Every day in Bulgarian history holds a story worth remembering. In this recurring series, On This Day in Bulgaria, we look back at notable events, decisions, and milestones that happened on this date across the country’s history.
August 22, 1877 — The Second Day at Shipka
The second day of the main Shipka Pass battle saw some of the heaviest casualties of the engagement. Bulgarian volunteer units, fighting alongside Russian troops, reportedly used rocks and the stocks of broken rifles when ammunition ran out. Their resolve in the face of overwhelming Ottoman numbers transformed the battle into a legend — one that would inspire Bulgarian poetry, painting, and national mythology for generations to come.
August 22, 1878 — Eastern Rumelia Takes Shape
European commissioners meeting in Plovdiv continued work on the Organic Statute for Eastern Rumelia — the autonomous Bulgarian province created under the Treaty of Berlin. Though a compromise that disappointed many Bulgarians who had hoped for full unification, the statute gave Eastern Rumelia a degree of self-governance and a Bulgarian governor-general, laying the administrative foundations for its eventual union with the Principality of Bulgaria in 1885.
Explore more of Bulgaria’s story on Bronicable, including our Bulgaria From Above series and our guides to the best of Bulgaria.
