BTA is commencing a nationwide series of discussions across its national press clubs commemorating the 160th birth anniversary of Bulgarian poet Pencho Slaveykov and the period of Bulgarian modernism. The inaugural event, titled “Pencho Slaveykov Today,” will take place in his hometown of Tryavna, at the Slaveykov House Museum. The initiative, moderated by poet, literary scholar, and critic Yordan Eftimov, will also be attended by the town’s mayor, Dencho Minev.
The commemoration will be reflected in the December issue of LIK magazine, which will feature reports from the discussions and a special section containing 160 contributions of 160 words each, mirroring a previous anniversary campaign honoring Aleko Konstantinov. Eftimov stated that the campaign will examine the role of Pencho Slaveykov and his contemporaries, including members of the “Misal” literary circle, who contributed to modernizing Bulgaria into a European nation with a strong modernist tradition. The discussions aim to encourage Bulgarian society to reflect on its identity through Slaveykov’s legacy.
Eftimov noted that the goal is to show that BTA can generate societal dialogue and self-awareness regarding how major writers remain active in the nation’s cultural memory. Participants will include researchers, teachers, archivists, and writers, who will reflect on Slaveykov’s influence on their own work and education. The Tryavna event will also host Vijay Joshi, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of the Press Trust of India, highlighting the partnership between BTA and the Indian news agency.
Pencho Slaveykov (born 1866) was profoundly shaped by early illness, which he viewed as a “great teacher.” His work drew influence from figures like Henrik Ibsen and Friedrich Nietzsche, resulting in both lyrical and socio-critical poetry, including pieces opposing Stefan Stambolov’s rule. After studying philosophy in Leipzig, he returned to Bulgaria, where he worked in various roles and became associated with the Misul literary circle before leaving the country in 1911.
Topics: #slaveykov #pencho #bulgarian
