History of BulgariaHistory of Bulgaria

On this day in Bulgarian history

Discover 180 events from Bulgarian history, arranged by day and month.

Events are placed on their New Style (Gregorian) anniversary, using the proleptic Gregorian calendar for medieval dates; converted entries also show the original Old Style date.

14November

Around this day · 1885

The Serbo-Bulgarian War begins

Serbia declares war on Bulgaria shortly after Unification.

2 November 1885 Old Style (14 November 1885 New Style)

1

11

41

The modern Shipka monument isolated from the photograph; not an image of the battle in 1877.

1878

The liberation of Sofia

23 December 1877 Old Style (4 January 1878 New Style)

General Gurko’s troops enter Sofia during the Russo-Turkish War.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: December 31-January 4 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2025
Images

Ivano Giambattista · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934

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Ivano Giambattista / Wikimedia Commons. CC0. Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934. Cut-out detail; background removed.

61

A rectangular scan of Botev’s resignation; all writing and archive stamps retained.

1848

Birth of Hristo Botev

25 December 1847 Old Style (6 January 1848 New Style)

Poet and revolutionary Hristo Botev is born in Kalofer.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: January 6 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Hristo Botev · Public domain · National Library of Bulgaria / Wikimedia Commons

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Hristo Botev (1848-1876); National Library of Bulgaria / Wikimedia Commons; Public domain. Archival image; marks on the original support are retained. Processed image.

81

Cut-out detail; background removed. Museum display: copy of the notebook and a dagger presented as belonging to Levski

1873

Levski is captured

27 December 1872 Old Style (8 January 1873 New Style)

Ottoman authorities capture Vasil Levski at the Kakrina inn.

  1. Национален музей „Васил Левски“, Карлово Кратка хроника за живота на Левски Национален музей „Васил Левски“, Карлово
Images

Eola · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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Image: Eola / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Museum display: copy of the notebook and a dagger presented as belonging to Levski. Cut-out detail; background removed.

91

The modern Shipka monument isolated from the photograph; not an image of the battle in 1877.

1878

Victory at Sheynovo

28 December 1877 Old Style (9 January 1878 New Style)

Russian troops capture Veysel Pasha’s army at Shipka–Sheynovo.

  1. Национален парк-музей „Шипка-Бузлуджа“ Шипченска епопея Национален парк-музей „Шипка-Бузлуджа“
Images

Ivano Giambattista · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934

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Ivano Giambattista / Wikimedia Commons. CC0. Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934. Cut-out detail; background removed.

101

131

Cut-out detail; background removed. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun

1851

Todor Kableshkov: birth

1 January 1851 Old Style (13 January 1851 New Style)

Todor Kableshkov, an organizer of the April Uprising is born.

  1. Родова фондация „Каблешкови“ Тодор Каблешков Родова фондация „Каблешкови“
Images

Dakovski · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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Dakovski / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun. Cut-out detail; background removed.

141

The dolphin woodcut from the Fish Primer, isolated from a reproduction of the page.

1835

Gabrovo school

2 January 1835 Old Style (14 January 1835 New Style)

A school using the monitorial system opens in Gabrovo on Vasil Aprilov’s initiative.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: January 14 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Photonik · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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Illustrations from the Fish Primer, first published in 1824. The photographed copy is undated. Photo: Photonik / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cut-out detail; background removed.

151

161

181

Cut-out detail; background removed. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun

1856

Rayna Knyaginya: birth

6 January 1856 Old Style (18 January 1856 New Style)

Rayna Popgeorgieva, who would sew the Panagyurishte rebels’ flag is born.

  1. Исторически музей – Панагюрище 168 години от рождението на Райна Княгиня Исторически музей – Панагюрище · 2024
Images

Dakovski · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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Dakovski / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun. Cut-out detail; background removed.

2

72

92

Cut-out detail; background removed. The Zograf draft: opening page

1765

Sophronius’s copy

29 January 1765 Old Style (9 February 1765 New Style)

Priest Stoyko, the future Sophronius of Vratsa, finishes the first copy of Paisius’s history.

  1. Национална библиотека „Св. св. Кирил и Методий“ Първи котленски препис на История славянобългарска, 1765 г. Национална библиотека „Св. св. Кирил и Методий“ · 2022
Images

I. Stankov · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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I. Stankov / Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 3.0. The Zograf draft: opening page. Processed image.

102

112

122

142

182

Cut-out detail; background removed. A stone slab with three crosses and a damaged inscription at the lower right.

869

Cyril the Philosopher: death

14 February 869 Old Style (18 February 869 New Style)

Cyril the Philosopher, creator of the Glagolitic alphabet dies.

  1. Иван Божилов; Васил Гюзелев История на средновековна България VII–XIV век София: Анубис. История на България в три тома, т. I. ISBN 954-426-204-0; electronic transcription, Моята библиотека · 1999
Images

Fyodor Uspensky · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

The old photograph, published in 1899, shows Cyrillic letters at the lower right.

Open source

Full attribution

Image: Fyodor Uspensky, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain. Historic photograph published in 1899; the inscription is at the lower right. Some passages are damaged. Cut-out detail; background removed.

Cut-out detail; background removed. Museum display: copy of the notebook and a dagger presented as belonging to Levski

1873

Vasil Levski: death

6 February 1873 Old Style (18 February 1873 New Style)

Vasil Levski, the revolutionary executed by hanging near Sofia dies.

  1. Национален музей „Васил Левски“, Карлово Кратка хроника за живота на Левски Национален музей „Васил Левски“, Карлово
Images

Eola · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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Image: Eola / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Museum display: copy of the notebook and a dagger presented as belonging to Levski. Cut-out detail; background removed.

212

222

Cut-out detail; background removed. Binding of the Tarnovo Constitution

1879

The Constituent Assembly

10 February 1879 Old Style (22 February 1879 New Style)

The assembly that will draft the Bulgarian principality’s first constitution opens in Tarnovo.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: February 10 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Bulgarian Constituent Assembly · Public domain · Bulgarian Archives State Agency / Wikimedia Commons

Archival image of the Tarnovo Constitution’s binding. The date below is 16 April 1879, old style.

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Bulgarian Constituent Assembly; Bulgarian Archives State Agency / Wikimedia Commons; Public domain. BASA-173K-6-3116-Tarnovo Constitution Processed image.

232

The dolphin woodcut from the Fish Primer, isolated from a reproduction of the page.

1823

Nayden Gerov: birth

11 February 1823 Old Style (23 February 1823 New Style)

Nayden Gerov, compiler of a major Bulgarian dictionary is born.

  1. Регионален исторически музей – София 200 години от рождението на Найден Геров Регионален исторически музей – София · 2023
Images

Photonik · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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Illustrations from the Fish Primer, first published in 1824. The photographed copy is undated. Photo: Photonik / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cut-out detail; background removed.

242

252

The manuscript's red binding; an isolated photographic detail, not the lost gilded cover.

1371

Ivan Alexander: death

17 February 1371 Old Style (25 February 1371 New Style)

Tsar Ivan Alexander, who commissioned the celebrated London Gospels dies.

  1. Иван Божилов; Васил Гюзелев История на средновековна България VII–XIV век София: Анубис. История на България в три тома, т. I. ISBN 954-426-204-0; electronic transcription, Моята библиотека · 1999
Images

Unspecified · CC0 · British Library via Wikimedia Commons

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The surviving upper binding cover. British Library, Add MS 39627; via Wikimedia Commons, CC0. Cut-out detail; background removed.

