site.btaObservances: February 17

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1836: Sultan Mahmud of Ottoman Empire allows entrepreneur Dobri Zhelyazkov to build first textile factory in Bulgaria and Balkans.

1898: BTA issues first news bulletin.

1902: Elections are held for 12th National Assembly.

1941: Bulgaria and Turkiye sign declaration of non-aggression, goodneighbourly relations and trade.

1947: Diplomatic relations with Belgium are restored; established December 11, 1879 at level of diplomatic agencies, promoted to embassy level November 6, 1964.

1983: World Students' Winter Games open in Sofia.

1990: Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria is set up.

1997: Council of Ministers adopts decision on Bulgaria's accession to NATO as full member.