The article discusses Laura Karavelova’s attitudes towards her two sons and her notions of childr... more The article discusses Laura Karavelova’s attitudes towards her two sons and her notions of children, motherhood, and child-bearing. Yavorov’s drama “When a thunderstorm strikes, how the echo fades away”, in which Laura is co-author, hidden female character, and Bistra’s prototype, is analyzed. Some similarities between her personal life and scenes from August Strindberg’s play “The Father” are noted. The issues of motherhood and love are examined from the perspective of Christian existentialism and personalism.
The paper discusses the first marriage and divorce of Laura Karavelova and her complicated relati... more The paper discusses the first marriage and divorce of Laura Karavelova and her complicated relationship with Peter Neykov, Ivan Drenkov, and her mother Ekaterina. Laura was one of the most cultured, enigmatic, and emancipated Bulgarian women at the beginning of the 20th century but she was also a tragic figure. Her tragic destiny was influenced by literature and the whole artistic world of the time-theatre, music, and visual arts. The study presents Laura Karavelova as a personalistic feminist, whose struggle for personal freedom confronted her with traditionalist Ekaterina Karavelova.
Балканските войни (1912 – 1913 г.): героизъм и трагизъм, 2023
The article examines the participation of the prominent public figure Ekaterina Karavelova in the... more The article examines the participation of the prominent public figure Ekaterina Karavelova in the Balkan Wars. Two main aspects of her work during the wars are presented – her activity as a medical sister and her diplomatic mission to Russia after the Second Balkan War. Special attention is paid on her correspondence with Tsar Ferdinand and her contacts with influential figures in the international policy like Gregory Rasputin, Anatoly Necludoff, and George Buchanan. The study aims to shed a light on not well-known facts of Ekaterina Karavelova’s life. Despite her long lasting activity in favor of the Bulgarian national and social interests, she is still not adequately appreciated.
The paper examines Constantine Leontiev’s comparative study
of the Balkan peoples, emphasizing th... more The paper examines Constantine Leontiev’s comparative study of the Balkan peoples, emphasizing their similarities and common features. The focus is on the comparison between the Greek and Bulgarian peoples and their relations, because he considered them the two most important peoples living in the Ottoman Empire and having the greatest significance for the Russian policy in the Balkans. Leontiev paid special attention to the study of the national psychology, morals, and mentality of the Balkan peoples because he believed that they are very important for determining the Russian relations with the Balkan Christians and the Ottoman Empire. The official Russian policy, however, wasn’t as perspicacious as Leontiev was, and often underestimated and even completely ignored those factors. That is why it didn’t achieve the desired results.
Статията разглежда участието на поета Пейо Яворов в освободителните борби на македонските българи... more Статията разглежда участието на поета Пейо Яворов в освободителните борби на македонските българи и Балканските войни. Анализирана е публицистиката му по македонския въпрос и отношенията му с видни дейци на македонската революционна борба като Гоце Делчев, Яне Сандански, Тодор Александров. Посочени са някои политически заблуди на поета, които се споделят от цялото българско общество и допринасят за крушението на националните идеали по време на Балканските войни. Акцентът в статията е върху хуманизма и общочовешките измерения на революционната дейност на Яворов, а не толкова върху патриотизма и отдадеността му на националната кауза, което е характерно за образа му в историографията.
I N I T I A L. A REVIEW OF MEDIEVAL STUDIES, vol. 9, 2021
The paper examines Byzantine views on different types of social and religious outcasts – holy foo... more The paper examines Byzantine views on different types of social and religious outcasts – holy fools, imaginary Ethiopians (blacks), heretics, infidels (Jews and Muslims), women – and the attitudes of the Byzantines towards the others. Analysis is focused on the holy foolishness for the Christ’s sake as cultural, religious, social, and literary phenomenon. The study traces the changes in Byzantine hagiography and mindset, which were provoked by the shifting of imperial borders after the Arab conquests.
The paper analyzes Constantine Leontiev’s attitude towards Greek-Bulgarian Church controversy in ... more The paper analyzes Constantine Leontiev’s attitude towards Greek-Bulgarian Church controversy in the second half of the 19th century. His position is presented in the context of the Russian ecclesiastical policy and the broader historical and ideological context of the time. Leontiev took the side of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, which was a successor and custodian of the Byzantine cultural and religious tradition. His views on the Bulgarian ecclesiastical question were in confrontation with both the official Russian position and the public opinion, which supported the Bulgarians due to Slavophile sympathies
В студията е разгледано зараждането и развитието на руската философска и идеологическа концепция ... more В студията е разгледано зараждането и развитието на руската философска и идеологическа концепция за Москва като Трети Рим и нейната практическа реализация в руската външна политика през XIX и началото на XX век. Изследването се фокусира върху трудовете на двама главни представители на руския неовизантизъм – Константин Леонтиев и Иван Соколов, които са убедени поддръжници на икуменическата идеология и монархията. Те ратуват за православно единство под върховенството на Цариградската вселенска патриаршия, която е наследник и пазител на византийската културна и религиозна традиция. Неовизантизмът е универсалистка и имперска идеология, но XIX век е век на национализма, в който не религиозните, а националните ценности и страсти са актуални и определят държавните политики и общественото мнение. По това време гръцкият и българският национализъм се превръщат в основна пречка за руските имперски амбиции на Балканите и постигането на православно единство под руско покровителство.
