Παιδεία και εθνικό κίνημα στα Βαλκάνια: μια προσέγγιση της περίπτωσης του εξαρχικού γυμνασίου αρρένων «Κύριλλος και Μεθόδιος» της Θεσσαλονίκης (1880- 1913)

Abstract

The paper sets out to examine and clarify the contribution of Salonika
Bulgarian High School for Boys “Saints Cyril and Methodius” in the development
of Bulgarian national and cultural work. It also aims to find out and
explain the historical circumstances and factors which led this school to play a
significant and effective role in the emergence of Bulgarian national movement
in Ottoman Macedonia.
The Salonika High School for Boys “Saints Cyril and Methodius” was the
first secondary Bulgarian school in Macedonia during the period of Ottoman
Empire. It was founded in 1880 by Exarchate, the independent Bulgarian
ecclesiastical organization, and existed until 1913. Then, it was moved to the
town Goma Dzhumaja (today known as Blagoevgrad) in Pirin Macedonia of
Bulgaria where it exists until nowadays as “Saints Cyril and Methodius National
Humanitarian High School”.
During the period 1880-1913, the school was developed as a modern
educational establishment in multicultural Salonika and became the most influential
Bulgarian national centre in Macedonia. Bulgarian eminent intellectuals
and public figures are noted among the teachers and students at Salonika
High School for Boys “Saints Cyril and Methodius”. In addition, the school’s
graduates include outstanding figures which had participated in the Bulgarian
national revolutionary movement in Macedonia during the last decate of 19th
and early 20th century.