At a national conference marking the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising, Panagyurishte Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov addressed attendees, urging Bulgarians to honor the legacy of the ordinary people who became historical figures. The event, organized by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) at the Panagyurishte History Museum, framed the anniversary as a moment for national reflection on unity and pride. Gagov suggested that the commemorations, which coincide with an election period, prompted a comparison between contemporary political leaders and those of the past, a comparison he stated was “not in favour of our present day.” He emphasized that the anniversary should serve two purposes: to establish a truly national commemoration, mirroring the aspirations of the original uprising, and to enable the public to reconnect with history as a source of national pride.
The mayor argued that Bulgarians currently experience a “deficit of pride,” making the anniversary an opportunity to recall ancestral achievements, as current generations share common roots with their predecessors. He contrasted the modern focus of youth on social media with the dedication of the young revolutionaries of 1876, who were preparing for sacrifice. Gagov stressed that the heroes of the April Uprising were not mythical figures but real individuals.
He called for their legacy to be understood in human terms, asserting, “They are us,” and urging Bulgarians to emulate the example of those “ordinary people whom history made great.” This conference is part of a broader initiative by BTA, Bulgarian National Television, and Bulgarian National Radio to mark the 150th anniversary and is connected to the “14 Centuries of Bulgaria in Europe” initiative.
Topics: #april #uprising #heroes
