Monograph showcases Eminescu’s legacy in Bessarabian philately
An authentic business card for our country – this is how the monograph “Worship at the Morning Star: Eminescology in Bessarabian Philately” was described, launched by Constantin Ciobanu, president of the Philatelic and Cartophilic Association of Moldova.
Historians assert that the work should be translated into as many foreign languages as possible, so that people everywhere can learn who we are.
"This is the first postal card printed during the Soviet era. Someone dared to print a postal card at that time," said Constantin Ciobanu, president of the Philatelists' Association.
The author of the monograph clarified that the work includes Bessarabian philatelic contributions depicting the life and work of Mihai Eminescu.
"Philatelic and cartophilic materials published in Bessarabia have been collected. This work includes everything printed in the Republic of Moldova, not only by the State Enterprise ‘Poșta Moldovei’ but also by collectors or by members of our association," noted Constantin Ciobanu.
Eminescu was the first Romanian poet to appear on a postage stamp, back in 1939, as stated in the preface of the monograph by academician Mihai Cimpoi.
"It is very important because it is a means of promoting our culture worldwide. These postcards have an extraordinary range, spreading across the globe," says Mihai Cimpoi.
The monograph is an unprecedented showcase of our country, emphasizes historian Anatol Petrencu: "I would recommend translating this album into English, French, Spanish, and German because we are integrating into Europe, and Europe must know who we are. This is who we are."
Constantin Ciobanu, together with his colleagues, researchers, and collectors from the Republic of Moldova and Romania, is preparing a major philatelic exhibition dedicated to Eminescu, which will be organized in the Year of Eminescu on both sides of the Prut River.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
