On Sunday, Bulgaria marks the 141st anniversary of the Unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia. Unification Day is a public holiday, with observances held countrywide. The high point of the celebrations is in Plovdiv, where the unification was proclaimed on September 6, 1885.
Eastern Rumelia was established on May 19, 1879, by the Treaty of Berlin as an Ottoman autonomous province on 35,208 sq km of Bulgarian lands south of the Balkan Range, with Plovdiv as its administrative centre. In a bloodless military coup, local irredentists ousted the provincial government and reunited the territory with the Bulgarian Principality on September 6, 1885 in defiance of the Great Powers’ settlement of the Eastern Question.
The de facto annexation of Eastern Rumelia by Bulgaria was eventually recognized by the Ottoman Empire, Germany, Austria-Hungary, France, Great Britain, Italy and Russia by the April 5, 1886 Convention of Tophane. The integration process was completed by the September 22, 1908 declaration of Bulgaria’s independence.
On Sunday, politicians and institutions extended Unification Day greetings to the nation.
National Assembly Chairperson Mihaela Dotsova said in a Facebook post: “Let’s work united for Bulgaria. (…) The Unification is a lasting example of a powerful defence of the national interest that will always inspire optimism for a dignified future. Let the spirit of this hopeful and instructive moment inspire us to seek a common direction, because unity is the true key to success.” Dotsova recalled the motto inscribed on the historic building of the Bulgarian Parliament: “Unity Makes Strength.”
Prime Minister Rumen Radev said in a Facebook post: “When united, Bulgarians can change history and shape their own destiny. On September 6, Bulgaria celebrates its Unification and honours the example set by a generation of statesmen who put aside their political differences in the name of the freedom and independence of their homeland. In the historic year of 1885, Bulgaria resolutely rejected the dictates of the Treaty of Berlin and swept away the borders that had divided our people.”
Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov said the Unification showed that “when we are united, we can make wise and courageous decisions”. Previous generations and statesmen have shown that Bulgarians can make bold and right decisions about their destiny when they stand together, he said on Nova TV.
The Foreign Ministry said that on this day, Bulgarians honour the people whose efforts made the Unification possible: “A hundred and forty-one years ago, Bulgarians turned their quest for Unification into a historic achievement that remains a symbol of courage, statesmanlike resolve, and national responsibility.”
Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev said: “This day is an example of how unity behind a national goal makes our people invincible on the path to achieving it. The Interior Ministry is located at 6 September Street, and every day I have reason to remind myself of this feat of our nation.”
Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev called Bulgaria’s Unification Day “one of the brightest dates in Bulgarian history”. Speaking at a ceremony in front of the Alexander I of Battenberg Mausoleum in Sofia, he said that instead of hurling insults at one’s political opponents, one should choose to show understanding. “Instead of denying everyone’s right to be different, we should try to find common ground that builds upon our respective views.”
GERB leader Boyko Borissov said: “Great goals require courage, responsibility and unity. There will always be differences, but the national interest must take precedence over them. This is what we owe to the generations before us and to those who will come after us.”
Democratic Bulgaria Co-chair Ivaylo Mirchev said: “The Unification was the moment when Bulgaria did not wait for permission. On September 6, 1885, Bulgarians themselves made a decision about their country and took the risk of defending it. Russia did not support the Unification. In response, it recalled the Minister of War and Russian officers from the Bulgarian army. (…) This is the great lesson of September 6: the national interest cannot be defended by keeping one’s head down.”
Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) Chairman Delyan Peevski said: “Let’s continue working for a strong and dignified Bulgaria.” He wished Bulgarians a happy Unification Day, saying that strength, faith, united efforts and putting the national interest before all else always lead to success.
The Continue the Change party congratulated Bulgarians on Unification Day in a Facebook post, saying “Together, we can.”
Vazrazhdane leader and Floor Leader Kostadin Kostadinov said in a video message: “The Unification is one of the finest moments in Bulgarian history. September 6, 1885 gave the Bulgarian people the confidence that comes from a victory won on their own. But on a day like today, we should remember that one of the best qualities and skills a person can have is the ability to exercise control, balance and moderation.”
The Consulate General of Bulgaria in the Serbian city of Nis and the Nis Culture and Information Centre marked September 6 with a festive event. Addressing those in attendance, Dimitar Ivanov, Consul General of Bulgaria in Nis, emphasized the significance of this date as a symbol of national will, social solidarity, and the pursuit of political and spiritual unity. Special attention was given to the importance of historical memory for preserving Bulgarian identity, language, culture, and traditions, including among Bulgarian communities outside the country’s borders.