Щрихи към балканското средновековие. [Studia balcanica 27],, 2009
Студията разглежда проявите на религиозно насилие през Късната античност и активното участие на м... more Студията разглежда проявите на религиозно насилие през Късната античност и активното участие на монасите в тях. Това участие е продиктувано от факта, че ранното монашество е ентусиастко, безконтролно и независимо както от църквата, така и от държавата. Монашеската намеса в обществения, политическия и църковния живот се основава на презумпцията, че духовният авторитет, който монасите смятат че притежават, стои по-високо не само от светската власт, но и от църковната институция. Тази намеса води дотам, че през първата половина на V век трима константинополски патриарси – Йоан Златоуст, Несторий и Флавиан – са отсранени от патриаршеския престол в резултат от монашески заговор. Това налага приемането на законодателство, което определя статута на монашеските общности и регламентира отношенията им с държавата и църквата, като до голяма степен ги подчинява на последната.
Балканите и Европа в Източната криза (1875-1881 г.), 2019
Статията разглежда и анализира отношението на Константин Леонтиев към Руско-турската война, което... more Статията разглежда и анализира отношението на Константин Леонтиев към Руско-турската война, което е в противоречие с господстващата в руското общество идейна атмосфера, но е в абсолютно съгласие със собствените му исторически и философски концепции за общественито развитие и външната политика на Руската империя. Той е скептично и дори критично настроен към войната от 1877-1878 г., защото тя е еманципационна, война за освобождение на славяните, а не религиозна. Въпреки че Руско-турската война протича и под знака и символиката на борбата на кръста срещу полумесеца, водещето начало не е религиозното, а националното. Според Леонтиев приоритетите на правилната национална политика би трябвало да бъдат други: Православно-източният въпрос трябва да има приоритет пред Славянския въпрос, който представлява опасност за Русия и може да почака.
Югоизточноевропейският град и съвременността на миналото, 2012
Студията разглежда оригиналните и твърде противоречиви и провокативни възгледи на Константин Леон... more Студията разглежда оригиналните и твърде противоречиви и провокативни възгледи на Константин Леонтиев (1831-1891) за балканската политика и европейската и световна история. Леонтиев е руски консул на Крит, в Одрин, Янина, Солун и Тулча. По време на дипломатическата си служба в Османската империя, той прекарва няколко години и в Константинопол и на Атон. Голяма част от литературните му произведения са посветени на живота и характера на балканските народи и Източния въпрос, но той е до голяма степен непознат на българската читателска публика и дори в академичните среди. Леонтиев е определян като „консерватор“ и „реакционер“, но той има малко общо с традиционните консервативни и реакционни среди и идеология. Николай Бердяев го определя като „философ на реакционната романтика“ и това определение го охарактеризира най-точно. Руският дипломат противопостава византизма и православието на скептицизма и либерализма на модерната западна цивилизация. Той смята, че византизмът и православието са единственото спасение срещу зловредното влияние на „прогреса“ и социалния егалитаризъм. Леонтиев критикува равенството, демокрацията и прогреса от позицията на естет и аристократ и счита, че естетиката стои по-високо от етиката и морала. Според него съвременната техническа цивилизация е бездуховна и води до обезличаване и липса на креативност и красота. Неговата философия на историята и общественото развитие има много допирни точки с идеите на Хридрих Ницше, Освалд Шпенглер и Хосе Ортега-и-Гасет, които изказват мисли, подобни на неговите, но десетилетия по-късно.
Балканите и светът modus concurrandi [Studia balcanica 30], 2014
В статията са анализирани патронажно-клиентелистките отношения между жените-благодетелките и Църк... more В статията са анализирани патронажно-клиентелистките отношения между жените-благодетелките и Църквата и обществото. Разгледани са въпросите за приемствеността и различията между езическата и християнската благотворителност, мотивацията на дарителите, формите и моделите на дарителство, идеологическата обосновка на християнската благотворителност от страна на църковните Отци.
