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 5, 1908 — Bulgaria Proclaims Full Independence
At the medieval church of the Forty Holy Martyrs in Tarnovo — the ancient capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire — Tsar Ferdinand I proclaimed the Kingdom of Bulgaria a fully independent and sovereign state, free of all remaining formal ties to the Ottoman Empire. The proclamation came on the feast day of Saint Ivan Rilski, Bulgaria’s patron saint, and at one of the country’s most historically resonant sites. After thirty years as an autonomous principality under nominal Ottoman suzerainty, Bulgaria was at last a fully recognised kingdom — a day celebrated ever since as one of the great milestones of modern Bulgarian history.
October 5, 1944 — Bulgaria Declares War on Germany
Less than a month after the September 9 coup, Bulgaria formally declared war on Nazi Germany — completing its dramatic switch of sides in the Second World War. Bulgarian forces were already fighting German units in Yugoslavia. The declaration formalised a reality on the ground and positioned Bulgaria, however belatedly, among the Allied powers at the eventual peace settlement.
Explore more of Bulgaria’s story on Bronicable, including our Bulgaria From Above series and our guides to the best of Bulgaria.
