Bansko in the epistolary legacy of Neofit Rilski

BANSKO IN THE EPISTOLARY LEGACY OF NEOFIT RILSKI 

Ani Durchova 

(Summary) 

The movement for new Bulgarian education and culture was at the basis of the national revival and among the essential goals that determined its development is the pursuit of secular education in the native language. Its practical implementation was due to a number of educational figures, among whom the personality of Neofit Rilski (1793 – 1881) played a primary role. 

The analysis of his spiritual, pedagogical, literary and social activity proves his contribution to the national revival of the Bulgarians. Of the preserved archival material, consisting of memories, his personal works, translations, patriotic speeches, notes, etc., his rich correspondence is also of interest. The present article reveals Neofit Rilski’s connection with the town of Bansko, which can be traced in the letters between him and the Bansko dwellers on various issues. 

Documents from the Central State Archives at Sofia, the Archive of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Bulgarian Historical Archive at the National Library “St. St. Cyril and Methodius” in Sofia have been used. A significant part of them were published in the works of Ivan Shishmanov, Ivan Snegarov, Rumyana Radkova and other authoritative researchers. About 60 letters have been studied, which are mainly addressed to Neofit Rilski and cover the period from ad 1829 to 1864. 

They indisputably prove the continuous contact between Neofit Rilski and his birthplace. The overall analysis of the documents gives reason to conclude that Neofit Rilski enjoyed great authority among his relatives and the residents of Bansko, which outlines his presence in the cultural and educational life of the town in the 19th century. 

Keywords: Bulgarian Revival, Neophyte Rilski, correspondence, Bansko