site.btaObservances: January 13

JANUARY 13

Bulgaria:

- Film Makers' Day.

On this date in Bulgarian history: 

1880: The Order of Valour is instituted by decree of Prince Alexander I Battenberg. This first Bulgarian state distinction, which has four classes, is awarded only in wartime.

1899: The Danube Fleet and the Marine Force are united to form the Bulgarian Navy, headquartered in Varna.

1899: The first Bulgarian motion picture, "Bulgaran Is a Gallant", is screened.

1940: The region along the Ropotamo River is designated as a reserve.

1972: The Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv inaugurated.

1972: Diplomatic relations with Pakistan, established on June 15, 1965, are severed. Restored on March 29, 1972.

1992: The St Stephen Foundation is established with the purpose of preserving and restoring the Bulgarian cultural monuments in Istanbul and Edirne, Turkey.
      
1992: Bulgaria recognizes the independence of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

1994: BBC Radio's first information centre outside the UK opens in Sofia.