1885 - 1936

"I would like in one last lecture to tell the students some simple but important things: you must love Bulgaria, love it wholeheartedly and devotedly and never let ambition build a career on this love...

 .... The ideal will always prevail, as long as it symbolizes the high aspirations of the human soul. In order for higher education to fulfil its purpose, those who are responsible for it should acquire faith in the spiritual power and carry that faith within their hearts..."

                                   Prof. Assen Zlatarov                     

Assen Christov Zlatarov was born on 4^th  (16^th) February 1885 in Haskovo and was brought up in a  family who cherished the Bulgarian Revival traditions. He spent his childhood in his native town.  Later he went to  secondary school in Sofia and after finishing it he became a chemistry student at Sofia University. A year later he continued his education in Geneva. His close friendship with Evdokia Atanasova –who later became his wife and companion - started  in his early student years. After his successful graduation in physics and chemistry in 1908 the young scientist returned to his country and devoted his life to a scientific and teaching career – at first he was a teacher in Plovdiv  Boys’ School and then he became assistant-professor, associate professor and professor at Sofia University. This was the start of a lifelong brilliant career of one of the most outstanding and prominent Bulgarian scientists.

There is hardly a social activity field untouched by his genius. He  greatly contributed to the development of our native industry, agriculture and medicine. Led by his progressive and reforming views and ideas he fought persistently for human rights and freedom. He played an active part in the social and cultural life of the country. He committed a lifetime to scientific research and  remained in the memory of his countrymen as a real social reviver and enlightener.