Istanbul: Prof. Dr Svetan Teofanov, a Classical Arabic Studies lecturer at the Sofia University, has converted to Islam after studying and translating the Holy Quran into the Bulgarian language, a media report said.
"When I started working, I was looking through the eyes as if it was an ordinary book. Over time I began to understand the Qur'an and with a deeper meaning from texts. My journey defying the Quran took too long but at the end of the road, and I have accepted Islam and I am now a Muslim", Dr Svetan Teofanov is quoted by World Bulletin.
"In college, I read the Koran interpretation and meaning, but felt their sincerity, while I was completing the actual translation", he added.
Prof. Dr Svetan Teofanov has until now several published books as well as publishing as a Quran interpretation. Prof. Teofanov has finished his specialisation doctorate at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies and a second doctorate at the Moscow Oriental Studies Institute.
"Many yeears ago, on the request of the state-owned publishing house, I began to translate the Holy Koran. This was the socialist period. Rather it being service to the Muslims, this was more concerned with assimilation policies in regards to Turkey.
"Shortly after the work began there was the democratic transition in 1989, the state publishing house went bankrupt, the Bulgarian translation of the Holy Quran was not published in that year.
"However, I continued to work on the translation of the Holy Koran and this is where my life changed. I began to better understand our exalted book and wanted it from my heart", he said.
"At first, I translated the pagan Arab poetry. I studied medieval Arabic literature. We also have a new book published, called "The Phenomenology of the Prophet" - the book based on the old bible.
"I examined the effect of important religious figures in the Middle East and I have discussed the phenomenon. This was a serious academic study. The book has generated alot of interest. It was chosen as the best book for the month of October. There is a growing interest in religion, and religious differences", he said.