The Press as an Opportunity to Reform Bulgarian Agriculture at the End of the 19th Century

The purpose of the present study is to show the features, essence and meaning of the press, organized and supported by the idealism and patriotism of the young, highly educated and economically far-sighted Bulgarian intelligentsia. The Bulgarian agricultural periodical and book press from the last two decades of the 19th century introduces the novelties of modern agriculture, highlights the advantages of the economy based on scientific knowledge and the use of agricultural machinery. Economic reforms are the work of an enlightened society that respects and values agricultural labour. The seal suggests the importance of constant, daily work and emphasizes personal initiative. The conservative rural population did not sufficiently benefit from the knowledge and ideas for rational organization of the farm that the agricultural press offered. A certain apathy about the press also shows part of the agricultural intelligentsia. Incorrect subscribers and officials create difficulties for its normal functioning and distribution. The published books do not receive the necessary attention due to the mistrust of the peasants towards the people of intellectual work. All this limits the usefulness of the press and slows down the reform process. Newspapers, magazines and books on agricultural issues from the last two decades of the 19th century represent a national treasure that has not lost its relevance. The chronological, systematic, comparative and analytical method was used for the research.