Bulgaria marks 118 years since declaring independence

Bulgaria today marks one of the most significant dates in its modern history – 118 years since the declaration of independence. On September 22, 1908, the country cast off its vassal dependence on the Ottoman Empire, imposed three decades earlier by the Treaty of Berlin, and returned to the map of sovereign European states.

The historic declaration was made in the old capital Veliko Tarnovo, where Prince Ferdinand I read the Manifesto of Independence at the Church of the Holy Forty Martyrs. Drafted by Prime Minister Aleksandar Malinov, the manifesto proclaimed Bulgaria’s independence, with Ferdinand assuming the title of Tsar. The move established Bulgaria as a sovereign state in international relations, paving the way for further economic development and the pursuit of national unification.

Veliko Tarnovo is traditionally at the heart of the Independence Day celebrations, with events taking place throughout the day and drawing thousands of people.

The anniversary is also being marked in Sofia and other cities across the country with ceremonies, wreath-laying at national monuments and festive concerts, BGNews reported.

Editor: Diana Tsankova