ISSUED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF LIBRARY STUDIES AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES. SPECIAL EDITION. SEPTEMBER 2017

(1837 – 1873) The Apostle of Freedom is the only one who can The Ideologist of Our Freedom indisputably be considered the Vasil Vasilev, Chairperson of the LEVSKI Bulgarian Committee greatest Bulgarian of all time. Levski unites all Bulgarians On the 19th February of this boundaries and turned into an and is the national hero who year, a little boy dressed in honest superhuman. What is remains unstained of political Levski’s uniform was standing most impressive in him is the intrigues and belonging. The guard in front of Levski’s ability to overcome his sense of deed of is an survival in the name of a much everlasting source of national Monument in . He was 4 self-esteem of the Bulgarians, years old and was holding a real higher ideal – the quench for a personification of the image that has gathered in itself the rifle “Mannlicher”, almost as tall freedom. Aristotle said, “Plato is idealism and self-sacrifice in the name of the freedom for the as himself. When his sentry was dear to me, but the truth is even motherland. Today his legacy for a pure and holy republic, over, someone asked him, “How Vasil Vasilev dearer.” Levski maintained, “My where all are equal, regardless of their national background and do you picture Levski in your In life – he was an ordinary life is dear, but freedom is even religion, is more relevant than ever before. The self-sacrifice mind?”. person, just like any of his dearer.” of the Apostle of Freedom is related to the European ideals To Levski without freedom life “Something like Superman, contemporaries. But in for freedom, national dignity and humanity. The deed of Vasil has no meaning. Such a craving Levski is an ideal that we should all cherish today. but a real one”, was the answer. character, in deeds, in his sense for freedom, stronger than the The image of a superman is of duty, in his patriotism and Tsvetan Tsvetanov, Chairperson of the Parliamentary love for life, can be met in limited somehow inspired by the life of his revolutionary nature, he Group of the Political Party GERB numbers throughout ’s the Apostle. rose above and beyond human and the world’s history. Vasil Levski is the perfect image of the struggle for freedom and equality. The Bulgarian who devoted his With Levski’s Ideas mind, heart and strength to one idea – “a holy and pure in the Heart republic”. The Apostle left us not only his legacy, but he also Dr. Emil Kabaivanov, Mayor of Municipality set an example how to put this risky world. Levski has given into practice – with integrity, self-denial and faith. us his personal example how to work and die for Bulgaria and Dear friends, Kornelia Ninova, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Group therefore our task is to convey you are holding in your of “BSP for Bulgaria” this to the next generations. hands or watching on your To me Levski is a role model Each Bulgarian should carry PC screens the anniversary for self-sacrifice who we, the in their hearts Levski’s ideas – issue of the unique edition of offspring of his contemporaries, “For a pure and holy republic”, the newspaper we – all Bulgarians, are for before we sit and wait for indebted to. For we neither someone else to set us free or “Za bukvite – saved him, nor do we know help us, first of all, we should ’ where his grave is, nor do we take each other’s hand and do O pismeneh” know the exact date and year of Dr. Emil Kabaivanov our job. Or as the Apostle said This issue is dedicated to his birth. Today, 180 years after his once, “Being equal to other the 180th Anniversary of the Volen Siderov, Chairperson birth, we – the chosen ones European peoples depends on birth of the most dignified of the Parliamentary Group “United Patriots” to preserve and pass on to the our mutual efforts, brothers!”. son of the Bulgarian people – Everyone has their way to next generation Levski’s legacy, It is this ingenious sentence that Vasil Levski! Levski, his words and deeds, ask ourselves whether we do it holds the whole philosophy of On behalf of the academic to the deep meaning of his and how we do it. As Mayor of success or failure of a nation. management, the lecturers, The program for the thoughts. So ingenious is the Karlovo, I am convinced that students, PhD candidates revelation of the revolutionary commemoration of Levski’s being from Karlovo is a great and administrative staff of strategist: “We are in time and birth prepared by Karlovo the University of Library responsibility, pride and duty. time is within us. It changes Municipality is full of a lot of Studies and Information It is important to talk about us and we in turn change it”. events. I invite all Bulgarians Technologies (ULSIT), me Levski was ahead of his time Levski not only at anniversaries. to be guests during the days of personally and on behalf and is extremely relevant Bulgaria needs people who are today. And needed at the same the commemoration so we can of the editor-in-chief of the time. He is a philosophically clearly patriots in their minds together experience the joy of newspaper I would like to existential symbol of freedom, a measurement of strength, of in this global, dynamic and celebrating. congratulate you on this national memory and historical pride of our own deeds. remarkable anniversary and wish you forever to carry in , Mustafa Karadayi Chairperson of the Parliamentary Levski is Not a name but a Verb your hearts the image of Vasil Group “Movement for Rights And Freedoms” Kornelia Marinova, Mayor of Municipality Levski – the ever unattainable Everyone remembers Vasil When we say LEVSKI, we height of the Bulgarian Levski’s lessons. His feat and mostly mean a historical and national spirit! self-sacrifice have impressed generations of children. We ideological circle of values. Prof. Stoyan Denchev, Levski as a symbol today is a tool have breathlessly listened to Rector of ULSIT! the story of the Lion’s leap that for orientation among values gave rise to his name. In awe and not just a sign of national did we learn the lines of Botev’s belonging and an attractive A PROMISE KEPT poem of the black gallows image. He is an example of AND READY TO TAKE near Sofia. This emotion has boundless love towards his IN YOUR HANDS! remained forever in our minds. The self-sacrifice of the heroes people and self-sacrifice in the and the memory of them is the thread that keeps us tied to our In issue 51 of the newspaper name of the motherland. He is Motherland. Levski is one of those colossal individuals in our Za Bukvite – O’ Pismeneh, the an example of political creativity age-old history who was ahead of his time. His ideal for a pure Kornelia Marinova management of ULSIT and and holy republic is our own, too. He said it so wisely: “We are and tolerance as well as loyalty the editor’s team promised in time and time is within us”. to the republican statesmanship. sense Levski is not a noun but a to publish a translated into Gergana Stefanova, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Levski is an action call, a call for verb – a significant engine of the English version of the issue group of Political Party Volya. service to the motherland, to an people’s sobriety and the social dedicated to Vasil Levski. active stand in society. In this life. The Free Person Let’s Remember the Way Dimitar Glavchev, Chairperson of the National Assembly Levski changed the fate There is no other historical builds up as a social ideal the of his people figure that our national memory era of the Bulgarian Revival. has managed to keep for 180 Let’s remember the way that Rumen Radev, President of the Republic of Bulgaria years so pure and holy. The the Apostle showed us and ask This year we commemorate immortal feat of Levski has been ourselves what country he really 180 years of the birth of Vasil Bulgaria’s strive for freedom, wanted us to live in. It was the Ivanov Kunchev. When he was democracy and justice. It is our country whose flag read“A holy true and real reason for national born into this world, The Revival and pure