A conference marking the 150th anniversary of the 1876 April Uprising was held at the History Museum in Panagyurishte. This event concluded a series of discussions organized by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) to foster dialogue surrounding the significant anniversary. Participants included representatives from BTA, Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), academics, local officials, and journalists.
BTA Director General Kiril Valchev stated that discussions about the April Uprising revive the memory of those who sacrificed for Bulgaria’s freedom. Valchev noted that the dialogue, held in the revolutionary districts, emphasized that achieving major goals requires careful planning through difficult steps. He announced that the 2026 Media Meeting, organized by BTA, will focus on “Media and Leaders” in Hungary.
BNR Director General Milen Mitev stressed the media’s vital role in shaping public opinion, asserting that engaging with the public, as demonstrated by the Uprising discussions, is crucial for media utility. He cautioned that national pride must be cultivated responsibly, preventing its manipulation. Rector of Sofia University, Prof.
Georgi Valchev, urged viewing history as a living subject, moving beyond mere slogans. He identified three key lessons from 1876: the desire for self-determination, belief in the country’s future, and the importance of youth leadership. Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov suggested the anniversary should prompt reflection on unity, aiming to recall ancestral achievements and combat a perceived “deficit of pride.” Journalist Boyko Vassilev highlighted the lasting impact of journalists during the April Uprising, noting that the historical events continue to raise relevant questions for contemporary Bulgaria.
Topics: #anniversary #april #uprising
