In the period from October 23 to 25, 2025, a series of cultural events related to UniBIT initiatives are being held at the Ataturk Cultural Center in Edirne.
The first of these is a round table on the topic of “Problematic issues of cross-border scientific, educational and diplomatic activities“ and a thematic exhibition dedicated to 155 years since the establishment of the Bulgarian Exarchate and 80 years of the autocephalous Bulgarian Church. The forum brought together scientists, researchers, diplomats and public figures from both sides of the border to discuss the promotion of cultural exchange, education and cross-border cooperation.
The official program of the round table had a solemn opening with the anthems of the two countries, followed by greetings and thematic panels. Among the highlights were the reports “Geopolitics of Transition – the new world order and the opportunities for Bulgaria in the multipolar world“, “Demography, environmental factors and their impact on national security“, “Deglobalization, artificial intelligence and diplomacy“ and “The role of diplomacy in the preservation of Bulgarian churches and in cross-border cooperation“.
The program also includes a visit to the Bulgarian shrine on the territory of the municipality of Edirne – the church “St. Constantine and Elena“, where the official opening of the exhibition and a discussion with the participants and guests of the event took place.
The exhibition presents 12 panels, including a story about the Bulgarian church movement, which led to the establishment of the Bulgarian Exarchate with the firman signed by Sultan Abdul Aziz on February 27, 1870, and emphasizes its role as not only a religious, but also a socio-political institution in the struggles for the national liberation process. Key figures have been selected - Neofit Bozveli, Ilarion Makariopolski, Dr. Stoyan Chomakov, as well as the later spiritual leaders Antim I and Exarch Joseph I, under whose rule the Exarchate reached its peak in its educational and church activities in the European possessions of the Ottoman Empire (hundreds of schools and dozens of secondary educational institutions). The exhibition also touches on lesser-known pages - the participation of the Bulgarian Eastern Catholics (Uniates) as part of the search for international support without renouncing Bulgarian cultural and national identity. The exhibition was created by a team of scientists from UniBIT, and is funded with the kind assistance of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria.
The round table, which is organized under the research project "Research of the possibilities for the application of artificial intelligence in diplomatic activities", financed by the "Scientific Research" Fund, headed by Assoc. Prof. Plamen Teodosiev, provided a serious platform for scientists, researchers, diplomats and public figures, and among the official guests were H.E. Mrs. Radoslava Kafedjiyska - Consul General of the Republic of Bulgaria in the city of Edirne, Mr. Recep Gürkan - one of the most successful mayors of the city of Edirne (2014 - 2024), H.E. Mr. Angel Cholakov - Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Republic of Turkey and etc.
In his emotional address, Ambassador Angel Cholakov emphasized that through the many scientific and cultural initiatives of UniBIT, diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Turkey are developing sustainably and are being enriched with new formats of cooperation - from academic exchange programs to joint cultural projects.
Ms. Radoslava Kafedjiyska noted that “Bulgaria is a gateway to Europe, and the work of the consuls is aimed at supporting all aspects of bilateral contacts - educational, social and cultural“ - which is why she finds UniBIT a serious and reliable partner.
In his welcoming speech, Mr. Recep Gürkan emphasized the role of UniBIT as a leading educational institution, which with its scientific expertise and initiative helps to build living bridges between academic communities and local authorities. He expressed his joy that the city of Edirne is the host of the forum. – a city that is the center of three major world religions – Islam, Christianity and Judaism, and thus a natural space for intercultural dialogue and mutual respect.
In addition, Prof. Stoyan Denchev – Chairman of the Board of Trustees of UniBIT emphasized the contribution of Mr. Gürkan as mayor, during whose time the Cultural Center, where today's event took place, was built. Prof. Denchev also expressed his personal gratitude for the excellent hosting, sharing that Edirne is a place where he feels at home – because of the good welcome, mutual respect and the many useful public initiatives between Bulgaria and Turkey. He added that these initiatives are part of the cultural calendar of UniBIT and the Ministry of Culture of Bulgaria, which will continue on November 1st – Day of the People's Builders, in the Bulgarian Exarchate in Istanbul.
It should be noted here that Prof. Stoyan Denchev is an honorary citizen of the city of Edirne, which gives even greater symbolism to the holding of the forum here.
The work of the round table continued with academic panels and discussions, which outlined a multi-layered portrait of cross-border interaction - from geopolitical challenges and demographic trends, through the role of artificial intelligence and diplomacy, to practical models of cooperation between universities and local institutions. The participants discussed the preservation of cultural heritage, including temples and archives, as a common responsibility and as a basis for future joint projects. The chronology and thematic scope of the speeches followed the official program of the forum.
The round table in Edirne showed how culture, education and diplomacy can work synergistically. UniBIT demonstrated a sustainable model of academic leadership – through the exhibition on the Bulgarian Exarchate, which both educates and connects communities, and through the round table, which builds on the expert conversation with real partnerships and initiatives.
In conclusion, today in Edirne remains as a center for cultural communication and mutual respect, a city where the academic spirit of UniBIT meets the hospitality of Edirne and the support of Bulgarian and Turkish diplomacy – to outline a clear roadmap towards even closer cross-border cultural and educational cooperation.