Ivan Minchev Vazov was a Bulgarian poet, writer, public figure, academician of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and Minister of Education (1897–1899).
Early LifeHe was born on July 9, 1850, in the town of Sopot (from 1950 to 1965 known as Vazovgrad) into the family of merchant Mincho Vazov. The family came from wealthy traders and raised their children in patriarchal traditions, with deep respect for religion, customs, and patriotism. His mother, cheerful and artistic, instilled in him a love for systematic reading. Two of Vazov’s brothers became generals, and another became a public figure and politician.
Vazov received his primary education at a local school and became acquainted with Russian literature at a young age. He studied Greek, Turkish, and French, and was fascinated by the poetry of Pierre-Jean de Béranger and Victor Hugo. His youthful literary interests intertwined with personal feelings: his love for Katerina Karaoglu inspired his first lyrical poems, later included in the collection “May Bouquet” (1880).
Stay in OdesaDue to political persecution, Ivan Vazov arrived in Odesa in January 1887. At that time, the city was home to a large Bulgarian community and offered refuge to those fighting against Ottoman oppression. Vazov initially stayed at the Slavyansky Hotel on Sofiivska Street, later moved to an apartment at 4 Karantynna Street, and also lived at 23 Koblevska Street. He found himself among Russian Slavophiles and was warmly welcomed by the family of lawyer Kryvtsov, a member of the Slavic Charity Society “Cyril and Methodius.”
In Odesa, Vazov worked on his monumental epic novel “Under the Yoke” — the first realistic Bulgarian novel dedicated to the events of the April Uprising of 1876, which played a decisive role in shaping the Bulgarian nation. Here he also wrote the novellas “The Dark Hero”, “Grandfather Nestor,” and other works.
During his stay in Odesa, Vazov received support from Bulgarian students of Novorossiysk University: they organized banquets in his honor and delivered books from the university library during his illness. He also met with Bulgarian emigrants, including officers who fled after the failed 1886 coup.
Despite the warm reception, Vazov felt like a stranger, finding solace only in nature. His second visit to Odesa took place in 1895.
Later Life and LegacyAfter his time in Odesa, Vazov continued his literary career in Bulgaria and other cities. His works played a crucial role in shaping Bulgarian national consciousness and literary tradition.
Ivan Vazov died on September 22, 1921. In Odesa, his memory is honored with commemorations, roundtable discussions, and flower-laying ceremonies on key dates. A memorial plaque is installed on the façade of the house at 34 Sofiivska Street, where the writer once lived.