Bulgarian revolutionary leader Vasil Levski is executed by hanging in Sofia by the Ottoman authorities.

Welcome to Bulgaria, officially known as the Republic of Bulgaria, a captivating country nestled in the heart of Southeast Europe. This nation occupies the entire eastern portion of the historically significant Balkans, a region renowned for its rich tapestry of cultures and dramatic landscapes. Bulgaria shares its northern border with Romania, looks west to Serbia and North Macedonia, and extends south to Greece and Turkey, all while its eastern flank embraces the Black Sea. Covering an area of 110,994 square kilometers (about 42,855 square miles), Bulgaria proudly stands as the sixteenth-largest country in Europe. Its vibrant capital and largest urban center is Sofia, a city where ancient history meets modern life, while other major cities like Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas each offer their own unique charm and historical depth.

A Journey Through Time: Bulgaria's Rich History

The story of human civilization in modern-day Bulgaria stretches back millennia, with the Neolithic Karanovo culture emerging as one of the earliest societies, dating all the way back to 6,500 BC. Fast forward to the 6th to 3rd centuries BC, and this region became a pivotal battleground, witnessing the clashes of formidable ancient civilizations including the Thracians, Persians, Celts, and Macedonians. A period of relative stability finally arrived when the mighty Roman Empire extended its dominion over the region in AD 45, leaving an indelible mark on its infrastructure and culture. However, as the Roman state began its eventual splintering, the lands once again faced a series of tribal invasions.

Around the 6th century, early Slavs began to settle these territories, laying cultural foundations that would resonate for centuries. Then, in a pivotal moment, the Bulgars, led by the legendary Asparuh of Bulgaria, swept in from the lands of Old Great Bulgaria. Their permanent invasion of the Balkans in the late 7th century marked the birth of the First Danubian Bulgaria, victoriously recognized by treaty in AD 681 by the Eastern Roman Empire. This nascent empire quickly ascended to dominate much of the Balkans, profoundly influencing Slavic cultures, most notably through the development of the enduring Cyrillic script – a writing system still used by millions today. The First Bulgarian Empire flourished until the early 11th century when the powerful Byzantine emperor Basil II conquered and dismantled it, ushering in a period of Byzantine rule.

Yet, the spirit of Bulgarian statehood was not extinguished. A successful Bulgarian revolt in 1185 heralded the establishment of the Second Bulgarian Empire, which saw its golden age under the reign of Ivan Asen II (1218–1241). Despite this resurgence, numerous exhausting wars and internal feudal strife gradually weakened the empire, leading to its disintegration in 1396 and its subsequent fall under the long shadow of Ottoman rule, an era that would last for nearly five centuries.

Modern Bulgaria: From Ottoman Rule to European Union Membership

The quest for freedom culminated with the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78, a conflict that ultimately led to the formation of the third and current Bulgarian state. However, the new national borders left many ethnic Bulgarians outside the newly formed nation, fueling irredentist sentiments that unfortunately led to several conflicts with its neighbors and controversial alliances with Germany in both world wars. The geopolitical shifts of the mid-20th century saw Bulgaria, in 1946, fall under the influence of the Soviet-led Eastern Bloc, transforming it into a socialist state. This period was characterized by the dominant Communist Party's monopoly on power, a situation that dramatically changed after the revolutions of 1989, when the party relinquished its grip, paving the way for multiparty elections.

Since then, Bulgaria has embarked on a journey of transition, evolving into a democracy with a burgeoning market-based economy. Adopting a democratic constitution in 1991, Bulgaria today stands as a unitary parliamentary republic, structured into 28 provinces, balancing a degree of political, administrative, and economic centralization. As a developing country, Bulgaria boasts an upper-middle-income economy, ranking 56th in the Human Development Index. Its market economy, integrated into the European Single Market, relies heavily on services, followed by a robust industrial sector—particularly in machine building and mining—and a significant agricultural base. While it faces ongoing challenges, such as widespread corruption and a demographic crisis that has seen its population shrink since 1990 (currently around seven million, down from a peak of nearly nine million in 1988), Bulgaria remains a committed member of the European Union, NATO, and the Council of Europe. It is also a founding member of the OSCE and has proudly served on the United Nations Security Council three times, actively participating in global affairs.

