Letters to Radio Bulgaria: You inspire listeners to discover more about Bulgaria

In July, a month filled with the emotions of summer, the Radio Bulgaria mailbox was once again brimming with letters and warm words from our listeners. Our programmes encourage audiences to learn more about Bulgaria, and their feedback shows that we are successfully fulfilling this mission. Read on and see for yourself.

“Hello! I am writing to you on the occasion of Radio Bulgaria’s 90th anniversary and would like to share my joy at this special milestone. Happy anniversary! In the past, when you broadcast on shortwave, I often listened to your programmes in English and French. In particular, during 1999-2000, when I was living in Paris as a student, I listened to your French-language programme every day. It helped me not only improve my French, but also learn what was happening in your country. Thanks to the good reception conditions at the time, listening was a real pleasure.

Unfortunately, I have never visited Bulgaria. As far as I know, it is a beautiful country with many natural attractions. In my country, Bulgaria is well known for its yoghurt. I have now discovered that I can easily listen to your podcasts, which will certainly encourage me to tune in even more often”, writes Motofumi Kai from Japan.


“I am very fond of the song ‘A Bulgarian Rose’ by singer Pasha Hristova. I listen to it with fond memories of the years gone by, which I experienced in my youth in Bulgaria. A very moving song!” writes Fadil Ribari from Kosovo, who also comments on the choice of the city to host Eurovision: “Burgas, my favourite city, deserves to host it!”

“Warm greetings from India! I am delighted to tell you that I have been a long-time listener of Radio Bulgaria’s English-language programme, going back to the days when it was known as ‘Radio Sofia’. I have always enjoyed keeping up with events in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria is a wonderful country, and I am particularly drawn to its natural beauty and culture. Its people are exceptionally peaceful, friendly and helpful. I wish Bulgaria even greater prosperity and development.”

Pradip Chandra Kundu, India

The summer of 2026 marks my 47th anniversary of listening to Bulgarian Radio (known as Radio Sofia back in 1979). At that time, of course, the station used powerful shortwave transmitters. I remember regularly receiving packages containing the French-language newspaper *Les Nouvelles de Sofia*. Apparently, it ceased publication in 1991.", writes Jean-Michel Aubier from France.

“My interest in your fascinating country, situated in the very heart of the Balkans, and, more specifically, in this Southeast European country in light of Bulgaria’s accession to the Schengen Area and the eurozone, dates back to my early years.

I remember that when I was a primary school pupil, my mother gave me a small book about the military history of Russia as depicted in paintings by Russian artists. One of the reproductions in the book portrayed the participation of Russian troops in the military conflict in the Balkans in 1877-1878, during the Bulgarian people’s struggle for liberation.

With sincere sympathies,
Yours,
Kirill Sosnovsky

"I am a regular listener of your English Service programs, and I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the excellent broadcasts you provide. Your programs are very informative, interesting, and enjoyable.
The Internet audio quality was excellent, with clear sound, stable streaming, and no interruptions during the entire broadcast. Speech was easy to understand, and the balance between the presenters' voices, interviews, and background music was very good.

I have been listening to international broadcasters for many years, and I always enjoy discovering programs that provide reliable information about their countries, cultures, and people. Your English Service successfully offers listeners around the world a deeper understanding of Bulgaria through well-prepared news, cultural reports, travel features, and historical discussions.

The news segment was informative and professionally presented. The reports covered current events in Bulgaria and important international developments in a balanced and objective manner. I especially appreciated the clear pronunciation and moderate speaking speed, which made it easy for international listeners to follow every report.
I particularly enjoyed the cultural features included in the program. Learning about Bulgarian traditions, festivals, music, literature, historical landmarks, and local customs was fascinating. These segments help international listeners become familiar with Bulgaria's rich heritage and unique identity. I believe cultural programming is one of the greatest strengths of Radio Bulgaria because it builds friendship and understanding among people from different countries.

The tourism and travel information was equally interesting. Descriptions of beautiful landscapes, historic towns, museums, mountains, monasteries, and seaside destinations encouraged me to learn more about Bulgaria. They also promote international tourism by introducing places that many listeners may not have known before.

Another positive aspect of the broadcast was the pleasant selection of Bulgarian music. The music reflected the country's cultural richness and provided a refreshing break between spoken segments. Listening to traditional and modern Bulgarian music helped create an enjoyable atmosphere and added variety to the program.

The presenters demonstrated excellent professionalism throughout the broadcast. Their voices were clear, friendly, and confident.

As an international listener from Pakistan, I find Radio Bulgaria to be an important source of information about Bulgaria. The English Service helps strengthen cultural exchange and international friendship by sharing accurate information with audiences around the world.

I would like to congratulate the entire Radio Bulgaria team, including the presenters, editors, producers, journalists, technicians, and everyone involved in preparing these high-quality programs.

I sincerely hope that Radio Bulgaria will continue its valuable international service for many years to come.
Thank you once again for your outstanding service and for bringing Bulgaria closer to listeners around the world. I wish everyone at Radio Bulgaria continued success, good health, and many more years of excellent broadcasting."

With best regards,

Malik Allah Bachaya Кhokhar

“I have always enjoyed listening to Radio Bulgaria’s programmes in Russian, as they are a reminder of the longstanding friendship between our two peoples.

