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Writers and citizens celebrated the 160th anniversary of the birth of Aleko Konstantinov at his monument on Vitosha Boulevard in the capital, BTA reported.

During the event, the actor Rusi Chanev read excerpts from "Bai Gagno" to the gathered crowd.

Audience members also had the opportunity to read their favorite quotes from the author.

Writers Zdravka Evtimova, Mihail Nedelchev, Alek Popov, Kalin Terziyski and many others attended the celebration of the anniversary.

The writer Georgi Gospodinov commented to the media that Aleko Konstantinov is among the most European Bulgarian writers.

In his words, celebrating the birthday of the author of "To Chicago and Back" is "the best start to what is shaping up to be a difficult year."

Prof. Alexander Kyosev, one of the organizers of the celebration, pointed out that there is true and false patriotism, and Aleko is the model by which we learn and distinguish what is real and what is fake. 

When asked which patriotism predominates in Bulgaria - Aleko's or Bai Gagno's, Prof. Kyosev answered that Aleko's prevails.

"But he is silent, working, he is a practical care of the country, and the other is articulate and very visible, and for that reason he gives the impression that he is more, but that is not true."

160 years since the birth of Aleko Konstantinov

According to him, the most important covenant is that Aleko Konstantinov does not hate his Bai Gagno, does not despise him, but criticizes him, sometimes makes fun of him, but nevertheless feels a deep emotional connection with him.

"They are in the same community, they are Bulgarians and Aleko Konstantinov wants to take care of his Bai Gagno, another question is whether the opposite is true," Prof. Kyosev added.

Aleko Konstantinov was born on January 1, 1863 in Svishtov.

He studied in his hometown and at the April High School in Gabrovo.

He graduated from secondary education in the city of Nikolaev in Russia in 1881 and law at the Novorossiysk University in Odessa in 1885.

He works in Sofia as a judge, prosecutor, legal consultant, freelance lawyer.

He was fired twice for political reasons.

He is preparing for a scientific and teaching career at Sofia University.

He attended international exhibitions in Paris (1889), Prague (1891), Chicago (1893).

School principal, member of the Supreme Macedonian Committee, of the board of the Society "Slavyanska Beseda", of the Bulgarian National Education Society, of the Commission for the Promotion of Local Industry, of the Society for the Promotion of the Arts, of the Music Society, of the Theater Committee.

Member of the Democratic Party of P. Karavelov, in whose publications he cooperates.

He was killed on May 11, 1897 near the village of Radilovo.

He began his writing career with poetry.

In "To Chicago and Back" (1894) he describes his journey to America and traces the differences in civilization.

His talent as a humorist and psychologist is also evident in the book "Bai Gagno".

Aleko Konstantinov is the author of travelogues, short stories and feuilletons.

Translates from Russian and French. 

anniversary

Aleko Konstantinov

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