282

3

13

Cut-out detail; background removed. A black Adler typewriter with round keys in a museum display.

1941

Bulgaria joins the Tripartite Pact

Bulgaria signs the Tripartite Pact and becomes Germany’s ally in the Second World War.

  1. United States National Archives and Records Administration RG 84: Bulgaria Holocaust-Era Assets — State Department and Foreign Affairs Records
Images

Photo

Biser Todorov · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

An Adler typewriter labelled in the museum as belonging to Peshev. No evidence establishes that it was used for the letter.

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Biser Todorov / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. An Adler typewriter labelled in the museum as belonging to Peshev. No evidence establishes that it was used for the letter. Cut-out detail; background removed. Museum display

33

The modern Shipka monument isolated from the photograph; not an image of the battle in 1877.

1878

Treaty of San Stefano

19 February 1878 Old Style (3 March 1878 New Style)

Russia and the Ottoman Empire sign a preliminary peace providing for an autonomous Bulgarian principality.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: March 3 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Ivano Giambattista · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934

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Ivano Giambattista / Wikimedia Commons. CC0. Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934. Cut-out detail; background removed.

An artistic portrait of Alexander of Battenberg; an isolated figure, not a photograph of the events in 1885.
Drawing

1886

Peace after Slivnitsa

19 February 1886 Old Style (3 March 1886 New Style)

The peace treaty ending the Serbo-Bulgarian War is signed in Bucharest.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: February 19 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Drawing

Konrad Dielitz · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

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Portrait of Alexander I, Konrad Dielitz, 1881. Painted portrait, oil on canvas. Konrad Dielitz / Wikimedia Commons. Public domain. Cut-out detail; background removed. Painted portrait — oil on canvas

83

Cut-out detail; background removed. A stone slab with three crosses and a damaged inscription at the lower right.

870

An autonomous archbishopric

4 March 870 Old Style (8 March 870 New Style)

A council decision places the Bulgarian Church under Constantinople with autonomous status.

  1. Българска патриаршия На 4 март 870 г. на Поместен събор в Константинопол е призната автономията на Българската православна църква Българска патриаршия · 2024
Images

Fyodor Uspensky · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

The old photograph, published in 1899, shows Cyrillic letters at the lower right.

Open source

Full attribution

Image: Fyodor Uspensky, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain. Historic photograph published in 1899; the inscription is at the lower right. Some passages are damaged. Cut-out detail; background removed.

103

Cut-out detail; background removed. A black Adler typewriter with round keys in a museum display.

1943

Deportation halted

Public pressure halts a planned deportation of Jews from Bulgaria’s pre-war territory.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: March 10 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Photo

Biser Todorov · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

An Adler typewriter labelled in the museum as belonging to Peshev. No evidence establishes that it was used for the letter.

Open source

Full attribution

Biser Todorov / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. An Adler typewriter labelled in the museum as belonging to Peshev. No evidence establishes that it was used for the letter. Cut-out detail; background removed. Museum display

113

Cut-out detail; background removed. Round seal with reversed letters and year on a transparent museum support. Its impression would read normally.

1870

The Exarchate is established

27 February 1870 Old Style (11 March 1870 New Style)

An Ottoman sultan’s firman establishes the Bulgarian Exarchate.

  1. Милен Куманов Православието в България (Кратка историческа енциклопедия) PDF Енциклопедика. Факлоносци XXXVI. Университет по библиотекознание и информационни технологии. София: Академично издателство „За буквите – О писменехъ“ · 2024
Images

Vassia Atanassova - Spiritia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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Vassia Atanassova - Spiritia. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Unmodified. Cut-out detail; background removed.

123

163

Cut-out detail; background removed. A stone column with incised letters in Tarnovo’s Holy Forty Martyrs Church. Not every letter can be read in this photograph.

1230

Battle of Klokotnitsa

9 March 1230 Old Style (16 March 1230 New Style)

Ivan Asen II defeats and captures the Epirote ruler Theodore Komnenos.

  1. Иван Божилов; Васил Гюзелев История на средновековна България VII–XIV век София: Анубис. История на България в три тома, т. I. ISBN 954-426-204-0; electronic transcription, Моята библиотека · 1999
Images

Svik · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

A stone column with incised letters in Tarnovo’s Holy Forty Martyrs Church. Not every letter can be read in this photograph.

Open source

Full attribution

Image: Svik; Wikimedia Commons; CC BY-SA 3.0. Unmodified. Cut-out detail; background removed.

173

Cut-out detail; background removed. A black Adler typewriter with round keys in a museum display.

1943

Dimitar Peshev’s letter

Dimitar Peshev sends a letter protesting the deportation of Bulgarian Jews.

  1. Yad Vashem — American Society Profile in Courage PDF Martyrdom & Resistance, November–December 2006 · 2006 · 5
Images

Photo

Biser Todorov · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

An Adler typewriter labelled in the museum as belonging to Peshev. No evidence establishes that it was used for the letter.

Open source

Full attribution

Biser Todorov / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. An Adler typewriter labelled in the museum as belonging to Peshev. No evidence establishes that it was used for the letter. Cut-out detail; background removed. Museum display

203

1953

Opera in Plovdiv

Plovdiv Opera is established; its first performance follows in November.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: March 20 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026

263

1913

Capture of Adrianople

13 March 1913 Old Style (26 March 1913 New Style)

The Second Bulgarian Army captures Adrianople after a siege in the First Balkan War.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: March 26 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026

313

4

104

Cut-out detail; background removed. A stone slab with three crosses and a damaged inscription at the lower right.

885

Methodius: death

6 April 885 Old Style (10 April 885 New Style)

Methodius, missionary and brother of Cyril the Philosopher dies.

  1. Иван Божилов; Васил Гюзелев История на средновековна България VII–XIV век София: Анубис. История на България в три тома, т. I. ISBN 954-426-204-0; electronic transcription, Моята библиотека · 1999
Images

Fyodor Uspensky · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

The old photograph, published in 1899, shows Cyrillic letters at the lower right.

Open source

Full attribution

Image: Fyodor Uspensky, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain. Historic photograph published in 1899; the inscription is at the lower right. Some passages are damaged. Cut-out detail; background removed.

124

A spacecraft descent capsule in a museum, isolated from the photograph.

1979

Soyuz 33 returns

Georgi Ivanov and Nikolai Rukavishnikov return to Earth aboard Soyuz 33.

  1. David S. F. Portree / NASA Johnson Space Center Mir Hardware Heritage NASA Reference Publication 1357 · 1995 · 31, 81–82, 180
Images

Scroch · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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Photo: Scroch / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cut-out detail; background removed.

144

164

174

Cut-out detail; background removed. Gold coin of Nikephoros I in the Numismatic Museum, Athens, photographed by Francesco Bini. Crown, face and cross are visible. We do not know where this coin was found.

814

Death of Krum

13 April 814 Old Style (17 April 814 New Style)

Krum dies while a new campaign against Byzantium is being prepared.

  1. Иван Божилов; Васил Гюзелев История на средновековна България VII–XIV век София: Анубис. История на България в три тома, т. I. ISBN 954-426-204-0; electronic transcription, Моята библиотека · 1999
Images

Francesco Bini · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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Francesco Bini. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Gold coin of Nikephoros I in the Numismatic Museum, Athens, photographed by Francesco Bini. Crown, face and cross are visible. We do not know where this coin was found. Cut-out detail; background removed.

