Presentation: “In the Footsteps of Botev’s Rebels”
How does an idea become reality—and continue to live and evolve?
“In the Footsteps of Botev’s Rebels” is a project to create a historical trail passing through locations connected to the journey of Hristo Botev’s rebels following the legendary battles in the Vratsa Balkan.
The trail has been made possible through the efforts of numerous volunteers and donors, united by a desire to preserve the memory of these events and the people behind them. In his presentation, Kalin Hristov will share how the initiative was born and developed, as well as the human, dramatic and true stories of Botev’s rebels.
The project reminds us that Hristo Botev’s legacy did not end with his death. It lives on through the memory of the people who were part of his detachment and who walked their final journey through the Vratsa Balkan.
Today, anyone who follows the historical trail “In the Footsteps of Botev’s Rebels” can visit the places connected with their stories, learn about their lives and experience the past in a different way—by walking the very path they once took.
Because Botev’s detachment is not simply part of the past. It is a story we continue to tell today.
Kalin Hristov grew up with a love of nature and adventure. From an early age, he travelled with his parents through the mountains and along seas and rivers, while also exploring caves. This connection with the natural world has remained an important part of his life ever since.
He graduated from M. V. Lomonosov School, specialising in laser and optical technology. Professionally, he works in the field of computer technology, with a focus on 3D visualisation, video editing and photography. His interests also include sport, technology and developing his own creative projects.
In 2022, he completed a caving course with the Pod Raba Caving Club, became a member of the club and joined his first expedition to Kolkina Dupka Cave in the Ponor Mountains. The experience proved to be a real challenge—after his first descent, Kalin almost decided never to take part in another caving expedition. Instead, cave exploration gradually became one of his greatest passions.
In 2023, Kalin took part in an international expedition to Hirlatzhöhle Cave in Austria. The expedition brought together a team of experienced cavers and a cave diver, with the aim of reaching one of the sumps deep within the cave system.
A year later, Kalin joined an expedition to Slovačka Jama in Croatia, with the goal of reaching a depth of –1,250 metres. As one of four new participants, jokingly nicknamed the “Pokémon Group,” he helped transport heavy expedition equipment and support the team’s operations underground.
Kalin has also taken part in three expeditions to Kolkina Dupka Cave, with some of his underground adventures involving stays of up to eight days beneath the surface.
Caving brings together many of his passions—nature, adventure, photography, technology and the desire to explore the unknown. Despite the experience he has already gained, Kalin modestly says: “I still have a lot to learn.”