Unification Day in Bulgaria, also known as "Ден на Съединението" (Den na Sayedinenieto) in Bulgarian, is a national holiday celebrated on September 6th each year. It commemorates a significant event in Bulgaria's history—the unification of Eastern Rumelia and Bulgaria in 1885.
Here's some historical context:
Eastern Rumelia: Eastern Rumelia was an autonomous province within the Ottoman Empire, with a predominantly Bulgarian population. It was established after the Treaty of Berlin in 1878, which aimed to address territorial changes following the Russo-Turkish War. Eastern Rumelia had its own government but remained under nominal Ottoman rule.
The Unification: On September 6, 1885, a group of Bulgarian volunteers and military officers initiated a bloodless coup and proclaimed the unification of Eastern Rumelia with the Principality of Bulgaria, which had gained autonomy from the Ottoman Empire in 1878. This event was known as the Unification of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia.
Significance: The unification of these two regions was a significant step toward the eventual complete liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule, which occurred in 1908 when Bulgaria officially declared its independence.
Unification Day is a day of celebration in Bulgaria, marked by various events, ceremonies, and cultural activities. It serves as a reminder of the country's struggle for independence and the importance of national unity. The day is also an occasion for Bulgarians to reflect on their history and cultural heritage.