republic”. A country pride and joy. For the ideas of was barely making its way and with “people’s governance”, a Levski are inseparably linked freedom was a daydream. Today state of “personal and people’s Levski’s portrait hangs on every to the European ideals for freedom”. A state where people school wall. In less than two progress, solidarity and human Dimitar Glavchev abide to “pure and holy laws”. centuries, the Bulgarian people rights. Today, when our country This is the state of Levski’s draw the strength and energy to have walked the way of self- is respected and dignified, we legacy. Today our modern deal with the challenges? awareness, cultural affirmation, must rediscover the democratic world offers dramatic ordeals, Vasil Levski lies forever in the the riot and joy of freedom, values that Levski legated to historical memory of Bulgaria. the fast progress, the defended us so we can pass them on to we need determination and Rumen Radev His name is our conscience, the statesmanship and the pride of the posterity. Levski is the will, unity and stability. the worldwide recognition of the In the 1850s, the Bulgarians image of all that’s precious, Where else, if not from the benchmark for ourselves and Bulgarian genius in spirit and still spoke of Europe as holy and great; the thing that immortal feat of Levski can we for the future of our country. creation. History is a deceitful something far away and perspective. The black-and- unreachable. Levski is the white portrait of Levski looks highest personification of the His Testaments for us are Written like a sign from the distant past, free person who will change Iliyana Yotova, Vice President of the Republic of Bulgaria but I will say it again: it’s been the fate of his people. Many just 180 years since his birth. Levski’s Anniversary – 180 members of the club of...” but generations have passed since years of his birth to walk the way to ourselves, to Bulgaria has come a long way then: the way of the Bulgarian Are 2 centuries enough for overcome nihilism and distrust, and that is due to unique people spirit is hard, it goes through the symbol, the legend and the to build consensus despite the like the Deacon, Botev, Zahariy years of misery and weakness, personality of the Apostle to differences. The slogan “the Stoyanov, and then Aleko, nut always follows one: Levski, sink in?! people of Bulgaria are its most Pencho Slaveykov and so on. the boy from Karlovo, who It’s hard to write about Levski. precious treasure” must be They are kind of accelerators of threw away the priest’s gown His contemporaries have legated turned into our credo. history who lead the Bulgarian in order not to offer his people an image that we recognize from Levski is different. He fits none people out of the desert of the the first lessons of the textbooks. of the traditional images of the comfort, but freedom. The man slavery into the Promised Land Even today everyone can see Bulgarian people’s stereotypes of freedom, where the Bulgarian who dared challenge a whole themselves and measure their Iliyana Yotova so much written about by many creative genius keeps up with empire, he who lost himself, but look upon life against Levski’s who would fight for it. He said authors. But the image that’s in ”The Europe”. ”won for all his people.” words and deeds. And this it in 1871: “A test is needed for each Bulgarian’s heart is the one dialogue with the Apostle and everyone. A human he is today, of a true patriot. “PEOPLE...” this measuring is really personal. but an arse tomorrow”. Today exclaimed the Apostle on one Let’s Unite our Energy Apostle of Freedom! You do we still need strong people, not page of his notebook. Is it a not need fanfares and pomposity just leaders but role models. coincidence that he left this today. You do not need state We are facing a defeat if we word followed by dots? He so We Can Walk Ahead! protocol unless we feel the need think that we have fulfilled our knew well the mentality of his Boyko Borisov to talk to you, unless we have national aims and we have no contemporaries, he knew their Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria faith that it is you and only you cause. It doesn’t work just to tick shortcomings, he wrote about who has the right to judge our shallow thinking and hatred in betrayal, embezzlement, loyalty Let’s see through the eyes of actions. the agenda of our daily grind. We and faith.// But each line of his Levski – let’s stop hating each It is difficult to avoid clichés have managed to become part of writing radiates the faith that other and unite our energy so and yet we have to say: your Europe, but still our biggest aim people are the greatest treasure. we can walk ahead! testaments sound as if they is to be “equal to other European Merciless towards traitors and Absolute integrity and were written for us. When peoples”, as the Apostle desired. the indecisive ones, Levski absolute self-sacrifice on the does Levski speak of Bulgarian Separation has left its mark on raised his Fatherland into a cult long way of turning the slave statesmanship: when there is the institutions. and believed in the worthy and into a free person and the no state, when hope is gone, The oaths for united actions brave people who committed Motherland – into a pure and when the spirit is about to give are for the cameras, then themselves to the freedom of holy republic. in. When does he speak of the actions demolish them and Bulgaria. These qualities immanent to a Bulgarian people? breed distrust. Opposition “All peoples in it (Bulgaria) saint turned the ordinary person When it’s necessary to light does not result in development, will live under the same pure and that Vasil Ivanov Kunchev was the spark of its power. When hatred cannot unite people. The holy laws, as is given to a human into Vasil Levski, the Apostle does he leave his testaments for Bulgaria Project demands of us by God: to the Turk, to the Jew, of freedom, the Icon to whom Boyko Borisov a pure and holy republic? When to say honestly, just as Levski etc. It will be like that as long as the Bulgarians bow with most could start by looking through the most important decision on did, how we are going to live they bow to the law side by side sincerity. in the years to come. Will there the eyes of Levski upon the the future of the motherland with the Bulgarians. That’s the We quote him way too often, has to be made. Apostle, you be job opportunities for young ” future of our people and our way it will be in our Bulgaria! we use him as an example far realized the dream of us having people in order to stop the brain This is the suffered daydream country, if we stop hating each too much. I believe that we a country. But there is no state. drain and the erasure of the of great Bulgarian! A daydream would have a good reason to other, if we channel our energy It’s hard to find not just nation? Shall we curb corruption that should not be forgotten. A say his name if we joined his into helping Bulgaria go ahead. people but statespeople who in practice, which frustrates Bulgarian whose dreams and tolerance, integrity, dedication As the Apostle said, ”It all put meaning to this word, and and scares entrepreneurs. The testaments we should be worthy and vision a little bit more. We depends on our joined powers”. it’s even harder to find those cause is now not to “become of! The Outcome of our Deeds Depends on our Own Endeavors Associate Professor Krasimira Aleksandrova, Director of the National Library St. St. Cyril and Methodius

To speak about Levski is a necessity for his spirit resides in each of us. The interest in his personality never dies. 2017 has been announced as THE YEAR OF LEVSKI in relation with the commemoration of 180 years since his birth. And this is no coincidence – his image has been a symbol of bravery and self-denial. In front of the Sultan judges, in front of the altar of the Gallows, Levski categorically justifies his status of a most beloved national hero – lively and real. Levski is the person who came to realize that our actions today can change the reality of tomorrow. What he did carries the charisma to to unite us as a nation.

