International Photography Exhibition "National Dress: Source of Pride and Heritage" was Opened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria
The international photographic exhibition "National Dress: Source of Pride and Heritage", organized by the Global Network for Public Diplomacy (GPDNet) – Doha, Qatar, was officially presented at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria today.
A special greeting to the guests was made by Deputy Minister Nevyana Miteva, who emphasized the importance of such projects in the field of cultural and public diplomacy and greeted the guests, who were H.E. Mrs. Fahad Ibrahim Al-Mushairi, Ambassador of the State of Qatar in Sofia, Mrs. Maryam Majid Al-Saad, Secretary General of the Global Network for Public Diplomacy GPDnet and other foreign guests who participated in the international conference "Cultural Diplomacy and the Balkans - Achievements and Challenges in the Modern Era", organized by the Institute of Balkan Studies with Center of Thracology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences together with the State Institute for Culture to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, which took place on October 23, 2024 at the National Art Gallery "Kvadrat 500".
The exhibition was presented by Mrs. Saad, who told about the beginning of the idea to unite the member countries of the network and each country to have the opportunity to present itself with original photographs of authentic costumes. She thanked for the hospitality and the invitation from the State Institute for Culture, where the international presentation of the exhibition begins. This remarkable exposition emphasizes the beauty and cultural significance of traditional costumes from 17 member countries of the international organization GPDNet (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Hungary, Cuba, Malaysia, Moldova, Nigeria, Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, Mexico, Ghana). Opened for the first time at the 9th General Assembly of GPDNet in Doha, Qatar in May this year, the exhibition is going on an international tour, with the first destination being Bulgaria. The exhibition includes authentic photographs that capture the essence of traditional clothing - a key element of cultural heritage and world diversity. Among the exhibits are four professional photographs of Bulgarian folk costumes, selected from the collection of Svetoslav Petrov and taken by the photographer Petya Dobreva, included in the exhibition with the assistance of Ani Yoveva. National clothing represents the unique identity and rich history of a nation. By showcasing traditional clothing, the exhibition aims to preserve the deep-rooted heritage of each participating country. At a time of global division, this exhibition promotes a better understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, highlighting what makes each nation different.
Established in 2014 in Seoul, GPDNet is a global platform for cultural, academic and civic exchange, bringing together 29 member countries to promote international cooperation through public diplomacy. Since 2019, the Katara Foundation in Doha has held the rotating presidency of the organization, leading efforts to improve intercultural dialogue. Bulgaria became a full member of GPDNet in 2021 with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Doha.
The exhibition at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers an opportunity for all visitors to enjoy the cultural richness embodied in the traditional clothing of GPDNet member states. It is a celebration of timeless beauty and the importance of national clothing as a source of pride and heritage.
The event is organized on the initiative of the State Institute for Culture to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.