site.btaScholars Explore Pencho Slaveykov's Literary Legacy and His Ties to Ruse at BTA Forum

University lecturers, literary scholars, researchers and educators gathered at the Bulgarian News Agency's National Press Club in Ruse to discuss the literary and personal connections between Bulgarian poet Pencho Slaveykov and his contemporaries who were born or lived in the Danube city. The forum marked the 160th anniversary of Slaveykov's birth and celebrated the legacy of Bulgarian modernism.

The event, titled Pencho Slaveykov Today, is organized by BTA and moderated by poet, literary scholar and critic Yordan Eftimov.

Opening the discussion, Eftimov said the initiative aims not only to revisit Slaveykov's work over the coming months but also to encourage reflection on how contemporary society approaches one of Bulgaria's most important literary classics.

He argued that Slaveykov is often perceived as a difficult, elitist and philosophical author whose works have been removed from their broader historical and literary context. According to Eftimov, school curricula tend to isolate both the poet and his writings from the network of authors with whom he interacted, making it harder for students to appreciate his place within Bulgarian literature.

Associate Professor Velislava Doneva, a lecturer in Bulgarian literature at the University of Ruse, said Slaveykov is not among the most popular authors in literature classes because many students find him challenging. She explained that readers with limited literary background often struggle with his works, making it easier to overlook him within the study of Bulgarian literature.

Doneva described Slaveykov as a monumental figure in Bulgaria's literary canon, saying his contribution is so substantial that it is impossible to understand the development of Bulgarian literature, particularly in the early 20th century, without him. She also examined the relationship between Slaveykov and Ivan Grozev, noting that both writers were nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Associate Professor Mira Dushkova, head of the Department of Bulgarian Language, Literature, History and Arts at the University of Ruse, presented Slaveykov through the perspective of prominent literary historian and academician Mihail Arnaudov. She said that extensive research has already been devoted to Slaveykov's life and work, which is why she chose to focus on Arnaudov's approach. Dushkova explained that in 1911, a year before Slaveykov's death, Arnaudov met the poet twice to collect what he described as "biographical and psychological material" using his well-known interview methodology. She also discussed the two interviews Arnaudov conducted with Slaveykov.

Professor Stefan Vichev, a researcher of family histories and a relative of writer Konstantin Mutafov, said Mutafov regarded Pencho Slaveykov as a model of both artistic excellence and moral integrity.

Vichev emphasized that both writers originated from Tryavna and also knew each other through their work at the National Theatre in Sofia. According to him, the relationship between the two was particularly close. He also pointed out the family ties between their families, explaining that Petar Mutafov and Petko Slaveykov were the children of a brother and sister.

Vichev described Konstantin Mutafov as the author of what he considers the finest short stories ever written about Ruse.

Doneva added that the connection between Konstantin Mutafov and Pencho Slaveykov was reciprocal, influencing both writers in different ways.

The Pencho Slaveykov Today initiative is to be held at all 33 BTA national press clubs in Bulgaria. The first discussion, dedicated to the poet's 160th birth anniversary, took place in his hometown of Tryavna (Central Bulgaria) on April 27. Similar events have since been held in Samokov, Kazanlak, Stara Zagora, Kyustendil, Pernik, Haskovo, Kardzhali, Pazardzhik, Gabrovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Pleven and Svishtov.

The December 2026 issue of BTA's LIK magazine will be dedicated to Pencho Slaveykov. In addition to reports from the discussions, the issue will include specially written texts of 160 words each by 160 people, marking the poet's 160th birth anniversary.