HOW TO PRESERVE tee (BCRC) within the period vidual people, lists of sponsors TODAY THE MEMORY 1871-1872. The oath that each to the Svoboda Newspaper, etc. OF THE APOSTLE’S committee member candidate can be seen. Those 162 doc- PERSONALITY had to take has also been pre- uments in the collections can served. The letter of attorney reach the number 255 when Levski’s collections com- empowering Levski to act with- combined with the documents prise 162 documents, the first in the country on behalf of the related to the Apostle from the of which dates back to 1869, Vasil Levski’s Notebook 180 Years Since the Birth of The Central Committee is also in- archives of Luben Karavelov, and the last one to 1872. As for Apostle of Freedom tact. There are also reference the BCRC, Danail Popov, Ivan being 10 years ago with a pho- structure, there are several the- of conservation is a guarantee numbers related to received Kurshovski and . to-type edition and readable matic units. In the first place, to its preservation. letters. An extremely valuable Among them can be found content. So far the notebook it’s his personal notebook also What happened in practice document is the draft-statute those 7 photos of the Apostle. has been out of the treasure box known as ”Levski’s Notebook”. during the digital copy process- Levski’s correspondence comes ing? The quality of the scanned in two groups – with his follow- image was improved by adding ers outside Bulgaria and with a better contrast, the ‘hues’ have the adherents within the coun- been cleared and twice as great try during his revolutionary ac- text resolution was achieved. tivity between 1869 and 1872. We were given serious sup- His apostle activity is repre- port on the project by the Aiki- sented by a few circular letters do society Obelisk, headed by on behalf of the Bulgarian Cen- Hristo Mihaylov. We are in the tral Revolutionary Commit- process of issuing 100 copies of the digital version of Levski’s notebook, soon to reach con- noisseurs. There’s a project to promote the notebook online on the National Library’s website. This will be a token of respect to those Bulgarians who live abroad. There will be a special QR-code, which will allow an easy access to the Notebook without having to enter an ad- of the Bulgarian Central Rev- This invaluable documentation twice – to exhibitions in the Na- dress. Thus, everyone who olutionary Committee or the treasure is well cared for and tional Assembly and the Presi- wishes will be able to download so-called ”Regulation of the therefore kept in a treasure box dency. But in order for the note- it to their mobiles and read it. Workers for the Liberation of of the . book to reach a wider audience At the same time, this e-format the Bulgarian People”, where Special curators take care of and the youngest of the reader- of the Notebook will provide the principles behind the BCRC their condition and make sure ship, a team of inspired young specialists with an additional are laid out. Another interesting Bulgarians will present it in an the temperature and humidity opportunity for scientific re- document to the researchers is electronic format. A major con- stay as necessary. The docu- search. an incomplete note by Levski ments have been digitized and tribution in this project is due to the editors of the Svoboda patrons are able to use the digi- to the computer specialist Peyo Newspaper, where he expresses tal copies through the site of the Peev. With inspiration and patri- his satisfaction that the news- National Library St. St. Cyril otic dedication he has commit- paper has been released. Then and Methodius. Only in excep- ted himself to the realization of follow receipts, accounts – 25 tional situations and occasions this project. It is a well-known in total providing evidence of can the documents be taken out fact that the notebook contains the strict material accountabil- of the treasure box under strict pencil scripts on highly acidic ity that Levski demanded of security measures. paper and this poses great risks all committees and activists. in preserving it. We have often levski’s collections also con- LEVSKI’S NOTEBOOK been accused of conservative tain notes on his revolutionary IN 3D attitude and ‘hiding’ the docu- activity, where pseudonyms of Levski’s notebook has been ment, but all for this reason. It different revolutionary activists, published several times by is clear to every specialist that A souvenir from the 180th passwords, addresses of indi- TRUD Publishers, the latest only strict keeping to the rules anniversary of Levski’s birth Vasil Levski on Five Continents For 25 years the Museum of the Apostle in Karlovo has presented Vasil Levski to the world Dora Chausheva, Director of the National Museum of Vasil Levski in Karlovo In the early 1990s the the Bulgarian Cultural Institute study their native language and museum’s team made crucial in 2007. It became the history far from their native steps towards presenting basis, on which the development land. Annually we meet the Levski’s individuality outside of a closer cultural cooperation teachers there, we are invited the national borders. Levski is between Bulgarians and French as guests in the schools in a great historical personality. people was established. In 2009 London, Vienna, Bratislava rd What he created in ideological on the occasion of the 3 of and Bolgrade. We cooperate and political terms is compatible March 2009 in the European fruitfully with the management with the achievements of the Parliament in Brussels the of their association, we send our European political thought of exhibition dedicated to the children’s books to Bulgarian the 19th century. And if Vasil Apostle was opened. A kids abroad. Our meetings in Ivanov Kunchev /Levski/ had discussion was held attended Vienna in ”Haus Wittgenstein” not been born in Bulgaria, but by the special guest of the International seminar on Levski in Vienna University (2014) in a western European or central exhibition – the British writer Norwegian association in Oslo European country, he would Mercia McDermott. Two months and its Chairperson Dr. Venelina have gained the popularity later, on the occasion of the 24th Kostova. of Garibaldi, Lajos Kossuth, May and the end of the school The book was presented in Mazzini or any other famous year in Bulgaria, for the children some of the Bulgarian Cultural political or revolutionary activist from the Bulgarian school there Institutes in Paris, Vienna, of Europe from the 19th Century. the exhibition was once again Budapest, Cegléd, Bratislava, For this reason the museum displayed for the Bulgarian Moscow, etc. It went on to be prepared the exhibition Community in Brussels to see. distributed in a lot of public ”Ëverything I did I did for In London 2009 the theme of libraries on the European the Fatherland” in English, the Apostle and the exhibition Continent and beyond – in North French and Hungarian, which were a leading event in the America: The USA Canada was presented in the Bulgarian activities of the Bulgarian as well as South America: Cultural Institutes in Budapest Embassy, the school and the Exhibition in Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium (2009) Argentina, as well as Seoul, (2003), Paris (2007) and Bulgarian Cultural Center there. gave rise to the idea of an London (2009), etc. The support Owing to the Bulgarian Ruzhka international students’ seminar from the Ministry of Culture Nikolova, the exhibition had a in Karlovo in 2013 with the and the Bulgarian Embassies huge success in 2012 in Buenos participation of students from has always been crucial, for this Aires – Argentina as well. Bulgaria, Austria, Germany demonstrates the attitude of the Throughout the years, the Poland and under the official state authorities toward Museum responded to the initiative and support of Prof. the serious issue of promoting invitations they received from Liubka Lipcheva-Pranzheva, the personality of Vasil Levski nearby living compatriots – Borislav Petranov and in the European capitals. in Tzaribrod, Nis, Ambassador Her Excellency In 2003 the exhibition , Ukraine, Elena Shekerletova. dedicated to Levski was and . What is impressive Besides the photo documental presented twice in Hungary. is that those who have emigrated exhibition on the Apostle, our The first time was in Budapest or remained outside the missionary around the world in fron of Bulgarians only, but Bulgarian state borders know has been a