„The Fish Primer” of Dr. Petar Beron is one of the precious stones that shine in Bulgarian history, one of the events that preserved us over the centuries and thanks to them we exist as a people and a nation. This was stated by Vice President Iliana Yotova in Barcelona at the opening of events dedicated to the 200th anniversary of “Primer with different teachings” to Dr. Peter Beron – round table and exhibition “The Unknown “Fish Primer”, the Presidency of the Republic of Bulgaria announced.
The events are organized by the University of Library Science and Information Technologies, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the National Library “St. St. Cyril and Methodius", the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Barcelona and the Association of Bulgarians in Barcelona “St. Georgi“. The Royal Artistic Circle in Barcelona hosts the events. Among the prominent artists who received the highest award of the Royal Artistic Circle is the Bulgarian sculptor Vezhdi Rashidov.
„He who has science never fails” – with one of the tips in “The Fish Primer“ the vice president greeted the participants and attendees of the events. “There is truth, wisdom and light in these words. The only path that leads us forward is the path of knowledge. The Bulgarian nation was born from letters, from literature, from knowledge, spirituality and culture. Two heavy slaverys erased Bulgaria from the world map for a long time. And then the Bulgarians did not treasure gold and other possessions, for them the precious things were the books and the knowledge enclosed between their covers. They knew the power of education and culture," Iliana Yotova stressed.
In his speech, the vice-president highlighted the diversity of Dr. Peter Beron's work and the enormous contribution of the “Fish Primer” for Bulgarian education and Bulgarian culture even in the years before Liberation and the impetus it gave for their development within the framework of European culture. “To be the first, to lay the foundations, to chart the path not only for your contemporaries, but also for future generations – how much sagacity, strength, ambition, and broad outlook are needed! Someone will say that such courage is inherent in youth. It is true, but it is not enough to turn into a person who makes a revolution at the age of 25, because he is convinced that educated people build not only their future, but also the future of Bulgaria”, Iliana Yotova pointed out. She emphasized that the publication of the first Bulgarian secular primer marks the beginning of the new Bulgarian education, introduces a new method of education, makes the transition from spiritual texts in books to secular knowledge. “The Fish Primer“ is one of the most significant books of the Bulgarian Revival – the era that prefigured the awakening of a nation and the resurrection of a country," the vice president said.
Iliyana Yotova emphasized that the bright example of Dr. Petar Beron inspires even today sincere patriotism, not patriotism, dedication to others, a desire to develop not only yourself, but also others.
„Dr. Petar Beron is one of the Bulgarian awakeners, thanks to whom Bulgaria spread its cultural influence throughout Europe. The word "awakener" is very difficult to translate into another language, because it combines enlightenment, education, patriotism, and devotion to primordial human virtues, the vice president pointed out.
„Thank you for sharing with us the centuries-old and rich Bulgarian culture”, said the president of the Royal Artistic Circle Josep Felix Benz and emphasized the intense cultural contacts between Spain and Bulgaria. “The new word wake-up call, which I learned from Vice President Yotova, is so necessary today, and we must all adopt it to improve today's world,”, Benz pointed out. The Vice President presented the President of the Royal Artistic Circle with a replica phial depicting a rhyton from the Panagyur Treasure. Josep Felix Benz invited Iliana Yotova to leave a message in the more than 100-year-old book of honor of the Royal Artistic Circle, in which a number of Spanish kings and famous artists have left their signatures. “I am honored that on one of the most important dates in Bulgarian history in Barcelona we talked about the ancient Bulgarian culture and spirituality and their influence in Europe and the world”, the vice president wrote.
„Today, we are all united in the conviction of the power of education and culture, of memory, from which we draw strength, self-confidence and inspiration. We draw strength and inspiration from the memorable September 6, 1885. The Day of the Unification of Bulgaria is a lesson in dignity, strength and wisdom. September 6, 1885 is the strong example in Bulgarian history of unity in thoughts, feelings and deeds. This date lives in the heart of every Bulgarian in Bulgaria and abroad. The spirit of the Unification is in our desire to be together, to make even stronger the steel thread of the Bulgarian memory that connects us, to build Bulgaria together", with these words the vice president greeted those present on the occasion of the Day of the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia .
Later, Iliana Yotova will celebrate the holiday together with the Bulgarian community.