History of BulgariaHistory of Bulgaria
Contemporary portrait, 1355–1356
Contemporary portrait, 1355–1356

Second Bulgarian Tsardom · Tsar

Ivan Alexander

1331–1371

Commissioned the richly illustrated Gospels of 1355–1356.

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Life

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Ivan Alexander ruled Bulgaria in the fourteenth century. The manuscript made for him is now in the British Library. Crowns, names and the arrangement of the family help scholars study the presentation of dynasty. The monk Simeon copied the text; the scribe’s name does not automatically identify the painter. Commissioned the Gospel book of 1355–1356. Is portrayed with his wife and children. Also appears in a devotional image beside Luke the Evangelist. The book connects political authority, scribal work and the history of a collection.

Sources · 17

Open · Ivan Alexander

Achievements

  • Commissioned the Gospel book of 1355–1356
  • Is portrayed with his wife and children
  • Also appears in a devotional image beside Luke the Evangelist

In our stories

Sources

  1. Ian S. R. Mladjov Bulgaria (Bălgarija): kings and emperors of the Bulgarians; princes of Bulgaria and kings of the Bulgarians Ian Mladjov’s Resources, Chronologies. Author’s working chronology, updated March 2024, 6 pp. · 2024
  2. Simeon (scribe); anonymous medieval illuminators; British Library (custodian) Gospels of Tsar Ivan Alexander, Add MS 39627 British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue
  3. Panitza Library, American University in Bulgaria Special Collection: The Four Gospels of Tsar Ivan Alexander. AUBG LibGuides AUBG LibGuides
All sources (18)
  1. Scot McKendrick The Gospels of Czar Ivan Alexander Byzantium: Faith and Power (1261–1557), ed. Helen C. Evans. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art; New Haven/London: Yale University Press · 2004 · 56
  2. Sts Cyril and Methodius National Library, Bulgaria; British Library, UK The Gospels of Tsar Ivan Alexander PDF UNESCO, International Memory of the World Register, revised nomination · 2016 · 8 pp.
  3. UNESCO Gospels of Tsar Ivan Alexander Memory of the World, register entry · 2017
  4. Lilyana Yordanova The Gospels Manuscript of Tsar Ivan Alexander of Bulgaria Mapping Eastern Europe, eds Maria Alessia Rossi and Alice Isabella Sullivan
  5. Иван Билярски 1396: Царете, кръстоносците, османците и краят на средновековната българска държава Исторически преглед · 2025 · 81 · 141–189
  6. Български туристически съюз Крепост „Баба Вида“ 100 национални туристически обекта
  7. Областна администрация Видин Забележителности Областна администрация Видин
  8. Синиша Мишић Видинско царство Српска енциклопедија, том II (Матица српска / САНУ / Завод за уџбенике) · 2013
  9. Община Видин Забележителности — Крепостта „Баба Вида“ Архивен официален сайт на Община Видин
  10. Регионален исторически музей – Видин Крепост „Баба Вида“ Официален сайт на РИМ – Видин
  11. Министерство на туризма на Република България Baba Vida Fortress Министерство на туризма
  12. Иван Асенов Тютюнджиев; Пламен Христов Павлов Българската държава и османската експанзия 1369–1422 Correct 044, Велико Търново; digital transcription at Promacedonia · 1992 · 29–36 (section used); edition extent 91 pp. per RSL
  13. ICOMOS; assessment panel André Chastel, Henry Millon, Jean Taralon Rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo — advisory body evaluation PDF World Heritage nomination 45, ICOMOS evaluation · 1979 · 5 (PDF pagination)
  14. Национален военноисторически музей Обявяване на независимостта на България – 1908 г. Национален военноисторически музей
  15. Иван Божилов Фамилията на Асеневци (1186–1460). Генеалогия и просопография, I: Асеневци в България Българска академия на науките; online transcription История на света · 1994

Images

Contemporary portrait, 1355–1356

Anonymous medieval illuminator · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Anonymous medieval illuminator; British Library manuscript Add MS 39627 / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain. Group portrait from the person’s lifetime · detail