LYUBEN KARAVELOV’S MAGAZINE “ZNANIE” (KNOWLEDGE) AS A CULTURAL AND SOCIAL PHENOMENON OF THE HIGH RENAISSANCE

Abstract

The article examines the chronologically last periodical of Lyuben Karavelov (1834–1879) – an influential public figure, politician and writer who worked in the third quarter of the 19th century. The magazine is well known in academic circles, but it has been viewed from different angles – from a literary, historical, journalistic, economic, folcloristic point of view. Most authors criticize Lyuben Karavelov for “retreating” at that time from revolutionary ideology and practice, indulging in journalistic activity in Znanie. The present study shows that this interpretation is extreme and does not correspond to the historical reality. In his latest magazine, Lyuben Karavelov retains most of the interpretive approaches and creative solutions inherent in his journalistic approach as a whole. In terms of his literary work, published in Znanie, he even marks some kind of peak. The absence of political themes and plots is explained by the editor’s desire for his magazine to be distributed legally among his compatriots in the Ottoman Empire. Committed to the educational cause, Lyuben Karavelov did not give up revolutionary ideology and practice. This is proven by the last two issues of the magazine, published in Tarnovo in 1878.