Ivan Shishman rules as emperor (tsar) of Bulgaria in Tarnovo from 1371 to 3 June 1395.

The authority of Ivan Shishman is limited to the central parts of the Bulgarian Empire.

His indecisive and inconsistent policy does little to prevent the fall of his country under Ottoman rule.

In 1393 the Ottoman Turks seize the capital Tarnovo.

Two years later, they capture Ivan Shishman's last strongholds and execute him.

Despite the military and political weakness, during his rule Bulgaria remains a major cultural center and the ideas of Hesychasm dominated the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

Patriarch Evtimiy of Tarnovo becomes the most prominent cultural figure of the country.

A number of texts are written or translated and an orthographic reform of the Bulgarian language is issued with synchronized rules.

After the fall of Bulgaria, a number of scholars find refuge in the other Orthodox countries and bring the achievements of the Bulgarian culture to them.

His reign is inextricably connected to the fall of Bulgaria under Ottoman domination.

Although there exist no historical sources which prove that he took active role in the defense of the country, in Bulgarian folklore Ivan Shishman is portrayed as a legendary and heroic ruler who desperately fought against the overwhelming Ottoman forces.

There are numerous sites, geographical features and fortresses named after him throughout Bulgaria.