publication about the second time was in front of and remember what they have him from 2011– ”Vasil Levski Hungarians in the museum of read or studied about Vasil – The Apostle of the Bulgarian Lajos Kossuth in the town of Levski. Unfortunately though, Freedom” in 8 languages: A publication about Vasil Levski in eight languages Cegléd. each new generation grows Tokyo, China and Australia. In 2005 Vasil Levski apart from the Apostle in their Thus the Bulgarian National hero was presented through the knowledge and feelings for him. – The Apostle of the Bulgarian exhibition in several Bulgarian In these lines, the efforts to Freedom found followers to and American meetings in the present the thematic exhibition USA. Those were the American should continue in the future so his relevant humanistic ideas University in Washington DC that more Bulgarians are able to today on five continents. The following an invitation by be close to Vasil Levski. ideas of freedom, democracy, the Center of the Bulgarian The exhibitions are equality between different in Community with the support of accompanied by a lot of nationality and religion people. Mr. Asen Asenov, in New York exciting meetings and talks with Vasil Levski is probably the best and Chicago. The contact with our compatriots in different image representing Bulgaria the Bulgarian and American countries. Throughout the Opening of the exhibition in the European Parliament in Brussels (2009) around the world. Association, whose Chair is years they have contributed to the Bulgarian artist Ms Kina the organization of scientific English French, German, Bugovska, has existed for more forums dedicated to Vasil Spanish Italian, Hungarian, than a decade with the museum Levski in cooperation with Norwegian and Russian. This assisting from far away Bulgaria local organizationsand the read is addressed to the foreign for the holding of different Bulgarian Levski Committee readership and aims to present initiatives directed towards and Vasil Levski Foundation – the personality, ideals and preserving the memory of the in , Bucharest, Taraclia, deeds of Vasil Levski. The Apostle. Thessaloniki, Skopje, etc. book was published under the A warm welcome the Growing in number are the so-called Norwegian program exhibition on the Apostle of the Bulgarian schools that provide with the support of the Embassy Bulgarian Freedom received in the opportunity for children to of Norway, the Bulgarian- Exhibition in the Bulgarian Cultural Institute in Paris (2007) there was a high concentration visited revolutionary groups country and to start immediate of Ottoman settlers. The group in places and organized such preparation for a common managed to pass unnoticed and where none existed. uprising. then split into two- one part At the beginning of May In the spring of 1870, Levski went to Kotel, and the other – 1869, the Apostle, armed with entered Bulgaria again. For to . After a three-month a year and a half, he built a the necessary proclamations trek in the Balkan mountain, network of local revolutionary and letters of attorney given to the armed group went to committees, which he united . A cross that into an Internal Revolutionary Levski participated in the belonged to Vasil Organization (IRO), with a Levski, National Second Bulgarian Armed command center known as Organization in in Military and History museum ”Temporary Government 1868. in Bulgaria” in the town of After the failure of the Lovech. Documents were armed group tactics, Vasil ratified by a seal sent from Levski came up with the idea Wallachia that read: ”First of transfering the center of Department of the BRCC”. preparation for the national- In February 1871 in Turnu liberation revolution into the Mugurele, a point was Bulgarian lands. established for the connections In the spring of 1868, Levski between the internal went to Bucharest. In Wallachia, among the great centers of committees and the emigration Bulgarian emigration, he activists headed by Danail shared with close friends and acquaintances his thoughts and sought ground for the ideas that stirred him. At that time, immigration in Bucharest was split in three ideological groups: Russian supporters, 180 Years dualists and supporters of the old revolutionary movement. A portrait of Vasil Levski, painted by Sergey Ivoylov As for organization, National Military and History Museum emigration was actually split Vasil Levski (Vasil Ivanov the advocacy of Nayden Gerov, in two: old thinkers, Russian Kunchev) was born on 6th July who at that time was a Russian supporters represented by the 1837 (old calendar system) in Vice-consulate in the city. Virtuous Company and the Karlovo in the family of an st since the Birth At Easter - 1 May 1864 – young ones – revolutionaries influential craftsman-painter.in the afternoon in the Zlatna and dualists, i.e. ex-freedom He had a difficult childhood. Livada range together with fighters and members of the He was an orphan at 14 and his friends Hadji Georgi Central Secret Committee, took it upon himself to tend pophristov and hristo Vasilev who are gathered around the to his big family. He studied Pulev, Deacon Ignatiy cut off Bulgarian society in Bucharest, at the Class school in Karlovo. his hair and put an end to his who actually support Levski’s In 1852, after the death of his monk’s career singing for the plans. Levski was funded and of Vasil Levski father, he was left to the care last time in the Karlovo church he went to Constantinople him by representatives of the hristov Popov. Such a point in of his mother’s brother Hadji St. Virgin Mary putting on a on 11th December. The Bulgarian society in Bucharest, Bulgaria was , where Vasiliy, a monk from the civil suit. Apostle hoped that passing crossed the and from An.hinov, Popov’s brother, Hilendar Monastery and then With a decent education for through the ottoman capital Nikopol started his second tour who was assigned a distributor sent to Karlovo to become a his time, he went on to become he wouldn’t be bothered by around Bulgaria, which lasted and receiver of the letters and ‘taxidiot’ (a travelling monk a teacher. the authorities when he went 4 months. In Pleven, Lovech, arms that came to and went who gathers donations for the For 2 years, he taught in into Bulgaria in order to Karlovo, , , from Lovech. church) and a confessor. Vasil Voyniagovo, Karlovo region. make his first tour around the Pazardjik, and Under levski’s leadership, became his uncle’s apprentice Levski was suspected of country. Everywhere he went, Sliven, he founded the first the committees deployed revolutionary propaganda and help him gather donations he talked to close confidantes revolutionary committees in active propaganda among the by the Ottoman authorities for Sveta Gora /the church/ in and acquaintances in order Bulgaria. Then he returned population and this gave rise and had to go to Medzhidie th the villages. In 1858 he became to win them for the cause. In to Bucharest on 26 August to the preparation towards a through Tulcha in early spring a monk under the name of 1869 and together with Liuben factual national revolution. The of 1866, where he hoped t meet Ignatiy and the following year Karavelov he participated in creation of IRO as a center for Stefan Karadja, whom he met he became a deacon. From the founding of the Bulgarian the liberation movement made 1861 onwards Levski dedicated during his stay in Belgrade. In Revolutionary Central the village of Enikioy (today’s Vasil Levski set out to develop his life to the struggle for Committee (BRCC). its ideological and political freedom from the Ottoman ), Levski worked as a For almost a year Vasil teacher for six months. platform. At the heart of his enslaver. In 1862 he was Levski tried to persuade the vision is his endless faith in the admitted a member of the first At the beginning of 1867, emigration that it was essential ”natural power of the people”. Bulgarian Armed Organization Levski was attracted by the next to transfer the center of the In the summer of 1871, a under the command of Georgi movement of the Bulgarian liberation movement into the draft statute was developed of Stoykov Rakovski. After emigration circles in Romania Levski’ hair, National Military and the IRO – A ”Regulation of this organized armed group and he went to Bucharest, where History museum the People for the Liberation disbanded, he joined the he contacted Rakovski. It was Constantinople, he met Stefan of the Bulgarian