site.btaTrapezitsa Fortress Restored with EUR 1.2 Mln Donation from Azerbaijan

Trapezitsa Fortress Restored with EUR 1.2 Mln Donation from Azerbaijan

Veliko Turnovo, North-Central Bulgaria, September 22 (BTA) - Azerbaijan First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and Prime Minister Boyko Borissov opened here on Thursday the renovated Trapezitsa Fortress. The funds needed for completing the fortress' last stage of restoration amounted to 1.2 million euro and were donated by Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev Foundation, presided by Aliyeva.

Addressing the guests, Aliyeva noted that the relations between Bulgaria and Azerbaijan are characterized by strategic partnership.

She said that cultural ties are the most powerful weapon in times of radicalization and terrorism.

Azerbaijan's First Lady also noted that the historical fortress is of exceptional importance for Bulgaria, and a part of the European cultural heritage.

Prime Minister Borissov delivered a speech, saying that there was and will be only peace and friendship between the Bulgarians and Azeris. He also noted that the same way Muslims support Christian historical monuments, Christians are maintaining Muslim places of worship.

Borissov and Aliyeva were presented by Veliko Turnovo Mayor Daniel Panov with a replica of a medallion, discovered at the Trapezitsa Fortress, which depicts two lions from the city's medieval period.

Aliyeva was made an honorary citizen of Veliko Turnovo for her contribution to preserving the city's cultural and historical heritage. She was also awarded an honorary degree by the University of Veliko Turnovo.