Galery

1

A new interpretation is necessary because the facts are here. The past is a very good thing when you can realize it but in order to be able to realize it you must penetrate the minds of the people of the time rather than just judging them from a contemporary point of view. If you are able to enter into their parts, as some historians say, then you will feel the past and it will require a new interpretation.

Have you discussed with your Macedonian colleagues the topic of Tsar Samuel and his historical origin?
I have not and it is probably because my colleagues from Macedonia are professionals and they would hardly carry on such a conversation face to face. The statements in the media and public space, when some people speak the words that are required from them, are another matter. Professionals do not dare to talk about things that are contrary to the facts.
As regards Macedonia, what claims could Bulgaria have in relation to its cultural and historical heritage, especially now in connection with Skopje 2014?
I am not a politician, but as a historian, I can say that claims are very dangerous and when someone has been engaged in history for a long time, then this person should have claims on no one. As I have already mentioned, the most important thing is what you want to feel like, but I would never allow stealing or misinterpreting the past. The role of the state in restoring specific relations that have been broken for one reason or another is to prevent the problems of the past from blending and from creating problems in the present. Let Macedonians make many great monuments of Bulgarian rulers within the context of Skopje 2014; this shows their connection with the Bulgarian past. We can only be grateful that they respect the Bulgarian past.
How will the Faculty of History mark the anniversary of the death of Tsar Samuel?
Perhaps our students will organise a conference tailored to their level of preparedness. The teachers, medievalists, will organise a round table or celebration connected with the clarification of the unknown aspects of the life of the Bulgarian ruler. But, honestly, I oppose these pompous celebrations to some extent because science is done quietly and slowly and only then will we benefit from it. When science speaks loudly, it quickly fades away and people quickly forget about it.