The Bulgarian Revival, also known as the Bulgarian National Revival, took place from the 18th century to the late 19th century (1762 AD – 1878 AD). It was a period marked by a cultural, educational, and political reawakening for the Bulgarian people under Ottoman rule. Here is an overview of the main developments during this period, based on facts and dates:
Societal Development
Education was crucial in the Revival, which established numerous schools and educational institutions. Neofit Rilski founded the first secular school in Gabrovo in 1835. In 1850, the Bulgarian Exarchate’s Theological Seminary opened in Istanbul, and in 1856, the Aprilov National High School was founded in Gabrovo. These institutions contributed to the spread of Bulgarian culture and the awakening of national consciousness.
Architectural Developments and Styles
The Bulgarian National Revival architecture style emerged during the Revival. It combined traditional Bulgarian elements with European styles, such as Baroque and Rococo. Key characteristics include symmetrical facades, rich ornamentation, and the extensive use of wood. Notable examples are the Houses of Koprivshtitsa, the Church of the Nativity in Arbanasi, and the Church of the Holy Mother of God in Plovdiv.
Political Development
- 1762: Paisiy Hilendarski writes “Istoriya Slavyanobolgarskaya”, a book chronicling the history of the Bulgarian people and inspiring the Revival.
- 1870: The Bulgarian Exarchate is established, granting the Bulgarian Orthodox Church autonomy from the Greek-dominated Constantinople Patriarchate.
- 1876: The April Uprising, a rebellion against the Ottoman rule, is brutally suppressed.
- 1877-1878: The Russo-Turkish War resulted in the Treaty of San Stefano, which initially granted independence to Bulgaria but was later revised by the Treaty of Berlin, dividing the territory and establishing the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia.
Main Figures
Key figures of the Revival period include Vasil Levski, a revolutionary leader who organized a network of revolutionary committees; Hristo Botev, a poet and rebellious; and Georgi Rakovski, who founded the Bulgarian revolutionary organization, the First Bulgarian Legion.
Poets and Poetry
Hristo Botev, Petko Slaveykov, and Lyuben Karavelov were prominent poets of the Revival period. Their work significantly inspired the Bulgarian people to seek independence from Ottoman rule. Their poetry often focused on patriotism, heroism, and the desire for freedom.
During the Revival, Bulgaria was under Ottoman rule, and thus, the political structures of an independent state were not yet in place. The emergence of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia in 1878 due to the Treaty of Berlin marked the beginning of the modern Bulgarian state.
The Bulgarian National Revival was a period of cultural, educational, and political renaissance for the Bulgarian people. It laid the foundation for the emergence of an independent Bulgarian state and contributed significantly to the development of Bulgarian identity and culture.
