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The Head of State: the “Glamour of the East” Exhibition Presents Bulgaria’s Contribution to the World Cultural Treasure House

The “Glamour of the East” exhibition presents Bulgaria’s contribution to the world cultural treasure house, President Rosen Plevneliev said, who opened an exhibition dedicated to the Bulgarian ecclesiastical art and cultural traditions from the 9th to the 14th century in the Klosterneuburg monastery in Austria. “Art is the most universal language, in which people from different countries can communicate and which also conveys a message of understanding and tolerance. I believe that it will unite us for yet another time in our quest for spiritual growth,” the Head of State emphasized.

Founded in 1114, the Klosterneuburg monastery is not only a religious center today, but also one of the most visited museum centers in the region. The 135th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Austria was marked in the spiritual abode in 2014. “This is one of the main reasons for providing the opportunity to enjoy a small, yet invaluable part of the Bulgarian cultural heritage namely here,” the Head of State said. The exhibition tells about the Bulgarian Middle Ages. The exhibition shows the steps made by St. Andrew the Apostle, who was the first to spread Christ’s word in the Bulgarian lands.  It displays the most exquisite pieces of the Bulgarian ecclesiastical art from the 9th to the 14th century.

President Rosen Plevneliev voiced gratitude to the Federal Province of Lower Austria and the Klosterneuburg monastery for the interest and hospitality with which they hosted the Bulgarian medieval art. “Hopefully, the current exhibition will inspire many to visit Bulgaria and to come to know better its rich history and traditions,” the President said.

The safest investment every country can make particularly in times of crises is in education and science because the prosperity of every nation is based on its culture and spirituality. “Currently Europe should set the example of being a united community with shared values in which borders are only symbolic and communication barriers disappear,” the President said. Rosen Plevneliev highlighted that a lot of things unite us today. “We cherish the same values – the rule of law and human rights. We strive to achieve the same ideal – peace and prosperity. Today more than ever before we are Europeans,” the President said upon opening the exhibition. “The European Union is a family. All members of the family should take part in solving the problem with the refugees. Helping the people whose life is in danger is our common value. However, it is also important to draw a distinction between those escaping from war and those seeking better economic prospects and social benefits. The European leaders now understand that protecting your borders and respecting human rights and freedoms do not clash,” the Head of State further commented.

In Rosen Plevneliev’s opinion, currently the Balkans are the best example of such positive changes. “Today southeastern Europe is very different. So far unobserved economic and political cooperation is developing in the region and the Balkan countries have all chances to unlock and realize their great potential,” the Head of State further said in the address he made at the opening ceremony of the exhibition.

The Prime Minister of Lower Austria Erwin Proell highlighted the words “Europe” and “culture” as the engine of Lower Austria’s policy. These concepts build a bridge between the peoples, cultures and regions in Europe and bring peace and prosperity, Proell said.

The “Glamour of the East” exhibition will be displayed in the Klosterneuburg monastery until the end of July.