine, and Romania.

For three days, the city will become a space for meetings between literatures, cultures, and ideas through discussions, literary readings, professional panels, and meetings with authors. The forum strengthens the role of Burgas as a key center for international cultural exchange – a mission that directly supports the city's candidacy for European Capital of Culture 2032.

This year's edition places special emphasis on freedom of speech, international cooperation, and the future of literature in the Black Sea region. The theme of the festival is "The Black Sea speaks the language of freedom" – a message about the power of literature to overcome borders, create empathy, and connect people in times of division and uncertainty.

Among the festival's special guests are some of the most recognizable names in global publishing and contemporary literature. Arriving in Burgas are American writer Elizabeth Kostova – creator of the "Elizabeth Kostova" Foundation for Creative Writing, the legendary literary scout Cukla Maclehose, founder of London Literary Scouting and publisher at Open Borders Publishing, as well as Katharina Raabe – editor at the prestigious German publishing house Suhrkamp.

Among the international guests are also Jessica Sänger – president of the Freedom to Publish Committee at the International Publishers Association, Gvantsa Jobava – president of the International Publishers Association, American writer and editor Jeremiah Chamberlin, as well as writer Natalie Bakopoulos.

The festival will also introduce the public to some of the most significant contemporary authors from Europe and the Black Sea region. Among them are Andrey Kurkov – the most translated Ukrainian writer and two-time "Booker International" nominee, the Turkish author Ahmet Ümit – one of the most read and translated contemporary Turkish writers, as well as Teodora Dimova, Rene Karabash, Maria Kassimova-Moase, Galin Nikiforov, Nikolay Terziyski, and Vladimir Poleganov.

The program also includes Elena Vlădăreanu, Maryana Savka, Ostap Ukrayinets, and Roman Budanov from Ukraine, Ekaterine Togonidze, Salome Benidze, Elza Gurgunidze, and Eka Kevanishvili from Georgia, as well as Fırat Sunel, Fatih Erdoğan, and Tarık Tufan from Turkey.

The courtyard of the "Peyo K. Yavorov" Regional Library will become a stage for literary readings and discussions with international participation, and over the weekend, readers will be able to meet the authors in person at the Writers' House in Burgas.

The Black Sea International Literature Festival continues to develop its role as a bridge between languages, communities, and creative practices – an open platform where literature meets translation, publishing innovation, and new audiences.

The festival is part of the National Cultural Calendar of the Ministry of Culture.