The paper discusses a specific type of a female saint, a type of a married saint, which was rare ... more The paper discusses a specific type of a female saint, a type of a married saint, which was rare and not so popular. The cult of St. Mary the Younger was a family cult that was promoted in spite the strong opposition of the church hierarchy, and in contrast to the traditional ideal of sainthood. The appearance of this type of sanctity in that particular period (X–XI century) reflects the changing attitudes toward female sanctity in the Byzantine hagiography and society. The emperor Leo the Wise (886-912) by no means influenced those hagiographic and social novelties by his unconventional and highly controversial views and practices regarding women and family relations.
The paper examines three extraordinary and bizarre types of female sanctity and ascetical practic... more The paper examines three extraordinary and bizarre types of female sanctity and ascetical practices, which were closely related to each other. They were favored by the early Byzantine hagiography, despite or maybe because of their legendary or semi-legendary character. The study analyzes symbolic significance and creative usage of biblical motifs in hagiographical discourse. By following biblical and mythological examples, medieval hagiographers created different types of holy women, which became powerful symbols of salvation and transformation for all humankind.
Readings in the History and Culture of the Balkans, 2010
The paper presents the peculiarities of the Syriac monasticism which are unique and very differen... more The paper presents the peculiarities of the Syriac monasticism which are unique and very different from the ascetic traditions of the rest of the Roman world. It describes the extreme and destructive forms of asceticism practiced by the Syriac monks and nuns. They are explained with the strong influence of some sectarian and heretical teachings like Manicheism, Encratism, and Marcionism. The literal perception of the Christ preaching’s and Biblical messages are also pointed out as a reason for the extravagances and excesses of the Syriac Christians.
Култура на пътуването в европейския югоизток, 2020
В студията са представени и анализирани впечатленията на Константин Леонтиев от социалния, полити... more В студията са представени и анализирани впечатленията на Константин Леонтиев от социалния, политическия и религиозния живот в османската провинция Тракия през 60-те год. на XIX век. Леонтиев е консул в Одрин от 1864 до 1867 г. и има възможност да наблюдава и изследва ежедневния живот, обичаите, традициите и характера на местното население, както и да се запознае със сложната политическа ситуация в региона. Според него Тракия е най-важната османска провинция поради стратегическото си геополитическо положение в близост до Константинопол, който е основната цел на Русия в Източния въпрос. По време на дипломатическата си мисия в Одрин Леонтиев е фокусиран основно върху българо-гръцкия църковен спор и разпространението на католицизма сред българското население в областта, на което той се опитва да противодейства. Неговото литературно наследство е изключително богато и съдържа не само политическа публицистика и дипломатическа документация, но и художествени произведения, в които е изграден колективният образ на цели етноси и социални прослойки. То е от съществено значение за изучаването както на регионалната история, така и на руската политическа идеология от втората половина на XIX век.
Female members of the Roman senatorial aristocracy contributed a lot for the founding and sustain... more Female members of the Roman senatorial aristocracy contributed a lot for the founding and sustaining of the earliest Christian monasteries in the Holy Land. The wealthy Roman matrons were the main patrons for Palestinian monasticism in Late Antiquity. They acted as generous donors but also as influential monastic leaders whose authority was based on their high social standing and financial resources. The aim of this article is to present the female contribution to the spreading and development of monasticism in the Holy Land. It analyzes some aspects of the mutual relations between wealthy aristocratic ladies and some of the Church Fathers, who were their mentors and spiritual advisers but also – their clients. The study is focused on two Roman couples – Melania the Elder/Ruphinus and Paula/ Hieronymus – in order to examine the intriguing results of the interaction between the wealth and the Christian theology. It is also focused on the importance of familties and family traditions for the pilgrims’ monasticism in the Holy Land. The article examines several generations of Roman aristocratic ladies who left their luxuriyous life in the Imperial capital and became nuns in the monasteries of Palestine.
The paper traces the origins and historical development of the Russian philosophical and ideologi... more The paper traces the origins and historical development of the Russian philosophical and ideological conception of Moscow as the Third Rome and its practical implementation in the Russian foreign policy in the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. It focuses on the works of the two main representatives of the Russian Neo-Byzantine ideology – Constantine Leontiev and Ivan Sokolov. Both of them were strong proponents of Ecumenical ideology and monarchy. They promoted Orthodox unity under the supremacy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, which was a successor and custodian of the Byzantine cultural and religious tradition. Neo-Byzantism was universal and imperial ideology but the 19th century was an age of nationalism when national, not religious passions and values were up to date and determined state policy and public opinion. Greek and Bulgarian nationalism became the main hindrance to the Russian imperialistic ambitions in the Balkans and achieving Orthodox unity under Russian patronage. Special attention is paid to the period of the First World War when the ancient Russian dream of Constantinople was close to become true. The recent political developments in Europe and the Middle East are also examined in the light of Leontiev’s predictions of the future and his vision of Russia as a successor of the declining European civilization.
