The declaration of the Independence of the Principality of Bulgaria is the result of many years of diplomatic preparation. The undoubted successes that the country achieves in its economic and cultural development and the favorable international environment predetermine the success of the undertaking.
115 years since the declaration of the Independence of Bulgaria, September 22, 1908.
The declaration of the Independence of the Principality of Bulgaria is the result of many years of diplomatic preparation. The undoubted successes that the country achieves in its economic and cultural development and the favorable international environment predetermine the success of the undertaking.
On September 22, 1908, in the old capital city of Tarnovo, in the church "St. 40 Martyrs" Prince Ferdinand read the Manifesto drawn up by Prime Minister Alexander Malinov, with which he proclaimed the Principality of Bulgaria an independent kingdom. Todor Khlebarov, one of those present at the historic event, tells: "... in deep silence, N.V. took out a piece of paper from under his uniform - a manuscript and calmly, in a quiet and slow tone, just at 12 o'clock, he read the following, signed by himself and signed by everyone ministers manifesto... All those present remained riveted to their seats - everyone stared and as if a lightning fire had frozen them, they remained motionless for a long time... The elevation of the Principality of Bulgaria into an independent kingdom reminds of its medieval greatness, which flew through the centuries of statelessness and regained the bold hopes for a brilliant future'. A prayer service was held in the church "St. 40 martyrs" and then in the old metropolitan church "St. St. Apostles Peter and Paul". After the prayer, the prince, the ministers and the local authorities go to the historical area of Tsarevets, where Al. Malinov read the Manifesto again in front of a crowd of many thousands.
A typewritten copy of the document was made the same day - September 22. Copies of it are printed at the Renaissance printing house in Turnov and distributed throughout the country. Later, the painter and decorator Haralampi Tachev artistically wrote the document on parchment. In a letter to the Prime Minister, Alexander Malinov, the artist points out: "Regarding the manifesto written on parchment, I tried my best to make it properly. The text itself is written in large letters of the national modern style, and I have especially decorated the capital letters of proper names, important passages, etc. according to the model of our old manuscripts... At the bottom of the parchment itself, the seals of the 8 ministries are attached by means of a patterned cord in special shapes." The document is richly ornamented with plant motifs, curved lines, braids, a crown and the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Bulgaria. The years of establishment of the Bulgarian state, foundation of the Second Bulgarian State, date and year of declaration of Independence are written. The manifesto is kept in the Central State Archives, placed in a specially made silver tube and carved wooden casket with metal fittings. An exact copy of the valuable document is exhibited in the National History Museum in hall No. 5. With the declaration of the independence of the country, the restrictive clauses of the Berlin Treaty are removed. Bulgaria becomes a sovereign state and an equal partner of the other European countries.
Text: Valentina Zadgorska, PhD
