Vassil Aprilov – an Architect of Bulgarian Cultural and Educational Corridors

Abstract

Vassil Aprilov belongs to the most prominent members of the Odessa´s emmigrant community during the first half of the XIXth century. He was devoted to the cause of the modern Bulgarian education. Beeing aware of the lack of tradition in the modern education and the severe constraints the Islamic dominated environment was implying on its common citizens,  Aprilov was planning a large scheme for bringing talented pupils for higher study to Russia.

The article presents his actions and interactions with the Russian high-rank officials for securing scolarships for Bulgarians at Russian schools. At the same time, it shows his efforts to avoid a potentional language assimilation of the young Bulgarian stipendists. Aprilov´s vision was to promote the higher education of these Bulgarians not for their own sake or for the interest of the Russian Empire, but for the excelleration of the national awackening process among Bulgarians.