04 AUGUST, 2024, SOFIA, BULGARIA
In the heart of Bulgaria's political and economic landscape, Reneta Indjova stands as a remarkable testament to the power of heritage and resilience. As the pioneering first female caretaker Prime Minister of Bulgaria from 1994 to 1995, her career is a tapestry woven with both Bulgarian and Armenian threads, reflecting a rich and unique blend of cultural influences.
For many, Indjovais a figure of inspiration, embodying values and principles deeply rooted in her Armenian ancestry. Her story, however, remains a hidden gem to the Armenian people, whose hearts would surely swell with pride upon discovering the profound impact of her contributions and the strength of her heritage.
In this exclusive interview with Yerevan Online Magazine's Ashot Poghosyan, we embark on a journey to unveil the life of this extraordinary woman. Through her own reflections, we explore how her Armenian roots have shaped her path and how her achievements echo the indomitable spirit of Armenian resilience and humanistic values.
Join us in celebrating Reneta Indjova—a beacon of Armenian pride whose story deserves to be known and cherished by all Armenians. This special feature aims to illuminate her remarkable journey and remind us of the greatness that can flourish across borders, inspired by the rich tapestry of our shared heritage.
YEREVAN ONLINE MAG.: Your mother is Armenian. Can you share how her heritage and traditions influenced your upbringing?
Reneta Indzhova: I was a child of a mixed marriage between Armenian and Bulgarian parents. My mother, from the Armenian side, was a significant influence in my life, contributing greatly to shaping my character, virtues, and principles that I still follow today. Her prominence during my youth served as a role model for me.
My mother never directly gave me orders or advice on how to behave, what to do, or how to learn my lessons and interact with others. Instead, my admiration for her led me to imitate everything she did. Observing her daily professional life was fascinating. She was a master tailor, managing a small team of 15 people, and her handmade clothes were highly sought after in our city and the region.
To this day, her reputation endures. People often recognize me on the street and ask, "Aren't you Nasik's daughter?" That’s my mother’s name, and it fills me with pride more than any recognition of my own accomplishments. People remember her elegant clothing more than what I said in interviews during my time as Prime Minister.
Many still cherish the garments my mother made, treating them like museum pieces, which speaks volumes about her talent and the beauty of her work. My reputation and popularity might stem more from the fashion she created than my political achievements. Her elegance and the desire people had for her clothing influenced me deeply, teaching me to value how things are presented and received by others.
Reneta Indzhova's Armenian roots: grandmother, grandfather and mother
YEREVAN ONLINE MAG.: Can you share any memories or stories from your Armenian family background that have shaped who you are today?
Reneta Indzhova: I grew up in a mixed cultural environment, which was a fascinating blend of influences. My father was Bulgarian, while my grandparents on my mother's side were Armenian. Despite their different languages and backgrounds, there was a deep, unspoken understanding and love between them. They communicated through gestures and actions rather than words, creating an idyllic atmosphere in our home.
This environment taught me to be observant and sensitive to the nuances of different cultures. It was important to find ways to bring together the best of both worlds, ensuring harmony and mutual respect. My family was a perfect example of how people from diverse backgrounds could live happily together, much like the inhabitants of the Tower of Babel learning to coexist.
These experiences instilled in me a propensity to understand others, especially those who are different from me or outside my immediate circle. This skill has been invaluable in my work, particularly in the Balkans, a region known for its cultural mosaic. The ability to balance different interests and bring people together is crucial here.
I believe managing a state is similar to managing a household. Just as you optimize outcomes within a family, you must also take care of the interests of all the people in your country. My family's example of harmonious intercultural living deeply influenced my values and approach to governance.
Living in the United States and participating in community integration projects further reinforced these values. I learned how to organize communities, maximize available resources, and achieve the best possible outcomes through self-help and mutual support. These lessons have been instrumental in shaping my abilities to integrate diverse interests and optimize results in any setting, much like I observed in my extended family throughout my life.
YEREVAN ONLINE MAG.: How do you stay connected with Armenian culture and traditions while living and working in Bulgaria?
Reneta Indzhova: My connection to Armenian culture and language developed in a rather adventurous way. My grandparents passed away early, and the Armenian school my mother attended closed before I could enroll. Despite not being literate in Armenian, I was determined to explore and preserve Armenian culture through my family’s experiences.
This led me to write a book titled "Philadelphia Regalis: Roots and Blossoms", which was published in Bulgaria in 2017 and later translated into Armenian in 2022. The book was well-received, not as a biography centered on me, but as a novel about my family. I served merely as the narrator, telling their story and providing a glimpse into the lives of Armenians and Bulgarians coexisting in Bulgaria.
