Гимнастическо стрелково дружество „Лев“ в Сливенското реално училище
The Gymnastics and Shooting Society “Lev” in the Sliven Gymnasium

Author(s): Vitan Stoyanov
Subject(s): History, Local History / Microhistory, 19th Century
Published by: Център за стопанско-исторически изследвания
Keywords: training; committee; society; arming; students
Summary/Abstract: The article focuses on a relatively short historical period – 1878/1879, i.e. the first two years after the Liberation of Bulgaria and the creation of the Third Bulgarian State. The topic is intricately related to the processes that instilled the Bulgarians with confidence to defy the Great Powers in the name of their national ideal and paved the road for the unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia. The arming of students is a perfect example of the transformation of chaotic youth into a new order holding promises for the future. To outline the historic framework of the events that led to the establishment of the gymnastics societies in Southern Bulgaria I would briefly review the preliminary Treaty of San Stefano and the agreements of the Congress of Berlin. Having established the international mise en scėne I would then move on to the local scene and the Unity Committees (1878-1879), focusing on the creation, the activity and the legacy of their extreme factions – the gymnastics and shooting societies, especially the Sliven society “Lev” in the Sliven (male) Gymnasium. This period is a challenge to historians due to the scarcity of primary sources and the fact that the ensuing political struggles and changes have affected historical research traditionally subdued to politics. This paper analyses and tells the stories behind authentic photos, documents and memories from the time period and scientific studies from the 20th to the 21st. c.

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