At a national conference marking the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising, Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov addressed attendees. The event, organized by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) at the Panagyurishte History Museum, called for Bulgarians to honor the legacy of the ordinary citizens who became historical figures. Gagov stated that the anniversary should serve as a catalyst for reflection on national unity and pride.
He observed that the current political climate, coinciding with an election campaign, presented a contrast between contemporary leaders and those of the past, suggesting the comparison was unfavorable to the present. For Gagov, the commemoration should achieve two goals: establishing it as a truly national observance, mirroring the aspirations of the original uprising, and enabling the public to reconnect with history as a source of national pride. He argued that Bulgarians currently suffer from a “deficit of pride,” viewing the anniversary as a chance to recall ancestral achievements, emphasizing that current generations share the same national roots.
The mayor drew a comparison between the young revolutionaries of 1876 and today’s youth, noting the difference in focus—from preparing for sacrifice to engaging with social media. Gagov stressed that the heroes of the April Uprising were real individuals, not myths, and urged that their legacy be understood in human terms. He concluded by calling on Bulgarians to emulate the example set by those “ordinary people whom history made great,” linking the spirit of the uprising to modern civic duty.
The conference is part of BTA’s initiative, “14 Centuries of Bulgaria in Europe.”
Topics: #april #uprising #heroes
