Radio Bulgaria

An exhibition dedicated to 175th birthday of the great Bulgarian revolutionist Vassil Levski has been opened in the lobby of the National Library “Saint Cyril and Methodius” in Sofia. For a first time in many years, 40 original documents signed by Levski, as well as many photos from different periods of his life, have been shown at the exhibition under the title” Vassil Levski- revolution and liberty”. The exhibition features documentary researches as well as artistic books about the most beloved national hero, called The Apostle, and his contribution to the liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman yoke. The exhibition continues until the end of July.

“The National Library has this exceptional archive and the exposition presents only a part of it”, says Professor Boryana Hristova, director of the National Library. Visitors can also see books and newspapers, which cover materials about Vassil Levski. “ We see all sides of his personality - here he is presented as a patriot, a deacon, a revolutionist and author of some major documents about the Bulgarian state system and even as a poet in his own autobiography, where he firmly states that he rejects all kinds of slavery. We see Levski as a correspondent, as well”, says professor Hristova further on. The photos of the exhibition feature Levski and his associates as well as his home house in the town of Karlovo. The most precious exhibit, his personal notebook, is placed in the centre of the exhibition. The notebook covers notes and bills from the last two years of his life. The exhibition also shows the organization chart of the Bulgarian Revolutionary Central Committee from 1872.

Levski, whose real name was Vassil Ivanov Kunchev, was born in the town of Karlovo, Central Bulgaria. He remained in  Bulgarian history as an ideologist of the National Revolution. The only thing he was dreaming of was to see Bulgaria and the Bulgarian people free from the Ottoman oppressors. Levski created a network of revolutionary committees in all parts of Bulgaria, which aimed at preparing a rebellion against the tyranny. Levski was captured by the Turkish soldiers and later hung in Sofia on February 2, 1973. Every Bulgarian knows by heart his words - “If I win, the whole nation wins, if I lose, I lose only myself”

“We are going to Karlovo in 2 weeks, where we will mark the anniversary of our national hero”, said the Chair of the Bulgarian Parliament Tsetska Tsacheva. “Vassil Levski became the brightest name in the memory of many generations and has remained immaculate, unlike many other historical and political figures.”

According to Professor Doyno Doynov, chairman of the Vassil Levski All-National Committee, the tradition of making an exhibition on the eve of his birthday is highly esteemed. Young generations should learn in detail his life and his mission, says the professor in conclusion.

Translated by: Kostadin Atanasov
Photos- Milka Dimitrova