The Literacy and Literature That Provoked the Bulgarian "Renaissance"
Source: Canva
The societal processes of the 18th and 19th centuries in Bulgaria largely shape the contemporary Bulgarian society. A quick overview of these processes will give you a clearer understanding of Bulgarian culture, and it will explain why literacy and literature are so important to Bulgarians even nowadays.
During this period, the so-called "Bulgarian Renaissance", also called “Revival” took place. Serious changes occurred in historical terms - the Bulgarians gained their independence after five centuries under Ottoman rule and began to rebuild their identity as a community.
Literary works from this period, especially poetry and prose, helped Bulgarians realize their dignity and led to the achieved independence. They foster a sense of community.
The first significant written work dates from the 18th century, when Paisiy Hilendarski created the first written Bulgarian history "Slavic Bulgarian History". The book gave a reason for pride and stimulated the Bulgarian people to realize their importance.
During the first period of the Renaissance (from the middle of the 18th century to the 1940s), the foundations of the Bulgarian school were laid. At the same time, the first Bulgarian textbooks were published, including the first ABC book created by Petar Beron. The first Bulgarian encyclopedias, newspapers, and magazines appeared, and the interest in the Bulgarian historical past intensified.
The second period of the Bulgarian Revival lasted about 3 decades - from the 1940s to the Liberation of Bulgaria (1878). This period is called “literary”. Notable names appeared on the stage of writing, such as Ivan Vazov, called the patriarch of Bulgarian literature, Hristo Botev - a poet and revolutionary, Petko Slaveykov, Lyuben Karavelov, and many, many other writers who skillfully managed to incorporate social events into their work and contribute to the strengthening of Bulgarian national self-awareness. Their works promoted the Bulgarian language, culture, and history.
One of the most famous and influential works of Bulgarian literature was written by Ivan Vazov - "Under the Yoke". It tells about the life of Bulgarians under Ottoman rule and their struggle for freedom.
The writers of that time, influenced by the trends of Russian, Western European, and American literature, were active in literary activity, creating a variety of genres and works - poetry, prose, drama, etc. Their works had a significant impact on the development of Bulgarian literature and the nation as a whole. 
Source: Canva
Reneta, OLS Community Manager – Bulgarian