A team from the Institute of Balkan Studies with Center for Thracology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IBSCT-BAS), within the framework of the project “Obscured Balkans: About the Historical Novel”, is organizing a discussion dedicated to the novel “MAMNIK” by Vasil Popov and the television series “MAMNIK” directed by Viktor Bozhinov.
In recent months, Vasil Popov’s novel “Mamnik” and Viktor Bozhinov’s film adaptation for the small screen have been discussed mainly as presenting folklore mythical creatures little known to the Bulgarian reader/viewer or as a horror story. In the background and completely out of interest in the numerous discussions of the two works, the historical context in which Vasil Popov has placed the necessity of invoking Mamnik and the fate of several families experiencing the consequences of the historical fate of the Western Bulgarian lands has remained. The discussion within the framework of “About the Historical Novel” will focus on the historical narrative around which the story of Mamnik is built.
The event is part of a series aimed at drawing the audience's attention to the historical novel and its influence on contemporary society. The discussion will be moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zlatomira Gerdzhikova (IBSCT-BAS) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gergana Doncheva (IBSCT-BAS) with leading discussant Dr. Kristiyan Kovachev (IBSCT-BAS), and the discussion will include historians - specialists in the field of contemporary Balkan history, political scientists, cultural scientists, anthropologists and writers.
The event will take place on May 19, 2026 (Tuesday) at 17:00 in Conference Hall 1 of the Largo, Serdica Antique Complex of the Regional History Museum - Sofia, Nezavisimost Square and on Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84768907278
The event is part of the activities of the Institute of Balkan Studies with the Center for Thracology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences under the project "Obscured Balkans" in cooperation with the Regional History Museum - Sofia, within the framework of their partnership in the Center for Excellence "Heritage BG" - B G16RFPR002-1.014-0011 "Sustainable Development of the Center for Excellence "Heritage BG".