SOFIA, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications on Monday said that it has compiled and launched an electronic catalog documenting the history of Bulgarian stamp issuance from 1879 to the present.
So far, over 5,800 original postage stamps have been digitized and published on the specially created and freely accessible website, the ministry said in a press release.
The digital philatelic gallery provided information on each stamp about its designers, themes and subjects, dates of issue, circulation, and technical specifications. It also contained information on varieties, curiosities, and specimens that were of interest to philatelists, researchers, and the public, the ministry said.
"The online catalog is the result of decades of research. It serves as a valuable reference guide and research resource for Bulgaria's philatelic heritage," it said.
According to the ministry, the postage stamp was also presented as a unique historical document that reflected Bulgaria's history, culture, science, nature, and spiritual values.
The philatelic gallery contributed to the preservation and promotion of this significant national heritage and provided easy access to information on the development of Bulgarian stamp issuance, the ministry added.
Xinhua found that at least 14 Chinese postage stamps are featured in the online gallery. Chronologically, the first, issued on June 21, 1965, commemorated the Sixth Session of the Organization of Ministers of Communications of Socialist Countries in Beijing. Others commemorated the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, EXPO 2010 in Shanghai, the 65th, 70th and 75th anniversaries of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China, as well as various Chinese New Years. ■