194

A jug in a museum display, isolated from the photograph. Its association with the tomb is unconfirmed.

1944

Kazanlak tomb discovered

The Thracian tomb near Kazanlak, known for its murals, is discovered.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: April 19 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
  2. Исторически музей „Искра“, Казанлък Казанлъшка гробница Виртуален музей „Искра“ Казанлък
Images

SashaCoachman · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Silver jug with gilded decoration, museum display

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Photo: SashaCoachman; Wikimedia Commons; CC BY-SA 3.0. Cut-out detail; background removed.

204

1846

The Bulgarian Eagle

8 April 1846 Old Style (20 April 1846 New Style)

Ivan Bogorov publishes the first issue of Bulgarski Orel in Leipzig.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: April 20 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026

214

Cut-out detail; background removed. Papal seal in the National Museum of Ireland. The photograph’s title attributes it to Innocent III and says it was found in Dublin. Paul and Peter are visible.

1205

Kaloyan at Adrianople

14 April 1205 Old Style (21 April 1205 New Style)

Kaloyan defeats the Latin army at Adrianople. Emperor Baldwin is captured.

  1. Иван Божилов; Васил Гюзелев История на средновековна България VII–XIV век София: Анубис. История на България в три тома, т. I. ISBN 954-426-204-0; electronic transcription, Моята библиотека · 1999
Images

Sailko · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

The photograph’s title attributes it to Innocent III and says it was found in Dublin. Paul and Peter are visible.

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Sailko / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0. The photograph’s title attributes it to Innocent III and says it was found in Dublin. Paul and Peter are visible. Unmodified. Cut-out detail; background removed.

244

The modern Shipka monument isolated from the photograph; not an image of the battle in 1877.

1877

The Russo-Turkish War begins

12 April 1877 Old Style (24 April 1877 New Style)

Russia declares war on the Ottoman Empire. Bulgarian volunteers will also take part.

April Uprising 1876
  1. Исторически музей – Перущица Априлското въстание – прелюдия към Освобождението Исторически музей – Перущица
Images

Ivano Giambattista · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934

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Full attribution

Ivano Giambattista / Wikimedia Commons. CC0. Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934. Cut-out detail; background removed.

264

Cut-out detail; background removed. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun

1876

The Oborishte assembly

14 April 1876 Old Style (26 April 1876 New Style)

Representatives of revolutionary committees meet at Oborishte to prepare an uprising.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: April 25-26 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Dakovski · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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Full attribution

Dakovski / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun. Cut-out detail; background removed.

284

Cut-out detail; background removed. Binding of the Tarnovo Constitution

1879

Tarnovo Constitution

16 April 1879 Old Style (28 April 1879 New Style)

The Constituent Assembly in Tarnovo adopts the constitution of the Principality of Bulgaria.

  1. Учредително народно събрание, Търново / Министерство на правосъдието (официално издание) Конституция на Българското княжество PDF Годишен сборник от закони на Българското княжество, приети от Търновското учредително Народно събрание през 1879 година. София: Държавна печатница · 1887
Images

Bulgarian Constituent Assembly · Public domain · Bulgarian Archives State Agency / Wikimedia Commons

Archival image of the Tarnovo Constitution’s binding. The date below is 16 April 1879, old style.

Open source

Full attribution

Bulgarian Constituent Assembly; Bulgarian Archives State Agency / Wikimedia Commons; Public domain. BASA-173K-6-3116-Tarnovo Constitution Processed image.

294

Cut-out detail; background removed. Binding of the Tarnovo Constitution

1879

Alexander of Battenberg is elected

17 April 1879 Old Style (29 April 1879 New Style)

The Grand National Assembly elects Alexander of Battenberg prince of Bulgaria.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: April 17 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Bulgarian Constituent Assembly · Public domain · Bulgarian Archives State Agency / Wikimedia Commons

Archival image of the Tarnovo Constitution’s binding. The date below is 16 April 1879, old style.

Open source

Full attribution

Bulgarian Constituent Assembly; Bulgarian Archives State Agency / Wikimedia Commons; Public domain. BASA-173K-6-3116-Tarnovo Constitution Processed image.

5

25

Cut-out detail; background removed. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun

1876

April Uprising begins

20 April 1876 Old Style (2 May 1876 New Style)

The April Uprising against Ottoman rule begins.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: May 1-3 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Dakovski · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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Full attribution

Dakovski / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun. Cut-out detail; background removed.

45

Cut-out detail; background removed. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun

1876

Rayna’s rebel flag

22 April 1876 Old Style (4 May 1876 New Style)

The rebel flag sewn by Rayna Popgeorgieva is blessed in Panagyurishte.

  1. Исторически музей – Панагюрище 168 години от рождението на Райна Княгиня Исторически музей – Панагюрище · 2024
Images

Dakovski · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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Full attribution

Dakovski / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun. Cut-out detail; background removed.

55

75

Cut-out detail; background removed. A stone slab with three crosses and a damaged inscription at the lower right.

907

Boris I: death

2 May 907 Old Style (7 May 907 New Style)

Boris I, the ruler who adopted Christianity as the state religion dies.

  1. Иван Божилов; Васил Гюзелев История на средновековна България VII–XIV век София: Анубис. История на България в три тома, т. I. ISBN 954-426-204-0; electronic transcription, Моята библиотека · 1999
Images

Fyodor Uspensky · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

The old photograph, published in 1899, shows Cyrillic letters at the lower right.

Open source

Full attribution

Image: Fyodor Uspensky, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain. Historic photograph published in 1899; the inscription is at the lower right. Some passages are damaged. Cut-out detail; background removed.

105

Cut-out detail; background removed. Museum display: copy of the notebook and a dagger presented as belonging to Levski

1867

Levski carries the flag

28 April 1867 Old Style (10 May 1867 New Style)

Levski crosses the Danube as flag-bearer of Panayot Hitov’s detachment.

  1. Национален музей „Васил Левски“, Карлово Кратка хроника за живота на Левски Национален музей „Васил Левски“, Карлово
Images

Eola · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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Full attribution

Image: Eola / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Museum display: copy of the notebook and a dagger presented as belonging to Levski. Cut-out detail; background removed.

115

Cut-out detail; background removed. Museum display: copy of the notebook and a dagger presented as belonging to Levski

1872

Revolutionaries meet in Bucharest

29 April 1872 Old Style (11 May 1872 New Style)

The revolutionary committee’s general assembly opens in Bucharest. Levski takes part.

  1. Национален музей „Васил Левски“, Карлово Кратка хроника за живота на Левски Национален музей „Васил Левски“, Карлово
Images

Eola · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Image: Eola / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Museum display: copy of the notebook and a dagger presented as belonging to Levski. Cut-out detail; background removed.

Cut-out detail; background removed. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun

1876

Defense of Dryanovo Monastery

29 April 1876 Old Style (11 May 1876 New Style)

The nine-day defense of Dryanovo Monastery by Pop Hariton and Bacho Kiro’s detachment begins.

  1. Община Дряново Априлска епопея при Дряновски манастир Община Дряново
Images

Dakovski · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Dakovski / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun. Cut-out detail; background removed.

