Who was Lyuben Karavelov

Lyuben Stoychev Karavelov (1834 – January 21, 1879) was a prominent Bulgarian writer, journalist, and revolutionary, who played a crucial role in the Bulgarian National Revival. His life was marked by his relentless pursuit of freedom and his contributions to Bulgarian literature and political thought.

Early Life and Education

Lyuben Karavelov was born in 1834 in Koprivshtitsa, a small town in the Ottoman Empire, now Bulgaria. His early education began in a church school, but he soon moved to the school of Nayden Gerov in Plovdiv in 1850. His father, recognizing his potential, sent him to study in a Greek school for two years before transferring him to a Bulgarian school. Here, Karavelov developed a deep interest in Russian literature, which would later influence his revolutionary ideas.

Academic Pursuits and Early Influences

In 1857, Karavelov enrolled in the Faculty of History and Philology at the University of Moscow. During his time in Moscow, he was greatly influenced by Russian revolutionary democrats and radical thought. This period was pivotal in shaping his political views. He was placed under police surveillance in 1859 and participated in student riots in 18612. His exposure to Russian revolutionary ideas and his interactions with other young Bulgarian radicals led him to publish a journal and start writing poetry and stories in Bulgarian, as well as scholarly publications on Bulgarian ethnography and journalism in Russian.

Revolutionary Activities

Karavelov’s revolutionary activities began to take shape when he moved to Belgrade in 1867 as a correspondent for Russian newspapers. There, he started publishing prose and journalism in Serbian and married Natalija Petrović, a Serbian activist and writer. His revolutionary activities, however, led to his expulsion from Serbia, and he moved to Novi Sad in Austria-Hungary. His involvement with the Serb opposition led to his arrest and imprisonment in Budapest for alleged participation in a conspiracy.

In 1869, Karavelov settled in Bucharest, where he intended to start his own newspaper and cooperate with the newly founded Bulgarian Scholarly Society, which would later become the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. In Bucharest, he founded the newspaper “Svoboda” (Freedom) and later “Nezavisimost” (Independence), through which he advocated for the Bulgarian revolutionary cause.

Leadership in the Bulgarian Revolutionary Central Committee

Karavelov’s leadership in the Bulgarian Revolutionary Central Committee (BRCC) was a significant chapter in his life. Elected as chairman in 1870, he worked closely with Vasil Levski, the leader of the Internal Revolutionary Organization. Karavelov shared Levski’s vision of a democratic republic as the ultimate goal of the national revolution. He admired the political systems of Switzerland and the United States, believing they were suitable models for the ethnically diverse Balkans. He also praised the American public education system and the emancipated status of American women.

Literary Contributions

Apart from his revolutionary activities, Karavelov made substantial contributions to Bulgarian literature. His works often reflected his political beliefs and his deep connection to Bulgarian culture. Some of his notable works include the novel “Bălgare ot staro vreme” (Bulgars of Olden Times) and “Maminoto detentse” (Mother’s Child). These works are celebrated for their portrayal of Bulgarian life and their contribution to the national reawakening of Bulgaria.

Personal Struggles and Legacy

Despite his significant contributions, Karavelov’s life was fraught with personal struggles. The failures of revolutionary movements, personal hardships, and betrayals took a toll on his spirit. He continued to fight for the Bulgarian cause until his death on January 21, 1879, in Ruse, Bulgaria.

Karavelov’s legacy is profound. He is remembered not only as a revolutionary and a writer but also as a key figure in the Bulgarian National Revival. His efforts laid the groundwork for the eventual liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. His writings continue to be studied and celebrated for their literary merit and their role in shaping Bulgarian national identity.

Conclusion

Lyuben Karavelov’s life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to the Bulgarian cause. His contributions to literature and his revolutionary activities played a crucial role in the national reawakening of Bulgaria. Despite the personal hardships he faced, his legacy endures, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for freedom and justice.