People”. revolutionary group of Iliyo Rakovski’s recommendation ilich, Kiro Popov and Dr. The main idea of the statute Voivoda. In the spring of 1863, that helped him become a was to transfer the command he came back to Bulgaria. flag-bearer of the rebel group Then he headed for Thrace center of the revolution into Being alleged in crime to the of . In April and Northern Bulgaria. His the country in order to sway Ottoman authorities by his the armed group crossed the first tour was informative but the liberation activities from uncle, he then was arrested and Danube near and A small plate that belonged to also organizational. In those spent 3 months in prison in traversed Deliorman, Razgrad Vasil Levski, National Military and foreign influences and base it Plovdiv. He was set free due to and Osmanpazar region, where 2 and a half months, Levski History museum on a new democratic grounds. The second important committees in his hands. Those principle in the ”Regulations” were the relations between the suggested the creation of a IRO and the BRCC. The unity common command center. was signed in such a ay so This was the Bulgarian that the Internal Organization Revolutionary Central kept its independence. While Committee (BRCC) in still in Bucharest in May-June Bulgaria. With the growth 1872, the Apostle tried to of the IRO, it’s management expand his influence amongst became harder and so in mid the emigration circles. 1871 Dimitar Obshti and Angel Levski returned to Bulgaria Kunchev agreed to become on 1st July 1872 and made Levski’s assistants. They were structural changes in the IRO. sent to him by Panayot Hitov The summer and autumn of through Danail Hristov Popov. 1872 were a very productive At the end of 1871, the period in the activity of the revolutionary emigration Bulgarian revolutionaries. in Bucharest, united under The committee network was the BRCC, led by Liuben expanded, regional centers Karavelov on the one hand, were established – Goliam and the Internal Organization Izvor, Pazardjik, Stara Zagora, led by Levski on the other, Sliven, Turnovo, Lovech. concluded that for the success Besides, a system of military

Vasil Levski establishes a revolution committee. Painted by Vasil Stoilov, National Military and History Museum 180 Years The donations that came from the court Levski acted with These are Levski’s small inside the country turned out dignity and did not deny his plate and his cross presented to be extremely insufficient. organizational activity. He to him as a gift by his uncle The sharp shortage of funding came across as implementing archimandrite Vasiliy from that the organization was the will of the Central his visit to Jerusalem in 1861. suffering from led some of Committee outside Bulgaria The cross comes with a chain the revolutionaries to seek but he did not disclose the and its face depicts Christ’s funding in all possible ways participants in the revolution Crucifixion. Next to these since the Birth th despite the danger of possible activities. On 14 January 1873 exhibits are Levski’s personal disclosures. Dimitar Obshti the investigation commission gun – a revolver ”Gaser”, M neglected Levski’s objections issued a conclusive record with 1870, 11 mm; his hair, which and together with activists the death sentence, which was was cut on 1st May 1864 in from the committee later confirmed 8 days later by Zlatna Livada area and the decided to rob the Turkish post Sultan Abdul Azis. chains where he was chained office at the Arabakonak Pass Vasil Levski was hanged on after his capture by the nd of Vasil Levski and on 22 September 1872 he th th Turkish police. Those cultural the 6 February (today’s 18 of the liberation movement, a leaders of the committees pulled out the robbery. A lot of February) 1873 in the outskirts valuables were presented to the unity of the forces was needed. was introduced. Feeling that money came into the hands of of Sofia. Museum in 1942 after being A general meeting was held in the movement was growing the robbers – 125,000 Grosh. After the Apostle’s demise in the Ethnographic museum The Turkish police force the Romanian capital lasting in strength, Levski issued a the BRCC suffered a crisis before that. th th responded immediately. They from 29 April to 4 May password for an immediate which was overcome at the The life and activity of Vasil took immediate measures and 1872. preparation for an uprising, end of 1875 by activists of Levski are presented in the caught Dimitar Obshti and The delegates voted a ordering the development of the younger generation of permanent exhibition of the a lot of revolutionaries from program and a statute choosing mobilization plans and raising revolutionaries like Georgi National Military and History Teteven and Orhaniy (today’s Karavelov as the chairperson funds for the purchase of Benkovski, and Museum by three works of of the Bulgarian Revolutionary Botevgrad) weaponry. . They drew art. These are two portraits Central Committee. Levski, A special trial was organized In the conditions of this upon the already created by of the Apostle painted in oil whose activity within the in Sofia. Massive arrests progress, some signs of Levski committees and started paint by Sergey Ivoylov and country was acknowledged, degradation emerged. Levski’s an accelerated preparation Dionisiy Donchev as well as became Chief Apostle for the first assistant – Dimitar for an uprising in the spring the emblematic painting by country. He document is largely Obshti – began to question his Vasil Stoilov entitled ”Levski based on the ”Regulations” of 1876. The April uprising authority, to spread intrigues Establishes a Revolutionary from 1871 but with a lot of is the zenith of the activities and disagreements among Committee”. amendments. Compromises of the revolutionary forces the committees. At the same There is one more exhibit were made in the name of and led to the involvement of time, the preparatioin for the in the collections of the unity. In the statute, Levski Western Europe and Russia uprising is under way and National Military and History conceded that the headquarters in the Bulgarian issue and the organization is faced with consequently to our liberation Museum directly related to the should be in Bucharest not in a serious problem with the A chain from the prison in Sofia, the country, but an additional from the Ottoman slavery. revolutionary activities of the funding of the organization. National Military Apostle. That is a knife with a text was included which and History Museum In the permanent chronological exhibition of the case, which came in 1938 from postulated that the BRCC followed of committee National Military and History the Palace with instructions had the right to issue Letters activists, which neutralized of Attorney that gave certain Museum, emblematic cultural that it was used by Levski when IRO and it began to disband. people powers to represent the valuables are on display related he pretended to be a Turkish Committee everywhere and in Lasil Levski paid a visit to to the life of Vasil Levski. authority during his tours of everything. Such powers were Lovech to save the archives The window dedicated to the the country. received just by Levski and of the organization. He was Apostle hosts two exhibits Revolver ”Gaser” M 1870, 11mm, Nikolay Ivanov, PhD thus he managed to keep the belonged to Vasil Levski, National caught after being betrayed at donated in 1940 by his niece National Military management of the internal Military and History Museum the Inn of Kukrin. In front of Sofia Zidarova. and History Museum In Memory of The Apostle Academician Konstantin Kosev Heroes, as is known, are Padishah into a real modern person with a fresh mood and not born. They are raised people with confidencecontagious optimism. With an and brought up. IRO became and audacious claims for angelic voice, he was helpful a real hotbed for heroic independence in their own and generous, far-seeing Bulgarians. And if in 1868 the country. with the right judgment for so-called Hadjidimitrovs were As is known, it was thanks people, he was preventive and only 120 people, at the end of to the IRO that the Bulgarian thoughtful with unbelievable Academician Konstantin Kosev 1872 his number had grown to liberation cause sparked organizational flexibility, a This year we commemorate and other types of encryption be thousands. All this due to a serious crisis on the perfect master of conspiracy, 180 years since