During the Soviet era, I lived in the city of Kuybyshev, now known as Samara, which was twinned with the Bulgarian city of Stara Zagora. This friendship was not limited to official agreements. It was reflected in everyday life, in street names, places of remembrance, cultural exchanges and people’s genuine interest in one another.

Even today, in modern-day Samara, many reminders of those good times have survived. One of the city’s major thoroughfares is named Stara Zagora Street. Many Samara residents still remember the Shipka cinema, named after the legendary pass where Russian and Bulgarian soldiers fought side by side for Bulgaria’s liberation.

I remember the beautiful Bulgarian roses that were presented to the city by Stara Zagora and planted along the streets of Kuybyshev. When they blossomed, it seemed as though a part of Bulgaria was living alongside us.

Sadly, times change, but I am convinced that genuine friendship between peoples does not depend on political circumstances. It is built on shared history, culture, memory and human relationships.

Today, Radio Bulgaria’s Russian-language service plays a special role in maintaining these ties. Through its programmes, Russian listeners can continue to learn about contemporary Bulgaria, its culture, traditions and achievements, as well as the lives of ordinary people.

The radio remains a kind of bridge connecting our two countries and helping to foster better mutual understanding.”

Viktor Guzhov

"Dear friends, Warm greetings from Valladolid. I hope you are all well and that the station is continuing its broadcasts and projects with the same enthusiasm as ever. As I do every month, I’m delighted to write to you to send a new reception report It’s a pleasure to keep listening to your station month after month and to maintain this exchange of letters, which I value so much."

Juan Montero from Spain

“Thank you for the interesting content about Bulgaria and its music. Your website is user-friendly and allows me to learn more about your country in Spanish. Radio Bulgaria is a source of information that enables Spanish-speaking audiences to discover more about Bulgaria and the Balkans.”

Salvador Rojas, Mexico

“It is very hot, which is why I like to sit in the shade, listen to the radio and write letters, poems and other things. Your programmes are always very interesting and deserve to be listened to. I am particularly pleased that Bulgarian folk music is once again being heard more and more frequently. The Bulgarian National Radio Folk Music Orchestra is wonderful.

By the way, a few days ago I digitised some vinyl records that Radio Sofia sent me many years ago, including singles and a long-playing album. It was a wonderful nostalgic experience.”

Helmut Matt, Germany

“Many thanks for the interesting news from Bulgaria. I always follow the weather forecast with particular interest. It is surprising how different the weather in Bulgaria can be compared with Central Europe. I looked at some of the paintings by artist Petya Konstantinova online, and found them very inspiring.”

Lars Gellermann, Germany

"Dear Radio Bulgaria,

I was very pleased to read your interesting report about the Alexandrovo Tomb Museum near Haskovo and the decision to keep it open seven days a week during August. This is very good news for local and foreign visitors who want to learn about Bulgaria’s rich history and ancient culture.

The museum is a special place because it presents a faithful replica of the Thracian tomb, with its beautiful wall paintings and important archaeological treasures. I was especially interested to read about the 98 gold appliqués, dating from 4500 to 4000 BC. These treasures show the great skill and rich culture of ancient people and are among the oldest processed gold in the world.

I also think the decision to open the museum every day is very helpful, especially for visitors who could not come on Mondays. It may also help more tourists discover this valuable historical site, even though it is away from the main transport routes. Could better transport connections and more promotion help bring many more visitors to this remarkable museum?

I always appreciate Radio Bulgaria’s factual news and current affairs reports, presented with excellent journalistic authority."

Muhammad Aqeel Bashir, Pakistan

"Thank you so much for the beautiful QSL cards that you sent me. I really appreciate the interest you take in your listeners. In the meantime, I continue to enjoy your program over the Internet".

Jawahar Almeida, India

“I am delighted to have received a QSL card featuring the picturesque village of Shiroka Laka, which I visited some 50 years ago. With this exceptionally beautiful card, my collection from the ‘Beauties of Bulgaria’ series is now complete.

I am therefore very happy, and it is both important and wonderful that Radio Bulgaria continues to uphold and cherish this beautiful tradition. In a world where everything increasingly revolves around paying to access your favourite radio station, such a gesture is truly special.

Thank you for your great commitment and for the connection you maintain with your listeners.”

Michael Lindner, Germany

“Warm greetings from your Argentine listener, David Iurescia. I hope you are all doing well. I always enjoy your excellent programmes. I am also delighted that the radio’s website now features a section where letters received from listeners are acknowledged every month, and that it is published in Spanish as well!”

"Dear Radio Bulgaria / Bulgarian National Radio Team,I am writing to submit my reception report for the "Bulgaria Today" program monitored here in Srbobran, Serbia. As an avid radio monitor and DXer, I regularly follow your multilingual broadcasts online.As Radio Bulgaria celebrates its 90th anniversary milestone, I would be highly grateful if you could kindly verify this real-time web-reception report against your broadcast schedule and send one of your official commemorative QSL confirmation cards.
Thank you very much for maintaining this high-quality international service and for continuing the wonderful tradition of issuing QSL cards to your global audience. I look forward to receiving your official anniversary QSL card.Best regards and 73",

Encminger Goran, Serbia

These wonderful words once again prove that Radio Bulgaria is not simply a media outlet, but a bridge between cultures and a living connection with people around the world who have been captivated by the magic of our country. We look forward to receiving your letters!

Edited by Desislava Semkovska

English: R. Petkova