The name of Count Nikolai Pavlovich Ignatiev has long been forgotten in Russia, but for Bulgaria, he remains a national hero who played a key role in its independence. Ignatiev was one of the founders of Pan-Slavism in the Russian Empire and, using his position, achieved much in the liberation of the Bulgarians.

Nikolai Pavlovich was born on January 29, 1832, into a noble count's family. He received an excellent education and served in the army from childhood, combining military service with diplomatic activities since 1856. Throughout his long state service, Count Ignatiev repeatedly distinguished himself. He signed the Treaty of Peking, participated in diplomatic missions to Bukhara and China. For his merits, he was awarded numerous honors, received the ranks of General of the Infantry and General-Adjutant, and his diplomatic career ended as Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Count Ignatiev played an important role in the history of Russia, but his main achievement was the liberation of the Orthodox peoples of the Balkans from Ottoman rule. His work on the Balkan question began with a mission in Constantinople, where he managed to stabilize the situation of the Slavs. However, a new surge of Slavophobia led to war, after which Ignatiev once again demonstrated his diplomatic skills. The signing of peace on favorable terms for Russia became the final stage of his involvement in Balkan affairs, but his contribution is still remembered in Bulgaria. Streets, squares, and even villages are named in his honor, and a few years ago a film titled 'Russian Count of the Bulgarians' was made about him.

Nikolai Pavlovich died on July 3, 1908, and was buried in the estate of Krupoderintsy. Next to him, his daughter Ekaterina Nikolaevna, one of the first nurses, was later buried. Three of his sons became heroes of the White Movement and died in exile, while his youngest son Vladimir perished in the Battle of Tsushima. Today, his descendant Michael Ignatiev is known as a politician and historian in Canada.