INTERVIEW – IVAN STILIYANOV DIMITROV

1. What’s your name ?

My name is Ivan Stiliyanov Dimitrov (Иван Стилиянов Димитров)

2. Where are you from ?

I am from Tyrgovishte, Bulgaria

3. Are you a professional or not ?

Yes.

4. Are you part of a troop ?

Yes, I am part of Vylkashin (Вълкашин)

5. How did you come to practice this ?

I saw an event of a medieval group in my city and I knew this was the thing I want to do

6. Where and how did you learn this art ?

I learn it from different masters and troops. We are training for years. I am training since 6-7 years and our leader since more than 15 in different fencing and bow shooting masters and groups. There is no school for learn this performance.

7. Do you often participate in medieval festival ?

Yes, I go on almost all of them in my country

8. Outside of medieval festivals, in what setting do you perform ?

We do events with lyceums, schools and we train others

9. What does your show consist of ?

Medieval sword, whip, axe and spear fighting, bow shooting and fire shows

10. Where do you get your inspiration from ?

The fact that I can teach and show others and especially kids what their ancestors look like and from the writings about our ancestors

11. What did you think of this medieval festival in Preslav ?

I think it is a great thing. The best way to show history to everyone and to revive the cultural development

12. Do you know Preslav and his story ?

Yes I know about Veliki Preslav and it’s history.