125

Cut-out detail; background removed. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun

1876

Panagyurishte is destroyed

30 April 1876 Old Style (12 May 1876 New Style)

Ottoman troops capture and burn Panagyurishte while suppressing the April Uprising.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: May 12 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Dakovski · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Dakovski / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun. Cut-out detail; background removed.

135

Cut-out detail; background removed. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun

1876

Refuge in Batak

1 May 1876 Old Style (13 May 1876 New Style)

People in Batak seek refuge in St Nedelya Church during the suppression of the uprising.

  1. Исторически музей – Батак Хроника на една безсмъртна пролет Исторически музей – Батак
Images

Dakovski · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Dakovski / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun. Cut-out detail; background removed.

145

175

A rectangular scan of Botev’s resignation; all writing and archive stamps retained.

1876

Botev’s Nova Bulgaria

5 May 1876 Old Style (17 May 1876 New Style)

Hristo Botev launches the newspaper Nova Bulgaria in Bucharest.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: May 5 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Hristo Botev · Public domain · National Library of Bulgaria / Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Hristo Botev (1848-1876); National Library of Bulgaria / Wikimedia Commons; Public domain. Archival image; marks on the original support are retained. Processed image.

185

The modern Shipka monument isolated from the photograph; not an image of the battle in 1877.

1877

The Samara Flag

6 May 1877 Old Style (18 May 1877 New Style)

Near Ploiesti, Bulgarian volunteers receive the Samara Flag.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: May 18 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Ivano Giambattista · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934

Open source

Full attribution

Ivano Giambattista / Wikimedia Commons. CC0. Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934. Cut-out detail; background removed.

195

205

235

Cut-out detail; background removed. A stone slab with three crosses and a damaged inscription at the lower right.

1851

A school celebrates Cyril and Methodius

11 May 1851 Old Style (23 May 1851 New Style)

The Cyril and Methodius School in Plovdiv celebrates the brothers at Nayden Gerov’s initiative.

Gabrovo school of 1835
  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: May 11 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Fyodor Uspensky · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

The old photograph, published in 1899, shows Cyrillic letters at the lower right.

Open source

Full attribution

Image: Fyodor Uspensky, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain. Historic photograph published in 1899; the inscription is at the lower right. Some passages are damaged. Cut-out detail; background removed.

Cut-out detail; background removed. Round seal with reversed letters and year on a transparent museum support. Its impression would read normally.

1872

Antim I proclaims church independence

11 May 1872 Old Style (23 May 1872 New Style)

Exarch Antim I reads a declaration of Bulgarian church independence in Constantinople.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: May 11 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Vassia Atanassova - Spiritia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Vassia Atanassova - Spiritia. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Unmodified. Cut-out detail; background removed.

285

A rectangular scan of Botev’s resignation; all writing and archive stamps retained.

1966

Reconstructed Radetzky

The reconstructed Radetzky steamship is launched to commemorate Botev’s detachment.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: May 28 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Hristo Botev · Public domain · National Library of Bulgaria / Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Hristo Botev (1848-1876); National Library of Bulgaria / Wikimedia Commons; Public domain. Archival image; marks on the original support are retained. Processed image.

295

A rectangular scan of Botev’s resignation; all writing and archive stamps retained.

1876

Botev lands at Kozloduy

17 May 1876 Old Style (29 May 1876 New Style)

Hristo Botev’s detachment leaves the Radetzky to support the April Uprising.

April Uprising 1876
  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: May 29 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Hristo Botev · Public domain · National Library of Bulgaria / Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Hristo Botev (1848-1876); National Library of Bulgaria / Wikimedia Commons; Public domain. Archival image; marks on the original support are retained. Processed image.

305

1913

The Treaty of London

17 May 1913 Old Style (30 May 1913 New Style)

The Balkan League and the Ottoman Empire sign the treaty ending the First Balkan War.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: May 16-17 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026

6

16

Cut-out detail; background removed. Open book with a writing figure on the left and a red heading below two birds on the right. A later copy according to the Commons description.

927

Simeon I: death

27 May 927 Old Style (1 June 927 New Style)

Tsar Simeon I, patron of the Preslav literary school dies.

  1. Иван Божилов; Васил Гюзелев История на средновековна България VII–XIV век София: Анубис. История на България в три тома, т. I. ISBN 954-426-204-0; electronic transcription, Моята библиотека · 1999
Images

Shakko · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Commons describes this as a fifteenth-century Russian copy of the Hexameron from the Russian State Library. The exact shelfmark has not been verified.

Open source

Full attribution

Shakko. Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 3.0. Unmodified. Cut-out detail; background removed.

A rectangular scan of Botev’s resignation; all writing and archive stamps retained.

1876

Hristo Botev: death

20 May 1876 Old Style (1 June 1876 New Style)

Hristo Botev, the poet and rebel leader killed in the Vratsa Balkan mountains dies.

  1. Национален музей „Христо Ботев“, Калофер Ботева чета – история, боен път, участници Национален музей „Христо Ботев“, Калофер
Images

Hristo Botev · Public domain · National Library of Bulgaria / Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Hristo Botev (1848-1876); National Library of Bulgaria / Wikimedia Commons; Public domain. Archival image; marks on the original support are retained. Processed image.

66

96

166

Cut-out detail; background removed. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun

1876

Todor Kableshkov: death

4 June 1876 Old Style (16 June 1876 New Style)

Todor Kableshkov, an organizer of the April Uprising dies.

  1. Родова фондация „Каблешкови“ Тодор Каблешков Родова фондация „Каблешкови“
Images

Dakovski · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Dakovski / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun. Cut-out detail; background removed.

186

206

246

266

Cut-out detail; background removed. Gold coin of Nikephoros I in the Numismatic Museum, Athens, photographed by Francesco Bini. Crown, face and cross are visible. We do not know where this coin was found.

813

Krum at Versinikia

22 June 813 Old Style (26 June 813 New Style)

Krum defeats the Byzantine army at Versinikia near Adrianople.

  1. Национален военноисторически музей Военен календар: Юни Национален военноисторически музей
Images

Francesco Bini · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Francesco Bini. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Gold coin of Nikephoros I in the Numismatic Museum, Athens, photographed by Francesco Bini. Crown, face and cross are visible. We do not know where this coin was found. Cut-out detail; background removed.

276

The modern Shipka monument isolated from the photograph; not an image of the battle in 1877.

1877

Crossing the Danube

15 June 1877 Old Style (27 June 1877 New Style)

The main Russian forces begin crossing the Danube near Svishtov.

  1. Българска национална телевизия 140 години от Руско-турската война (1877–1878). Първите военни действия Българска национална телевизия · 2017
Images

Ivano Giambattista · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934

Open source

Full attribution

Ivano Giambattista / Wikimedia Commons. CC0. Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934. Cut-out detail; background removed.

296

1913

The Second Balkan War begins

16 June 1913 Old Style (29 June 1913 New Style)

Bulgarian troops attack former allies Serbia and Greece. The Second Balkan War begins.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: June 16 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026

7

47

77

The modern Shipka monument isolated from the photograph; not an image of the battle in 1877.

1877

Tarnovo in 1877

25 June 1877 Old Style (7 July 1877 New Style)

Russian troops enter Tarnovo during the Russo-Turkish War.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: July 7 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Ivano Giambattista · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934

Open source

Full attribution

Ivano Giambattista / Wikimedia Commons. CC0. Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934. Cut-out detail; background removed.

