Exhibition explores Glagolitic as a symbol of memory and communication

Bulgarian National Radio is hosting an exhibition devoted to the Glagolitic alphabet. Glagolitic was the first European alphabet whose creator is known by name – Constantine-Cyril the Philosopher. The exhibition’s title, Around the World with Glagolitic, reflects its central message: to bring Bulgarians around the world together and remind them of their roots and their past in Bulgaria, wherever they may live and whatever led them to leave the country.

The exhibition is curated by Mira Svilenova, a Bulgarian who has lived in Canada for almost 20 years. Her professional background is in marketing and communications, so her creative interest in language and writing is perhaps no surprise.

In an interview with Radio Bulgaria, Svilenova explained what prompted her to make Glagolitic the central theme of an exhibition:

“I have been working with Glagolitic as an artist for three years now. During that time, I have begun to notice a certain consistency in the way people respond to it, whether I exhibit in Bulgaria or abroad. This exhibition is part of a research project of mine aimed at creating an interactive Glagolitic primer, which should be ready by the middle of 2027.

“But I am also exploring Glagolitic as a bridge for building international relations and as a tool for media literacy. Today, media and technology move and develop very quickly. They carry culture and identity, and if that happens through Glagolitic, it could prompt us to think more deeply about how culture and identity are transmitted through modern technology.”

Speaking at the opening, BNR Director General Milen Mitev recalled the words attributed to Leonardo da Vinci that “the spirit and the heart must guide the hand, otherwise there is no art”. Contemporary art, he noted, can often be difficult to understand and provoke mixed reactions. This exhibition, however, is different: it carries a sense of Bulgarian cultural memory and of the enduring bond between Bulgarians at home and around the world.

“I am particularly pleased that Glagolitic is at the heart of this exhibition. It was the first alphabet created specifically for writing and understanding the Slavic languages, back in the 9th century. But it is much more than an alphabet – it represents an aspiration for an independent cultural identity and a philosophy encoded in symbols. It is a link to our Bulgarian roots.

“Perhaps it is only natural that we are seeing growing interest in Glagolitic today. Various calligraphy courses are appearing, and more and more young people are learning to write their names in Glagolitic. This shows that even today, this first Bulgarian script remains an essential part of our identity as Bulgarians.”

Around the World with Glagolitic will remain on display in the Marble Foyer outside BNR’s Studio One until September 25.

The exhibition has been organised with the support of the Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad.

Editor: Desislava Semkovska