Poet, literary scholar, and critic Yordan Eftimov advocated for a dynamic approach to literary tradition on Monday in Tryavna. He spoke during the launch of a nationwide discussion series commemorating the 160th birth anniversary of the prominent Bulgarian poet, Pencho Slaveykov, and focusing on Bulgarian modernism, an event organized by BTA. Eftimov characterized Slaveykov not only as a major author but also as a significant public figure.
He stated that such initiatives are intended to revitalize the authentic memory of great cultural figures, countering the modern educational tendency to reduce them to mere stereotypes. Furthermore, he cautioned against transforming writers into “lifeless idols,” referencing Slaveykov’s concept of “petrification.”
A key objective, Eftimov noted, is to construct a self-portrait of the nation through new interpretations of familiar works, thereby aiding Bulgarians in achieving a deeper self-understanding. He highlighted BTA’s role in disseminating accurate information and expert perspectives amid an era of misinformation.
The agency’s expanding network, he added, will provide a comprehensive view of how the poet Slaveykov is remembered throughout Bulgaria and the ongoing relevance of his ideas. Eftimov emphasized Slaveykov’s dual role as a modernizer and Europeanizer, suggesting that contemporary attitudes toward him mirror Bulgaria’s own trajectory of development.
Topics: #slaveykov #literary #poet
