Bulgaria's capital Sofia marks 148 years since its Liberation

On January 4, Sofia Marks Its Liberation from Ottoman Rule. 

During the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, on this day in 1878, units of the Western Detachment of the Russian Army, commanded by General Iosif Gurko, entered what would later become the capital of Bulgaria. They were welcomed by the city’s residents at Koru-Cheshme Square, today’s St. Nedelya Square. Teacher Mihail Bubotinov greeted them on behalf of the people of Sofia with a special speech. A thanksgiving prayer service was held at the cathedral church of Sveti Kral, now known as St. Nedelya, attended by General Iosif Gurko and Major General Oton Rauch, BTA recalls.

How Did the Liberation of Today’s Bulgarian Capital Come About?

After the capture of Pleven on December 10, 1877, the Russian command turned its attention to Sofia. The Western Detachment, led by General Iosif Gurko, successfully crossed the Balkan Mountains via the Arabakonak Pass and entered the Sofia Plain. The Russian forces were organized into two columns under the command of General Nikolai Velyaminov and General Oton Rauch. On January 3, 1878, they launched a general offensive and successively captured the villages near Sofia. Faced with the real threat of encirclement, the Ottoman army under Osman Nuri Pasha began a rapid retreat in the direction of Pernik and Radomir. Following the intervention of the consuls of Austria-Hungary, France, and Italy, an attempt to set Sofia on fire was thwarted. At noon on January 4, 1878, General Rauch was the first to enter the city, followed later that day by General Gurko at the head of his troops.

On the occasion of the anniversary, today the Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia, Daniil, served a Holy Liturgy with a thanksgiving prayer service at the metropolitan cathedral church of St. Nedelya, the Sofia Metropolis announced.

Flowers were laid at the monuments of the Bulgarian Volunteer, the Tsar Liberator, and General Gurko in the capital.

Edited by Krasimir Martinov
English version: R. Petkova