Consul General in Odesa Ivanov Describes Dobri Chintulov As One of Bulgarian Revival's Bright Figures

Dimitrina Solakova, BTA special correspondent Valeria Skorich

Bulgarian Consul General Svetoslav Ivanov at the unveiling of a memorial plaque dedicated to Bulgarian poet Dobri Chintulov, Odesa, April 15, 2026 (BTA Photo/Hristo Kasabov)

Odesa, Ukraine,

15.04.2026 18:31

(BTA)

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Dobri Chintulov - the man after whom many Bulgarian schools and streets are named - is one of the leading figures of Bulgaria's Revival period, an exceptional teacher, educator, and writer whose works are still studied today, said Svetoslav Ivanov, Bulgaria’s Consul General in Odesa, here on Wednesday. He was speaking at the ceremonial unveiling of a commemorative plaque honoring the Bulgarian poet, composer, and educator at the Odessa Theological Seminary.

The project was implemented through a joint initiative of the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) and the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Odesa, with the support of the Odessa Theological Seminary.

The Bulgarian diplomat said further: "Today [Wednesday] we are rewriting history from 177 years ago, setting an example for younger generations on how we should treat Bulgaria’s heroes who gave their lives for our freedom."

"Dobri Chintulov was born in 1822 in the town of Sliven [Southeastern Bulgaria] to the family of the craftsman Petar Chintula. He studied at the Odessa District School, supported by wealthy Bulgarians living there. He graduated in the summer of 1843. He received one of the four scholarships granted by the Russian Emperor for the education of Bulgarian youths at the Seminary, and in September 1843 he enrolled in the Odessa Theological Seminary, which he completed in July 1849. The following year, he returned to Bulgaria,” Ivanov recalled.

He underscored that Chintulov’s poetic legacy is not extensive - his authorship has been confirmed for about 20 poems. Their impact has been immense in revolutionizing Bulgarian youth and in fostering a general surge of patriotism and fighting spirit among the people, added the Consul General.

"The impact of these songs has been immense in revolutionizing Bulgarian youth and in fostering a general surge of patriotism and fighting spirit among the people," added the Consul General.

Bulgaria supports Ukraine in its war against Russian aggression, as evidenced by political and financial aid and support for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, he went on to say. In 2025, Bulgaria took in about 500 Ukrainian children and students of Bulgarian descent, 200 of whom were children of disabled veterans, added Ivanov.

The Consul General expressed gratitude to the people who welcomed, supported, and assisted in the project's implementation, despite the ongoing war and nearly daily drone attacks.

At the event in the Ukrainian Black Sea city of Odesa, the official guests from the Bulgarian side were BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, the Rector of St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia, Prof. Georgi Valchev, and Musicautor Executive Director Ivan Dimitrov. Among the Ukrainian official guests were Metropolitan Agafangel of Odesa and Izmail, Archpriest Dmitry Yakovenko, Rector of the Odessa Theological Seminary, and Archbishop Sylvester (Stoychev) of Bilhorod.

/RD/