Today, December 9, 2025, at the Bulgarian Cultural Institute “Dom Wittgenstein“, in Vienna, a significant scientific conference and accompanying exhibition were opened, dedicated to two important anniversaries in Bulgarian history and culture: 155 years since the establishment of the Bulgarian Exarchate and 80 years since the proclamation of the autocephaly of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
The event brought together not only leading scientists and researchers from Bulgaria, Austria and Germany, but also cultural and political representatives, who emphasized the importance of Bulgarian spirituality and cultural identity in an international context.
The official opening was held by Prof. Stoyan Denchev, who welcomed all participants and guests and shared that he is truly proud that it is UniBIT that is the driving force behind the holding of significant scientific and cultural events accompanying these great anniversaries, first in Istanbul, then in Edirne, Tirana, Bitola, and today in Vienna.
In his opening speech, H.E. Desislava Naydenova, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Republic of Austria, greeted the organizers, participants and guests with the words: “Welcome to Vienna – an important and significant place in Bulgarian history and culture, which is rightly called “Bridge Builder“, and the Wittgenstein House is one of the first Bulgarian cultural institutes in Europe. By holding your scientific and cultural events – You from UniBIT continue the mission of the enlighteners – to keep the spirit, memory and self-awareness of the Bulgarian people awake.“ Ambassador Naydenova emphasized the importance of Bulgarian cultural diplomacy, focusing on the role of Vienna as one of the centers for the preservation and development of Bulgarian culture and spirituality outside the borders of the homeland.
Congratulations for the event were also extended by Mr. Ashot Kazaryan, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria, on behalf of Minister Marian Bachev. He noted:
„These events are financed by the Ministry of Culture, and the organizers – UniBIT and the Institute for the Bulgarian Diaspora and Cultural Heritage Abroad – successfully fulfill their mission to preserve and popularize the history and culture of our ancestors and pass it on to new generations. Through the modern approach to organizing these events, they create a suitable environment for preserving the Bulgarian identity.“ Mr. Ashot Kazaryan also emphasized the importance of such international cultural and scientific forums, which not only provide an opportunity for the exchange of knowledge, but also strengthen the cultural ties between Bulgaria and Austria, two countries connected by long-standing historical and spiritual relations.
The events were hosted by the Bulgarian Cultural Institute “Wittgenstein House“, and its director, Prof. Rumyana Koneva, welcomed the guests, noting the historical value of the cultural institute in the context of Bulgarian education. She pointed out that the Wittgenstein House is a gathering center for science, education and culture, as well as a symbol of the spiritual and cultural ties between Bulgaria and Austria. Prof. Koneva recalled that even during the Renaissance, books were printed in this city and scientific exhibitions were organized, which not only preserved, but also expanded the influence of Bulgarian culture beyond the borders of the Ottoman Empire. She shared that today's events on the occasion of the anniversaries of the Bulgarian Exarchate and the autocephaly of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church continue this noble tradition and emphasize the importance of the spiritual and cultural identity of the Bulgarians.
Among the special guests of the event was Prof. Martin Stiger – Rector of the University of Applied Sciences Allensbach, in Konstanz, Germany, who greeted the participants and guests, emphasizing that UniBIT is a university of European importance because it actively contributes to the preparation of future leaders in Europe and the world through scientific and cultural initiatives such as today's. Prof. Stiger recalled that events such as this not only preserve cultural memory, but also make it accessible to new generations, and his colleague Prof. Peter Sittler, Member of the Parliament of Vienna and Honorary President of the Association of Austrian Engineers, also greeted the attendees. He expressed his satisfaction with the active role of the UniBIT scientific community in strengthening the scientific, cultural and social ties between Bulgaria and Austria, emphasizing the importance of such events for creating bridges for cooperation between the two countries.
A lengthy speech to the participants was also made by Bishop Tikhon of Tiberiopolis, who congratulated the organizers of the conference and the exhibition, sharing that the topic of the Bulgarian Exarchate and the autocephaly of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church are important and significant topics, because they show how within the Ottoman Empire, thanks to the unanimity of the Bulgarians, a unique deed was achieved - the establishment of the Bulgarian Exarchate. Moreover, the Empire realized the importance of outlining the national borders of the Bulgarian identity.
A special inclusion “live” was also made by Archimandrite Dionysius, who emphasized the role and importance of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church in the formation and establishment of the Bulgarian state. One of the main highlights of the event was the opening and presentation of an exhibition by the remarkable scholar and researcher of church-national struggles, Prof. Boryana Bujashka, which includes 24 panels telling the story of the Bulgarian Exarchate and its significance for the existence of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. The exhibition is the result of many years of research and contains photographs, archival documents and information about important events in Bulgarian church and spiritual history. It presents individuals who played a key role in these processes and proves how the Bulgarian Exarchate was the founder of modern Bulgarian identity.
The scientific conference was opened and moderated by Prof. Vanya Dobreva, who with her exceptional skill created a favorable atmosphere for discussions between leading scholars and young researchers. The topics of the conference examine the historical, cultural and religious aspects of the establishment of the Bulgarian Exarchate and the autocephaly of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. During the conference, new research and analyses on the significance of these events for the Bulgarian people were presented.
The solemn opening of the scientific conference and exhibition at the Wittgenstein House not only gave deserved recognition to the significant events of Bulgarian history, but also created another opportunity to strengthen the cultural and scientific ties between Bulgaria and Austria. Through these initiatives of one of the leading universities in Bulgaria and Europe - the University of Library Science and Information Technologies, Bulgarian history, culture and spirituality continue to be actively presented and preserved as important symbols of the identity of the Bulgarian people in the contemporary European context.