Struggle for Freedom Begins With People's Knowledge of Themselves, Not Armed Conflict, Says BTA Director General

Emanuel Smarkov, Filip Pavlov

BTA Director General Kiril Valchev speaks at the launch of the new issue of BTA's LIK magazine in Koprivshtitsa, April 20, 2026 (BTA Photo/Boyan Botev)

Koprivshtitsa, Central Bulgaria,

20.04.2026 15:19

(BTA)

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THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1876 APRIL UPRISING

The struggle for freedom begins with a people's knowledge of themselves, not with armed conflict, said BTA Director General Kiril Valchev during the presentation of the new issue of BTA's LIK magazine on Monday in Koprivshtitsa. The issue is dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the outbreak of the April Uprising in 1876 and was presented alongside a journal of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, which Valchev noted is the oldest Bulgarian institution, founded in 1869 as the Bulgarian Literary Society.

He highlighted that the presentations are being held in most of BTA’s national press clubs, as well as in the historic first Bulgarian class school in Koprivshtitsa, founded in 1846 by Nayden Gerov, which marked the transition to modern education with structured teaching and separate subjects. Valchev also pointed out that the day marks 180 years since Ivan Bogorov published the first issue of the first Bulgarian newspaper called Bulgarski Orel.

Quoting historic writer Zahari Stoyanov, Valchev emphasized the vital role of journalism before the uprising, describing it as courageous, honest, and a true expression of the people’s will. He argued that this serves as a reminder that modern media should uphold the same principles, representing public sentiment even in difficult conditions.

The magazine's new issue presents key discussions organized by BTA in major cities linked to the uprising, featuring journalists, scholars, local officials, and public figures, Valchev pointed out, adding that these talks are part of a broader initiative by BTA, BNT, and BNR to commemorate important anniversaries in Bulgarian history leading up to 2032, marking 1400 years since the founding of early Bulgarian statehood. The initiative has been supported by BAN and prominent historians.

Valchev noted that the commemorations began with earlier events marking decisions of the revolutionary committees and include tributes at historical sites connected to the uprising and figures like Hristo Botev. He concluded that archival materials and historical reflections included in the issue highlight not only the events themselves but also the enduring power of words, education, and journalism in shaping national consciousness and the pursuit of freedom.

/VE/