Svetlozar Zhelev Supports Burgas for European Capital of Culture in Leipzig

One of the most recognizable and influential contemporary promoters of Bulgarian literature – Svetlozar Zhelev – declared his strong support for Burgas's candidacy for “European Capital of Culture 2032” during the Leipzig Book Fair 2026. This happened on the first day of the prestigious international forum, which this year brings together over 2000 exhibitors from 45 countries. Among the official guests and supporters of the Bulgarian presence in Leipzig was His Excellency Mr. Grigor Porozhanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Germany. With his characteristic dedication to Bulgarian culture and literature, Svetlozar Zhelev once again became one of the most active ambassadors of our country to the international audience. In Leipzig, he not only promotes Bulgarian books and authors, but also selflessly presents Burgas's ambition to win the prestigious title “European Capital of Culture 2032”. His support has special value, because it comes from a person, established as one of the most important names in the contemporary literary space of Bulgaria – a person who consistently builds bridges between Bulgarian literature, European cultural dialogue and new audiences. This year's Leipzig Book Fair focused on the topic “The next generation ‘Danube’: what is the future?”. Books from regions along the Danube are presented, and along with literary highlights, important social issues related to the lives of people in these territories are also discussed. Among the participants is Prof. Georgi Bardarov, who presents his novel “I still count the days” with a multimedia format and artistic participation. Bulgaria is present with its official meeting stand, where books by a number of Bulgarian authors and publishing houses were presented. Among them were the latest titles by authors from the “Znatsi” Publishing House – Hayri Hamdan with “Biography of the Abyss”, Stefan Minchev with “Bulgarian Work”, as well as Mario Savchev, who lives in Germany, with the book “The Universe in Your Eyes”.