site.btaPresident Iotova Calls for Preserving Historical Memory

President Iliana Iotova called for the preservation of historical memory during the commemoration of the 123rd anniversary of the Ilinden-Preobrazhenie Uprising at Petrova Niva, near Malko Tarnovo.

The memorial ceremony was the highlight of the National Thracian Gathering, held under President Iotova's auspices. Attending were President Iliana Iotova, Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov, Malko Tarnovo Mayor Iliyan Yanchev, Chairman of the Union of Thracian Associations in Bulgaria Krasimir Premyanov, members of the clergy, representatives of national and local government, military personnel, members of Thracian organizations, and citizens.

In her speech, the President addressed the treatment of Bulgarians in the Republic of North Macedonia.

"There is no way that on a day like today we can fail to note the hatred and division with which people speak about Bulgarians in the Republic of North Macedonia, even though our history is shared," Iotova said, stressing that hatred and division must not be allowed to prevail.

She called for standing up against such attitudes, adding: "We will not turn our backs on you, and we will defend the rights of every single person. This is not a political declaration. To me, it is the true interpretation of the legacy left by the participants in the Ilinden Uprising."

Iotova described Petrova Niva as a sacred place for Bulgaria, symbolizing the homeland and honoring the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the country's freedom.

Malko Tarnovo Mayor Iliyan Yanchev underscored the responsibility of today's generations toward those who gave their lives for Bulgaria. He said that the memory of the nation's heroes must be preserved and that the country's history should be passed on to children. Yanchev noted that one's duty to the state begins with the personal choices each individual makes. According to him, freedom is not something that is won once and for all - it must be protected through constant commitment.

Krasimir Premyanov, Chairman of the Union of Thracian Associations in Bulgaria, thanked the Municipality of Malko Tarnovo and Mayor Iliyan Yanchev for organizing the annual commemoration. He highlighted the role of Thracian organizations in preserving historical memory and passing it on to future generations.

Premyanov also acknowledged President Iliana Iotova's participation in the event and pointed to her long-standing support for the Thracian cause. He recalled the struggles of the Thracian Bulgarians for national liberation and the unification of Bulgaria and paid tribute to the heroes of the Ilinden–Preobrazhenie Uprising.

Before the memorial ceremony, Metropolitan Arseniy of Sliven led a memorial service in honor of those who lost their lives. In his address, he stressed that the Ilinden–Preobrazhenie Uprising was an expression of the oppressed people's aspiration for freedom and dignity, as well as for the right to their own language, faith, and historical memory. He called on those present to remember the heroism, courage, and self-sacrifice of the uprising's participants.

As part of the commemoration, a ceremonial military roll call was held in memory of those who died during the Ilinden–Preobrazhenie Uprising. President Iliana Iotova reviewed the honor guard and greeted the service members. Wreaths and flowers were laid at the memorial by representatives of state institutions, the Municipality of Malko Tarnovo, and Thracian organizations as a tribute to the heroes of the uprising.

The Ilinden-Preobrazhenie Uprising was an organized revolt against the Ottoman Empire from August to October 1903 to establish autonomy for Macedonia and Adrianople regions.

The name of the uprising comes from Ilinden, or Elijah's day, and Preobrazhenie, which means Feast of the Transfiguration.