The exhibition reveals the complex puzzle of military and political relations between Bulgaria and three countries that played a key role in the history of the Third Bulgarian State – Turkey, Russia, and Germany. The attitude of modern Bulgarians towards these countries is usually polarised and emotionally charged, which we discover has its roots in history. Tracing the period between the Liberation and World War II, when inter-state relations shifted from friendly to hostile and vice versa, the exhibition invites visitors to ask themselves whether there can be eternal friends and enemies on the international stage, or whether there are only eternal interests.
The exhibition outlines the ups and downs in diplomatic relations between Bulgaria, on the one hand, and Turkey, Russia, and Germany, on the other, illustrating with exhibits that symbolize international relations. The exposition intertwines unique- pieces possessed by royal families and those related to events and people marked by international relations.
In August 2018, messages from European leaders at their informal dinner during the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union became a part of the exhibition. The exposition presents the handwritten desires of European leaders and represents a natural conclusion to the exhibition, whose goal is to seek contemporary reflections of the past. The exhibition “Enemy/Friend” was realized within the framework of a project with the partial financial support of the Ministry of Culture. It was supported by the Tsar Boris III and Tsarina Yoanna Foundation, in cooperation with Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.” , Tsar Boris III and Tsarina Yoanna Fund, in cooperation with Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Omega Films, and producer Svetoslav Ovcharov.
