site.btaObservances: July 18-19

July 18

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1332: In the Battle of Rusocastron Fortress (now in Burgas Region), Tsar Ivan Alexander defeats Emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos. Last Bulgarian victory over Byzantium before both countries fall under Ottoman rule.

1995: A ro-ro service between the Black Sea ports of Varna (Bulgaria) and Poti (Georgia) goes into operation.

2012: A suicide bomber blows himself up near a bus carrying Israeli tourists at Sarafovo Airport in Burgas (on the Black Sea), killing five Israeli nationals and the Bulgarian bus driver and injuring 37. Later on, Mohamad Hassan El Husseini (dual Lebanese-French citizen) is identified as the suicide bomber, and Hassan El Hajj Hassan, 28 (dual Lebanese-Canadian national), and Meliad Farah, 35 (dual Lebanese-Australian national) are charged with masterminding the attack.

July 19

Bulgaria:

- Diplomatic Service Day (since 1999).

On this date in Bulgarian history:

1880: First Bulgarian medal, "For the Liberation of 1877-1878", is instituted. It is conferred on all members of the Bulgarian Volunteer Corps who fought in the Russo-Turkish War battles of Stara Zagora, Shipka and Sheinovo.

1907: First forensic science laboratory is set up as predecessor of the Research Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology (established March 11, 1968).

1974: Diplomatic relations are established with Togo.

2005: A plaque of friendship is put up at the meeting point of the borders of Bulgaria, Greece and Turkiye.