In 2024, four new additions have been included in the prestigious list of the 100 Dunav Ultra Highlights. These are the Silver Treasure of Bukyovtsi, Persina Nature Park, The White Swallow of Yovkov – a tribute to Bulgarian literary classic Yordan Yovkov and his connection to the Dobruja region, and the works of Professor Marin Varbanov, a textile art innovator born in Oryahovo.
Known as the “master of the short story,” Yordan Yovkov was born in 1880 in the village of Zheravna, nestled between Sliven and Kotel. However, his life and creative path are deeply intertwined with the Dobruja. His family moved to the northeastern region of Bulgaria, settling in the small village of Chifutkuyusu at the end of the 19th century. Yovkov’s father, Stefan, was a shepherd who roamed Dobruja’s pastures during the Ottoman Empire era, finding ways to support his family in this fertile area.
Yovkov’s father, Stefan, in front of the farm in Chifutkuyusu, Dobruja; Photo courtesy of Yordan Yovkov Memorial House
Economic challenges and declining demand for wool, aba (a type of woolen fabric), and shayak (a coarser fabric), for which Zheravna was renowned, forced Stefan and his wife, Pena, to relocate. “We’re heading to a place without cemeteries,” Stefan told his wife, referring to the boundless Danube plain. Interestingly, over time, most residents of Chifutkuyusu were settlers from Zheravna. In 1942, the village was renamed Yovkovo in honor of the renowned writer, who left an indelible mark on the cultural DNA of the region.
During his youth, in addition to horse-riding and carefree adventures, Yovkov developed a passion for learning, with reading being one of his favorite pastimes. His parents supported his education, enabling him to grow into one of Bulgaria’s most celebrated literary figures.
Yordan Yovkov (far right) as a teacher in the village of Krasen, Dobrich region; Photo courtesy of Yordan Yovkov Memorial House
Yovkov completed his high school education in Sofia and enrolled in law school. However, financial difficulties and the death of his father forced him to return to his village. He dedicated several years to teaching in the villages of Chiflik Musubey (now Dolen Izvor), Saradja (now Rositsa), and Karalii (now Krasen).
During this period, Yovkov lived modestly while teaching and kept notes about local events and stories. These writings later served as inspiration for his iconic works. Many of his famous stories feature characters based on local people and vividly portray everyday life with colorful language and precise eloquence.
In 1909, Yovkov became the headmaster of the school in Krasen. However, his teaching career ended in 1912 when the Balkan War began. He was mobilized as a company commander in the 41st Infantry Regiment and personally experienced the dramatic events of the Balkan and Inter-Allied Wars. These experiences were reflected in his works, painting vivid “landscapes” of this turbulent period.
The school in Krasen, where Yovkov served as headmaster; Photo courtesy of Yordan Yovkov Memorial House
For the mature Yovkov, the hardships and upheavals mirrored changes in his personal life. After the wars, in 1918, he married Despina Koleva in Dobrich, and the following year their daughter Elka was born. The family’s life was marked by challenges, including frequent relocations—from Dobrich and Varna to Bucharest and Sofia.
Over the years, Yovkov held various administrative positions but continued to write. He often returned to his roots in Zheravna and Dobruja, producing collections like Legends of the Stara Planina and Evenings in Antimovo Inn.
Monument to Yordan Yovkov in Dobrich by sculptor Yordan Gavrilov; Photo courtesy of Yordan Yovkov Memorial House
Yordan Yovkov passed away in 1937 after a rapid decline in health. Radio Sofia announced the news, halting its broadcast in his honor. His funeral began in Plovdiv and continued in Sofia, where he was buried with high honors in a state-provided grave.
Though he left this world humbly, Yovkov’s talent earned the admiration of thousands of Bulgarians. Despite his challenging life, his greatest love remained Dobruja and its small villages, to which he devoted his youth.
Monument to Yordan Yovkov in Dobrich by sculptor Lyubomir Dalchev; Photo courtesy of Yordan Yovkov Memorial House
Today, the Yordan Yovkov Memorial House in Dobrich houses the richest collection of materials dedicated to the writer. In the town, you can also visit the Yordan Yovkov House-Museum, restored to reflect the era of his life. In the picturesque village of Zheravna, his birthplace is preserved as a museum, while in Krasen, the Filipov Tavern—featured in his novella The Reaper—has been restored. Yovkov often visited this tavern, drawing inspiration for his stories. The village also boasts the old primary school and a visitor center.
The White Swallow in the City Park of Dobrich; Photo courtesy of Yordan Yovkov Memorial House
The destinations of Dobrich, Zheravna, and Krasen are fascinating places where visitors can immerse themselves in Yovkov’s magical world. The museums and exhibits in these locations are a must-see for anyone passionate about culture, aesthetics, and literature.
Meanwhile, the White Swallow from his story On the Wire continues to live its own life. The central square in General Toshevo is named “The White Swallow,” and the bird’s stylized silhouette, symbolizing hope and new beginnings, is included in the municipal coat of arms.
To date, Yordan Yovkov’s works have been translated into 44 languages in 46 countries.
The White Swallow Square in General Toshevo – An Annual Stop for Dunav Ultra Cyclists; Photo Courtesy of Dunav Ultra
The complete list of the 100 Dunav Ultra Highlights is HERE >>