A bas-relief of Romanian poet Mihai Eminescu was unveiled last week on the Alley of Nations in the Bulgarian city of Sveti Vlas.
The event was attended by Brândușa Predescu, Romania’s Ambassador to the Republic of Bulgaria; Ștefania Bercu-Martak, Honorary Consul of Bulgaria in Romania; Gheorghi Nakov, a member of Romania’s Parliament representing the Bulgarian minority; Dinko and Iordan Dinevi, co-presidents of the “Bulgarian Memory – Dinevi Brothers” Foundation, which sponsored the artwork; and Petko Yordanov, Director of the Art Gallery in Yambol.
Her Excellency Ambassador Brândușa Predescu emphasised that the event is a testament to a profound spiritual and cultural connection that transcends borders and time.
“Although he saw the Black Sea only once—in 1882—Eminescu was deeply impressed by the vastness of the sea. In a letter to his beloved Veronica Micle, he shared his dream of finding peace after death precisely on this shore,” she noted.
Radko Vlaykov, Bulgaria’s Ambassador to Bucharest, stated that the bas-relief symbolises the deep cultural and historical cooperation between Bulgaria and Romania.
“There is no more fitting place on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast for a second Eminescu bas-relief than Sveti Vlas. The Alley of Nations begins with Levski and Botev, and Botev, as a poet, is very similar to Eminescu—both had brief but highly fruitful creative lives,” he said.
Sveti Vlas is a seaside tourist town located in the Burgas Region of Bulgaria, on the shore of the Black Sea.
Mihai Eminescu
Mihai Eminescu (1850–1889) is widely regarded as Romania’s national poet and one of the most influential literary figures in Romanian history. His poetic work, rich in philosophical depth and romantic idealism, has become a cornerstone of Romanian culture.
Eminescu’s most famous poem, Luceafărul (The Morning Star), is considered a masterpiece of world literature, blending mythology, metaphysics, and national identity. Beyond poetry, he was also a noted journalist and essayist, whose sharp critiques of political and social issues still resonate today.
Eminescu’s legacy extends far beyond Romania’s borders, symbolising the cultural and linguistic unity of Romanian-speaking communities. His deep appreciation for nature, spiritual yearning, and profound understanding of human emotion have earned him international admiration.
The inauguration of his bas-relief in Sveti Vlas is a fitting tribute not only to his literary genius but also to the shared cultural values and historical ties between Romania and Bulgaria.
Photo: Romanian Embassy to Bulgaria
