Josip Juraj Strossmayer and the Bulgarians Cover Image
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Йосип Юрай Щросмайер и българите
Josip Juraj Strossmayer and the Bulgarians

Author(s): Svetlozar Eldarov
Subject(s): History
Published by: Институт за балканистика с Център по тракология - Българска академия на науките

Summary/Abstract: When we consider the historical close relations between Bulgaria and Croatia, we traditionally refer them to the name of Bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer, one of the eminent persons in Southeastern Europe of the 19th century second half. As a Đakovo-Bosnian and Syrmian bishop, as well as founder of the South-Slavic Academy of Sciences and Arts (1866) and of University of Zagreb (1874), as participator of the First Vatican Council (Rome, 1869-1870) and promoter of the Slavonic unity, with his cultural, political and church activity Strossmayer left behind a bright trail, inclusively in the history of Bulgarian-Croatian mutuality. Thanks to his countenance in Zagreb was published a Collection of Bulgarian Folk Songs (1861), compiled by Dimitar and Konstantin Miladinovi, and Bulgarian scholarship students were admitted at Croatian schools. Hence, the Bulgarian National Liberation and Unification cause found in his person a major authoritative espouser and advocate. The encouragement of the Bulgarian movement for union with the Catholic Church added new dynamics to the processes going on during the period of the Bulgarian Renaissance, thus promoting and accelerating the emancipation of the Bulgarian Church from Hellenistic dependence. J. J. Strossmayer attached great importance to the heritage, imagery and festivity of Cyril-and-Methodius’ life-work within his plans for the re-establishment of the church unity between eastern and western Christianity, for the consolidation of the Slavic mutuality, and for the accomplishment of the South-Slavic project. This is why the cause of Cyril and Methodius has been observed and celebrated as a church holiday by the Croats since the 60ies of the 19th century, and also invariably related to the name of J. J. Strossmayer. Strossmayer’s activity, his affection and support for the Bulgarian people before and after the Liberation of the country from the Ottoman rule lie at the root of present-day Bulgarian-Croatian relations, featured by their pronounced benevolence and mutuality. It was namely therefore Josip Juraj Strossmayer was granted honorary membership in the Bulgarian literary Society already in 1884. Today the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences pays their tribute to his personality considering all the above-mentioned merits.

  • Issue Year: 4/2015
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 5-20
  • Page Count: 16