97

1850

Ivan Vazov: birth

27 June 1850 Old Style (9 July 1850 New Style)

Ivan Vazov, the future author of Under the Yoke is born.

  1. Регионална библиотека „Партений Павлович“, Силистра Улиците на Силистра, Тутракан и Дулово – хилядолетна история и родолюбива символика PDF Регионална библиотека „Партений Павлович“, Силистра; Ковачев Прес, 2024 · 2024

127

1991

New constitution

The Grand National Assembly adopts the Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: July 11-12 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026

137

An artistic portrait of Alexander of Battenberg; an isolated figure, not a photograph of the events in 1885.
Drawing

1878

The Treaty of Berlin

1 July 1878 Old Style (13 July 1878 New Style)

The treaty recognizes a Bulgarian principality and a separate Eastern Rumelia, revising the San Stefano borders.

Shipka
  1. Национален военноисторически музей Военен календар: Юли Национален военноисторически музей
Images

Drawing

Konrad Dielitz · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Portrait of Alexander I, Konrad Dielitz, 1881. Painted portrait, oil on canvas. Konrad Dielitz / Wikimedia Commons. Public domain. Cut-out detail; background removed. Painted portrait — oil on canvas

177

197

Cut-out detail; background removed. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun

1835

Bacho Kiro: birth

7 July 1835 Old Style (19 July 1835 New Style)

Bacho Kiro, a teacher and revolutionary who would defend Dryanovo Monastery is born.

  1. Национален военноисторически музей Военен календар: Юли Национален военноисторически музей
Images

Dakovski · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Dakovski / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun. Cut-out detail; background removed.

217

Cut-out detail; background removed. Gold coin of Nikephoros I in the Numismatic Museum, Athens, photographed by Francesco Bini. Crown, face and cross are visible. We do not know where this coin was found.

813

Krum before Constantinople

17 July 813 Old Style (21 July 813 New Style)

Krum’s forces reach the walls of Constantinople. The city is not captured.

  1. Иван Божилов; Васил Гюзелев История на средновековна България VII–XIV век София: Анубис. История на България в три тома, т. I. ISBN 954-426-204-0; electronic transcription, Моята библиотека · 1999
Images

Francesco Bini · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Francesco Bini. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Gold coin of Nikephoros I in the Numismatic Museum, Athens, photographed by Francesco Bini. Crown, face and cross are visible. We do not know where this coin was found. Cut-out detail; background removed.

237

247

257

Cut-out photograph of the church reconstructed in 1981; not a surviving medieval building.

1393

Fall of Tarnovo

17 July 1393 Old Style (25 July 1393 New Style)

Ottoman forces capture Tarnovo, capital of the Second Bulgarian Tsardom.

  1. Иван Божилов; Васил Гюзелев История на средновековна България VII–XIV век София: Анубис. История на България в три тома, т. I. ISBN 954-426-204-0; electronic transcription, Моята библиотека · 1999
Images

Klearchos Kapoutsis from Santorini, Greece · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

The patriarchal Church of the Ascension, reconstructed in 1981. The photograph shows a reconstruction, not an intact medieval building.

Open source

Full attribution

Photo: Klearchos Kapoutsis from Santorini, Greece, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. The patriarchal Church of the Ascension, reconstructed in 1981. The photograph shows a reconstruction, not an intact medieval building. Cut-out detail; background removed.

267

The manuscript's red binding; an isolated photographic detail, not the lost gilded cover.

1332

Victory at Rusokastro

18 July 1332 Old Style (26 July 1332 New Style)

Ivan Alexander defeats Andronikos III’s army near Rusokastro.

  1. Регионален исторически музей – Бургас Барсът от Русокастро – световният художествен паметник, вече е изготвен като сувенир за гостите на Бургаския музей Регионален исторически музей – Бургас · 2022
Images

Unspecified · CC0 · British Library via Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

The surviving upper binding cover. British Library, Add MS 39627; via Wikimedia Commons, CC0. Cut-out detail; background removed.

307

Cut-out detail; background removed. Gold coin of Nikephoros I in the Numismatic Museum, Athens, photographed by Francesco Bini. Crown, face and cross are visible. We do not know where this coin was found.

811

Krum’s victory

26 July 811 Old Style (30 July 811 New Style)

Krum defeats Byzantine Emperor Nikephoros I at Varbitsa Pass.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: July 25-26 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Francesco Bini · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Francesco Bini. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Gold coin of Nikephoros I in the Numismatic Museum, Athens, photographed by Francesco Bini. Crown, face and cross are visible. We do not know where this coin was found. Cut-out detail; background removed.

317

The modern Shipka monument isolated from the photograph; not an image of the battle in 1877.

1877

Battle of Stara Zagora

19 July 1877 Old Style (31 July 1877 New Style)

Suleyman Pasha’s troops capture Stara Zagora after fighting. The town is burned.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: July 31 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Ivano Giambattista · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934

Open source

Full attribution

Ivano Giambattista / Wikimedia Commons. CC0. Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934. Cut-out detail; background removed.

8

18

Cut-out detail; background removed. A stone slab with three crosses and a damaged inscription at the lower right.

916

Clement of Ohrid: death

27 July 916 Old Style (1 August 916 New Style)

Clement of Ohrid, a scholar and teacher in medieval Bulgaria dies.

  1. Иван Божилов; Васил Гюзелев История на средновековна България VII–XIV век София: Анубис. История на България в три тома, т. I. ISBN 954-426-204-0; electronic transcription, Моята библиотека · 1999
Images

Fyodor Uspensky · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

The old photograph, published in 1899, shows Cyrillic letters at the lower right.

Open source

Full attribution

Image: Fyodor Uspensky, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain. Historic photograph published in 1899; the inscription is at the lower right. Some passages are damaged. Cut-out detail; background removed.

28

An isolated hilt and guard of a museum sabre attributed to Hadzhi Dimitar; a fragment, not the whole weapon.

1891

The Buzludzha congress

21 July 1891 Old Style (2 August 1891 New Style)

The Bulgarian Social Democratic Party is founded on Buzludzha Peak.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: August 1-2 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Spiritia · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

A museum sabre with a revolver, attributed to Hadzhi Dimitar. A modern photograph in Varna, not evidence of the battle site.

Open source

Full attribution

Spiritia / Wikimedia Commons; CC BY-SA 4.0. Museum exhibit in Varna. Cut-out detail; background removed.

1903

The Ilinden Uprising

20 July 1903 Old Style (2 August 1903 New Style)

The Ilinden Uprising against Ottoman rule breaks out in Macedonia.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: August 1-2 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026

48

Cut-out detail; background removed. Historical printed reproduction of the German slab with three crosses and a short inscription.

1014

Battle of Kleidion

29 July 1014 Old Style (4 August 1014 New Style)

Basil II’s army defeats Samuil’s forces at Kleidion.

  1. Национален археологически институт с музей при БАН „Ненадминат по сила и ненадминат по храброст“ Българският цар Самуил († 1014) Национален археологически институт с музей при БАН · 2014
Images

Fyodor Uspensky · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Fyodor Uspensky / Wikimedia Commons. Public domain. Historical printed reproduction of the German slab with three crosses and a short inscription. Cut-out detail; background removed.

58

78

Cut-out detail; background removed. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun

1876

Bulgaria in the British Parliament

26 July 1876 Old Style (7 August 1876 New Style)

The House of Commons debates reports of violence during the suppression of the April Uprising.

