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.
July 17, 1393 — Bulgaria Falls Under Ottoman Rule
On this day, Sultan Bayezid I’s army captured Tarnovo, capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, dissolving Bulgarian state institutions and beginning nearly five centuries of Ottoman rule. Decades later, on July 17, 1877, an advance detachment of the Russian army crossed the Balkan Range to liberate the town of Kazanlak during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, part of the campaign that ultimately restored Bulgarian statehood.
July 17, 1998 — Joining Central European Free Trade
Bulgaria signed the Central European Free Trade Agreement, becoming its seventh member state and deepening its economic integration with the region ahead of EU accession.
Explore more of Bulgaria’s story on Bronicable, including our Bulgaria From Above series and our guides to the best of Bulgaria.
