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Lyuben KaravelovThe first Bulgarian professional writer
Country:
 Bulgaria |
Content:
- Lyuben Karavelov: The First Bulgarian Professional Writer
- Moscow and Revolutionary Influence
- Literary and Political Activity
- Serbian Contacts and Imprisonment
- "Svoboda" and Revolutionary Leadership
- "Nezavisimost" and Literary Standards
- Later Years and Legacy
- Major Works
Lyuben Karavelov: The First Bulgarian Professional Writer
Early Life and EducationLyuben Karavelov, a prominent figure in the Bulgarian National Revival, was born in Koprivshtitsa in 1834. In 1850, he attended Nayden Gerov's school in Plovdiv, followed by a Greek school. Later, he enrolled at a Bulgarian school, where he studied Russian literature. In 1856, he moved to Istanbul to learn trade but became deeply interested in politics and folklore.
Moscow and Revolutionary Influence
In 1857, Karavelov traveled to Moscow under the pretense of joining a cadet corps. However, he enrolled in the University of Moscow and came under the influence of Russian revolutionary democrats. He participated in student protests and was arrested and imprisoned in 1861.
Literary and Political Activity
During his time in Moscow, Karavelov published poetry and prose in Bulgarian, as well as scholarly articles on Bulgarian ethnography and publicistic works in Russian. In 1867, he became a correspondent for Russian newspapers in Belgrade, where he also published articles in Serbian.
Serbian Contacts and Imprisonment
In 1868, Karavelov traveled to Novi Sad to establish connections with the Serbian opposition. Falsely accused of conspiracy, he was arrested and imprisoned in Budapest. After his release, he settled in Bucharest in 1869.
"Svoboda" and Revolutionary Leadership
In Bucharest, Karavelov founded his first newspaper, "Svoboda" (Freedom), which he edited from 1869 to 1873. He collaborated with Hristo Botev, who dedicated a poem to him. In 1870, Karavelov was elected chairman of the Bulgarian Revolutionary Central Committee, where he worked alongside Vasil Levski. He shared Levski's vision of a democratic republic as the goal of the national revolution.
"Nezavisimost" and Literary Standards
From 1873 to 1874, Karavelov and Botev published the newspaper "Nezavisimost" (Independence). They wrote numerous unsigned articles, making it difficult to determine who authored each piece. The newspaper's articles set high standards for Bulgarian language and literature.
Later Years and Legacy
After Levski's death in 1873, Karavelov withdrew from revolutionary activities. He focused on publishing the journal "Znanie" and writing popular science literature. Lyuben Karavelov died in Ruse in 1879, shortly after Bulgaria gained independence.
Major Works
Karavelov's major literary works include the novels "Bulgarians of Olden Times" (1872) and "Mother's Child" (1875), considered the first original Bulgarian novels. His younger brother, Petko, was a prominent figure in Bulgarian politics during the late 19th century.