  1. United Kingdom House of Commons Turkey—The Reported Atrocities in Bulgaria.—Observations. Hansard, House of Commons debates · 1876
Images

Dakovski · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Dakovski / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun. Cut-out detail; background removed.

108

1913

The Treaty of Bucharest, 1913

28 July 1913 Old Style (10 August 1913 New Style)

The peace treaty ends the Second Balkan War. Bulgaria loses Southern Dobrudzha.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: July 28 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026

128

Cut-out detail; background removed. Gold coin. Constans II is on the left, the smaller Constantine IV on the right. It predates the campaign; no link to the treaty payment is established.

681

Bulgaria in a council record

9 August 681 Old Style (12 August 681 New Style)

Constantine of Apamea mentions war with Bulgaria at the council in Constantinople.

  1. Third Council of Constantinople; ed. G. D. Mansi; Bulgarian translation I. Dujčev Actio XVI: statement of Constantine of Apamea PDF Sacrorum Conciliorum Nova et Amplissima Collectio XI; cited and translated in Tereni · 1765
Images

Cleveland Museum of Art · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Gold coin. Constans II is on the left, the smaller Constantine IV on the right. It predates the campaign; no link to the treaty payment is established.

Open source

Full attribution

Cleveland Museum of Art (photograph); Byzantine mint (object maker not individually recorded); Wikimedia Commons; CC0. Gold coin. Constans II is on the left, the smaller Constantine IV on the right. It predates the campaign; no link to the treaty payment is established. Cut-out detail; background removed.

198

218

The modern Shipka monument isolated from the photograph; not an image of the battle in 1877.

1877

The defense of Shipka begins

9 August 1877 Old Style (21 August 1877 New Style)

August fighting for the Shipka Pass begins between Russian-Bulgarian defenders and the Ottoman army.

  1. Национален парк-музей „Шипка-Бузлуджа“ Шипченска епопея Национален парк-музей „Шипка-Бузлуджа“
Images

Ivano Giambattista · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934

Open source

Full attribution

Ivano Giambattista / Wikimedia Commons. CC0. Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934. Cut-out detail; background removed.

An artistic portrait of Alexander of Battenberg; an isolated figure, not a photograph of the events in 1885.
Drawing

1886

The coup against Prince Alexander

9 August 1886 Old Style (21 August 1886 New Style)

Pro-Russian officers depose Prince Alexander I in a coup.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: August 8-9 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Drawing

Konrad Dielitz · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Portrait of Alexander I, Konrad Dielitz, 1881. Painted portrait, oil on canvas. Konrad Dielitz / Wikimedia Commons. Public domain. Cut-out detail; background removed. Painted portrait — oil on canvas

228

238

Hrelio's tower today with its later front addition; an isolated photographic detail.

946

Ivan of Rila: death

18 August 946 Old Style (23 August 946 New Style)

Ivan of Rila, the hermit associated with Rila Monastery’s beginnings dies.

  1. Иван Божилов; Васил Гюзелев История на средновековна България VII–XIV век София: Анубис. История на България в три тома, т. I. ISBN 954-426-204-0; electronic transcription, Моята библиотека · 1999
Images

Explorer1940 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Photo: Explorer1940, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Hrelyo’s Tower today. Cut-out detail; background removed.

The modern Shipka monument isolated from the photograph; not an image of the battle in 1877.

1877

Shipka’s decisive day

11 August 1877 Old Style (23 August 1877 New Style)

Shipka’s defenders repel heavy attacks and receive reinforcements.

  1. Национален парк-музей „Шипка-Бузлуджа“ Шипченска епопея Национален парк-музей „Шипка-Бузлуджа“
Images

Ivano Giambattista · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934

Open source

Full attribution

Ivano Giambattista / Wikimedia Commons. CC0. Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934. Cut-out detail; background removed.

1915

Asen Yordanov’s aircraft

10 August 1915 Old Style (23 August 1915 New Style)

Radul Milkov test-flies an aircraft designed by the young Asen Yordanov.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: August 10 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026

258

Cut-out detail; background removed. Open book with a writing figure on the left and a red heading below two birds on the right. A later copy according to the Commons description.

917

Battle of Achelous

20 August 917 Old Style (25 August 917 New Style)

Simeon I defeats the Byzantine army by the Achelous River.

  1. Иван Божилов; Васил Гюзелев История на средновековна България VII–XIV век София: Анубис. История на България в три тома, т. I. ISBN 954-426-204-0; electronic transcription, Моята библиотека · 1999
Images

Shakko · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Commons describes this as a fifteenth-century Russian copy of the Hexameron from the Russian State Library. The exact shelfmark has not been verified.

Open source

Full attribution

Shakko. Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 3.0. Unmodified. Cut-out detail; background removed.

268

The modern Shipka monument isolated from the photograph; not an image of the battle in 1877.

1934

Shipka monument

The Monument of Freedom at Shipka is unveiled.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: August 26 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026
Images

Ivano Giambattista · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934

Open source

Full attribution

Ivano Giambattista / Wikimedia Commons. CC0. Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934. Cut-out detail; background removed.

278

288

Cut-out detail; background removed. A black Adler typewriter with round keys in a museum display.

1943

Boris III: death

Boris III, tsar of Bulgaria since 1918 dies.

  1. Българска телеграфна агенция Внезапната смърт на 49-годишния цар Борис Трети на 28 август 1943 г. обръща вниманието на света към Балканите и България Българска телеграфна агенция · 2023
Images

Photo

Biser Todorov · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

An Adler typewriter labelled in the museum as belonging to Peshev. No evidence establishes that it was used for the letter.

Open source

Full attribution

Biser Todorov / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. An Adler typewriter labelled in the museum as belonging to Peshev. No evidence establishes that it was used for the letter. Cut-out detail; background removed. Museum display

9

19

49

79

89

119

The modern Shipka monument isolated from the photograph; not an image of the battle in 1877.

1877

Third assault on Pleven

30 August 1877 Old Style (11 September 1877 New Style)

Russian and Romanian troops launch the third assault on Pleven but fail to take the town.

  1. Община Плевен Сведохме глави пред подвига на загиналите в Третия щурм за освобождението на Плевен Община Плевен
Images

Ivano Giambattista · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934

Open source

Full attribution

Ivano Giambattista / Wikimedia Commons. CC0. Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934. Cut-out detail; background removed.

149

Cut-out detail; background removed. Open book with a writing figure on the left and a red heading below two birds on the right. A later copy according to the Commons description.

924

Simeon meets Romanos Lekapenos

9 September 924 Old Style (14 September 924 New Style)

Simeon I meets Emperor Romanos I Lekapenos outside Constantinople.

  1. Иван Божилов; Васил Гюзелев История на средновековна България VII–XIV век София: Анубис. История на България в три тома, т. I. ISBN 954-426-204-0; electronic transcription, Моята библиотека · 1999
Images

Shakko · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Commons describes this as a fifteenth-century Russian copy of the Hexameron from the Russian State Library. The exact shelfmark has not been verified.

Open source

Full attribution

Shakko. Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 3.0. Unmodified. Cut-out detail; background removed.

