site.btaSofia University's Hungarian Studies Programme Turns 40

The study programme Hungarian Philology at Sofia University celebrated its 40th anniversary with a concert of Hungarian indie group Platon Karataev. Accompanying the event was an exhibition of books in the central foyer of the Rectorate, the university's press centre said on Wednesday.

Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski is the only place in Bulgaria where Hungarian language, literature and culture are studied. Hungarian Philology has the status of a protected major, which means that students are exempt from semester fees. The study programme is gaining popularity and is increasingly successful, preserving the good traditions and following the example of the great translators and Hungarianists, training specialists and implementing various forms of intercultural dialogue.

The festive event was organized in cooperation with the Hungarian Cultural Institute "Liszt" in Sofia and the Embassy of Hungary. It was attended by the Vice-Rector of Sofia University Assoc. Prof. Georgi Valchev, the Director of the Hungarian Institute "Liszt" Sandra Miskedi, academia, and friends.

The celebration was opened by Assoc. Prof. Yoana Sirakova, Deputy Dean of the Faculty and Head of the Department of Classical Philology, who welcomed everyone and spoke about the importance of the Hungarian language, the dedication of the Hungarian lecturers and the graduates of the course, stressing that there are no big and small languages in culture.

Assoc. Prof. Sirakova said that the Hungarian Philology programme, in addition to Bachelor's and Master's degrees, now has an accredited doctoral degree.

Sandra Miskedi, Director of the Hungarian Cultural Institute in Sofia, also offered her greetings to the teachers and students of Hungarian Philology. She read a congratulatory address on behalf of the Ambassador of Hungary in Bulgaria, Tekla Harangozo, noting the successful cooperation of the study programme with the Hungarian Cultural Institute, and expressing gratitude to the management of Sofia University for making Hungarian Philology a protected programme.