The book covers the history of Armenians who settled in Bulgaria, particularly those who arrived following the Armenian Genocide in the early 20th century. It also reflects on earlier Armenian communities in Bulgaria dating back to the 6th century. My grandparents' experiences served as a foundation to depict the process of settling, adapting to the Bulgarian environment, and the enduring gratitude of the Armenian community in Bulgaria for the refuge they found.
This narrative provides valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of the Armenian community over the last century. It also serves as a reminder of the generous reception they received, contrasting with the contemporary issues of migration and the increasingly xenophobic attitudes towards refugees.
The novel has been well-received in both Armenia and Bulgaria, highlighting how regions often perceived as being in persistent conflict can also be places of profound understanding and humanity. It presents a unique and humanistic way of connecting people, which is especially relevant today.
I believe the idyllic period of accepting refugees with open arms is over. Nowadays, there's a growing tendency to close borders and reject immigrants, without understanding the plight of those who have lost everything. My novel, while reflecting on an idyllic past, also speaks to the pressing social issues of our time.
Reneta Indzhova with her daughter
YEREVAN ONLINE MAG.: What aspects of Armenian culture do you find most inspiring, and how have you incorporated them into your life?
Reneta Indzhova: The most inspiring feature of the Armenian nation, in my opinion, is their perseverance. Armenians are a people who have faced immense suffering, wars, and the loss of loved ones, yet they continue to fight for survival with dignity and humanity. This resilience is evident across all professions where Armenians strive for perfection, whether in the arts, conducting, television production, literature, science, economics, or banking.
In my experience, Armenians are meticulous and dedicated, always striving to do their best work. I have never encountered an Armenian who seeks special treatment simply because they belong to a minority. They are grateful for the opportunities provided by their host countries and do not expect privileges in return.
This attitude has facilitated the full integration of Bulgarian Armenians into society. They are indistinguishable in their appearance, behavior, and command of the Bulgarian language, often speaking it better than native Bulgarians. Their commitment to maintaining their traditions is also noteworthy. On Sundays, entire families, dressed formally, attend church services. The recently constructed Armenian church in the town center, with its modern, functional design and glass walls, symbolizes transparency and openness.
The way Armenians practice their religion and traditions is a model for others. They do so regularly and with devotion, something that could teach Bulgarians a lot about maintaining cultural and religious practices.
It's difficult to list all the prominent Armenians in Bulgarian society, but it's impressive that there are significant figures like Mrs. Raya Nazaryan, a respected jurist and political leader, currently serving as the head of the Bulgarian parliament. Her acceptance by the Bulgarian public, without emphasis on her Armenian heritage, reflects the mutual acceptance and tolerance between Armenians and Bulgarians.
Another notable figure is Mrs. Ani Harutyunyan, who serves as the Regional Governor of Vidin in the northwest region. These examples demonstrate how Armenians have not only integrated but also excelled in Bulgarian society, contributing to its development and enriching its cultural landscape.
YEREVAN ONLINE MAG.: Have you ever collaborated with Armenian organizations or communities in your professional roles? If so, can you tell us about those experiences?
Reneta Indzhova: The Armenian community in Bulgaria is an integral part of the Balkan mosaic, a region often marked by conflicts and contradictions among different ethnicities and religions. However, the harmony between Armenians and Bulgarians in Bulgaria is a testament to the longstanding peaceful coexistence and mutual respect that exists between these two populations. This relationship is free from the modern maladies of xenophobia, non-acceptance, and nationalistic attitudes.
Throughout my professional career, I have witnessed and been part of this harmonious integration. The Armenian community's dedication to excellence in their social and professional lives has never caused conflicts; instead, it has fostered balance and cooperation. Armenians in Bulgaria are modest and do not seek special recognition, even though they are often exceptionally talented and distinguished.
There is a saying that while not every second Armenian is renowned, every first one certainly is. This reflects the high regard in which the Armenian community is held, both for their contributions and their character. Collaborating with Armenian organizations and communities has always been a positive experience, reinforcing the values of diligence, respect, and mutual support that both Bulgarians and Armenians share.
These collaborations have demonstrated the potential for different cultures to enrich one another and work together towards common goals. The Armenian community’s ability to integrate seamlessly while maintaining their unique cultural identity is a model for harmonious coexistence that other regions could learn from.
With the President of Bulgaria Zhelyu Zhelev
YEREVAN ONLINE MAG.: In what ways do you think Armenia and Bulgaria can strengthen their political and economic relations?
Reneta Indzhova: Bulgaria and Armenia have a solid foundation for strengthening their political and economic relations. The evolving global financial and economic landscape presents new opportunities for collaboration and development. Both countries can leverage these changes to create new profiles, structures, and comparative advantages in their economic relationships.
