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 anniversary. Participants included BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) Director General Milen Mitev, and academic and local officials.
BTA Director General Valchev stated that discussions on the April Uprising serve to keep the memory of those who fought for Bulgaria’s freedom alive. He highlighted key lessons from the uprising, emphasizing the need to prioritize overarching goals before tackling difficult steps. Valchev also announced that the 2026 BTA Media Meeting will focus on “Media and Leaders” in Hungary.
BNR Director General Mitev stressed the media’s vital role in shaping public opinion, noting that media engagement, as demonstrated during the Uprising discussions, is crucial for relevance. He advised that national pride should be cultivated responsibly, preventing its manipulation, and emphasized the shared duty of media and scholars to build national self-esteem based on history and achievements. Rector Prof.
Valchev urged viewing history as a current, active subject, cautioning against superficial patriotism. He identified three core lessons from 1876: the desire for self-determination, the belief in the country’s future, and the importance of empowering the youth. Panagyurishte Mayor Gagov called for the anniversary to inspire reflection on unity, urging Bulgarians to view the heroes of the April Uprising not as myths, but as relatable examples of ordinary people.
Journalist Boyko Vassilev pointed to the lasting impact of journalists during the April Uprising, concluding that the event represents an enduring political dimension of modern Bulgaria.
Topics: #anniversary #april #uprising