159

189

An artistic portrait of Alexander of Battenberg; an isolated figure, not a photograph of the events in 1885.
Drawing

1885

Unification

6 September 1885 Old Style (18 September 1885 New Style)

The unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia is proclaimed in Plovdiv.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: September 6-8 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2025
Images

Drawing

Konrad Dielitz · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Portrait of Alexander I, Konrad Dielitz, 1881. Painted portrait, oil on canvas. Konrad Dielitz / Wikimedia Commons. Public domain. Cut-out detail; background removed. Painted portrait — oil on canvas

229

1921

Ivan Vazov: death

Ivan Vazov, author of Under the Yoke and Epic of the Forgotten dies.

  1. Регионална библиотека „Партений Павлович“, Силистра Улиците на Силистра, Тутракан и Дулово – хилядолетна история и родолюбива символика PDF Регионална библиотека „Партений Павлович“, Силистра; Ковачев Прес, 2024 · 2024

239

279

1918

The Radomir Republic

Rayko Daskalov proclaims a republic in Radomir during the Soldiers’ Uprising.

  1. Община Радомир; Общински исторически музей „Войнишко въстание – 1918 г.“ Общински исторически музей „Войнишко въстание – 1918 г.“, гр. Радомир Община Радомир; Общински исторически музей „Войнишко въстание – 1918 г.“

289

299

1918

The Armistice of Thessaloniki

Bulgaria signs an armistice with the Entente and leaves the First World War.

  1. Даниел Вачков; Мартин Иванов История на външния държавен дълг на България (1878–1990 г.). Втора част: Българският външен дълг между двете световни войни (1919–1944 г.) PDF София: Българска народна банка. История на финансите и банковото дело. Изследвания · 2008 · 9–11

10

210

310

Cut-out detail; background removed. Pointed steel helmet with a face opening and small holes across its surface.

1396

Battle of Nicopolis

25 September 1396 Old Style (3 October 1396 New Style)

Bayezid I’s army defeats Sigismund’s crusaders near Nicopolis.

  1. Иван Божилов; Васил Гюзелев История на средновековна България VII–XIV век София: Анубис. История на България в три тома, т. I. ISBN 954-426-204-0; electronic transcription, Моята библиотека · 1999
Images

Unknown Italian craftsman · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Unknown Italian armourer; photograph: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Wikimedia Commons. CC0. An original period helmet found at Chalcis on Euboea in 1840; not a Nicopolis find. Cut-out detail; background removed.

410

1371

Battle of the Maritsa

26 September 1371 Old Style (4 October 1371 New Style)

The Ottomans defeat Vukashin and Uglesha at Chernomen, shifting the balance of power in the Balkans.

  1. Иван Божилов; Васил Гюзелев История на средновековна България VII–XIV век София: Анубис. История на България в три тома, т. I. ISBN 954-426-204-0; electronic transcription, Моята библиотека · 1999
Cut-out detail; background removed. Museum display: copy of the notebook and a dagger presented as belonging to Levski

1872

The Arabakonak robbery

22 September 1872 Old Style (4 October 1872 New Style)

Dimitar Obshti organizes a robbery of the Ottoman mail at Arabakonak.

  1. Национален музей „Васил Левски“, Карлово Кратка хроника за живота на Левски Национален музей „Васил Левски“, Карлово
Images

Eola · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Image: Eola / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Museum display: copy of the notebook and a dagger presented as belonging to Levski. Cut-out detail; background removed.

510

Cut-out detail; background removed. Cross with a ribbon and a standing lion in the centre.

1908

Bulgaria’s independence

22 September 1908 Old Style (5 October 1908 New Style)

Prince Ferdinand proclaims Bulgaria an independent kingdom in Tarnovo.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Bulgaria Declares Independence BTA · 2026
Images

Vassia Atanassova - Spiritia · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Commemorative independence cross, opposite side. Commons describes it as a decoration of 1909. The story’s sources do not establish this specimen’s manufacture date. Photographed in 2010 at the Vratsa Regional History Museum.

Open source

Full attribution

Photo: Vassia Atanassova – Spiritia, Wikimedia Commons. Public domain. Cut-out detail; background removed.

1210

Cut-out detail; background removed. Historical printed reproduction of the German slab with three crosses and a short inscription.

1014

Samuil: death

6 October 1014 Old Style (12 October 1014 New Style)

Samuil, the Bulgarian tsar who fought a long war against Byzantium dies.

  1. Национален археологически институт с музей при БАН „Ненадминат по сила и ненадминат по храброст“ Българският цар Самуил († 1014) Национален археологически институт с музей при БАН · 2014
Images

Fyodor Uspensky · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Fyodor Uspensky / Wikimedia Commons. Public domain. Historical printed reproduction of the German slab with three crosses and a short inscription. Cut-out detail; background removed.

1869

The Bulgarian Literary Society

30 September 1869 Old Style (12 October 1869 New Style)

The Bulgarian Literary Society, the future Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, is founded in Braila.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: October 12 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026

1310

Cut-out detail; background removed. Open book with a writing figure on the left and a red heading below two birds on the right. A later copy according to the Commons description.

927

Peter and Maria marry

8 October 927 Old Style (13 October 927 New Style)

Tsar Peter I marries Maria, granddaughter of Byzantine Emperor Romanos I.

  1. Министерство на външните работи на Република България История Министерство на външните работи на Република България
Images

Shakko · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Commons describes this as a fifteenth-century Russian copy of the Hexameron from the Russian State Library. The exact shelfmark has not been verified.

Open source

Full attribution

Shakko. Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 3.0. Unmodified. Cut-out detail; background removed.

1410

1510

1937

Yordan Yovkov: death

Yordan Yovkov, a writer whose stories are closely linked to Dobrudzha dies.

  1. Български туристически съюз; Дом-паметник „Йордан Йовков“ Дом-паметник „Й. Йовков“ Български туристически съюз; Дом-паметник „Йордан Йовков“

1810

1912

The First Balkan War begins

5 October 1912 Old Style (18 October 1912 New Style)

Bulgaria and its Balkan League allies enter war against the Ottoman Empire.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: October 5 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026

2110

Cut-out detail; background removed. Museum display: copy of the notebook and a dagger presented as belonging to Levski

1867

Georgi Rakovski: death

9 October 1867 Old Style (21 October 1867 New Style)

Georgi Rakovski, writer, revolutionary and organizer of the First Bulgarian Legion dies.

  1. Институт за етнология и фолклористика с Етнографски музей при БАН Следите на героичното време: места на памет, свързани с националноосвободителните борби (1867–1878) PDF София: ИК „Гутенберг“; ИЕФЕМ – БАН и РИМ – Русе · 2024
Images

Eola · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Image: Eola / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Museum display: copy of the notebook and a dagger presented as belonging to Levski. Cut-out detail; background removed.

2210

2710

1934

Vitosha Park

State-owned land in the upper part of Vitosha is declared a national park.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: October 27 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2026

2910

1912

Reconnaissance over Adrianople

16 October 1912 Old Style (29 October 1912 New Style)

Radul Milkov and Prodan Tarakchiev fly a reconnaissance mission over Adrianople’s fortress.

  1. Национален военноисторически музей Националният военноисторически музей получи дарение възстановка на самолет „Албатрос F-2“ Национален военноисторически музей · 2011

11

711

Cut-out detail; background removed. Maker’s plate dated 1911. Plate on a museum carriage: maker’s name, Breslau and 1911.

