The historical depth, into which we can penetrate into the past of the cultural-and-spiritual center of Bansko, extends as far back as to that limit, which marks the beginning of the legends and the traditions. That is the reason why every story about Bansko, even the most common one, heard in that town, sounds lifelike when told in the irresistible in its charm “Bankovskite speech”, which is both music and poetry with an inimitable dramatic intonation.
The conquering with its magnificence mountainous scenery, allotted to Bansko, is a perfect natural creation which has in itself been a challenge to the artists, the poets and the singers of that region to always strive for the unattainable. And it still is.
The air, which the Banskovites have been breathing for ages, is fresh and, in the metaphoric sense, deprived of a spiritual pollution, saturated, today as well, with that “ozone” of the Renaissance, which one feels in both the architectural silhouettes of the Revival Period and in the living bond of the people with the national cultural traditions. That is why Bansko has indeed much to be proud of.
Bansko: A Center of Culture Through the Ages by Mihail Enev is a richly documented work that presents the remarkable history and cultural heritage of one of Bulgaria’s most emblematic towns. The book highlights Bansko’s evolution from a small mountain settlement into a significant hub of spirituality, education, and art that has shaped Bulgarian identity across the centuries.
The author places particular emphasis on Bansko’s cultural renaissance, exploring the role of local scholars, teachers, and artists in the national revival. Figures such as Paisii Hilendarski and Neofit Rilski, who were born in or closely connected to Bansko, are presented as central personalities in the development of Bulgarian literature, education, and historical consciousness. Through their work, the town became a symbol of enlightenment and national awakening.
A key focus of the book is the artistic traditions of Bansko, especially the renowned Bansko School of Icon Painting. Enev describes the masterful skills of the local icon painters, whose works can still be admired in churches and monasteries throughout the region. This artistic heritage is portrayed not only as a religious contribution but also as a testimony to creative innovation and cultural resilience during centuries of foreign domination.
The book also examines the educational legacy of Bansko, tracing the establishment of early schools and the efforts of enlightened teachers who spread knowledge despite difficult political conditions. Education is presented as a cornerstone of the town’s identity, enabling its citizens to preserve and strengthen their Bulgarian spirit.
Finally, Enev explores Bansko’s role as a living cultural center in the modern era. The town continues to be a place where traditions, folklore, and festivals thrive, while also welcoming visitors from all over the world. By combining history with contemporary cultural dynamics, the book reveals how Bansko remains a bridge between the past and the present, embodying the continuity of Bulgarian cultural heritage.
СЪДЪРЖАНИЕ
Introduction
Going back to the beginning
(From the Pages of History)
The pride of Bansko
(Names and Destinies)
The Golden Age of the Icon-Painters in the Pirin Region
(The Artistic Centers in the Region - Centers of Intellectual and Educational Activities)
The Repercussion of the Revolt of Tom Vishanov - Molera
(The School of Painting in Bansko and Its Historical Development)
The Master's Class of Toma Vishanov - Molera
(The Teacher and His Disciples)
Bibliography
Catalogue of the icons, the wood-carved altar gates, and the supraiconostasic crusifixes from the Pirin region and from the museum complex of the town of Bansko
Glossary
СЪДЪРЖАНИЕ
Introduction
Going back to the beginning
(From the Pages of History)
The pride of Bansko
(Names and Destinies)
The Golden Age of the Icon-Painters in the Pirin Region
(The Artistic Centers in the Region - Centers of Intellectual and Educational Activities)
The Repercussion of the Revolt of Tom Vishanov - Molera
(The School of Painting in Bansko and Its Historical Development)
The Master's Class of Toma Vishanov - Molera
(The Teacher and His Disciples)
Bibliography
Catalogue of the icons, the wood-carved altar gates, and the supraiconostasic crusifixes from the Pirin region and from the museum complex of the town of Bansko
Glossary
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Автор:Mihail Enev
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Издателство:BPC
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ISBN:9549517063
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Година:2002
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Страници:240
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Корици:меки
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Състояние:отлично