Marin Drinov – Founder of Modern Bulgarian Historiography and His Contribution to the European Recognition of the National Historical Heritage

This article analyzes the scholarly and public legacy of Prof. Marin Drinov (1838–1906) as a pivotal figure in the transition from National Revival-era chronicling to modern historical science. The study traces Drinov's formation as a scholar within the European academic context and his contribution to the legitimization of Bulgarian history before the international scientific community. Particular focus is placed on his four fundamental works, his role in the founding of the Bulgarian Literary Society (now the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences), and his contribution as a statesman in developing the educational and orthographic systems of post-Liberation Bulgaria. The paper argues that Drinov successfully integrated the Bulgarian past into the broader European scholarly discourse, transforming history into a tool for national and international recognition.