Bulgaria: Information on the illegal international trade in religious icons stolen from Bulgarian monasteries and churches
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 January 1994 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | BGR16064.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Bulgaria: Information on the illegal international trade in religious icons stolen from Bulgarian monasteries and churches, 1 January 1994, BGR16064.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6aab7a0.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to a report published in The Times, more than 2,000 art items valued at US$ 3 billion were removed from eastern European countries such as Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria in 1991 (13 June 1992). A report from The Guardian further indicates that "more than 500 icons, hundreds of crosses and ancient Cyrillic manuscripts" were taken from 100 churches, seven monasteries and eight museums in Bulgaria during the same year (1 May 1992). For further information on the illegal trade of religious treasures in Bulgaria and eastern Europe, please consult the attached articles.
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
The Guardian [Manchester]. 1 May 1992. V. Soule et al. "Raids on the Lost Art; Churches, Castles and Museums in Eastern Europe Are Being Stripped of Their art Treasures as the Opening of Borders Releases a Flood of Organised Western Thieves." (NEXIS)
The Times [London]. 13 June 1992. Sarah Jane Checkland. "Art Raiders Jeopardise European Heritage." (NEXIS)
Attachments
Agence France Presse (AFP). 29 March 1992. "Monks and Nuns Want Guns." (NEXIS)
. 10 March 1992. Sandra Lacut. "Art Thefts Soar in Eastern Europe." (NEXIS)
BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 22 October 1992. "Macedonian and Bulgarian Interior Ministers Sign Co-operation Protocol." (NEXIS)
The Guardian [Manchester]. 1 May 1992. V. Soule et al. "Raids on the Lost Art; Churches, Castles and Museums in Eastern Europe Are Being Stripped of Their art Treasures as the Opening of Borders Releases a Flood of Organised Western Thieves." (NEXIS)
Reuters. 24 September 1993. BC Cycle. "Bulgarian Police Find Antiques in the Toilet." (NEXIS)
The Times [London]. 13 June 1992. Sarah Jane Checkland. "Art Raiders Jeopardise European Heritage." (NEXIS)
The Xinhua General Overseas News Service. 3 Novembre 1993. "Bulgaria Accused of Stealing Masterpiece from Athos." (NEXIS)