1866

Ruse–Varna railway

26 October 1866 Old Style (7 November 1866 New Style)

The Ruse–Varna line opens, the first railway in present-day Bulgaria.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: November 7 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2025
  2. БДЖ – Пътнически превози История на БДЖ БДЖ — Значимите дати в историята на българската железница
Images

Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Plate on a museum carriage: maker’s name, Breslau and 1911.

Open source

Full attribution

Photo: Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0. Plate on a museum carriage: maker’s name, Breslau and 1911. Cut-out detail; background removed.

1011

1411

An artistic portrait of Alexander of Battenberg; an isolated figure, not a photograph of the events in 1885.
Drawing

1885

The Serbo-Bulgarian War begins

2 November 1885 Old Style (14 November 1885 New Style)

Serbia declares war on Bulgaria shortly after Unification.

  1. Национален военноисторически музей Военен календар: Ноември Национален военноисторически музей
Images

Drawing

Konrad Dielitz · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Portrait of Alexander I, Konrad Dielitz, 1881. Painted portrait, oil on canvas. Konrad Dielitz / Wikimedia Commons. Public domain. Cut-out detail; background removed. Painted portrait — oil on canvas

1511

Cut-out detail; background removed. Papal seal in the National Museum of Ireland. The photograph’s title attributes it to Innocent III and says it was found in Dublin. Paul and Peter are visible.

1204

Kaloyan’s coronation

8 November 1204 Old Style (15 November 1204 New Style)

The papal legate Cardinal Leo crowns Kaloyan in Tarnovo.

  1. Иван Божилов; Васил Гюзелев История на средновековна България VII–XIV век София: Анубис. История на България в три тома, т. I. ISBN 954-426-204-0; electronic transcription, Моята библиотека · 1999
Images

Sailko · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

The photograph’s title attributes it to Innocent III and says it was found in Dublin. Paul and Peter are visible.

Open source

Full attribution

Sailko / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0. The photograph’s title attributes it to Innocent III and says it was found in Dublin. Paul and Peter are visible. Unmodified. Cut-out detail; background removed.

1711

Cut-out detail; background removed. A stone slab with three crosses and a damaged inscription at the lower right.

866

Answers to the Bulgarians

13 November 866 Old Style (17 November 866 New Style)

Pope Nicholas I gives Bulgarian envoys answers about Christian belief and customs.

  1. Иван Божилов; Васил Гюзелев История на средновековна България VII–XIV век София: Анубис. История на България в три тома, т. I. ISBN 954-426-204-0; electronic transcription, Моята библиотека · 1999
Images

Fyodor Uspensky · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

The old photograph, published in 1899, shows Cyrillic letters at the lower right.

Open source

Full attribution

Image: Fyodor Uspensky, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain. Historic photograph published in 1899; the inscription is at the lower right. Some passages are damaged. Cut-out detail; background removed.

An artistic portrait of Alexander of Battenberg; an isolated figure, not a photograph of the events in 1885.
Drawing

1885

The battle of Slivnitsa begins

5 November 1885 Old Style (17 November 1885 New Style)

The Bulgarian army begins its three-day defense at Slivnitsa against Serbian forces.

  1. Национален военноисторически музей Военен календар: Ноември Национален военноисторически музей
Images

Drawing

Konrad Dielitz · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Portrait of Alexander I, Konrad Dielitz, 1881. Painted portrait, oil on canvas. Konrad Dielitz / Wikimedia Commons. Public domain. Cut-out detail; background removed. Painted portrait — oil on canvas

1911

1444

Battle of Varna

10 November 1444 Old Style (19 November 1444 New Style)

The Ottoman army defeats the crusaders at Varna. Polish-Hungarian King Wladyslaw III is killed.

  1. Парк-музей на бойната дружба „Владислав Варненчик“ История Парк-музей на бойната дружба „Владислав Варненчик“

1869

First issue of Svoboda

7 November 1869 Old Style (19 November 1869 New Style)

Svoboda newspaper, edited by Lyuben Karavelov, appears in Bucharest.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: November 19 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2025

2111

1912

Drazki and Hamidiye

8 November 1912 Old Style (21 November 1912 New Style)

The Bulgarian torpedo boat Drazki torpedoes the Ottoman cruiser Hamidiye in the Black Sea.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: November 21 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2025

2211

2611

2711

1919

The Treaty of Neuilly

Bulgaria signs the peace treaty at Neuilly, accepting territorial losses, reparations and military restrictions.

  1. Даниел Вачков; Мартин Иванов История на външния държавен дълг на България (1878–1990 г.). Втора част: Българският външен дълг между двете световни войни (1919–1944 г.) PDF София: Българска народна банка. История на финансите и банковото дело. Изследвания · 2008 · 9–11

12

112

812

A ram-headed rhyton isolated from a museum photograph. Original versus display copy is unconfirmed.

1949

Panagyurishte treasure

The Deikov brothers discover the Thracian gold treasure near Panagyurishte.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: December 8 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2025
Images

Photo

Apostoloff · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Ram-head rhyton. Dionysos, Eriope and two maenads are depicted on the neck. Museum display. It has not been confirmed whether the photographed object is the original or a museum replica.

Open source

Full attribution

Photo: Apostoloff, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Cut-out detail; background removed. Museum display; original or replica unconfirmed

912

1012

The modern Shipka monument isolated from the photograph; not an image of the battle in 1877.

1877

The siege of Pleven ends

28 November 1877 Old Style (10 December 1877 New Style)

Osman Pasha surrenders at Pleven after a long siege.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: December 10 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2025
Images

Ivano Giambattista · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934

Open source

Full attribution

Ivano Giambattista / Wikimedia Commons. CC0. Stone tower — memorial opened in 1934. Cut-out detail; background removed.

1312

1412

2012

A rectangular scan of Botev’s resignation; all writing and archive stamps retained.

1874

Botev’s Zname newspaper

8 December 1874 Old Style (20 December 1874 New Style)

The first issue of Zname, edited by Hristo Botev, appears in Bucharest.

  1. Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Observances: December 8 BTA — BTA’s Archives · 2025
Images

Hristo Botev · Public domain · National Library of Bulgaria / Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Hristo Botev (1848-1876); National Library of Bulgaria / Wikimedia Commons; Public domain. Archival image; marks on the original support are retained. Processed image.

2312

Cut-out detail; background removed. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun

1876

The Constantinople Conference

11 December 1876 Old Style (23 December 1876 New Style)

A Great Power conference opens to discuss autonomy for the Bulgarian regions.

  1. Исторически музей – Перущица Априлското въстание – прелюдия към Освобождението Исторически музей – Перущица
Images

Dakovski · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Open source

Full attribution

Dakovski / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Reconstruction of a cherry-wood cannon in Troyan; not a surviving battle gun. Cut-out detail; background removed.

2612

2812

Cut-out detail; background removed. A stone slab with three crosses and a damaged inscription at the lower right.

910

Naum of Ohrid: death

23 December 910 Old Style (28 December 910 New Style)

Naum, a scholar and disciple of Cyril and Methodius dies.

  1. Иван Божилов; Васил Гюзелев История на средновековна България VII–XIV век София: Анубис. История на България в три тома, т. I. ISBN 954-426-204-0; electronic transcription, Моята библиотека · 1999
Images

Fyodor Uspensky · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

The old photograph, published in 1899, shows Cyrillic letters at the lower right.

Open source

Full attribution

Image: Fyodor Uspensky, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain. Historic photograph published in 1899; the inscription is at the lower right. Some passages are damaged. Cut-out detail; background removed.

2912