September 22, 1908 — Bulgaria Declares Its Independence
On this day in 1908, Bulgaria declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire in Tarnovo. Prince Ferdinand took the title of Tsar, and the Principality of Bulgaria became an independent kingdom. The act completed a long process that had begun with liberation in 1878, when Bulgaria was restored as an autonomous principality but remained formally under Ottoman suzerainty. Independence gave the country full international legal status and allowed it to conduct diplomacy without that limitation. The declaration was also linked to a moment of wider instability in Europe, which Bulgarian leaders used skillfully. September 22 is now celebrated as Bulgaria’s Independence Day and one of the country’s major public holidays.
September 22, 1981 — The Monument to the Unknown Soldier Is Unveiled in Sofia
On this day in 1981, the Monument to the Unknown Soldier was unveiled in Sofia. Located near St Sophia Church, the monument honors Bulgarian soldiers who died in the country’s wars. Its eternal flame, lion sculpture, and symbolic setting make it one of the central ceremonial spaces in the capital. State leaders, foreign delegations, and citizens gather there for military and national commemorations. The monument was opened during the celebrations marking 1,300 years of the Bulgarian state, linking modern state rituals with a longer historical narrative. It remains a powerful place of remembrance, representing sacrifice, military service, and the anonymous dead of Bulgaria’s national history.
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 21 or September 23. For more stories and places, explore Bulgaria From Above and the guides in our Bulgaria category on Bronicable.
