site.btaTavrian Bulgarians in Ukraine Mark Bulgaria’s Independence Day Despite Wartime Conditions

The Bulgarian community in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, known as Tavrian Bulgarians, marked 117 years since Bulgaria’s Independence Day with a hybrid celebration, balancing tradition with safety amid ongoing conflict. The event was reported to BTA Wednesday by Dr. Krasimira Koleva of Shumen University, who teaches Bulgarian language and culture online at the evacuated Melitopol State Pedagogical University.

Despite daily shelling and displacement caused by the war, the Zaporizhzhia Regional Association for Bulgarian Culture and the Center for Bulgarian Studies at MSPU gathered community members, local leaders, and scholars—both in person and virtually—to honor the occasion.

Dr. Koleva emphasized the historical ties between Bulgaria and Ukraine, noting their shared struggles for independence from imperial powers. She highlighted pride in Bulgarian historical figures with Bessarabian roots, such as Prime Minister Alexandar Malinov and General Danail Nikolaev.

The event also featured video addresses from Bulgaria’s acting ambassador to Ukraine, Elena Slatinska-Ovanezova, and leaders of Bulgarian communities from evacuated towns. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to preserving national identity, cultural heritage, and democratic values—even near the front lines.

The Zaporizhzhia Cultural Center was recently named a co-founder of the Association of Bulgarian Cultural Organizations Abroad, further strengthening ties between Bulgarians in Ukraine and the homeland.