Cyril and Methodius: Byzantium and the World of the slavs , 2015
The paper examines Leontiev’s ideological use of Byzantium as an antithesis and possible future a... more The paper examines Leontiev’s ideological use of Byzantium as an antithesis and possible future alternative of Modern Europe. His reactionary and extreme ideas were highly unpopular and he did not have any political or intellectual influence. Leontiev spent his life in fear and in eschatological expectations. In his interpretation Christianity was a religion of fear, not of love. This was the source of his state positivism and his mystification and veneration of the state power. Nevertheless, he remains an exceptionally audacious and extraordinary thinker, who is comparable to Nietzsche and was often been defined as the “Russian Nietzsche”. Leontiev foresaw the “decline of the West” half a century before Oswald Spengler did it. But could a civilization based on the Byzantine values and the Byzantine tradition be an alternative to the Modern civilization? Surely the time could not go back and nothing in history could be repeated. But we are living in a transitional age and we are witnessing a reversal of time. Our age is similar to the fall of the Ancient world and the beginning of the Middle Ages, as it was first mentioned by Nikolay Berdyaev less than a century ago. Desecularization of the world and religious revival, crisis of humanism, decline of nation states and emergence of universal unity, political instability and chaos, economic stagnation and beginning of the post-industrial era are significant phenomena, which give us reason to denote the postmodern world of globalization as a New Middle Age. And as far as Byzantium was an important part of the Middle Age of the past, the Byzantine cultural and religious tradition could become an important part of the New Middle Age of the future.
The article discusses Laura Karavelova’s attitudes towards her two sons and her notions of childr... more The article discusses Laura Karavelova’s attitudes towards her two sons and her notions of children, motherhood, and child-bearing. Yavorov’s drama “When a thunderstorm strikes, how the echo fades away”, in which Laura is co-author, hidden female character, and Bistra’s prototype, is analyzed. Some similarities between her personal life and scenes from August Strindberg’s play “The Father” are noted. The issues of motherhood and love are examined from the perspective of Christian existentialism and personalism.
The paper discusses the first marriage and divorce of Laura Karavelova and her complicated relati... more The paper discusses the first marriage and divorce of Laura Karavelova and her complicated relationship with Peter Neykov, Ivan Drenkov, and her mother Ekaterina. Laura was one of the most cultured, enigmatic, and emancipated Bulgarian women at the beginning of the 20th century but she was also a tragic figure. Her tragic destiny was influenced by literature and the whole artistic world of the time-theatre, music, and visual arts. The study presents Laura Karavelova as a personalistic feminist, whose struggle for personal freedom confronted her with traditionalist Ekaterina Karavelova.
Балканските войни (1912 – 1913 г.): героизъм и трагизъм, 2023
The article examines the participation of the prominent public figure Ekaterina Karavelova in the... more The article examines the participation of the prominent public figure Ekaterina Karavelova in the Balkan Wars. Two main aspects of her work during the wars are presented – her activity as a medical sister and her diplomatic mission to Russia after the Second Balkan War. Special attention is paid on her correspondence with Tsar Ferdinand and her contacts with influential figures in the international policy like Gregory Rasputin, Anatoly Necludoff, and George Buchanan. The study aims to shed a light on not well-known facts of Ekaterina Karavelova’s life. Despite her long lasting activity in favor of the Bulgarian national and social interests, she is still not adequately appreciated.
The paper examines Constantine Leontiev’s comparative study
of the Balkan peoples, emphasizing th... more The paper examines Constantine Leontiev’s comparative study of the Balkan peoples, emphasizing their similarities and common features. The focus is on the comparison between the Greek and Bulgarian peoples and their relations, because he considered them the two most important peoples living in the Ottoman Empire and having the greatest significance for the Russian policy in the Balkans. Leontiev paid special attention to the study of the national psychology, morals, and mentality of the Balkan peoples because he believed that they are very important for determining the Russian relations with the Balkan Christians and the Ottoman Empire. The official Russian policy, however, wasn’t as perspicacious as Leontiev was, and often underestimated and even completely ignored those factors. That is why it didn’t achieve the desired results.
