Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Yasna Polyana village still remembers the Tolstoyan commune from the turn of the 20th century

Photo: library

The village’s old name was Alan Kayryak and it is located south of the city of Burgas, in the foothills of Mount Strandzha. It is known for its many stork nests as

from his home in Yasnaya Polyana in Russia, together with his doctor, to join his followers in Bulgaria, but on the way fell sick and died.

The colony close to the Bulgarian seashore fell apart in 1908 but had a lasting impact on the villagers. Today there is an intriguing museum collection there dedicated to the Tolstoyan commune and their teacher.

Find out more about the Bulgarian well as… the Bulgarian Tolstoyans.

In October 1906 the famed Tolstoyan commune was founded in the village by a group of enthusiasts. They were followers of the philosophy of Russian writer Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy preaching non-violence and a new freer way of life.

It is thought that at the end of his life the world famous writer and humanist started out Tolstoyans HERE.

Compiled by Veneta Nikolova



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

The essence of the Transfiguration of the Lord is in spiritual transformation

On August 6, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates one of the twelve great feasts of the Lord – the Transfiguration of the Lord. It is connected with one of the most important evangelical events – the appearance of Jesus Christ in..

published on 8/6/25 6:15 AM

The Dog Days of summer are associated with the cult of fire

Three days in mid-July are given special attention in the Bulgarian calendar. 15, 16 and 17 July are known as the Dog Days or Goreshtnitsi (from goreshto, meaning 'hot') and are considered to be the hottest time of the year in Bulgaria. During this..

published on 7/9/25 10:53 AM

Verka Siderova has passed away – her voice remains a benchmark in Dobrudzha folklore

Verka Siderova, the golden voice of Bulgaria and Dobrud zh a, has completed her earthly journey at the age of 99. The sad news was announced by the singer's family. Born on April 26, 1926 in Dobrich (Northeastern..

published on 7/3/25 11:00 AM