site.bta176th Birth Anniversary of Poet and Freedom-Fighter Hristo Botev Celebrated in Moldova

Bulgarians in Moldova celebrated the 176th birth anniversary of poet and freedom-fighter Hristo Botev by laying wreaths and flowers at his monument in Chisinau. Members of Bulgarian educational and cultural organizations gathered at the monument.

Bulgarian Ambassador to Moldova Maya Dobreva thanked the local Bulgarian community for their efforts over the years "to preserve our common cultural and historical heritage". Hristo Botev (1848-1876) is not just a part of that heritage, she said. "He epitomizes the Bulgarian Revival and was one of the foremost figures of the national liberation movement of the Bulgarian people. Botev's personality and legacy should be remembered, honoured and praised in every corner of the planet where Bulgarians live. I am overjoyed that Moldova is a prime example in this respect," Dobreva said.

The renovated bust monument to Botev in Chisinau was unveiled by Bulgarian Vice President Iliana Iotova late last year. The repairs had begun in April 2023 on the initiative of the Association of Bulgarian Studies in Moldova. The surrounding area was rehabilitated as well. The project was supported by the Foreign Ministry in Sofia under its Bulgarian Development Aid Programme. The Bulgarian side provided BGN 33,000 in funding for the BGN 38,293 project.