the birth of that need to be specifically the IRO. Levski was trying to international arena and the a well-spoken orator with a the legendary Apostle of decoded. make the struggle for national Bulgarian Issue was central mesmerizing influence over Freedom – Vasil Levski. Born What is interesting though liberation an all people’s in the agenda of the European those listening to him, he was precise and resourceful, honest in Karlovo in 1837, he died is that despite the scarce cause. This is the idea behind diplomatic negotiations for its and humane with his Christian tragically when he was barely authentic information, a his strategy – to attract as urgent political resolution. morals and fabulous modesty, 35. During his relatively short large number of authors and many people as possible to the In the course of creating brilliant intellectual skills and life, this unique Bulgarian artists of other genre dedicate organization. this unique organization, remarkable memory, natural managed to accomplish numerous and versatile works IRO is Levski’s greatest Levski displayed a stunning intelligence with enormous feats so great that he has achievement of crucial combination of most to the life deed of Vasil intellectual potential. Levski rightly earned his leading importance to the impressive human qualities Levski. Endless memoirs of artistically gifted and a master place in the pantheon of the resurrection of the modern and moral virtues – radiant contemporaries, scientific of disguise, he had colossal Bulgarian history. A truly Bulgarian state. patriotism, iron will and firm historical collections, spiritual energy, amazing unique achievement! What It is in fact the first Bulgarian character, astounding audacity, documental publications and devotion and a complete was he like, though and what political organization that bravery and cool, physical literary works are known by readiness for self-sacrifice. exactly did he do? What is his lays the foundations for the power and sports abilities all kinds of people of culture Levski dedicated literally contribution? and art. All these are one The sinister gallows in Sofia all his life to the liberation way or another motivated 144 years ago unintentionally cause. In the name of this by the emotional charge of reminds us of the Jesus’ cause he voluntarily robbed admiration. And this also Crucifixion. The analogy is himself of the normal human refers to the strictly scientific striking. Just like Jesus, at comforts, the family, home historical research. almost the same age, Levski coziness and living comforts, But since the factual database professional career, he got rid seems to have resurrected of the relief in calmness in after the . Up until his is so limited, a lot of authors order to live in daily extreme death he was almost unknown. just let go of their fantasy. This pressure with the constant risk He was only known to some is evident in the memories of a deadly threat. To Levski of his adherents related to the of contemporaries and the this was no whim, nor was it struggle for freedom. After the works of fiction. Sometimes a pathological masochism, but hanging his popularity began it comes to absurd statements a deeply recognized necessity to grow drastically. What’s and clearly made up stories. and a specific spiritual attitude interesting is that the physical Something paradoxical is then for a lifestyle. absence of Levski gives rise born. The limited information The versatile natural gifts to his popularity. After the on the Apostle in combination with the growing interest of the Apostle helped him Liberation, Levski came to come across as a brilliant be known as a national hero in the person and his deeds turn him into a legend. Truth propagandist capable of in no time – he became an and rumor intertwine in an imposing respect and trust all people’s icon. as well as stimulating the incredible combination which People worship him without love for the motherland. In hampers his objective and even realizing clearly what many places all over Bulgaria relevant recognition. To such exactly his particular merit Levski found and attracted an extent is it hampered that to history is. Levski seems to ardent patriots and adherents even his major contribution attract the common interest who whole-heartedly adopted to history becomes blurred – with his mysterious secrecy. his ideas demonstrated The information about his life what he built as the ”Internal unconditional readiness for and activity are scarce. The Revolutionary Organization” cooperation. Feeling the highly conspiracy nature of (IRO). This was a strictly support of so many people his activity covers everything conspiracy structure with in thw whole country, Levski related to the Apostle. The a dense network of private grew even more confident. only piece of information that revolutionary committees all Thus he gradually matured we have is his partly kept by over the country compliant maturity of the Bulgarian with a lion’s leap, flash-like as the true leader of the accident correspondence. to one governing body with people as a political subject reflexes and agility, incredible Bulgarian National Liberation Those are the letters he a statute, a program and on the international arena and psychological and physical Movement in the years of the received and sent. But even strict discipline. Through this as an independent factor in the stamina. He was strict and Revival. It can be said that these authentic documents are organization Levski sought, Eastern Issue. demanding, yet with a sharp owing to what he did, it was a hard source of information brought up and trained a In this sense, through sense of justice, wise with a possible for the April Uprising for they are riddled with myriad of heroic Bulgarian IRO, Levski helped turn the rationally pragmatic attitude to break, which opened the passwords, pseudonyms, men who were ready to die for Bulgarians from timid slaves and determination in his way to the modern Bulgarian codes, metaphoric phrases freedom. and obedient adherents to the actions. Levski was a radiant National State. . I was looking at his clear eyes, I was listening to his truthful words and I painted him Prof. Plamen Vulchev, a painter I grew up among the proud similarity that I particularly years gone by, I grew jealous due to this in fact – to the true success in the interpretation of joyful shouts of our Revival sought, was not there. Then, of this lovable image. I was love that I embrace him with. the image of this most beloved leaders and revolutionaries. as I doubled my efforts, I so much into the features of Today, when I go back to son of Bulgaria, it was due to This was inevitable as my adjusted the so-typical bow-tie my life and to the stuff that the fact that I sat before him, I this person that I drew him by father the painter Petar Vulchev and believed that this approach came out of my brush, I come was looking at his clear eyes, memory only. And even now had turned our home into a would dispel all doubts that this to the conclusion that I drew I was listening to his truthful studio where the portraits of was Levski. when I paint, I only use my Levski inspired by my dad, who words, I vowed in him and I these great men were born. The Those were the reasons I took imagination and never a photo. took so much after the hero, painted him. This is where inspiration and the passion, to Levski and I still do. With And if I ever succeed, it is all with the same virtues he had. I draw my courage to freely Later destiny introduced me to select the postures, to seek another great worthy Bulgarian unexpected conditions of the who also radiated those same spirit and discover unsuspected virtues. This was the great recourse. Bulgarian painter Aleksander That is why I receive the Poplilov, who poured his love warmest of the awards: the and adulation to the Apostle in recognition of the Bulgarians a number of portraits, paintings, from all walks of life that I drawings and illustrations, have drawn their Levski – the most of which are pearls in the one who they carry in their treasury of our art. hearts. This fills me with I’ll say it once more – I had confidence and makes me even the exclusive opportunity to more confidently to follow his have role models in art and principles and his example. No in life who radiate with the matter how inconspicuous my features of the Apostle and if height is, I still keep emulating I have sporadic moments of him.

