site.btaInternational Conference Brings together Scholars from Bulgaria and Abroad to Honour April Uprising
An international conference titled "The April Uprising of 1876 – A Path to Freedom, Parliamentarism, and Statehood" was held in Panagyurishte Wednesday, bringing together scholars from across Bulgaria and abroad.
At the opening, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Shopov, Director of the Historical Museum in Panagyurishte, drew a symbolic parallel between the Christian Resurrection and the Bulgarian national revival, noting that 150 years ago the Bulgarian people "rose from the ashes", leading to the reappearance of Bulgaria on Europe’s political map.
Mayor Zhelyazko Gagov emphasized that such anniversaries should not be seen as celebrations, but as acts of reverence for the heroism of those involved.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nadya Filipova from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences highlighted the significance of Panagyurishte as a gathering place for researchers marking the uprising’s 150th anniversary, while Major General Stayko Prokopiev underlined the town’s role in fostering patriotism and a spirit of freedom.
A congratulatory address from President Iliana Iotova was presented at the event.
The conference featured a wide range of scholarly presentations exploring the April Uprising from multiple perspectives. Topics included revolutionary tactics, the role of local committees, regional developments, and the transition from revolutionary idealism to the practical foundations of Bulgarian statehood. Several speakers examined the contributions of women, particularly Rayna Knyaginya, as well as the cultural, social, and communicative networks that supported the uprising.
Other reports focused on historiography, international reactions, and diplomatic interpretations of the events of 1876, alongside analyses of literary works, archival materials, and visual sources that shaped the historical memory of the uprising. Researchers also presented new findings on weapon production, military organization, and the material conditions of the rebellion.
The forum included perspectives from foreign scholarship, notably Turkish historiography, as well as studies on the responses of neighboring countries such as Greece.
The event is part of a national program organized by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising - one of the most significant events in Bulgarian history, which ultimately contributed to the restoration of Bulgarian statehood.
/RD/
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