BTA has initiated a nationwide series of discussions across its national press clubs commemorating the 160th birth anniversary of the prominent Bulgarian poet, Pencho Slaveykov, and the era of Bulgarian modernism. The inaugural event, titled “Pencho Slaveykov Today,” was held in his hometown of Tryavna at the Slaveykov House Museum and was moderated by literary scholar Yordan Eftimov. The campaign aims to encourage public reflection on Pencho Slaveykov’s enduring influence and the modernist period he helped shape.
Eftimov stated that the discussions will explore the role of Slaveykov and his contemporaries, including members of the “Misal” literary circle, who were instrumental in modernizing Bulgaria. BTA plans to host talks in its 45 national press clubs, involving cultural researchers, educators, and writers. To mark the occasion, the December issue of LIK magazine will feature reports from the discussions alongside a special section containing 160 individual contributions, mirroring a previous commemorative effort honoring Aleko Konstantinov.
The initiative’s broader goal, according to Eftimov, is to facilitate societal dialogue and self-awareness by demonstrating how major intellectuals continue to resonate within the nation’s cultural memory. The event in Tryavna was also attended by the town’s mayor, Dencho Minev, and Vijay Joshi, CEO of the Press Trust of India, highlighting international cooperation through the partnership between the two news agencies. Historically, Pencho Slaveykov (born 1866) overcame significant physical impairments, viewing his suffering as a catalyst for his creativity.
His work blended lyrical poetry with socio-critical pieces, reflecting influences from figures like Henrik Ibsen. After studying philosophy in Leipzig, he returned to Bulgaria, becoming involved with the Misul literary circle before departing the country in 1911.
Topics: #slaveykov #pencho #bulgarian
