Who is Bozhidar Dimitrov

Professor Bozhidar Dimitrov was one of Bulgaria’s most prominent and polarizing historians — a man whose life bridged the worlds of academia, politics, and national identity. Known for his deep knowledge of Bulgarian history and his unapologetically patriotic stance, Dimitrov left a lasting imprint on the country’s cultural and political landscape.

Early Life and Education

Bozhidar Dimitrov Stoyanov was born on December 3, 1945, in the coastal town of Sozopol, Bulgaria. His family were Bulgarian refugees from Eastern Thrace, a background that would later influence his strong views on national identity and historical justice. He pursued his higher education at Sofia University, where he specialized in history. His academic path eventually led him to palaeography studies in Paris, further sharpening his expertise in medieval manuscripts and historical texts.

Career in History and Academia

Dimitrov’s professional life was deeply rooted in the study of Bulgarian history, particularly the medieval period, the Ottoman era, and the complex Balkan dynamics surrounding the Macedonian Question. He authored over 30 scholarly treatises and more than 250 articles, along with several books that became widely read in Bulgaria. Among his most controversial works was The Ten Lies of Macedonism, a polemical critique of ethnic Macedonian nationalism that challenged widely held narratives in the region.

He was appointed director of the National Historical Museum (NHM) in Sofia, a position he held for nearly two decades. Under his leadership, the museum expanded its public outreach and became a central institution for promoting Bulgarian heritage. Dimitrov also hosted a popular television program, Pamet Balgarska ("Bulgarian Memory"), which brought historical topics to a broader audience and cemented his status as a public intellectual.

Political Engagement

Bozhidar Dimitrov’s influence extended beyond academia. Initially a member of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), he later aligned himself with the center-right GERB party led by Boyko Borisov. In 2009, he was elected to the Bulgarian Parliament and served as Minister without Portfolio, responsible for Bulgarians abroad. His political career was marked by his nationalist rhetoric and his efforts to strengthen ties with the Bulgarian diaspora.

However, his political journey was not without controversy. He openly opposed his own party’s candidate in the 2005 Sofia mayoral race, which led to his removal from a leadership position within the BSP. His eventual shift to GERB was seen by some as opportunistic, while others viewed it as a natural extension of his patriotic convictions.

Controversies and Criticism

Dimitrov’s assertive style and nationalist views earned him both admiration and criticism. While many Bulgarians appreciated his efforts to defend national history and identity, some scholars accused him of historical revisionism and political bias. His critics argued that his interpretations often lacked academic rigor and were tailored to support nationalist narratives.

One of the most contentious aspects of his legacy is his stance on Macedonian identity. In The Ten Lies of Macedonism, Dimitrov argued that the modern Macedonian identity was a political construct, not a historically distinct ethnicity. This position sparked heated debates in both Bulgaria and North Macedonia, highlighting the enduring tensions in Balkan historiography.

Additionally, it was revealed that Dimitrov had collaborated with Bulgaria’s communist-era State Security services, a fact that led to his resignation from the government in 2011. Despite this, he remained a respected figure among nationalist circles and continued to be active in public life until his retirement.

Legacy and Final Years

In his later years, Dimitrov founded the “Khan Kubrat” movement, which he hoped would evolve into a political party. Though the movement did not gain significant traction, it reflected his enduring commitment to national causes. He retired from his role at the NHM shortly before his death, citing health reasons.

Bozhidar Dimitrov passed away on July 1, 2018, at the age of 72, due to heart failure. His funeral was held at the National Historical Museum, a fitting tribute to a man who had dedicated his life to preserving and interpreting Bulgaria’s past.

Conclusion

Professor Bozhidar Dimitrov was a complex figure — part historian, part politician, and wholly devoted to the Bulgarian national cause. His work continues to provoke discussion, not only for its scholarly content but also for its political implications. Whether viewed as a defender of historical truth or a controversial polemicist, Dimitrov’s legacy is undeniably woven into the fabric of modern Bulgarian identity.

His life reminds us that history is not just about the past — it is also about how we choose to remember it.