At a national conference held at the Panagyurishte History Museum, Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov addressed attendees marking the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising. Speaking at the event, organized by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), Gagov urged Bulgarians to recognize themselves as worthy inheritors of the ordinary citizens who became heroes during the historical movement. Gagov stated that the anniversary should serve as a catalyst for national pride and reflection on unity.
He noted that the commemorations occur amidst an active election campaign, drawing a contrast between the political leadership of the past and that of the present day. According to the mayor, the anniversary holds dual significance: it must function as a genuinely national commemoration, reflecting the original aspirations of the uprising, and it must help the populace understand history as a source of collective pride. He observed that Bulgarians currently suffer from a “deficit of pride,” making the anniversary a vital opportunity to recall the accomplishments of their ancestors, reminding the current generation of shared roots.
Gagov contrasted the revolutionary spirit of the 1876 youth with modern youth, noting that while contemporary focus is often on social media, their predecessors were preparing for sacrifice. The mayor emphasized that the heroes of the April Uprising were not mythical figures but tangible individuals, and their legacy must be understood on a human level. He concluded by urging Bulgarians to emulate the example of those “ordinary people whom history made great.” This conference is part of a broader series of discussions by BTA, alongside Bulgarian National Television and Radio, commemorating the 150th anniversary as part of the “14 Centuries of Bulgaria in Europe” initiative.
Topics: #april #uprising #heroes
