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.
October 22, 1877 — Raids and Skirmishes Around Pleven
Bulgarian militia units and Russian cavalry repelled Ottoman sortie attempts from Pleven, as Osman Pasha tested the siege lines for weak points. The sorties were becoming more frequent and more desperate as the garrison’s supplies dwindled — signs that the great Ottoman commander was probing for an escape route. Every failed sortie brought the end of the siege one step closer and signalled the inevitable: Pleven would fall.
October 22, 1962 — Cuba Crisis Reaches Bulgaria
As the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the world to the brink of nuclear war, Bulgaria’s communist government placed its armed forces on heightened readiness. Bulgaria’s Soviet-aligned military would have been on the front line of any European theatre of operations had the crisis escalated. The thirteen days of the crisis were followed with intense anxiety in Sofia, as across the Eastern Bloc.
Explore more of Bulgaria’s story on Bronicable, including our Bulgaria From Above series and our guides to the best of Bulgaria.