Vasil Levski: Bulgaria's Apostle of Freedom

In the pantheon of Bulgarian national heroes, few figures shine as brightly as Vasil Levski. Born Vasil Ivanov Kunchev on July 18, 1837, in the charming Sub-Balkan town of Karlovo, he would become a revolutionary whose vision and sacrifice cemented his status as the "Apostle of Freedom" and a revered national hero. Levski dedicated his life to a singular, audacious goal: to liberate Bulgaria from centuries of Ottoman rule, not through foreign intervention, but through a meticulously planned internal uprising. He masterminded and founded the Internal Revolutionary Organisation, strategically seeking to foment a nationwide insurrection by establishing a clandestine network of secret regional committees across the Bulgarian lands.

Levski's journey began humbly, from middle-class parents, eventually leading him to become an Orthodox monk. However, the call of freedom proved stronger, prompting him to emigrate and join Bulgarian Legions in Serbia and other Bulgarian revolutionary groups abroad. It was during this time that he earned the iconic nickname "Levski," meaning "Lionlike," a testament to his courage and unyielding spirit. After a period working as a teacher within Bulgaria, he began to propagate his revolutionary views, developing an innovative concept: a Bulgaria-based revolutionary organization. This was a radical departure from past strategies that relied on foreign-based detachments, aiming instead to empower the people directly from within. He also played a crucial role in establishing the Bulgarian Revolutionary Central Committee in Romania, a hub for Bulgarian expatriates committed to the cause.

During his tireless tours of Bulgaria, Levski skillfully established a wide-reaching network of insurrectionary committees, sowing the seeds of rebellion. Tragically, his fervent efforts were cut short when Ottoman authorities captured him at an inn near Lovech. On February 18, 1873, Vasil Levski was executed by hanging in Sofia, his life prematurely ended but his legacy eternal. Levski's vision, however, extended far beyond mere liberation. He dreamt of a free Bulgarian republic founded on the principles of ethnic and religious equality, profoundly reflecting the liberal ideas of the French Revolution and the progressive Western society of his time. Famously, he articulated this vision: "We will be free in complete liberty where the Bulgarian lives: in Bulgaria, Thrace, Macedonia; people of whatever ethnicity live in this heaven of ours, they will be equal in rights to the Bulgarian in everything." He firmly believed that all religious and ethnic groups in a free Bulgaria should enjoy equal rights, a testament to his profound commitment to justice and fairness. Today, Vasil Levski is commemorated with numerous monuments throughout Bulgaria and Serbia, and countless national institutions proudly bear his name, serving as enduring reminders of his indelible impact. In 2007, his towering influence was affirmed when he topped a nationwide television poll, unequivocally recognized as the all-time greatest Bulgarian.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bulgaria and Vasil Levski

What is Bulgaria?
Bulgaria, officially the Republic of Bulgaria, is a country located in Southeast Europe, occupying the eastern part of the Balkans. It is known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture, and is a member of the European Union and NATO.
Where is Bulgaria located?
Bulgaria is situated in Southeast Europe, bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east.
What is the capital of Bulgaria?
The capital and largest city of Bulgaria is Sofia, a bustling metropolis with a blend of ancient and modern attractions.
When was the First Bulgarian Empire established?
The First Bulgarian Empire was victoriously recognized by treaty in AD 681, following the invasion of the Balkans by the Bulgars led by Asparuh.
What is the Cyrillic script?
The Cyrillic script is a writing system developed in the First Bulgarian Empire during the 9th century. It is now used as the national script in various Slavic, Turkic, Mongolic, and Iranic-speaking countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, including Bulgaria, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine.
Who was Vasil Levski?
Vasil Levski (1837–1873) was a Bulgarian revolutionary and national hero, dubbed the "Apostle of Freedom." He ideologized and strategized a revolutionary movement to liberate Bulgaria from Ottoman rule by establishing the Internal Revolutionary Organisation and fostering a nationwide uprising through a network of secret committees.
Why is Vasil Levski called the "Apostle of Freedom"?
He earned the moniker "Apostle of Freedom" for his unwavering dedication to liberating Bulgaria from Ottoman rule and for his innovative strategy of organizing a truly internal, nationwide revolutionary movement based on the principles of self-determination and equality.
What was Vasil Levski's vision for Bulgaria?
Levski envisioned a free Bulgarian republic based on ethnic and religious equality, where all citizens, regardless of their background, would enjoy equal rights, reflecting liberal ideas of his time.
When did Bulgaria join the European Union?
Bulgaria became a member of the European Union on January 1, 2007.