BALKANFILA XXI 2026
Bulgaria, Pernik
Magazine Philatelic Review, issue No. 10, 1975
On the bright morning of September 27, hundreds of people gathered in front of the City Youth House “Lilyana Dimitrova” in Sofia to attend the opening of the international exhibition of Balkan philatelists “BALKANFILA V”.
The lively atmosphere and elements of solemnity were not lacking.
The national flags of the participating countries were waving: Greece, the People’s Republic of Romania, the Republic of Turkey, and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
Among the many attendees were: the Minister of Information and Communications Georgi Andreev; Deputy Ministers Prof. Stefan Stefanov, Eng. Lyuben Georgiev, Trayko Pelov, Eng. Lyubomir Kurandzhiev, Dr. Ivan Ivanov; senior officials from the ministry; representatives of the press and postal and publishing bodies; researchers, students, and pupils; ambassadors and other official representatives of the Republic of Turkey in Bulgaria, including Nihat Danish, chairman of the philatelists — accompanied by Admiral Grigor Sokolov, chairman of the organizing committee, General Director Konstantin Kushev, and others.
There were also representatives of philatelic clubs from Yugoslavia: Dr. Dusan Gachanov, deputy chairman of the Coordinating Council (philatelic unions in Yugoslavia); philatelists from Sofia and the country, and many citizens.
After brief introductory words, the chairman of the organizing committee of the exhibition “BALKANFILA V”, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Eng. Lyuben Georgiev, gave the floor to the deputy chairman of the Union of Bulgarian Philatelists Petar Velinov, who warmly welcomed the foreign guests and spoke about the importance of Bulgarian philatelists in organizing the “Balkan international dialogue”, which began in Sofia in 1970 and continued in 1972 at the second meeting of the Union of Philatelists from the Balkan countries.
He emphasized the importance of philately for information and free communication among nations, for bringing them closer together, for mutual understanding and acquaintance.
“Let this exhibition be another step toward the rapprochement of nations, toward their mutual understanding and friendship,” he said.
IN A WARM AND FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE
The Minister of Information and Communications Georgi Andreev, under whose patronage the jubilee Fifth International Philatelic Exhibition “Balkanfila V” was held, officially opened the exhibition and hosted a reception in the halls of Hotel “Bulgaria”. Present were distinguished and accredited guests — from Greece, Alexis Stefanou; from Romania, Tufin Sidore; from Turkey, Nihat Dinch; members of the organizing committee of the exhibition; official delegations of the philatelic unions of the Balkan countries; and prominent Bulgarian philatelists.
The cocktail reception took place in a cordial, friendly atmosphere.
Sasho Hadzhikhristov — General Commissioner of the Exhibition, for the magazine Philatelic Review, issue No. 10, 1965
The exhibition “Balkanfila — Varna 1965” was a significant event in the development of philately in our country and in the Balkans. It demonstrated that Bulgarian philately had reached a level allowing it to organize international events of high artistic and exhibitory value. The participation of philatelists from all Balkan countries, as well as from other nations, gave the exhibition a broad international character.
The organization of the exhibition was carried out with great care and professionalism. The exhibits were arranged with precision, and the exhibition hall was designed both aesthetically and functionally. Special attention was given to the exhibits from youth sections, which highlighted the effort to foster philately among the younger generation.
The exhibition provided opportunities for the exchange of experience, ideas, and materials among philatelists from different countries. It laid the foundation for future joint events and strengthened international cooperation in the field of philately.
Of particular importance was the participation of philatelists from countries outside the Balkan Peninsula, which broadened the scope and significance of the exhibition. This showed that “Balkanfila” could evolve into an international philatelic event with even wider participation.
The exhibition “Balkanfila — Varna 1965” was not only a cultural event but also a means of popularizing philately among the general public. It attracted the attention of many visitors, including those who had not previously been interested in philately.
Equally important is the fact that the exhibition was organized in a provincial city — Varna, which demonstrated the possibilities for holding major philatelic events outside the capital. This is an example that could be followed by other cities in the country.
“Balkanfila — Varna 1965” left a lasting mark on the development of philately both in Bulgaria and internationally. It showed that with good organization, enthusiasm, and cooperation, significant achievements can be realized.