with which my dad built this gallery of images, got hold of me, too. Like a domestic pet I used to potter around him and did what was only natural to do: imitate. But Vasil Levski appealed to me most. Surely it was the shocking stories about his devotion to the deed for Bulgaria and his tragic demise that were to blame. But it was probably also the feelng I had for that special emphasis that my dad would place on the creation of this image and the responsibility he felt when he stood in front of that Bulgarian. The preparation for the portrait composition that was the cherry on the pie in this ‘gallery’ was not just longer. It was full of facts that blew my childhood imagination. Dozens of times I have naively tried to draw Levski. Sometimes, according to my own criteria, I succeeded. But more often than not, the Who Levski Belongs to? Prof. Nikolay Genchev for his people’s freedom and the Bulgarian historical reality. Fatherland’, nor did he sing greatest citizens of the world, future and he died for their Hardly have the children of our the inspiring songs of Botev. he placed his name side by side happiness. lands learned to say ‘mama’ He simply and humanely The giant son of Bulgaria, when they also learn about expressed his love as a son Levski was an ingenious Levski. Among the stories of Bulgaria by fighting and creator of its biggest historical of proud kings and beautiful perishing for her future in era – the Bulgarian Revival, Cinderellas and wonderful order to stay in her history the Bulgarian 19th Century. remote lands, as a legend in as the greatest and complete Without him, without the the souls of the little Bulgarian patriot. thoughts and deeds of this kids emerges the image of the But Levski does not belong unique genius, the Bulgarian blue-eyed Apostle. They see only to Bulgaria and the Revival would have been his portrait in the school hall, Bulgarians. His ideas of much poorer in spirit, much they recite Vazov’s poems, freedom and revolution, his Проф. Николай Генчев more limited in ideas, much they thrill, experience and glee acomplishments and mostly Who does Vasil Levski less beautiful for it would when hearing his every ordeal, the unsurpassed in the history belong to? This grand and have lacked the boldness and he sinks into their souls, he of liberation movements bravery immanent to every makes them better and more light human figure! National Revolutionary grand and single-minded era. humane. Organization, his looks into Mostly to Bulgaria and the But Levski comes not only Levski did not write odes the future where he projected Bulgarians. Levski was born in from the depths of our history, of Bulgaria, he did not say, a sensible human world and Bulgaria, he grew up under the he not only ornaments the as Rakovski did, that there his immortal spirit belong to with the greatest men that the th wings of the Balkan mountain, Bulgarian Renaissance, he does is nothing holier than the the whole human kind. With 19 Century gave us. he lived from beginning to end enter mightily into the new Fatherland. He did not cry like all this, the blue-eyed boy from From the book “Levski, the amongst his people. He fought times in order to stay for real in Karavelov in front of his ‘Dear Karlovo became one of the Revolution and the Future World” The Image of Levski in Foreign Literature Svetoslav Dimitrov, ULSIT Student Vasil Ivanov Kunchev uprisings, published in issue Konstantin Irechek wrote a brochure in Armenian in Modern French Poetry”. The was a strong personality, number 1 and 3 of the “Severen of the deeds and life of Petersburg entitled “The sonnet is foreworded: “If I ideologist and organizer Vestnik” St. Petersburg. the Apostle as well in the Deacon”. The life of the win, I win for all the people, of the Bulgarian National The Slovenian poet Anton complement of the “Maritsa legendary person Vasil Levski If I lose, I only lose myself...”. Revolution, the founder of Newspaper” in the article is described in it. Ashkertz published in his In the series “The Life of the Internal Revolutionary “”. After his visit to Bulgaria “Fourth Collection of Po- Remarkable People”, the Organization (IRO) and the In 1890 the Armenian in 1950, the French poet Paul Russian writer Alexander ems”, issued in Ljubljana, 13 Bulgarian Revolutionary historian Agop Ulupian Eluard had a look at the birth Stekolnikov wrote a poems-rapsodies that glorify Central Committee (BRCC). printed the book “The April home of the Apostle. A little fictionalized biography the struggles of the Bulgarian Despite his youth, the Uprising – 1876 in Russia”, later, he wrote the sonnet “The dedicated to Vasil Levski. people for liberation from the Deacon was a man who was where special attention is paid Winners”, dedicated to “The The Romanian authors ahead of his time. And despite Turkish slavery. One of the to Levski. At the same time, an Lion of Bulgaria”, included Petre Konstantinesku-Yash the initial distrust towards poems is dedicated to Levski. anonymous author published in the famous “Antology of and Chestmar Amort also pay his plans, he did not give their respect to the personality up the idea for freedom and of the Apostle. They wrote the the creation of a democratic book “Vasil Levski and the republic. Tirelessly and with Revolutionary Organization”. a heart that does not take ‘no’ The fate and deed of for an answer, he traversed the motherland under different Levski have been studied pseudonyms: by historians. The Polish historian Apolonium Zavilski The Deacon, the Little wrote the “Committees Deacon, the Apostle, the Main of Vasil Levski”, and the Bookkeeper, Tropcho, Vasil Argentinian historian Fario Luvski, Derwishouglu Aslan Manon Himenes created his Effendi, Aslanoolu Vidinli, Afuz Aga, David Mehmed famous work “An Apostle and Kurdjalu, Dragoycho, Deacon a Prophet”, where he defined Ignatiy Vasil Ginin, Hadji the Deacon as “a prophet of Assana, Ibriama Anadollu, the future and a flag-bearer of Dragan Kurdjaliata and other freedom”. pseudonyms and fake names. It is clear that the image It is interesting to trace of Vasil Levski attracts the though the image of Levski authors who have visited our in foreign literature. In 1877 country. They