QSL Card No. 7: 1940, the TULAN Radio Receiver

Throughout 2026, Radio Bulgaria is confirming listeners' reception reports with a new series of 12 QSL cards. Each card highlights a significant moment from the history of the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) and Radio Bulgaria, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. At the beginning of each month, we present the story behind the image featured on the latest card.

Our new QSL cards: 90 years BNR and 90 years Radio Bulgaria

The seventh QSL card for 2026 is dedicated to TULAN, Bulgaria's first radio receiver factory.

Founded in 1927 in the Black Sea city of Burgas by engineer Svetozar Mateev Prenerov, TULAN was the country's pioneering manufacturer of radio receivers. The company's name is an acronym in Bulgarian meaning "Diligence and Perseverance Promote Initiative and Progress."

TULAN receivers incorporated original patented engineering solutions designed specifically for Bulgaria's radio broadcasting conditions at the time. Among the factory's most celebrated models is the TULAN 660 Comfort, now regarded as one of the rarest and most sought-after pieces by collectors of vintage radios.

The radio receivers manufactured in 1940 were distinguished by their meticulous craftsmanship, premium-quality wooden cabinets and a patented technology developed by engineer Prenerov that ensured excellent resistance to humidity and superior sound quality.

The year 1940 represents both the technological and documentary peak of the factory's production, just before the outbreak of the Second World War severely complicated the supply of raw materials. It is also of particular importance to collectors, as it is the year from which the most comprehensive product documentation for the brand has been preserved.

In 1940, the factory published its iconic TULAN Radio 1940-1941 Brochure, now considered an invaluable historical document reflecting the development of Bulgaria's early radio industry.

How to Receive the QSL Card

To receive this QSL card, simply send us a reception report including:

• For Radio Bulgaria: the date and language of the programme you listened to.
• For other BNR programmes: the date, time, frequency, and details about the programme content.

Reception reports may be submitted via:

E-mail: reception.report@bnr.bg

Post:

Bulgarian National Radio
Desislava Semkovska
4 Dragan Tsankov Blvd.
1040 Sofia
Bulgaria

Please remember to include your postal mailing address, as QSL cards are sent by regular mail.

We would also like to remind our listeners that BNR continues to confirm reception reports with QSL cards from previous series. If you would like to receive a particular earlier card, please mention your preference in your reception report.

Edited by E. Karkalanova
English: R. Petkova