Myhailo Dragomanov and the beginning of the “Sbornik za narodni umotvorenia, nauka і knijnina”

Abstract

The article considers the history of the foundation of the “Sbornik za narodni umotvorenia, nauka i knizhnina” (“Collection of Folk Art, Science and Literature”) in Bulgaria. The emphasis is put on the important role of eminent Ukrainian and European scientist Myhailo Dragomanov – professor in Sofia University, in the preparation of the first scientific publication. The authors highlights that his contribution was undeniable. Firstly, Ivan Shishmanov – one of the foundators of the Sbornik hoped that Dragomanov would constantly cooperate with the publication and with its help would be transformed into a periodical. Secondly, Ivan Franko remarked that the program of folklore, wrote by Dragomanov, gives him the honorary place of one of the founders of the Sbornik. Thirdly, Dragomanov published in the Sbornik her fundamental folklore works, over which he had been working for over 20 years. Fourthly, Dragomanov’s folklore works were an example and model of the comparative method for young Bulgarian scientists. Fifthly, Dragomanov contributed to the popularization of the Sbornik and of its dissemination among Western and Eastern European scholars.