Статията разглежда участието на поета Пейо Яворов в освободителните борби на македонските българи... more Статията разглежда участието на поета Пейо Яворов в освободителните борби на македонските българи и Балканските войни. Анализирана е публицистиката му по македонския въпрос и отношенията му с видни дейци на македонската революционна борба като Гоце Делчев, Яне Сандански, Тодор Александров. Посочени са някои политически заблуди на поета, които се споделят от цялото българско общество и допринасят за крушението на националните идеали по време на Балканските войни. Акцентът в статията е върху хуманизма и общочовешките измерения на революционната дейност на Яворов, а не толкова върху патриотизма и отдадеността му на националната кауза, което е характерно за образа му в историографията.
I N I T I A L. A REVIEW OF MEDIEVAL STUDIES, vol. 9, 2021
The paper examines Byzantine views on different types of social and religious outcasts – holy foo... more The paper examines Byzantine views on different types of social and religious outcasts – holy fools, imaginary Ethiopians (blacks), heretics, infidels (Jews and Muslims), women – and the attitudes of the Byzantines towards the others. Analysis is focused on the holy foolishness for the Christ’s sake as cultural, religious, social, and literary phenomenon. The study traces the changes in Byzantine hagiography and mindset, which were provoked by the shifting of imperial borders after the Arab conquests.
The paper analyzes Constantine Leontiev’s attitude towards Greek-Bulgarian Church controversy in ... more The paper analyzes Constantine Leontiev’s attitude towards Greek-Bulgarian Church controversy in the second half of the 19th century. His position is presented in the context of the Russian ecclesiastical policy and the broader historical and ideological context of the time. Leontiev took the side of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, which was a successor and custodian of the Byzantine cultural and religious tradition. His views on the Bulgarian ecclesiastical question were in confrontation with both the official Russian position and the public opinion, which supported the Bulgarians due to Slavophile sympathies
В студията е разгледано зараждането и развитието на руската философска и идеологическа концепция ... more В студията е разгледано зараждането и развитието на руската философска и идеологическа концепция за Москва като Трети Рим и нейната практическа реализация в руската външна политика през XIX и началото на XX век. Изследването се фокусира върху трудовете на двама главни представители на руския неовизантизъм – Константин Леонтиев и Иван Соколов, които са убедени поддръжници на икуменическата идеология и монархията. Те ратуват за православно единство под върховенството на Цариградската вселенска патриаршия, която е наследник и пазител на византийската културна и религиозна традиция. Неовизантизмът е универсалистка и имперска идеология, но XIX век е век на национализма, в който не религиозните, а националните ценности и страсти са актуални и определят държавните политики и общественото мнение. По това време гръцкият и българският национализъм се превръщат в основна пречка за руските имперски амбиции на Балканите и постигането на православно единство под руско покровителство.
Щрихи към балканското средновековие. [Studia balcanica 27],, 2009
Студията разглежда проявите на религиозно насилие през Късната античност и активното участие на м... more Студията разглежда проявите на религиозно насилие през Късната античност и активното участие на монасите в тях. Това участие е продиктувано от факта, че ранното монашество е ентусиастко, безконтролно и независимо както от църквата, така и от държавата. Монашеската намеса в обществения, политическия и църковния живот се основава на презумпцията, че духовният авторитет, който монасите смятат че притежават, стои по-високо не само от светската власт, но и от църковната институция. Тази намеса води дотам, че през първата половина на V век трима константинополски патриарси – Йоан Златоуст, Несторий и Флавиан – са отсранени от патриаршеския престол в резултат от монашески заговор. Това налага приемането на законодателство, което определя статута на монашеските общности и регламентира отношенията им с държавата и църквата, като до голяма степен ги подчинява на последната.
Балканите и Европа в Източната криза (1875-1881 г.), 2019
Статията разглежда и анализира отношението на Константин Леонтиев към Руско-турската война, което... more Статията разглежда и анализира отношението на Константин Леонтиев към Руско-турската война, което е в противоречие с господстващата в руското общество идейна атмосфера, но е в абсолютно съгласие със собствените му исторически и философски концепции за общественито развитие и външната политика на Руската империя. Той е скептично и дори критично настроен към войната от 1877-1878 г., защото тя е еманципационна, война за освобождение на славяните, а не религиозна. Въпреки че Руско-турската война протича и под знака и символиката на борбата на кръста срещу полумесеца, водещето начало не е религиозното, а националното. Според Леонтиев приоритетите на правилната национална политика би трябвало да бъдат други: Православно-източният въпрос трябва да има приоритет пред Славянския въпрос, който представлява опасност за Русия и може да почака.
