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 17, 1877 — A Nation Behind Its Army
Bulgarian civilians near Pleven provided vital logistical support to Russian siege operations, carrying ammunition and food to forward positions and serving as guides through territory they knew intimately. Their contribution was not merely passive: the liberation of Bulgaria was in its essence a national effort, in which ordinary people played roles as significant as those of the soldiers on the front lines.
August 17, 1981 — 1300 Years of Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s nationwide celebrations of the 1300th anniversary of the founding of the First Bulgarian Empire by Khan Asparuh in 681 reached a high point, with major cultural events and exhibitions in Sofia and the ancient capitals of Pliska and Preslav. The jubilee was seized on by the communist government for political purposes, but the underlying achievement it marked — thirteen centuries of continuous Bulgarian statehood — remains one of the oldest records of national continuity in Europe.
Explore more of Bulgaria’s story on Bronicable, including our Bulgaria From Above series and our guides to the best of Bulgaria.