Recently, a new airline route was established between Varna and Yerevan, which will enhance tourism, business interactions, and overall connectivity between the two nations. This development is significant as it provides a direct link between Bulgaria, a border country of the European Union, and Armenia. Such connections are vital for fostering closer economic ties and cultural exchanges.
The visit of EU Foreign Minister Josep Borrell to Armenia and his meeting with Nikol Pashinyan, resulting in agreements to facilitate the visa regime between the EU and Armenia, is another positive step. This agreement will make political and economic connections easier and more efficient. Bulgaria's experience in navigating EU integration processes can be invaluable for Armenia as it seeks to strengthen its ties with the EU.
Bulgaria can offer technical assistance and support in various areas, such as border safeguarding, military cooperation, and peacekeeping initiatives. Sharing expertise in these fields can help Armenia build a robust foundation for its economic and political endeavors.
Furthermore, the shifting focus of economic activities from Western Europe to East Asia, China, India, and the Middle East presents new corridors and infrastructural initiatives.
Armenia and Bulgaria are strategically positioned to benefit from these changes by developing new trade routes and enhancing their roles in the regional and global economy.
By collaborating on these fronts, Armenia and Bulgaria can foster stronger political and economic relations, contributing to the stability and prosperity of the region.
YEREVAN ONLINE MAG.: How do you see the role of the Armenian diaspora in supporting Armenia's development and global presence?
Reneta Indzhova: The contemporary era presents unique challenges for the role of diasporas, not just for Armenians but for all nationalities. The Armenian diaspora, as a global network of individuals, offers a powerful and unique intangible asset. This network enables rapid and efficient connections, investments, and the transfer of funds, resources, and information worldwide.
The Armenian diaspora's extensive global presence should be leveraged as a strategic advantage. For instance, the economic relationship between Bulgaria and Armenia can be facilitated through the Armenian diaspora in Bulgaria. This network can serve as a trusted intermediary, fostering investor confidence and trust due to their common origin and shared initiatives.
In the past, diaspora support often came in the form of donations and charitable contributions from abroad. However, while such gestures are valuable, especially in times of crisis, they are not sufficient for long-term development. It is more beneficial and sustainable to engage the diaspora in joint development efforts, where both the diaspora and the people in Armenia work together toward common goals.
This collaborative approach is more effective than sporadic acts of benevolence. By integrating the diaspora into development projects, Armenia can tap into a wealth of expertise, resources, and global connections that can significantly contribute to its growth and global presence.
In summary, the Armenian diaspora's role should evolve from traditional charitable contributions to active participation in Armenia's development. This shift will harness the diaspora's potential as a dynamic and influential force in supporting Armenia's economic, social, and political progress on the global stage.
When receiving the Prime Minister's mandate
YEREVAN ONLINE MAG.: Are there any particular Armenian values or principles that you hold dear and apply in your work and daily life?
Reneta Indzhova: You're asking me which Armenian value or principle guides me in my life. This is the most difficult question in this interview because I have spent my entire life, and later wrote a book about my family's life, searching for the key that reveals the most valuable aspects of Armenians. Despite my efforts, I have neither found a specific genetic code nor been able to single out one defining characteristic or value that stands above the rest.
My book, "Philadelphia Regalis: Roots and Blossom," reflects this journey of exploration. In its pages, readers might find clues or answers to what makes Armenian values special and which of those might resonate most deeply with them.
In essence, rather than pinpointing a single value, I believe that the richness of Armenian culture and principles lies in their complexity and diversity. It is the combination of perseverance, dignity, meticulousness, and humanism that shapes the Armenian spirit. These are values that I strive to embody in my work and daily life, drawing inspiration from the collective essence of my heritage rather than a single defining trait.
YEREVAN ONLINE MAG.: What message would you like to send to the Armenian youth who look up to you as a role model?
Reneta Indzhova: My message to the youth is also a message to their parents and the older generations because the mission and the foundation for young people today must be built together with the wisdom of previous generations. Currently, there is a gap between traditional values and modern ones, and sometimes they seem completely inconsistent with each other.
Armenians are renowned for their resilience and perseverance in surviving and thriving through adversity. These characteristics must be passed on to the younger generation through significant education and the instillation of traditional values. This includes the traditions of family, humanity, self-dignity, and support for others. These virtues need to be integrated into a consistent vision of society and the roles different people play within it, as well as how various classes are represented in the whole entity called humanity.
Without this, the challenges and threats facing mankind could become more tragic than ever before. So, my message is not just "never surrender," but also to be persistent in creating a real and consistent human personality, and to be a member of a truly humanistic society. This approach will also foster a new generation of leaders and politicians with new morals and virtues, who will be devoted to the people and not to their selfish interests.