Югоизточноевропейският град и съвременността на миналото, 2012
Студията разглежда оригиналните и твърде противоречиви и провокативни възгледи на Константин Леон... more Студията разглежда оригиналните и твърде противоречиви и провокативни възгледи на Константин Леонтиев (1831-1891) за балканската политика и европейската и световна история. Леонтиев е руски консул на Крит, в Одрин, Янина, Солун и Тулча. По време на дипломатическата си служба в Османската империя, той прекарва няколко години и в Константинопол и на Атон. Голяма част от литературните му произведения са посветени на живота и характера на балканските народи и Източния въпрос, но той е до голяма степен непознат на българската читателска публика и дори в академичните среди. Леонтиев е определян като „консерватор“ и „реакционер“, но той има малко общо с традиционните консервативни и реакционни среди и идеология. Николай Бердяев го определя като „философ на реакционната романтика“ и това определение го охарактеризира най-точно. Руският дипломат противопостава византизма и православието на скептицизма и либерализма на модерната западна цивилизация. Той смята, че византизмът и православието са единственото спасение срещу зловредното влияние на „прогреса“ и социалния егалитаризъм. Леонтиев критикува равенството, демокрацията и прогреса от позицията на естет и аристократ и счита, че естетиката стои по-високо от етиката и морала. Според него съвременната техническа цивилизация е бездуховна и води до обезличаване и липса на креативност и красота. Неговата философия на историята и общественото развитие има много допирни точки с идеите на Хридрих Ницше, Освалд Шпенглер и Хосе Ортега-и-Гасет, които изказват мисли, подобни на неговите, но десетилетия по-късно.
Балканите и светът modus concurrandi [Studia balcanica 30], 2014
В статията са анализирани патронажно-клиентелистките отношения между жените-благодетелките и Църк... more В статията са анализирани патронажно-клиентелистките отношения между жените-благодетелките и Църквата и обществото. Разгледани са въпросите за приемствеността и различията между езическата и християнската благотворителност, мотивацията на дарителите, формите и моделите на дарителство, идеологическата обосновка на християнската благотворителност от страна на църковните Отци.
The paper discusses a specific type of a female saint, a type of a married saint, which was rare ... more The paper discusses a specific type of a female saint, a type of a married saint, which was rare and not so popular. The cult of St. Mary the Younger was a family cult that was promoted in spite the strong opposition of the church hierarchy, and in contrast to the traditional ideal of sainthood. The appearance of this type of sanctity in that particular period (X–XI century) reflects the changing attitudes toward female sanctity in the Byzantine hagiography and society. The emperor Leo the Wise (886-912) by no means influenced those hagiographic and social novelties by his unconventional and highly controversial views and practices regarding women and family relations.
The paper examines three extraordinary and bizarre types of female sanctity and ascetical practic... more The paper examines three extraordinary and bizarre types of female sanctity and ascetical practices, which were closely related to each other. They were favored by the early Byzantine hagiography, despite or maybe because of their legendary or semi-legendary character. The study analyzes symbolic significance and creative usage of biblical motifs in hagiographical discourse. By following biblical and mythological examples, medieval hagiographers created different types of holy women, which became powerful symbols of salvation and transformation for all humankind.
Readings in the History and Culture of the Balkans, 2010
The paper presents the peculiarities of the Syriac monasticism which are unique and very differen... more The paper presents the peculiarities of the Syriac monasticism which are unique and very different from the ascetic traditions of the rest of the Roman world. It describes the extreme and destructive forms of asceticism practiced by the Syriac monks and nuns. They are explained with the strong influence of some sectarian and heretical teachings like Manicheism, Encratism, and Marcionism. The literal perception of the Christ preaching’s and Biblical messages are also pointed out as a reason for the extravagances and excesses of the Syriac Christians.
Култура на пътуването в европейския югоизток, 2020
В студията са представени и анализирани впечатленията на Константин Леонтиев от социалния, полити... more В студията са представени и анализирани впечатленията на Константин Леонтиев от социалния, политическия и религиозния живот в османската провинция Тракия през 60-те год. на XIX век. Леонтиев е консул в Одрин от 1864 до 1867 г. и има възможност да наблюдава и изследва ежедневния живот, обичаите, традициите и характера на местното население, както и да се запознае със сложната политическа ситуация в региона. Според него Тракия е най-важната османска провинция поради стратегическото си геополитическо положение в близост до Константинопол, който е основната цел на Русия в Източния въпрос. По време на дипломатическата си мисия в Одрин Леонтиев е фокусиран основно върху българо-гръцкия църковен спор и разпространението на католицизма сред българското население в областта, на което той се опитва да противодейства. Неговото литературно наследство е изключително богато и съдържа не само политическа публицистика и дипломатическа документация, но и художествени произведения, в които е изграден колективният образ на цели етноси и социални прослойки. То е от съществено значение за изучаването както на регионалната история, така и на руската политическа идеология от втората половина на XIX век.
