Bulgarian Unification Day (06/09)

Day of Unification of Bulgaria (Bulgarian). «Den on Uniteto») The — public holiday, celebrated in the country annually on September 6, is established in honor of the annexation of Eastern Rumelia to the Principality of Bulgaria in 1885.

Under the Treaty of Berlin in 1878, Bulgaria was essentially divided into three parts: the Principality of Bulgaria (with Sofia as its capital), the autonomous region of Eastern Rumelia (with Plovdiv as its center), and the region of Macedonia, which remained part of the Ottoman Empire.

The situation of the Bulgarians in Macedonia was difficult, and many of them fled to Eastern Rumelia, where they began to organize protests together with the local population. Thus, under the pressure of the masses, an uprising began in Eastern Rumelia, which was actively supported by the Bulgarian prince Alexander I Battenberg.

On September 6, 1885, rebel groups led by Chardafon entered Plovdiv and forced the regional ruler to surrender his powers to the Provisional Government. Two days later, Alexander Battenberg approved the annexation of Eastern Rumelia to the Principality of Bulgaria with a special manifesto.

This was a violation of the Treaty of Berlin, and the prince's actions drew sharp criticism from the great forces of Europe (which subsequently cost him the princely crown). However, in the memory of the Bulgarian people, Prince Alexander I of Bulgaria (Battenberg) forever remained the Uniting King. He himself also wished that after his death his ashes would rest in Bulgaria.

On this day, ceremonial, thematic and other festive events take place throughout the country.

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