Dimo Kazasov received the Righteous Among the Nations award in 1966 for his efforts in shielding Bulgarian Jews from deportation during the Second World War. As a multifaceted public figure in Bulgaria, he moved between journalism, administrative governance, and political activism across several distinct regimes throughout the twentieth century, leaving a complex legacy in his home country.
Early Career and Education
Born in Tryavna in 1886, Kazasov attended high school in Ruse, graduating in 1904. His professional life began in education, serving as a teacher in Tutrakan, Ruse, Burgas, Kula, and Voneshta voda between 1906 and 1910. He also acted as secretary for the Union of Bulgarian Teachers from 1910 to 1917. Kazasov pursued legal studies at Sofia University, finishing his degree in 1918.
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Kazasov joined the Bulgarian Workers' Social Democratic Party in 1902 and served on its central committee from 1919 to 1926. During this period, he acted as chief editor for the party newspaper Narod. His early parliamentary career included membership in the XVIII National Assembly between 1919 and 1920, where he also chaired the Strike Committee during the 1919–1920 transport strike. He later led the Union of Bulgarian Journalists from 1924 to 1927.
Coups and Government Positions
In 1923, Kazasov participated in the coup d'état, subsequently serving as minister of railways, post offices, and telegraphs until 1924. After being expelled from his party in 1926, he briefly led the Social Democratic Federation before co-founding the Zveno Political Organisation in 1927. He published the Zveno magazine and Izgrev newspaper. Following the 19 May 1934 coup, he served as ambassador to Belgrade until 1936. During the 1944 coup, he joined the government as minister of propaganda and later served as minister of arts and information under Georgi Dimitrov.
Later Years and State Service
In 1950, he accepted the role of chief director of publishing houses, polygraphy, and trade with printed works, an agency tasked with press and book censorship. He held this position during the administration of Valko Chervenkov. He retired from political life in 1953 to focus on writing his memoirs. Kazasov died in Sofia in 1980.
Fast facts
- Born: 1886, Tryavna
- Died: 1980, Sofia
- Education: Sofia University
- Award: Righteous Among the Nations (1966)
- Political Party memberships: BRSDP, Social Democratic Federation, Zveno
- Diplomatic Post: Ambassador to Belgrade (1934–1936)
Questions readers ask
What was Kazasov's role during the Holocaust?
He actively worked to protect Bulgarian Jews from deportation during the Second World War.
Which cabinet positions did he hold?
He served as minister of railways, post offices and telegraphs (1923–1924), minister of propaganda (1944–1946), and minister of arts and information (1946–1947).
Achievements
- Righteous Among the Nations — 1966
- Worked as politician, journalist and minister
- Educated at Sofia University
