Monument to Hristo Botev
The Monument to Hristo Botev stands in the central square of Botevgrad, Bulgaria, next to the Town Hall. It is dedicated to the Bulgarian revolutionary and poet Hristo Botev (1848–1876). The idea for the monument was proposed in the late 1950s, and sculptor Prof. Ivan Mandov was chosen to design it. After years of discussion, it was unveiled on 9 October 1966 during the town’s centenary celebration, with Todor Zhivkov present at the ceremony. The sculpture shows Botev in full stature, holding a book scroll in his left hand. It was cast in bronze, and the pedestal was designed by architect Pavel Atanasov.
August 2015 © Exonie · CC BY-SA 3.0
August 2015 © Exonie · CC BY-SA 3.0
July 2008 © Spiritia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Identification | |
| Title | Monument to Hristo Botev; Hristo Botev Monument |
| Type | Monument |
| Native name | Пам'ятник Хри́сто Бо́теву |
Historical context | |
| Subject | Hristo Botev, the Bulgarian revolutionary and poet (1848–1876) |
| Significance | One of the landmarks of Botevgrad; one of the notable landmarks of Botevgrad |
Creator | |
| Sculptor | Prof. Ivan Mandov; Professor Ivan Mandov |
| Pedestal design | Architectural design / arch-shaped architectural solution by Pavel Atanasov |
Discovery and provenance | |
| Model presented | A gypsum/plaster model of the monument |
| Authorities' approach in 1966 | Botevgrad authorities persuaded Prof. Ivan Mandov to implement his idea and promised not to interfere in local debates and creative discussions |
| Renewed consideration | The upcoming celebration of the 100th anniversary of the town's charter; the 100th anniversary of the city / Botevgrad |
| Discussion participants | Representatives of the Bulgarian Communist Party, the Fatherland Front, trade unions, cooperative agricultural farms, the Women's Council, TKZS, DOSO, and other organizations |
| Discussion outcome | The question of the monument remained open until 1966 |
| Public discussion venue | Town Hall; the building of the City People's Council, house 3 on Gurko Street |
| Public discussion date | May 1960 |
| Competition winner | Project by Professor Ivan Mandov |
| Design competition period | 1959–1960 |
| Supporters | The Town Council; the city council; The Executive Committee of the City People's Council; the municipal authorities |
| Initiator of the monument idea | Mayor Ivan Nikolchovski / Ivan Nikolchovsky, the mayor (kmet) of Botevgrad |
Location and ownership | |
| Location | Central square of Botevgrad, Bulgaria, next to / near the Town Hall |
Physical characteristics | |
| Pose / attribute | Left hand holds a book scroll; left hand holds a scroll; holds a scroll |
| Depicted form | Full-length standing figure; full stature |
| Depicted figure | Hristo Botev |
Iconography and meaning | |
| Symbolism of the scroll | An expression of his brilliant poetic and publicist work; represents his brilliant poetic and journalistic works; symbolizes his talent and fame as a poet and publicist |
Materials | |
| Material | Bronze |
Technique | |
| Casting location | Foundry of the Union of the Bulgarian Painters; Foundry of the Union of Bulgarian Artists; the foundry workshop of the Union of Bulgarian Artists |
History and restoration | |
| Foundation contents | Copies of the protocols on acceptance of the project, including the one from May 1960; copies of the protocol documents approving the project; note in the project acceptance protocol from May 1960 indicated on the base |
| Opening date | 9 October 1966 |
| Opening occasion | The 100th anniversary of the town / the city; the 100th anniversary of Botevgrad |
| Opening attendees | Todor Zhivkov / head of state Todor Zhivkov; a delegation from the twin city of Saransk; guests from the country and the region; many foreign guests |
| Opened by | Todor Zhivkov |
| Ribbon-cutting | Performed by Todor Zhivkov; he ceremonially cut the ribbon |