On October 29, 2025, the Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Plovdiv, Mr. Emre Manav, visited the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv. The museum’s exhibition was the first cultural institution chosen by the newly appointed diplomat to explore at the beginning of his mission.

The museum’s Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Angel Yankov, welcomed Mr. Manav and extended his congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Türkiye – October 29. He wished the Consul General a successful term and expressed confidence in the continuation and strengthening of the fruitful cooperation between Bulgaria and Türkiye in preserving and promoting the cultural and historical heritage shared by the two neighboring nations.

During the tour, the museum’s curator, Ms. Grozdelina Georgieva, presented some of the oldest and most valuable exhibits illustrating the everyday life and traditions of the Bulgarian people in the past. Mr. Manav was deeply impressed by the museum’s rich permanent collection. Among the displayed items – goldsmith tools, copperware, silver jewelry, and other artifacts – he recognized many crafts also practiced in his homeland.

Particular interest was sparked by the story of the gaida (bagpipe) – one of Bulgaria’s most emblematic traditional instruments, whose origins date back to the Thracian era. In return, the Consul General shared that in Türkiye, as in Bulgaria, women used to weave their emotions and unspoken feelings for their beloved ones into the intricate patterns of their carpets.

A connoisseur of caricature art himself, Mr. Manav also expressed his appreciation for the strong Turkish and overall Balkan participation in the Thirteenth International Biennial “Masters of Caricature”, organized and hosted by the Regional Ethnographic Museum – Plovdiv.

The visit concluded with a friendly exchange of good wishes and ideas for future cultural cooperation and joint initiatives dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional heritage.