Previous version of our website: old.vfu.bg/en
Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” trains the elite of Turkish firefighters in building a shield for the Black Sea region
28 Април 2026
Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” brought together partners from Bulgaria, Turkey, and Greece for the first meeting under the project “The Black Sea Unites Against Natural Disasters.” The initiative, funded under the INTERREG NEXT “Black Sea Basin” 2021–2027 programme, aims at preparing students, volunteers, and citizens to respond to emergency situations and developing coordinated action among countries in the region. The meeting in Varna reviewed progress on the project’s activities, presented implementation results, and outlined the next steps. Partners discussed a common approach to reporting, communication activities, and opportunities for broader public engagement. The shared direction is clear -enhancing disaster preparedness in the context of increasing climate and seismic risks in the Black Sea region.
The initiative is being implemented in the year marking the 35th anniversary of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”. The university’s accumulated experience in training security professionals and its long-standing partnership with Turkey’s fire services provide a solid foundation for expanding international cooperation.
Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” is a key partner in training security specialists in Turkey and in developing a sustainable model for disaster response in the Black Sea region. This progress is the result of more than two decades of consistent work, real-life missions, and training in conditions close to actual crisis situations.
The story began after one of the most devastating earthquakes in the region - the 1999 İzmit earthquake. A Bulgarian firefighting team, led by Gen. Kiril Voynov, took part in controlling a fire at a petroleum refinery and helped prevent a large-scale disaster. Shortly afterwards, students from Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” were in the same areas - Izmit, Yalova, Adapazarı, and Istanbul - to learn firsthand how to act in disaster conditions. This initial practical experience laid the foundation for a long-term partnership between the university and the fire services of the Republic of Turkey.
Over the years, training has moved beyond the classroom into real-world environments. In Antalya, more than 50 Bulgarian students have completed intensive internships, worked with modern equipment, observed coordination between rescue teams, and participated in demonstrations of search and rescue technologies. Their presence at the opening of the “Hürriyet” fire station became public recognition of the university’s role in training security professionals.
The partnership also has its key figures. Among them is Emin Pehlivan, whose career began as director of the fire service in Kocaeli and later developed into Secretary General of the Association of the Turkish Fire Brigades. His professional path includes training at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” and has become a symbol of the connection between the two countries. Alongside him stands the authority of Gen. Kiril Voynov and the long-term vision of the university’s rector, Prof. Petar Hristov. They both provide stability and direction to this cooperation.
Academic outcomes include the training of 19 engineers in fire and emergency safety, while 18 Turkish specialists have successfully defended their doctoral dissertations. Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” has also developed an innovative Master’s degree programme in Intelligent Security Systems, implemented in partnership with Sakarya University. The programme is taught entirely in Turkish and is closely linked to practical training through a three-month mobility period in Turkey. The first graduates of this programme completed their studies a year ago. In total, 35 mobilities under the Erasmus programme have enabled students to work in real environments and develop skills for responding to critical situations. These efforts are complemented by participation in firefighting sports competitions and collaboration with a fire research center in Turkey, forming a model in which theory and practice evolve together.
Today, this partnership is building on accumulated experience and expanding internationally. Through the project “The Black Sea Unites Against Natural Disasters,” the university works with partners from Turkey and Greece to prepare students, volunteers, and citizens for emergency response. The initiative addresses growing regional risks and transforms expert capacity into real protection for people.
The news has been widely covered in the Turkish media.