have received Ilya Ivanovich gave the first a touch of Bulgaria by getting evaluation of the importance to know the Apostle, the spirit and the deed of Levski in and the values of our people. “Fighters and Martyrs for And to all of us, Levski is the Freedom of Bulgaria” – the personification of the a collection of stories from self-sacrifice in the name of the history of the Bulgarian Vasil Levski in the storm, painted by Zhechko Popov freedom. VASIL LEVSKI OF On the Grave THE PEOPLE of Levski… КИРИЛО МЕТОДИЕВСКИ ВЕСТНИК Today’s century is a Mercia MacDermott century of the freedom. In 1967, the great ◆ ◆ ◆ London publisher “George Allan and People’s business is Unwin” located at the above all else. entrance of the British ◆ ◆ ◆ Museum printed in English the book by Brotherhood with Mercia MacDermott everyone, regardless of called “The Apostle religion and nationality. of Freedom. A Мерсия Макдермот Portrait of Vasil ◆ ◆ ◆ Levski against the Background of Bulgaria during the 19th Century”. Distributed all Think twice, over the world, this book sparked the international recognition of for deceived we have a little-known personality up to been a lot. then. ◆ ◆ ◆ It is worth mentioning the final lines of the book on Support should not be the periodically brought up given to fools. arguments on the grave of the ◆ ◆ ◆ Apostle. Everyone should be Ebribris Evgeniy Bossiatski ISSN 1312-3785 held accountable for SINCE 1979

their deeds. Issue 51 / July 2017 Founder of the newspaper ◆ ◆ ◆ VESELIN YOSIFOV Contribution to publishing the newspaper “Za Bukvite-O’Pismeneh” We have been bitten ILIA PECHLIVANOV many times, but yet no Editor shy we are. Dr. DIANA STOYANOVA ◆ ◆ ◆ Coordinator “Levski’s grave hasn’t Dr. HRISTO HRISTOV We are dealing with been discovered yet. But in Editor and proofreader fact a grave seems totally the lives of 7 million SVETLA DEVKOVA unnecessary for a person Bulgarians, we should Translated into English by that has remained alive in the be mature enough in Dr. VESELIN CHANTOV memory of their people and so our deeds. Graphic layout, editing and illustrations KIRIL IVANOV deeply loved. ◆ ◆ ◆ History has rightly given Levski the only reward that he ever INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL COMMITTEE wanted for himself or promised those who took part in his deeds: Names should be President immortality in the memory of posterity. changed – many have Prof. Dr. STOYAN DENCHEV become famous. JUZEPE DEL ‘AGATA, VLADIMIR WAVRJINEK, To them Levski sets an ever fresh example of integrity and moral VASYA VELINOVA, RADOSLAV VERCHERKA, MARCHELO GARDENS, purity – he is the living proof of the weakness of the tyrants and DIMITRIOS GONIS, VASIL GYUZELEV, AXINIA JUROVA, ◆ ◆ ◆ BOJIDAR DIMITROV, IVAN DOBREV, NEVYANA DONCHEVA-PANAYOTOVA, the unbreakable dignity of man. ANTON DONCHEV, HOPE DRAGOVA, RUMYANA ZLATANOVA, DIMITAR IVANOV, It’s all in our mutual ILIYA ILIEV, MARIA YOVCHEVA, IGOR KALIGANOV, KALINA KANEVA, For what does the tyrant gain if a land after 500 years of slavery KIRIL PLAMEN KARTALOV, DIMITAR KENANOV, RUMIANA KONEVA, powers. LYUBOMIR LEVCHEV, MERCIA MACDERMOT, ROLAND MARTI, PREVENT MATHITE, bears no slaves but men like Vasil Levski?” FLORIAN MESSER, HIGHTS MIKLAS, ALEXANDER NAUMOV, SVETLINA NIKOLOVA, CONSTANTINOS NICHORITIS, DIMITRIOS POLYVIANNI, GEORGI POPOV, TSVETI RADEVA, YURI ROSTOVTSEV, TATYANA SLAVOVA, This excerpt the author used to quote as her opinion as to why MARINA SMOLYANINOVA, HRISTO TEMELSKI, FRANCIS TOMSON, Work on this issue GERGINA TONCHEVA, PETKO TOTEV, ANNA-MARIA TOTOMANOVA, the search for the remains of Levski is a pointless and needless HRISTO TRENDAFILOV,ANATOLIY TURILOV, VASILKA TAPKOVA-ZAIMOVA, HILDE FAI, WILLY FEDER, KRISTIAN HANIK, PETER SHRANEER activity. was finished on the date of the Assistants Let’s consider that... Antoaneta Sarnevska, Vanya Dobreva, Pepa Manastirska, birth of the Apostle Krasimira Alexandrova,Slavka Bozukova, Ralitsa Yotova, Tsvetelina Varadinova, Dimitar Palashev, Svetoslava Uzunyan The team of the Newspaper “Za of Freedom – th University Youth Academy for Knowledge Management Bukvite – O Pismeneh” extends 6 July 2017, when Computer Laboratory “John Atanasoff” special thank-yous to Ms. Valeria in 1837 was born Institute on Information and Security Veleva for her support and assistance the immortal son of PUBLISHER “ZA BUKVITE-O PISMENEH” in the preparation of the materials for www.unibit.bg • www.zabukvite.org this issue. Bulgaria – Scientific Secretary Vasil Levski. EVGENIA VASILEVA Sofia, 1784, 119, Tsarigradsko Shosse e-mail: [email protected] th Print house – DEMAKS This issue is dedicated to the 180 Anniversary of the Birth of the Apostle. Director: Marin Nestorov th Edition 2018 marks the 140 anniversary Year XXXVIII of the Russo-Turkish war September 2017 г. www.zabukvite.org (1877-1878) Deacon Vasil Levski O my Mother, dear Motherland Winter croons its evil song, Why weep you so mournfully, so plaintively? Gales sweep thistle across the field And you, raven, cursed bird - And cold and frost and hopeless weeping On whose grave croak you with such a Heep sorrow on your heart. dread? The raven croaks dreadfully, ominously Ah, I know – I know you’re weeping, Mother Dogs and wolves howl in the fields, Because you are a dismal slave, Old people pray to God with fervor Because your holy voice, Mother Women weep, children cry. Is a helpless voice - a voice in the wilderness. He is dead already! A heroic power Weep! There, near the edge of Sofia town your tyrants hid underground! Stretches – I saw it – a dismal gallows O my Mother, dear Motherland And one of your sons, Bulgaria weep for him, curse the destiny! Hangs from it with a terrible power. Translated by © Thomas Butler

This is the first version of the poem “The Hanging of Vasil Levski”. It was published in the newspaper “Bulgaria” issue 22 of the 12th August 1876. The final version of the poem was published in 1876 Calendar under the image of Vasil Levski, and then it was published in “Hristo Botiyov Compositions” edited by , 1888, page 43. Vasil Levski in front of the Turkish Court, painted by. Kalina Taseva

The hanging of Vasil Levski. Painted by Boris Angelushev (1942)