Nature, Our Eternal Homeland: A Poetic Tribute by Maja Panajotova

SANKHA SUBHRA DEVBARMAN

July 23, 2025

NATURE

Maja Panajotova

Nature is our homeland.

Happy in the bright garden of Indonesia,

We traveled and We wrote poetry…

And there in front of us

Nature displaces The mountains

And many sacrifices that she accepted…

Now we pray for them Whenever they are

Hope they are well.

Maja Panajotova, a poet deeply attuned to the natural world, reveres and worships nature in all its forms, finding inspiration in its boundless beauty and the joy it brings to life. Her poetry is a heartfelt celebration of the earth’s wonders, from the smallest details to its grandest landscapes. Yet, alongside this admiration, she also voices a profound concern for the devastating impact that environmental degradation and human actions have on both nature and humanity. Through her evocative verses, she bridges the gap between the two, advocating for a harmonious coexistence where humanity respects and protects the natural world. Her work resonates as a powerful call to action, making her a prominent and influential voice in contemporary literature. By intertwining themes of reverence, concern, and advocacy, Maja Panajotova’s poetry stands as a testament to her dual commitment to both humanity and the environment, solidifying her role as a global literary figure.

Maja Panajotova was born in the picturesque town of Lovech, located in the heart of Bulgaria. From an early age, she displayed a deep passion for literature and language, which led her to pursue higher education in Polish philology at the prestigious University of Sofia. During her academic years, she began contributing her poetic works to various esteemed literary journals, showcasing her talent and unique voice. Her literary journey took a significant turn when she married the renowned Belgian Balkanologist, Raymond Detrez.

This union marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, as she relocated from Bulgaria to Belgium.In Belgium, Maja Panajotova dedicated herself to academia, sharing her expertise in Bulgarian language and literature. She held teaching positions at two of Belgium's most prominent institutions: Ghent University and the Catholic University of Leuven. Her contributions to the field of Slavic studies were widely recognized and appreciated by her peers and students alike.

Her literary career flourished alongside her academic pursuits. In 1983, she made her debut in Dutch literature with the poetry collection Verzwegen alibi (Concealed alibi), which was met with critical acclaim. This was followed by Sofia blijft een mysterie (Sofia remains a mystery) in 1989, a work that beautifully captured the enigmatic essence of her homeland. Decades later, in 2016, she published Landschap van een man (Male scenery), further cementing her reputation as a versatile and profound poet.

In her native Bulgaria, Maja Panajotova also left an indelible mark on the literary scene. Her first Bulgarian poetry collection, Da spremotlitashtataptica (To stop the flying bird), was published in 1983, the same year as her Dutch debut. This was followed by Lice zadflamandskadantela (Face behind Flemish lace) in 1991, a poignant exploration of cultural identity and displacement.

Her final Bulgarian work, Snimka do rekata (Picture next to the river), was published in 2018, marking a poignant culmination of her literary career. This evocative piece invites readers into a deeply reflective and lyrical exploration of life, memory, and the passage of time, resonating with those who appreciate the interplay of emotion and introspection in literature. Beyond her original works, Maja Panajotova distinguished herself as an accomplished translator, skillfully bridging the linguistic and cultural divides between Bulgarian and Dutch. Her translations were widely admired for their meticulous precision and profound sensitivity to the subtle nuances of both languages, earning her recognition as a master of her craft.

In addition to her written contributions, Maja Panajotova has a vibrant presence in the international literary community. She actively participated in numerous literary gatherings, festivals, and performances, where she shared her insights, engaged in meaningful dialogues, and forged connections with fellow writers and poets from across the globe. Her ability to foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding through her work left an indelible mark on the literary world.

Maja Panajotova’s multifaceted legacy as a poet, scholar, and cultural ambassador endures, continuing to inspire and influence future generations of writers, translators, and artists. Her dedication to her craft and her commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue ensure that her contributions remain relevant and celebrated in the ever-evolving landscape of literature.

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