In 2024 in the cultural calendar of the World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – UNESCO included the remarkable 200th anniversary for us Bulgarians of the publication of “Primer with various teachings” became known as the “Fish Primer”, published in 1824 by the revivalist Dr. Peter Beron“.
On this occasion, the University of Library Science and Information Technology (UniBIT) organized a series of scientific and cultural events, with which they celebrated at a high level the spectacular two-century path of secular education.
The beginning was made in the month of September 2024, when in the Catalan capital Barcelona, UniBIT organized and held a round table and exhibition dedicated to the 200th anniversary of the publication of one of the first in Europe and the first Bulgarian secular textbook.
On November 14, 2024 jointly UniBIT, the National Library “St. St. Cyril and Methodius“ and the National Commission for UNESCO under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria presented an exhibition and scientific reports to a wide audience related to the work of the remarkable Bulgarian Dr. Petar Beron. The host of the event was the Bulgarian Cultural Institute in the capital of France – Paris.
Just a day later, two important cultural events took place in the salons of the Bulgarian Embassy in Paris – Exhibition opening and awarding of the outstanding Sylvie Vartan. With thunderous applause, the enthusiastic audience enthusiastically welcomed the world-famous singer and actress, the Bulgarian-born Sylvie Vartan and her husband – the famous American actor and producer Tony Scotti. After hearing the anthems of the host country – France and the Republic of Bulgaria – UniBIT Rector Prof. Irena Peteva and Mrs. Silvi Vartan cut the ribbon and officially opened the exhibition “The Unknown Fish Primer”. Prof. Krasimira Alexandrova – director of the National Library “St. St. Cyril and Methodius“ and her colleague – one of the creators of the exhibition, Dr. Boyana Mincheva, as well as Associate Professor Vasil Zagorov from UniBIT presented rare old printed books and introduced the guests to interesting facts reflected in the exhibition panels. The exhibition will also be exhibited in the UNESCO central building and open to visitors of the World Organization on December 10 this year.
The beginning of the ceremony honoring Mrs. Sylvie Vartan was set with an emotional speech by Prof. Stoyan Denchev. The vice-rector of UniBIT - Prof. Teresa Trencheva presented a detailed biography of the famous singer and actress, and the rector of UniBIT – Prof. Irena Peteva presented the applicants for the respective honorary title “PROFESSOR HONORIS CAUSA” regalia.
After being awarded the honorary title, Sylvie Vartan thanked UniBIT with a heartfelt speech in Bulgarian. With thunderous applause and influenced by Sylvie Vartan's words, Prof. Denchev proposed to her, and together with her sang “Ya kej mi oblache le bialo“. Everyone present joined in this wonderful a cappella performance. At the end of the celebration, Prof. Denchev presented Mrs. Vartan on behalf of the Central Cooperative Union with a special plaque, as well as a gift of the priceless Bulgarian rose oil.
Aware of the singer's prior expectations, Stoyan Denchev presented Silvi Vartan with her favorite Bulgarian spices, savory, jojen, patterned salt, lutenitsa and sheep's cheese.
The special guest of the event was the famous Bulgarian sculptor Mr. Vezhdi Rashidov, who minutes after awarding Mrs. Sylvie Vartan, delivered a heartfelt speech, making a connection between the role and importance of UniBIT's initiatives as an educational, scientific and cultural institution and the worldwide popularity of Silvi Vartan, naturally connected with Bulgarian culture.
