Yuri Venelin

My name is Yuri Venelin. I was born on April 22, 1802, in the village of Tibava in Transcarpathia under the name Georgy Khutsa. After completing my studies at Lviv University, I settled in Russia and adopted the name Yuri Venelin. I devoted my life to the study of the Slavic peoples, and the Bulgarians held a special place in my research. During my travels through the Bulgarian lands, I collected valuable linguistic, historical, and folkloric materials. Through my work, I helped Europe get to know the Bulgarian people and appreciate their place among the Slavic peoples. My book *The Ancient and Modern Bulgarians* became one of the most influential works on Bulgarian history in the 19th century. My monument in Gabrovo serves as a reminder of the connection between science, education, and the Bulgarian National Revival.