235 Years Since the Birth of Rector and Honorary Member of Karazin University Petro Hulak-Artemovsky: The University Commemorates

This year, we celebrate the 235th anniversary of the birth of Petro Hulak-Artemovsky— a prominent writer, educator, public figure, and rector of Kharkiv University (now Karazin University), who left an unforgettable mark on our history and Ukrainian culture as a whole.

His name is primarily associated with innovative literary creativity. He introduced the genre of fable-fairy tale becoming a sharp satire on social injustice. Hulak-Artemovsky's works are distinguished by a strong national spirit, humor, and, at the same time, deep reflections on the fate of Ukraine. However, Petro Petrovych was not only a writer but also an educator who dedicated a significant part of his life to Kharkiv University. A turning point in his life was his move to Kharkiv in 1817, a city that would become his lifelong home. Thanks to the university, founded in 1805, Kharkiv was already one of Ukraine's leading cultural and educational centers, where the national and cultural revival was beginning. It was here that Petro befriended Hryhorii Kvitka-Osnovianenko and Ivan Sreznevsky.

At first, Hulak-Artemovsky enrolled as a free listener at the School of Philology of Kharkiv University. Later, the University Council appointed him a lecturer in the Polish language. From 1820, he was also entrusted with teaching history, geography, and statistics. This became his true calling — an innate lecturer, he presented material in an incredibly engaging way. The following year, Petro Petrovych passed his candidate and master’s exams, defended his dissertation, and obtained the degree of Master.

Hulak-Artemovsky’s career at the university was highly successful. Initially an extraordinary professor, then an ordinary professor of history, he was elected Dean of the School of Philology three times. From 1841 to 1849, he held the position of rector while remaining an honorary member of the university until the end of his life. Under his leadership, numerous academic initiatives were launched to develop the humanities and promote the Ukrainian language and culture.

Petro Hulak-Artemovsky was a true bridge between the academic world and national culture. His work reminds us that the advancement of education and literature is the foundation for preserving identity and shaping the future.

Today, Karazin University proudly continues Hulak-Artemovsky’s legacy, honoring his memory as an outstanding figure. His life and works serve as an example of how words and knowledge can change the world.