A conference commemorating 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 anniversary. Participants included BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, BNR Director General Milen Mitev, Prof.
Georgi Valchev, the Mayor of Panagyurishte, Zhelyazko Gagov, journalist Boyko Vassilev, and Assoc. Prof. Atanas Shopov.
During his address, BTA Director General Valchev stated that discussions about the April Uprising help recall the sacrifices made for Bulgaria’s freedom. These talks spanned the four revolutionary districts—Veliko Tarnovo, Sliven, Vratsa, and Panagyurishte—as well as Ruse and Giurgiu. Valchev emphasized that the key takeaway was the necessity of defining major goals before addressing the complex steps required to achieve them.
BNR Director General Mitev stressed the media’s crucial role in shaping public opinion, noting that the discussions help the media connect with the public. He advised that national pride must be fostered responsibly, as history can be manipulated. Prof.
Valchev urged viewing history as an active subject, moving beyond mere slogans, and highlighted that the uprising demonstrated the desire of Bulgarians to control their destiny. Mayor Gagov suggested the anniversary should promote reflection on unity and national pride, urging recognition of the ordinary people who became historical figures. Boyko Vassilev noted that the uprising raises enduring questions relevant to contemporary Bulgarian public life.
The discussions collectively aimed to connect the historical significance of the April Uprising to modern national consciousness.
Topics: #anniversary #april #uprising
It is valuable to see local events organized to commemorate such significant historical anniversaries.