Timișoara, a large multicultural city in western Romania, is the center of the historical community of the Banat Bulgarians. The members of this community are descendants of settlers from the Bulgarian lands nearly three centuries ago, who have preserved their language and traditions to this day. Now they will have the opportunity to study contemporary standard Bulgarian in an academic environment - at the newly opened Bulgarian language lectureship at the West University of Timișoara.

“I would like this Bulgarian language course and the more active communication with Bulgaria to bring more cultural events with Bulgarian participation to this multi-ethnic city. Because this is a place with a German theater, a Serbian theater, and naturally a Romanian theater, along with their schools. Here, the cultures of several peoples are present. Bulgaria could more often organize events or take part in projects in Timișoara. The city has a tradition with the summer Festival of the Hearts, where several Bulgarian folklore ensembles have already participated. More initiatives would strengthen the presence of Bulgarian culture and the self-confidence of the local community.”

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As the central city of the Banat region, Timișoara attracts the intellectual elite of every community, and the local Bulgarians are active in all fields - among them there are doctors, surgeons, lawyers, bank directors, teachers, and engineers. This strong presence provides a basis for developing a series of educational initiatives, such as the Bulgarian language lectureship at the West University.

“Life here is very dynamic. I truly don’t have a minute of free time, because people are eager for communication, eager to speak Bulgarian, eager for active cultural presence. And everything we organize and plan - this entire cultural activity - is tied to the language. A richer cultural life requires the development of a richer language. This is what we can wish for the local Bulgarian community as well,” Dr. Svetlana Karadzhova concludes.

Photos: Facebook /Svetlana Karadzhova, Facebook /Universitatea de Vest din Timișoara, opiniatimisoarei.ro

English publication: R. Petkova