ArmInfo. Every year since 1985, cities in Europe, according to the initiative of the European Union, receive the title of the capital of European culture.
For the first time, the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv was awarded this status for 2019. On the threshold of such an important year, during which a number of cultural events are expected to take place, the Bulgarian Embassy in Armenia took the initiative to hold a photo report about Plovdiv, for which a preliminary casting was held among Armenian photographers. The right to hold a photo session in the future capital of European culture was Raffi Yurejyan.
Yurejyan's works dedicated to Plovdiv were exhibited at Yerevan State University, due to which the residents of Armenia had the opportunity to get acquainted with the ancient Bulgarian city, which has a rich cultural heritage. In an interview with ArmInfo, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Bulgaria to Armenia, Ms. Maria Pavlova Tsosorkova-Kaymaktchieva, said: "For the first time, the Bulgarian city receives a similar title, and for us it is a great honor. The initiative of the European Union is a kind of way to bring the cultures of European nations closer, to find common values, which is extremely important. Taking into account that preparations are currently under way, we decided to send a young Armenian photographer to Plovdiv, and as a result we have the opportunity to see wonderful works, some of which reflect, in particular, the Armenian cultural heritage in Bulgaria. "
On this point, the Ambassador stressed that the Armenian community of Plovdiv makes a significant contribution to the cultural and economic development of the city and the country as a whole. "A feature of Plovdiv is precisely the diversity of its cultural heritage. For centuries in Plovdiv, representatives of many nations and nationalities live together in peace and harmony. And in this regard, the city serves as a good example of how cultural diversity can be a symbol of unity, and not disunity. This is the city where the past meets the present and the future, "she said.
In an interview with ArmInfo, photographer Raffi Yurejyan said that he was glad to receive such an invitation from the Bulgarian embassy. "I stayed in Plovdiv for almost 20 days. Before starting work, I met its inhabitants, because the city is better understood and felt when you understand the originality of its inhabitants, "he said. The photographer stressed that he was very impressed with old Plovdiv, where ancient monuments of architecture are preserved. In each of his photographs, Yurejyan wanted to put the spirit of the whole city, inscribe in it all of his emotions, which he felt during his journey. Noting that the trip to Plovdiv was quite an interesting experience, the photographer also told about pleasant impressions after meeting with the Armenian community. "I am always glad when I see that the Armenian Diaspora honors its traditions and culture. Plovdiv made no exception. I was lucky to meet and capture the historical and cultural heritage of the Armenian community of the city, "he said. In conclusion, Yurejyan added that he would definitely visit the capital of European culture once again.
To note, EU Ambassador to Armenia Piotrr Switalski, RA Deputy Minister of Culture Tigran Galstyan, rector of Yerevan State University Aram Simonyan, representatives of diplomatic missions in Armenia and other guests also visited the photo exhibition of Raffi Yurejyan dedicated to Plovdiv. Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria, which is located on seven hills. Together with Sofia and Varna, it is among the three largest Bulgarian cities, whose real population exceeds 400,000 inhabitants.