September 20, 1885 — The Bulgarian Red Cross Is Officially Endorsed
On this day in 1885, the establishment of the Bulgarian Red Cross was endorsed by princely decree. The organization was created at a crucial moment, shortly after the Unification and just before the Serbo-Bulgarian War, when the need for organized medical and humanitarian assistance became urgent. The Red Cross brought Bulgaria into a wider international humanitarian tradition and helped provide care for wounded soldiers, disaster victims, and vulnerable communities. Over time, it became one of the country’s most recognizable civic institutions. Its foundation shows how the young Bulgarian state was not only building an army and administration, but also institutions for relief, health, and public solidarity.
September 20, 1948 — Srebarna Nature Reserve Is Proclaimed
On this day in 1948, the Srebarna Nature Reserve was proclaimed. Located near the Danube in northeastern Bulgaria, Srebarna is famous for its lake, wetlands, and birdlife, especially the Dalmatian pelican. The reserve became one of Bulgaria’s most important protected natural areas and was later inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. Its protection reflects the growing recognition that wetlands are not empty or useless spaces, but complex ecosystems with international value. Srebarna’s story also shows how conservation became part of Bulgarian public policy, connecting local landscapes with global concerns about biodiversity, migration routes, and the preservation of endangered habitats.
Explore more of Bulgaria’s story on Bronicable, including our Bulgaria From Above series and our guides to the best of Bulgaria.
Continue with September 19 or September 21. For more stories and places, explore Bulgaria From Above and the guides in our Bulgaria category on Bronicable.
