05/01/2023 Postage stamp “175th anniversary of Hristo Botev’s birth” was validated at the National Assembly

05/01/2023

With a ceremony at the National Assembly, a postal-philatelic edition on the topic "175^th anniversary of Hristo Botev's birth" was launched. The Vice President of the National Assembly Nikola Minchev, the Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Krasimir Papukchiyski, the Deputy Minister of Culture Plamen Slavov and the President of the National Foundation "Hristo Botev" Boyan Botyov participated at the official validation of the postage stamp.

I am glad that with today's initiative at the National Assembly we express our gratitude to the hero of Bulgaria, Nikola Minchev said to the attendees. He pointed out that the validation of the postal-philatelic edition is part of the series of events that will pay tribute to the revolutionary poet, his work and his immortal feat in 2023.

Generations of Bulgarians worship him and associate Botev's name with the longing for freedom, with the dedication to one's people, with self-sacrifice, but also with creative genius, poetic skill and talent, Nikola Minchev stressed. Hristo Botev is among the remarkable figures in the world history who combine heroic life with fiery speech and go beyond the scale of their time and their country, the Vice President of the Parliament pointed out. Nikola Minchev noted that Hristo Botev bequeathed to us his pure love for the Fatherland and the fatherly hearth and his faith in the better future of our people. To be faithful to his covenants today means to be united in defending our national interests and to work for the common good with honour and dignity, the Vice-President of the National Assembly called.

The Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Krasimir Papukchiyski noted that in the stamp publishing there is a kind of alley of fame of the national leaders with a contribution to the history of Bulgaria, in which a special place is reserved for the national poet, publicist and hero Hristo Botev. He was the first Bulgarian revolutionary to appear on a stamp more than a century ago, Krasimir Papukchiyski said. The new postage stamp will allow Botev's messages to travel the world, he added.

The President of the National Foundation "Hristo Botev" Boyan Botyov expressed satisfaction that at the beginning of the year, the validation of the postage stamp and the putting into circulation of a commemorative coin started the events that will mark the 175^th anniversary of Hristo Botev's birth. He pointed out that together with the institutions that are relevant to the life and work of Hristo Botev and the Bulgarian Revival, a number of events will also be organized in 2023.

The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Science Krasimir Valchev thanked the National Foundation "Hristo Botev", which over the years has contributed to ensuring that students and children are more familiar with the life and work of Hristo Botev. Education in national self-awareness is what makes us Bulgarians, which preserves Bulgaria the most, and Hristo Botev is at the heart of this education, Krasimir Valchev added.

The artist Emilio Borata is the author of the stamp, on which he has recreated the monument of Hristo Botev in Vratsa, adding his creative interpretation to the symbol of the Bulgarian power - the Bulgarian lion. The stamp on the topic "175^th anniversary of Hristo Botev's birth" has a size of 50/25 mm, its nominal value is BGN 1.25, and the circulation is 5,500 pieces.