Exhibition on the occasion of the 1170th anniversary of the first Bulgarian alphabet
In the days leading up to 24th of May, the University Library presents the historical development of the first primary school textbooks, which support students’ literacy development and mastery of reading and writing skills. Various editions of alphabet books from the Bulgarian Revival, 20th and 21st century, alphabet books for adults, for children with special educational needs, and educational aids to support the teaching of the Bulgarian language abroad are included.
The oldest pieces in the exhibition are the “Slavic, Greek, and Roman Alphabet book for those, eager to learn…” from 1701 and Marko Teodorovic’s Alphabet book, printed in Vienna in 1792. Shown in the central displays are the first and subsequent editions of Dr. Petar Beron’s “Alphabet book with Various Teachings”, Neofit Bozveli’s “Slavic-Bulgarian Education for Children” and the alphabet books of Naiden Yoanovich, Konstantin Teodorovich, Pavel Kalyandzhi, Kuzman Shapkarev, Hristo Danov, Rashko Blaskov and Georgi Busilin.
Included in the exhibition are publications about the authors and compilers of alphabet books, scientific research on the principles, type and structure of the curriculum and the adopted teaching methodology. The contribution of prof. Yosif Kovachev, prof. Ivan Georgov, prof. Blagovest Sendov, prof. Decho Denev, prof. Stoyka Zdravkova and other lecturers at the Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” as authors, compilers and researchers of alphabet books is highlighted.
The exhibition is dedicated to the 1170th anniversary of the first Bulgarian alphabet. It is part of the May Days of Culture and can be viewed at the Central University Library until 30th June 2025.