Exhibition of Traditional Costumes in Burgas Presents World Cultural Heritage

The Burgas Regional Historical Museum (RIM), with the key support of the Municipality of Burgas, is hosting a large-scale international photography exhibition. On September 4, at exactly 5:00 PM, at the exhibition hall of the Historical Exposition of RIM – Burgas, on "Lermontov" St. 31, the exhibition "National Dress: A Source of Pride and Heritage" will be officially opened. The event, which is being held in partnership with the State Cultural Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, gives the public of Burgas the opportunity to experience unique examples of cultural diplomacy.

The Exhibition "National Dress: A Source of Pride and Heritage"

The exhibition is organized by the Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPDNet), based in Doha, Qatar, and presents a selection of visual narratives about the beauty and diversity of traditional clothing. Through 170 photographs, selected from 17 GPDNet member countries, the exhibition highlights the significance of national costumes as an integral part of cultural identity and global diversity. Among the countries whose cultural heritage is represented is Bulgaria, which has been a full member of GPDNet since 2021.

The exhibition includes authentic and professionally captured photographs that capture the essence of traditional costumes as a key element of cultural heritage. Four of the presented photos are of Bulgarian national costumes, taken by the photographer Petya Dobreva. They are part of Svetoslav Petrov's collection and were included in the international selection thanks to the assistance of Ani Yoveva. This highlights the role of individual contributions in preserving and promoting national culture.

The first presentation of the exhibition took place during the Ninth GPDNet General Assembly in Doha, Qatar, in May 2024. Since then, the exhibition has been traveling the world, visiting various countries before arriving in Burgas. This is its second visit to Bulgaria. Its first stop in the country was in Sofia, as part of the accompanying program of the International Conference "Cultural Diplomacy and the Balkans – Achievements and Challenges in the Modern Era". This conference, which took place on October 23, 2024, at the National Art Gallery "Kvadrat 500", was organized by the Institute of Balkan Studies with Center for Thracology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with the State Cultural Institute at the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture.

GPDNet, established in Seoul in 2014, functions as a global platform for cultural, academic, and civil exchange. It unites 29 countries with the goal of promoting international cooperation through public diplomacy. Since 2019, the "Katara" foundation in Doha has headed the organization's rotating chairmanship, making systematic efforts to improve intercultural dialogue. Bulgaria's accession to the network in 2021 was achieved with the active support of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Doha.

National dress is recognized as one of the most important elements shaping the unique identity of every nation and its culture. Its presentation in an international context helps to deepen awareness and respect for the cultural diversity that makes each nation unique.

The theme of national costumes is also of scientific interest to RIM-Burgas. The museum has its own rich collection of traditional clothing from Burgas and the region, and through this international exhibition, it provides visitors with the opportunity to get acquainted with the characteristic costumes from other GPDNet member countries. The exhibition will remain at the Historical Exposition of RIM-Burgas until the end of October, giving citizens and guests of the city enough time to visit it.

Key Highlights of the Exhibition:

• Official Opening: September 4, 5:00 PM.
• Location: The Historical Exposition of RIM – Burgas, 31 "Lermontov" St.
• Number of Photographs: 170.
• Countries Represented: 17 GPDNet member countries.
• Duration: until the end of October.