site.btaProf. Kalin Yanakiev Calls for Stronger Cultural Ties Between Bulgarian Intelligentsia and Ukrainian Bulgarians

The Bulgarian intelligentsia, largely democratically minded, should be better known among the Bulgarian community in Ukraine, and vice versa, said philosopher and cultural expert Prof. Kalin Yanakiev. He made the remarks during the panel discussion “Preserving the Cultural Heritage and Memory of Bulgarians in Ukraine” at the International Ethnographic Film Festival “OKO” held in Sofia. 

Prof. Yanakiev highlighted that Bessarabian Bulgarians in Ukraine naturally and enthusiastically preserve their traditions and ethnic identity, passing them from generation to generation. He noted that this preservation has become even more significant amid the ongoing war. 

The professor also pointed out the differing interpretations of nationalism in Bulgaria and Ukraine. “In Bulgaria, nationalism is often seen as hostility against something, while in Ukraine it is a form of defending life, culture, and identity,” he explained. 

Yanakiev warned that without understanding the deeper meaning of folklore as a tool for identity defense, simply viewing it as entertainment misses its true importance. He further cautioned against calls for peace with Russia that overlook the ongoing risks of cultural and physical genocide, referencing the Soviet era and current threats. 

The festival program featured Bulgarian cultural performances from the Ukrainian region of Bessarabia, film screenings, and discussions focused on preserving Bulgarian heritage in Ukraine amid the challenges of war.