Vasil Gyuzelev Bulgarian medievalist historian Date of Birth: 19.10.1936 Country: Bulgaria

1. Early Life and Education
2. Academic Career
3. Leadership Roles in Historiography
4. International Engagements
5. Achievements and Honors

Early Life and Education

Ivan Biliarsky was born in Bulgaria and graduated from high school in Dimitarovgrad in 1954. He went on to study at Sofia University's Faculty of Philosophy and History, where he received his diploma in Higher Education in 1959. His thesis focused on the pagan beliefs and funeral rituals of South Slavs.

Academic Career

Following his graduation, Biliarsky spent two years working at a historical museum. In 1961, he returned to Sofia University, where he was appointed as an assistant in the Department of Bulgarian History. He has maintained his affiliation with the university until today.

Leadership Roles in Historiography

From 1977 to 1983, Biliarsky led the Medieval History of Bulgaria section at the Institute of History of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. In 1975, he founded and became the first director of the National Historical Museum, serving until 1977.

International Engagements

Biliarsky also held significant positions abroad, including as director of the Bulgarian Research Institute in Vienna from 1984 to 1990. Additionally, he served as chairman of the Archeographical Commission of the National Library of St. Cyril and Methodius in Sofia.

Achievements and Honors

Biliarsky has distinguished himself as a renowned Bulgarian historian. He is a full member of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and chairs the Association of Medievalists and Byzantinists of Bulgaria. In recognition of his contributions, he has been awarded the I. G. Herder Prize (Austria).