Balgarianovinite.com At a discussion hosted by BTA’s National Press Club in Kyustendil as part of a BTA initiative marking the 160th anniversary of Pencho Slaveykov’s birth, scholars, journalists and descendants of the Slaveykov family reflected on the poet’s legacy and the place of Bulgarian modernism in contemporary culture.
Literary scholar Yordan Eftimov highlighted the role of Pencho’s brother, Hristo Slaveykov, in Bulgaria’s national history, describing him as a symbol of commitment to the rule of law. Eftimov noted that Hristo Slaveykov, who spent much of his life in Kyustendil, served as speaker of the National Assembly when Bulgaria proclaimed its independence in 1908 and later became justice minister.
Sofia Peycheva, director of Kyustendil’s Regional Library, raised the question of how today’s teenagers would perceive Pencho Slaveykov’s works. While there is interest in the poet among library users, she said it is largely academic or educational, adding that his archaic language and style make him challenging reading for modern audiences.
Journalist and philologist Kiril Falin criticized the way Pencho Slaveykov was traditionally taught in schools, saying his work was often presented in a fragmented and incomplete manner.
Journalist Emilia Lukanova argued that urban culture is gradually eroding in modern Bulgaria and described Pencho Slaveykov as a more cosmopolitan and complex figure than Ivan Vazov. According to her, Slaveykov sought to align Bulgarian culture with broader European trends and promoted a more refined literary tradition.
Elena Slaveykova, great-granddaughter of Hristo Slaveykov, spoke about the strong bond between the two brothers. She recalled family stories about Pencho’s frequent visits to Kyustendil and the nearby village of Yabalkovo, where a centuries-old linden tree associated with the poet still stands.
Poet Radosveta Zlateva turned attention to Pencho’s father, Petko Slaveykov, whom she described as a pioneer in many fields. She noted his contributions as a writer, folklorist, minister and advocate of church independence, arguing that he deserves recognition as a second patriarch of Bulgarian literature.
The discussion in Kyustendil was part of a nationwide series of events organized by BTA across its 33 national press clubs. The initiative began in Tryavna, Pencho Slaveykov’s birthplace, and will continue in other cities throughout the year. BTA has also announced that the December issue of its LIK magazine will be dedicated to the poet, featuring reports from the discussions and contributions from 160 authors marking the anniversary. BTA Forum in Kyustendil Examines Pencho Slaveykov’s Place in Bulgarian Literary Modernism and Culture 2026 THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2026-06-19 13:56:00 Latest news World news Country news Most important news latest news most important latest of the day Justice Petar Nizamov Feathers Petar Nizamov- Feathers Justice bg iustitia.bg iustitia iusticia usticia investigation Burgas Bulgaria news news of the last hour news of the day news of today Bulgaria news The news from Bulgaria blitz news top news most important most commented latest news Boyko Borisov news weather coronavirus news news weather facebook youtube facebook instagram news today news of the last minutes news today today news news bg news leading news hot news bg news site for news all news news bg news of the last hour latest latest news bg news of today news today news today news of the last hour latest news today news bg news news 24 hours news vesti bg novini news world bird bg bivol bg bivol trud bg novini latest news today novinite bg news hello bulgaria political party coat of arms delyan peevski scandalous Bulgarian National Television Free Europe Television scandal exclusive live tv live right now tv tv online tv program bg live now tv news online tv online live court Burgas court Burgas district court Burgas court Burgas district court Burgas district court Burgas appellate court Burgas prosecutor Burgas prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Burgas district prosecutor’s office Prosecutor General Ivan Geshev Prosecutor Geshev Tsatsarov Ministry of Internal Affairs Burgas ODMR Burgas ODPR Burgas police Burgas district police Burgas prosecutor Tsatsarov SGS cases Varna court chairman of the SGS court decisions on civil cases decisions on cases Plovdiv court decision of the court decisions cases Varna court criminal cases district district court decisions work in the court SGS chairman of the SGS judges Sofia court post judges Plovdiv court Plovdiv judges Plovdiv Supreme Court Inspectorate Supreme Court Supreme Judicial Council lawyer lawyer criminal cases lawyer civil cases lawyer marriage cases lawyer administrative criminal law criminal process civil law civil process administrative law constitutional law