The Bulgarian PEN Center was established in 1926 with Prof. Ivan Shishmanov as its chairman.

It brings together about 40 prominent Bulgarian writers: Elisaveta Bagryana, Dora Gabe, Prof. Alexander Balabanov, Angel Karaliychev, Elin Pelin, Yordan Yovkov, Nikolay Liliev, Todor Vlaykov, Teodor Trayanov, Stiliyan Chilingirov, Nikolay Raynov, Yordan Stubel, etc.

The chairmen of the Bulgarian PEN have been: Prof. Alexander Balabanov, Dora Gabe, Prof. Bogdan Filov, Anna Kamenova (1967 – 1971), Leda Mileva (1971 – 1980), Lilyana Stefanova (1980 – 1991), Bogomil Nonev (1991 – 1995), Nevena Stefanova (1995 – 1999), Georgi Konstantinov, Boyko Lambovski and Zdravka Evtimova. Currently, the chairman of the PEN Center in Prof. Amelia Licheva.