Female members of the Roman senatorial aristocracy contributed a lot for the founding and sustain... more Female members of the Roman senatorial aristocracy contributed a lot for the founding and sustaining of the earliest Christian monasteries in the Holy Land. The wealthy Roman matrons were the main patrons for Palestinian monasticism in Late Antiquity. They acted as generous donors but also as influential monastic leaders whose authority was based on their high social standing and financial resources. The aim of this article is to present the female contribution to the spreading and development of monasticism in the Holy Land. It analyzes some aspects of the mutual relations between wealthy aristocratic ladies and some of the Church Fathers, who were their mentors and spiritual advisers but also – their clients. The study is focused on two Roman couples – Melania the Elder/Ruphinus and Paula/ Hieronymus – in order to examine the intriguing results of the interaction between the wealth and the Christian theology. It is also focused on the importance of familties and family traditions for the pilgrims’ monasticism in the Holy Land. The article examines several generations of Roman aristocratic ladies who left their luxuriyous life in the Imperial capital and became nuns in the monasteries of Palestine.
The paper traces the origins and historical development of the Russian philosophical and ideologi... more The paper traces the origins and historical development of the Russian philosophical and ideological conception of Moscow as the Third Rome and its practical implementation in the Russian foreign policy in the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. It focuses on the works of the two main representatives of the Russian Neo-Byzantine ideology – Constantine Leontiev and Ivan Sokolov. Both of them were strong proponents of Ecumenical ideology and monarchy. They promoted Orthodox unity under the supremacy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, which was a successor and custodian of the Byzantine cultural and religious tradition. Neo-Byzantism was universal and imperial ideology but the 19th century was an age of nationalism when national, not religious passions and values were up to date and determined state policy and public opinion. Greek and Bulgarian nationalism became the main hindrance to the Russian imperialistic ambitions in the Balkans and achieving Orthodox unity under Russian patronage. Special attention is paid to the period of the First World War when the ancient Russian dream of Constantinople was close to become true. The recent political developments in Europe and the Middle East are also examined in the light of Leontiev’s predictions of the future and his vision of Russia as a successor of the declining European civilization.
Cyril and Methodius: Byzantium and the World of the slavs , 2015
The paper examines Leontiev’s ideological use of Byzantium as an antithesis and possible future a... more The paper examines Leontiev’s ideological use of Byzantium as an antithesis and possible future alternative of Modern Europe. His reactionary and extreme ideas were highly unpopular and he did not have any political or intellectual influence. Leontiev spent his life in fear and in eschatological expectations. In his interpretation Christianity was a religion of fear, not of love. This was the source of his state positivism and his mystification and veneration of the state power. Nevertheless, he remains an exceptionally audacious and extraordinary thinker, who is comparable to Nietzsche and was often been defined as the “Russian Nietzsche”. Leontiev foresaw the “decline of the West” half a century before Oswald Spengler did it. But could a civilization based on the Byzantine values and the Byzantine tradition be an alternative to the Modern civilization? Surely the time could not go back and nothing in history could be repeated. But we are living in a transitional age and we are witnessing a reversal of time. Our age is similar to the fall of the Ancient world and the beginning of the Middle Ages, as it was first mentioned by Nikolay Berdyaev less than a century ago. Desecularization of the world and religious revival, crisis of humanism, decline of nation states and emergence of universal unity, political instability and chaos, economic stagnation and beginning of the post-industrial era are significant phenomena, which give us reason to denote the postmodern world of globalization as a New Middle Age. And as far as Byzantium was an important part of the Middle Age of the past, the Byzantine cultural and religious tradition could become an important part of the New Middle Age of the future.
11th International Congress of South East European Studies, 2015
The paper examines ideological concepts and theories of the Russian philosopher and diplomat Cons... more The paper examines ideological concepts and theories of the Russian philosopher and diplomat Constantine Leontiev (1831-1891) on the issues of modern nationalism. He criticized modern nationalism, which was just a manifestation and a product of the two main targets of his criticism-political liberalism and social egalitarianism. He opposed national idea to religious idea and definitely gave preference to religious principles and values blaming nationalism for cultural decline and depersonalization, and lack of originality and creativity. By examining the European and Balkan national movements in the 19 th century, Leontiev made the paradoxical conclusion that political nationalism destroys cultural nationalism. National policy created cosmopolitan uniformity and fusion, not national peculiarity. Modern nationalism, however, was one of the fundaments on which 19 th century Europe was build.
The First World War and its Impact on the Balkans and Eurasia , 2013
The paper examines the First World War from the point of view of Berdyaev’s philosophy of history... more The paper examines the First World War from the point of view of Berdyaev’s philosophy of history. It focuses on the problems of the East-West relations, ideology of the warring parties, nature of war, psychology of war, role of technology in the war, Christian attitudes towards war, and the aftermaths of the First World War.
