Who is Georgi Markov? Do you want to learn more about the Bulgarian dissident, journalist and writer? Sofia Platform has conducted series of lectures “Georgi Markov: Firsthand accounts” which were held in five universities in Bulgaria in the period 17 – 21 October 2016. The initiative aimed to familiarise Bulgarian students with the importance of the literary and journalistic heritage of Georgi Markov. The speakers also shared their personal memories and experiences with the writer. Speakers during the lectures included: Hamid Ismailov, Uzbek dissident, journalist and writer, one of the founders of the BBC “Georgi Markov” prize for radio plays; Peter Udell, former journalist and colleague of Georgi Markov at BBC radio, former managing editor of the broadcasts of the radio about Bulgaria; Rumyana Ebert, writer, chemist and a close personal friend of Georgi Markov who translates his work in German; Dimitar Botchev, writer and journalist who worked with Georgi Markov at radio “Deutsche Welle”. Watch the video recording of the lectures below! Sofia, 17 October 2016, 14:30 Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” Mirror Hall Speakers: Hamid Ismailov and Peter Udell Moderator: Rumyana Kolarova Language: English

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Blagoevgrad, 18 October 2016, 19:30 American University in Bulgaria Lecture hall “Andrey Delchev” Academic Center “Balkan” Speakers: Hamid Ismailov and Peter Udell Moderator: Evelina Kelbecheva Language: English

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Sofia, 19 October 2016, 14:00 New Bulgarian University Main Hall Speakers: Hamid Ismailov and Peter Udell Moderator: Mihail Nedeltchev Language: English

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Veliko Tarnovo, 20 October 2016, 14:00 Veliko Tarnovo University “St. St. Cyril and Methodii” Hall “Europe” Speakers: Rumyana Ebert and Dimitar Botchev Moderator: Toni Nikolov Language: Bulgarian

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Plovdiv, 21 October 2016, 18:30 Plovdiv University “Paisii Hilendarski” Hall 10 Speakers: Rumyana Ebert and Dimitar Botchev Moderator: Toni Nikolov Language: Bulgarian

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The lectures are part of the project “Lessons from the past: what happened before ’89?”, organised by Sofia Platform under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rossen Plevneliev, with the support of America for Bulgaria Foundation.