Bulgaria Marks 109 Years of Independence (pictures)

On 22nd of September, Bulgaria marks the proclamation of independence.

On this date in 1908, Bulgaria rejected the political vassal dependency on the Ottoman Empire.

The independence of Bulgaria was formally proclaimed at the Holy Forty Martyrs Church in the then capital Veliko Turnovo through signing of a manifesto (declaration) of independence. The country became sovereign state. Knyaz (Prince) Ferdinand I adopted the title of Tzar (King) of the Bulgarians.

Bulgaria's declaration of independence was followed by Austria-Hungary's annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina the following day.

Bulgaria responded to the Ottoman Empire’s threats of war with military mobilization but at the same time declared readiness for peaceful settlement. With the joint violation of the Treaty of Berlin, both by Sofia and Vienna, and because the Great Powers were not ready for a large-scale war, the efforts were focused on diplomatic recognition of Bulgaria’s independence.

The independence of Bulgaria was internationally recognised by the Great Powers in the spring of 1909.

Bulgaria's Liberation from five centuries of Ottoman domination came on 3rd of March, 1878 after the Russo-Turkish War, but recognition of its independence was a long process.

For 30 years, from the liberation in 1878 until the proclamation of independence, Bulgaria was still technically under the suzerainty of the Sublime Porte and a tributary vassal state to the Ottoman Empire.

The independence day is marked with solemn ceremonies throughout the country, but the main ceremony is traditionally held on the night of 22nd of September in Veliko Turnovo, which Tsar Ferdinand I and the then Prime Minister Alexander Malinov chose as the site for the proclamation of independence.

During the ceremonies, a list of names is read out in remembrance of those who gave their lives in the fight for independence, followed by firework displays.

The day is a public holiday and is marked with various events across the country including concerts, wreath-laying at monuments, special church services, open-air performances and other activities.