The monograph examines the political ideology and philosophy of history of Constantine Leontiev (... more The monograph examines the political ideology and philosophy of history of Constantine Leontiev (1831-1891), who was one of the most peculiar and original figures in the Russian literary and social circles of the 19th century. His life and writings were closely related to the Balkan provinces of the Ottoman Empire, where he was a consul (1863-1874). The book consists of preface, four chapters with nine subchapters, conclusion, and bibliography. The first two chapters (The Charm of the Orient and The Image of the Balkan Middle-Class) are dedicated to the everyday life, customs, traditions, and character of the Balkan peoples. Special attention is paid to Leontiev’s comparative characteristics of the Balkan peoples and the study of their national and social psychology. The second part of the book (chapters National Policy vs Ecclesiastical Policy and Byzantism and the Future of the Balkans) examines Leontiev’s political views on the Eastern and Ecclesiastical Questions and his philosophy of history and social development. The most sizable part of the book is the subchapter of the Greek-Bulgarian Church controversy in which Leontiev’s position is presented in the context of the Russian ecclesiastical policy and the broader historical and ideological context of the time. Political theories and philosophical concepts of Constantine Leontiev are universal despite they are based on the Balkan realities and problems of the second half of the 19th century. This makes them highly valuable and productive for the study not only of the Balkan history, but for the understanding of the global history and social development. The main focus of the book is the Bulgarian matters in the writings of the Russian diplomat, which provide a great source for the study of Bulgarian social, political, religious, cultural history and ethnology. The research is interdisciplinary due to the personality and works of Leontiev himself. He was not just a diplomat and political thinker, but also a philosopher and novelist.
Оценивается понимание Юлией Златковой концепции Константина Леонтьева «византизм». Делается вывод... more Оценивается понимание Юлией Златковой концепции Константина Леонтьева «византизм». Делается вывод о том, что Златковой удалось эксплицировать основные интуиции, на которых Леонтьев основывал свое понимание культурно-исторического развития и нации.
В завершении своей рецензии могу сказать, что книга болгарской исследовательницы доставила мне уд... more В завершении своей рецензии могу сказать, что книга болгарской исследовательницы доставила мне удовольствие, которое редко появляется от чтения иных исторических трудов. И, безусловно, исследование вносит свой значимый и весомый вклад в разработку проблематики, поставленной и исследуемой Константином Николаевичем Леонтьевым, имя и мысли которого продолжают жить во времени.
В тексте рецензируемой книги органически связаны три плана. Первый связан с жизнедеятельностью Ко... more В тексте рецензируемой книги органически связаны три плана. Первый связан с жизнедеятельностью Константина Леонтьева – дипломата, публициста, жестокого критика славянства, провидца, много размышлявшего о судьбах славянства, Балканах, вызовах времени, национальной проблематике. Второй – с исследованиями, проведенными Юлией Златковой, позволившими увидеть само балканское/болгарское время, его «делателей». Третий – с идеями самого Леонтьева, связанными с устройством нового славянского мира. Труд Юлии Златковой «Константин Леонтьев и Балканы» (на болгарском языке) дает возможность «окунуться» и увидеть и красочное своеобразие Востока, прежде всего Болгарии, мир жителей этого цветистого по сложности региона: от простого люда до чорбаджиев, от политиков до чиновников, от стиля жизни до ее практики.
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Papers by Julia Zlatkova
of the Balkan peoples, emphasizing their similarities and common features. The focus is on the comparison between the Greek and Bulgarian peoples and their relations, because he considered them the two most important peoples living in the Ottoman Empire and having the greatest significance for the Russian policy in the Balkans. Leontiev paid special attention to the study of the national psychology,
morals, and mentality of the Balkan peoples because he believed that they are very important for determining the Russian relations with the Balkan Christians and the Ottoman Empire. The official Russian policy, however, wasn’t as perspicacious as Leontiev was, and often underestimated and even completely ignored those factors. That is why it didn’t achieve the desired results.
of the Balkan peoples, emphasizing their similarities and common features. The focus is on the comparison between the Greek and Bulgarian peoples and their relations, because he considered them the two most important peoples living in the Ottoman Empire and having the greatest significance for the Russian policy in the Balkans. Leontiev paid special attention to the study of the national psychology,
morals, and mentality of the Balkan peoples because he believed that they are very important for determining the Russian relations with the Balkan Christians and the Ottoman Empire. The official Russian policy, however, wasn’t as perspicacious as Leontiev was, and often underestimated and even completely ignored those factors. That is why it didn’t achieve the desired results.