site.btaAugust 7, 1887: In Diplomatic Note Russia Declares Ferdinand’s Election as Bulgarian Prince Illegal, Urges Europe to Withhold Recognition

The election of Ferdinand as Prince of Bulgaria by the Grand National Assembly on June 25, 1887, was initially met with resistance from Russia and other European powers. Russia issued a diplomatic note to the European powers, declaring the election illegal and urging them not to recognize Ferdinand's rule. This opposition was rooted in Ferdinand's Catholic background, which clashed with the Orthodox faith prevalent in Bulgaria and Russia.

The political landscape shifted with the death of Tsar Alexander III of Russia in 1894. His successor, Tsar Nicholas II, adopted a more conciliatory approach. In 1896, to facilitate reconciliation, without the consent of the Holy See, which resulted in his excommunication, Ferdinand agreed to have his son and heir, Boris, baptized into the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. The baptism took place on February 2, 1896, with Tsar Nicholas II serving as Boris's godfather. 

Following this gesture, diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Russia were restored. Just a few days later, Sultan Abdulhamid II issued two Firmans, recognizing Ferdinand as Prince of Bulgaria and Governor-General of Eastern Rumelia.  On May 3, 1896, the representatives of the Great Powers in Sofia officially presented their letters of credence to Prince Ferdinand I, thereby recognizing him as the legitimate ruler of Bulgaria. This recognition paved the way for Bulgaria's integration into the European diplomatic community. 

Ferdinand's reign marked significant developments in Bulgaria, including the modernization of the army and the establishment of educational institutions. In 1908, he proclaimed Bulgaria's full independence from the Ottoman Empire and assumed the title of Tsar, further solidifying his position on the European stage.