One of the poet leaders of Bulgaria's struggle for independence: Who is Hristo Botev?

Hristo Botev, who died at a very young age, became a poet adopted by contemporary Bulgaria with respect and love, and his strong and enthusiastic poems deeply affected younger generations.

By David Foster Published on 19 Nisan 2023 : 22:48.
One of the poet leaders of Bulgaria's struggle for independence: Who is Hristo Botev?

(1848-1876) Bulgarian poet. He worked for the independence of Bulgaria with his poems and political activities. He was born on January 3, 1848, in Kalofer, and died on May 20, 1876. In 1863, he was sent to Odessa, Russia, to complete his education. Here he was influenced by the nationalism and socialist ideas prevalent among Russian intellectuals. In 1867, he returned to Bulgaria to oppose Ottoman rule and spread socialist ideas, but had to flee to Romania immediately. He lived among Bulgarian immigrants in Romania. Together with Stephan Stambulov, he published newspapers and magazines that spread the ideas of independence and carried out organized work. He entered Bulgaria with a group of friends, armed to support the uprising of early May 1876. He was killed in an armed conflict with Ottoman troops near Mount Veslez on 20 May.

Hristo Botev (6 January 1848  – 1 June 1876), was a Bulgarian revolutionary and poet. Botev is considered by Bulgarians to be a symbolic historical figure and national hero. His poetry is a prime example of the literature of the Bulgarian National Revival, though he is considered to be ahead of his contemporaries in his political, philosophical, and aesthetic views.

While living in Russia, he was influenced by Bakunin and Chernyshevsky. In his enthusiastic poems, written in the language of folk songs, he dealt with the enmity of the church, the feeling of rebellion against tyranny, independence, nationalism, and social liberation. Many of his poems remind us of the folk sayings that were burned in the name of the Bulgarian komitaci (bandits) who went to the mountains against oppression. His poems, which appeal to the patriotic feelings of Bulgarian immigrants abroad, reflect a strong belief that is willing to die if necessary for the salvation of his homeland.

Hristo Botev, who died at a very young age, became a poet adopted by contemporary Bulgaria with respect and love, and his strong and enthusiastic poems deeply affected younger generations.

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