Today in Razgrad, the Day of the National Enlighteners was ceremoniously observed at the Stanka and Nikola Ikonomov House-Museum. The event featured a new element: for the first time in Razgrad, a digital message from an “enlightener” was presented, brought to life through an animated depiction of the figure. During the event, the project “Nikola Ikonomov – A Beacon of Knowledge During the Bulgarian National Revival”, developed by the Nikola Ikonomov Primary School, was presented to the mayor, his deputies, and the students in attendance.
In line with new trends in education and the growing interest in digitally “bringing to life” the figures of prominent historical personalities, students and their Information Technology teacher, Zhivko Zhechev, at the Nikola Ikonomov Primary School in Razgrad created a short video. In it, a digital representation of Nikola Ikonomov-Zheravnentsa addresses the audience, offering guidance and messages that preserve the spirit and legacy of this National Revival figure. This initiative was part of a project titled “Nikola Ikonomov – A Beacon of Knowledge During the Bulgarian National Revival.” The project was presented to the mayor and his deputies, who accepted the invitation from the digitally “revived” enlightener to take a photograph with him.
The innovative element of the project is the video’s finale, in which Nikola Ikonomov invites viewers to commemorate their virtual encounter with him by taking a photograph together. Anyone interested can have their picture taken with the digital representation of this National Revival figure and receive a high-quality, high-resolution photograph.
For this purpose, a photobox is used—a system for taking and instantly printing photos. Museum visitors receive a physical print of their photograph within about 20 seconds. There is also an option to scan a QR code generated by the system, allowing the digital copy of the photo to be downloaded immediately and shared on social media.
The project is the latest development in the activities of the Audio-Visual Technologies Club, which has been working in the field of augmented reality for ten years, seeking new ways to combine historical heritage with the capabilities of modern technology.
The celebration held in front of the house-museum on the occasion of the Day of the National Enlighteners was attended by Mayor Dobrin Dobrev and his deputies, Regional Governor Aylin Basheva, Member of Parliament Dzhipo Dzhipov, as well as educators and local residents. The festive program featured a poetry recital of works by Ivan Vazov performed by students from the “Nikola Ikonomov” Primary School, a contribution from Dzhanislina Boyanova of the Center for Work with Children, and a performance by musician Iliya Ribitsov—the latest recipient of the “Nikola Ikonomov” Award. In her address, Tanya Todorova, Director of the Regional History Museum, highlighted the role of contemporary “enlighteners” and the importance of striking a balance in modern-day communication. Wreaths and flowers as a gesture of gratitude were laid before the memorial plaque dedicated to the figures of the Bulgarian National Revival from the Razgrad region; these tributes were offered by the municipal leadership, various institutions, and members of the public.
